Generally, shoppers have two options — low-profile and double-height — both of which have their own set of pros and cons. While low-profile mattresses are lightweight and portable enough to bring on a camping trip, they might require extra legwork as they may deflate quickly. A taller, double-height mattress may not be ideal for every situation, but they typically come with an electric pump to make inflation a little easier.
For both comfort and convenience, you’ll an inflatable mattress that’s easy to set up, compact to carry and store and won’t leak air overnight while you’re using it. But that’s easier said than done; it can be difficult to tell exactly what’s comfortable without trying it out for a few nights yourself. That’s where we come in, having tested dozens to find the best air mattresses available. The right air mattress is more important than you think, even if you’re only sleeping on it for a few days.
However, adults and couples will likely prefer a full or queen-size mattress. These inflatable beds can stand up to everyday use, camping trips and more. Wirecutter is the product recommendation service from The New York Times. Our journalists combine independent research with (occasionally) over-the-top testing so you can make quick and confident buying decisions. Whether it’s finding great products or discovering helpful advice, we’ll help you get it right (the first time). There’s no such thing as a perfect air mattress, but we’ve been testing the SoundAsleep Dream Series Air Mattress since 2016, and it still holds air after many, many uses.
The King Koil Luxury Air Mattress (20-inch) was one of the most comfortable mattresses I tested. It lasted an impressive 48 hours without needing to be re-inflated and deflated easily within 3 minutes—folding up perfectly in the included nylon tote. In 2017, my husband and I slept (uncomfortably) on an air mattress in our basement for 21 consecutive nights as we waited for construction to be completed in our home. After researching dozens of air mattresses and testing seven, we think the SoundAsleep Dream Series Air Mattress won’t let you down. Its robust built-in pump, bedlike sleep surface, and reliable warranty make it the one to choose for guests. The best air mattresses have a built-in electric pump that plugs into a wall socket.
When it’s time to pack up, the pump deflates the airbed so it fits into a carry bag that can be stored away till your next adventure. Perfect for every camping enthusiast, our collection of air mattress repair kits, air mattress bestway air bed repair patches and air mattress storage bags is sure to come in handy. These airbeds with lovely plush tops will make you want to snooze all day. Browse through our large collection of airbeds to find the right pick for you.
That means you should probably think twice about storing your air mattress in a basement or garage. Ideally, store it in a dry, cool location, either in a sturdy container or the provided storage bag. According to SoundAsleep, you can clean your air mattress with water and a mild soap solution and let it air-dry. And yet many air mattresses, whether they’re stretched out or not, do leak over the course of a night.