Because they are convenient and easy to set up, air mattresses can be the solution to many sleep situations. For those who often have overnight guests, air mattresses are a simple way to add extra beds in your home. Inflatable mattresses are also ideal for camping as they provide more comfort and support than sleeping bags. When deflated and packed into carrying bags, they can easily be stored away or traveled with.
Air mattresses are available in a variety of sizes, heights, and materials. The best air mattresses have features that work together to create a supportive, stable, and comfortable sleep experience. With so many air mattresses out there, choosing the one for you might seem an overwhelming task. To assist you in finding the best air mattress that meets your preferences, the ACTIVE Reviews Team has created a list of our air mattress recommendations.
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The Best Air Mattresses- Our Top Picks
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- Best Air Mattress Overall: King Koil California King Air Mattress
- Best Air Mattress For Camping: SoundAsleep Dream Series Air Mattress
- Best Air Mattress For Guests: EnerPlex Air Mattress for Travel & Home Use
- Best Queen Air Mattress: King Koil Queen Air Mattress
- Best Twin Air Mattress: Intex Dura-Beam Standard Series Deluxe Twin Airbed
- Best Budget Air Mattress: Intex Comfort Plush Elevated Airbed
What to Look for in an Air Mattress
Time/Set Up
Because air mattresses are often used when camping or for overnight guests, you will likely want one that is easy and quick to set up. It is important to consider inflation time and whether or not a pump is included in the design.
Height
Air mattresses are available in different heights. The best height for you will depend on your individual situation. While taller air mattresses are typically more comfortable, shorter ones are easier to store and travel with.
Size
Just like normal mattresses, there are several air mattress size options. If you have ever purchased a standard mattress, you should be familiar with air mattresses sizes of twin, full, queen, and king. Your personal preference and how many people will be using the mattress can inform your decision.
Material
While air mattresses can be made out of a variety of materials, polyvinyl chloride is the most commonly used. Air mattresses made with this material are waterproof and affordable. They are also typically made with urethane plastic, thermos plastic, and textile reinforcement.
Best Air Mattress Overall - King Koil California King Air Mattress
SPECS
- Size: King
- Height: 20"
- Air pump: Built-in
- Material: Fully flocked
- Key features: Built-in pillow, waterproof, internal pump
Because the King Koil California King Air Mattress is comfortable and durable, it is our choice for the best overall air mattress choice. This 20-inch air mattress has a cushy quilt top and a coil beam construction which provides extra support to improve sleep posture. As a king-sized option, this air mattress is suited to sleep one or several guests if needed.
The King Koil California King Air Mattress comes with a plug-in, internal air pump. This feature provides quick inflation at 2 minutes and 30 seconds. Should this air mattress deflate slightly, you can easily give it a boost with this pump. This air mattress can be used indoors for guests or in your tent when camping.
What We Like
- Increased comfort and support due to height
- Can be easily packed
- Quick inflation at 2 min. 30 sec.
What We Don't Like
- Not suited for long-term use
- Can only be inflated via outlet
BUY: King Koil California King Air Mattress
Best Air Mattress For Camping - SoundAsleep Dream Series Air Mattress
SPECS
- Size: Queen
- Height: 19"
- Air pump: Built-in
- Material: PVC
- Key features: Puncture-resistant material, grip bottom, 40 internal air coils
If you are going to use your air mattress for camping, you will want one that is very durable like the SoundAsleep Dream Series Air Mattress. Constructed with 15-gauge PVC, this mattress is less likely to puncture than other options. The bottom side of this mattress features a "sure-grip" bottom which ensures that it won’t slide around your tent while sleeping.
The SoundAsleep Dream Series Air Mattress is also designed to provide increased comfort. Comfortcoil technology, with 40 internal coils, is included in this mattress’s design for extra support. This air mattress is equipped with an internal pump that can inflate and deflate in about four minutes.
What We Like
- Taller height compared to other options
- Can easily be deflated for storage
- Flocked top layer provides extra comfort
What We Don't Like
- Inflation can be loud
- No area to store cord when not using it
BUY: SoundAsleep Dream Series Air Mattress
Best Air Mattress for Guests - EnerPlex Air Mattress For Travel & Home Use
SPECS
- Size: Queen
- Height: 15"
- Air pump: Built-in
- Material: PVC
- Key Features: Quick inflation, coil beam technology, non-slip bottom
We believe the EnerPlex Air Mattress for Travel & Home Use is the best air mattress mattresses for guests because it's comfortable and easy to set up. Coil beam technology is used for firm support and spinal alignment which can help provide a good night's sleep. This air mattress is designed to prevent deflation during use.
The EnerPlex Air Mattress for Travel & Home Use is one of the fastest inflating options on our list. In about two minutes, you can quickly inflate this mattress and set it up for your guests. A compact carrying bag is included so you can pack this mattress to store away until your next guest comes to visit.
What We Like
- Long beams increase comfort
- Fast inflation time
- Also well suited for travel
What We Don't Like
- Not as tall as other options
- Fan in the pump can be loud
BUY: EnerPlex Air Mattress for Travel & Home Use
Best Queen Air Mattress - King Koil Queen Air Mattress
SPECS
- Size: Queen
- Height: 20"
- Air pump: Built-in
- Material: Fully flocked
- Key features: Thick waterproof top, 2 min. inflation time, coil beams
If you are looking for a queen-sized air mattress, the King Koil Queen Air Mattress is our recommendation. With a 20-inch height and a thick quilt top layer, this air mattress is designed for comfort. Internal layering and air coil beams are used to provide proper spinal alignment and sleep support.
The King Koil Queen Air Mattress is made with PVC which ensures that it is durable and protected from wear, tear, and punctures. Soft flocking covers the top and sides of this air mattress for added durability and waterproofing. The internal pump inflates this mattress in about two minutes. This makes for a quick and easy setup.
What We Like
- Coil beam design for comfort
- Waterproof and puncture resistant
- High-speed internal pump
What We Don't Like
- Not ideal for camping
- Heavier than other options
BUY: King Koil Queen Air Mattress
Best Twin Air Mattress - Intex Dura-Beam Standard Series Deluxe Twin Airbed
SPECS
- Size: Twin
- Height: 16.5"
- Air pump: Built-in
- Material: Vinyl
- Key Features: Built-in pillow, duffel storage bag, fiber-tech construction
The Intex Dura-Beam Standard Series Deluxe Twin Airbed is the best option for those who need a place for just one guest to sleep. This twin-sized air mattress features a built-in pump that can inflate it in about two minutes. When not in use, you can easily store this mattress in the duffel bag that is included.
The internal fiber-tech construction of the Intex Dura-Beam Standard Series Deluxe Twin Airbed increases comfort, support, and stability. Vertical beams and soft flocking also help to improve overall sleep quality. This air mattress features a built-in pillow which means you don’t necessarily need to use an extra pillow when sleeping on it.
What We Like
- Quick 2 min. inflate and deflate
- Pump includes cord storage area
- Outer perimeter frame for added comfort
What We Don't Like
- No grip features on the bottom side
- Not as tall as other options
BUY: Intex Dura-Beam Standard Series Deluxe Twin Airbed" title="More" target="_blank"
Best Budget Air Mattress - Intex Comfort Plush Elevated Airbed
SPECS
- Size: Queen
- Height: 18"
- Air pump: Built-in
- Materials: Cashmere
- Key features: Soft-flocked surface, lightweight, edge lock construction
For those who want a budget-friendly air mattress, we recommend the Intex Comfort Plush Elevated Airbed. Despite being affordable, this queen-sized air mattress provides a comfortable and supportive sleep experience. This is achieved with features such as a plush, dual pillow top, and dual beams.
The Intex Comfort Plush Elevated Airbed can be inflated in three minutes with just the switch of a button. If you are going to use this air mattress when camping, you can use a manual pump to inflate it instead. Because this option is so lightweight, it is ideal for travel. A hand carry bag is included for added convenience.
What We Like
- Soft flocking and indented sides keep fitted sheet on tight
- Built-in pump is quiet
- Easy to travel with as it is lightweight
What We Don't Like
- No water-resistant features
- Can have a strong plastic smell
BUY: Intex Comfort Plush Elevated Airbed
FAQs About Air Mattresses
Are thicker air mattresses better?
Thicker air mattresses, or ones at a taller height, tend to be more comfortable than other options. This is due to an increased level of support. Thick air mattresses also have more air which means you won’t have to worry too much if deflation happens to occur.
Is it okay to sleep on an air mattress every night?
Air mattresses are intended for camping or short-term use. Because sleeping on an air mattress every night can affect temperature regulation and body support, it is important to choose a very comfortable mattress if you are going to use it nightly. Look for options with a foam layer or add a topper.
How much does an air mattress cost?
The cost of an air mattress will depend on several factors such as size, height, and material. Because of this, there is a wide price range for air mattresses. Budget options can be as low as $25, while higher-end mattresses can be up to $450.
What is the best air mattress to buy?
With so many air mattress options out there, the best option varies from person to person. You should consider your preferences and how you will be using your mattress to determine which will be the best for you.