The dial on the side of the mattress controls the pump’s operation, and you can adjust the firmness level through the amount of air you let in. When you’re ready to pack up this air mattress, simply turn the dial to deflate. The best air mattresses have a built-in electric pump that plugs into a wall socket. Some have a battery-powered external rechargeable pump, which usually runs on four D-cells. Battery-operated pumps are lighter and don’t require a wall socket but are typically less effective and less capable of fully inflating a mattress. Many have a fuzzy vinyl side, making it less likely for your guests to slide across the mattress at night, and they often come with an electric air pump that makes inflating the bed less of a chore.
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. After testing many different models in our Lab, the popular King Koil Air Mattress is our best overall air mattress. If you are looking for a comfortable mattress that is simple to set up and easy to carry, this is the choice 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. And there are some beds that are simply more durable and better constructed than others.
This article was updated by Grace Wu, a textiles product review analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute who oversaw recent air mattress testing both in Lab and with at-home sleep testers. Prior to joining GH, Grace earned a Master of Engineering in materials science and engineering and a B.S. 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 built-in pillow isn’t a replacement for using pillows, though it’s a nice addition if you like having your head elevated when you sleep.
It won’t withstand nightly use over a long period of time (and many companies specify that if you use the mattress as your primary bed, you’ll void the warranty). The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission strongly advises against using air mattresses with children under the age of 15 months—whether bestway air mattress alone or accompanied by a grownup. According to a study published in the American Journal of Public Health (paywall), air mattresses were reported in more than 100 sleep-related infant deaths. Instead, look into portable cribs or “pack ’n plays” that are safe for infants to sleep in.