It deflated from 21 inches to 19 inches, but this isn’t overly surprising for a mattress that lacks a secondary pump for overnight inflation. We also think it’s an excellent value—it’s neither the most expensive nor the cheapest air mattress on the market. But it’s priced right for its features, and that’s just one of the many reasons it’s our top pick. Like other high-end air mattresses, this version has air coils for added support and comfort, as well as a flocked surface designed to hold sheets in place. And at 45 pounds, this air mattress is on the heavier side, but we appreciate that it comes with a rolling case for easy transport. They’re great for camping trips or for folks who don’t have a ton of storage for a bigger air mattress.
Guests will also appreciate their soft, sturdy, and slump-resistant construction. Air mattresses with built-in frames (like the Ivation EZ-Bed Air Mattress) elevate the entire mattress, which helps it to feel like a proper bed when you have guests over. When shopping for a mattress, you choose the firmness level based on your sleeping style and preferences. With an adjustable air mattress, you can select from plush, medium, and firm settings to fill the mattress to your comfort level.
I also noted how easy or difficult it was to repack them back into the original storage bag. Once I had a pretty good idea which ones were the finalists, I left those inflated for an additional 24 to 48 hours to see how long they held air. Besides all the official overnight tests, I also spent many hours lounging and napping on them with my 6-year-old child and husband when we got hit hard with COVID-19. Air mattresses are a great option for guests and short term use, but the reality is, they will never be as comfortable as a normal bed. Thankfully, there are a couple of tricks you can use to make your air mattress more comfortable. The epitome of a cheap air mattress, the Bestway air bed is compact, lightweight and relatively quick to inflate with its integrated pump.
When you’re ready to pack up this air mattress, simply turn the dial to deflate. While this option is on the pricier side compared to some on our list, users say it’s worth the splurge, thanks to its superior comfort and ease of use. The Intex Comfort Plush Elevated Dura-Beam Airbed (22-inch) was firm to sleep on, but it took longer to inflate than other models, around 5 minutes. The dealbreaker was that this bestway air bed mattress stubbornly resisted being fully deflated and folded back up following testing. I was left with a heavy hunk of PVC, and the accompanying tote bag meant to store the air mattress couldn’t be used at all. The manufacturers of the mattresses we tested all told us not to store air mattresses in areas with high temperature fluctuations or humidity, because such conditions can stress the materials.
To find the best, we tested several air mattresses for everything from indentation over time and overnight leakage to puncture resistance and bursting strength in our Lab. We then had real consumer testers set up the mattresses and sleep on them at home to rate their ease of use and comfort. The picks ahead are the top-performers in our tests, along with newer models that have unique features and rave reviews from users.
This durable, stress-tested material can withstand all of the weight and movement that comes with a great night’s sleep. Simple SetupThis air mattress inflates in 5 minutes so it is ready for bed when you are. The built-in pump allows for easy inflation, and the quick deflate screw valve allows for easy deflation after use. Simply place your flattened bed in the included carrying bag for easy transport and storage.
Price will be the primary criteria for most people searching for the best air mattress. You can get a queen-size bed for as little as $30, while the most expensive air mattresses can cost hundreds of dollars. But a higher price doesn’t always mean a tall air bed, a better air mattress, better air pressure, a self-inflating mattress, a better sleeping surface, more comfort or a decent night’s sleep. Instead of using a dial that fills the air mattress to pre-set firm, medium, or plush settings, the Skyrise Raised Express Air Mattress uses an electric pump to inflate the bed to capacity. Then, you control the firmness with the one-touch adjustable comfort button on the mattress.
Whether you are out camping or fishing, create a restful retreat while staying in the great outdoors. At Target, we have an array of air mattresses, inflatable bestway twin air mattress beds, blow up mattresses or airbeds you can choose from. Set up your very own sleep haven in the woods with an airbed that perfectly fits into your tent.