The caveat is that the mattress needs to be plugged in all night because otherwise, it may deflate over time. 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 bestway air bed air pressure, a self-inflating mattress, a better sleeping surface, more comfort or a decent night’s sleep. The right air mattress is more important than you think, even if you’re only sleeping on it for a few days. It’s built with inflatable safety bumpers around the entire perimeter of the mattress, and even if your child were to accidentally roll off, the bed is just a few inches off the ground.
This past year, we put seven new air mattress contenders through a series of rigorous Lab tests and consumer tests to find the best of the best, using standardized testing methods and other industry standards. In all, we’ve analyzed over 400 data points over the years from more than a dozen inflatable beds to determine the best air mattresses available. 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 true killers of air mattresses are “slow leaks,” which usually crop up along the glued seams and are often especially difficult to find.
While most air mattresses need to be plugged into a power source to inflate or deflate, this one from Coleman uses a hand-held pump, making it perfect for on-the-go camping. When fully inflated (in less than 2 minutes in our tests!), it stands at a comfortable 18-inch height with a plush flocked surface. And once you’re ready to head home, the unique “Wrap ‘N’ Roll” storage system lets you roll the mattress right into the attached bag as soon as it’s deflated.
Our top pick since 2016, it has the best combination of comfort, customer service, availability, and owner satisfaction of any mattress we tested—and it has the quietest motor. There’s nothing worse than an air mattress that deflates while you’re sleeping on it. A few things to keep in mind is that you don’t want to over-inflate your air mattress, which will put excess strain on the seams. You should also make sure to pay close attention to the weight limit of the air mattress. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission strongly advises against using air mattresses with children under the age of 15 months—whether 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.
The specialty Tritech material increases internal stretch-resistance and provides contoured support for all night comfort. 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.
This 20 inch tall, Queen-sized bed promises strength, durability, and comfort all night long. Its luxurious color, compact size, and built-in pump make it quick and convenient for use whenever you need it. Plus, with the Ultra-Fresh™ antimicrobial surface, your bed will be protected from the growth of odor-causing bacteria, mold, and mildew on the sleep surface. Durable construction with a comfortable sleeping surface and sturdy construction, a great night’s sleep are right around the corner.
Grace Wu (she/her) is a product reviews analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, where she evaluates fabric-based products using specialized equipment and consumer tester data. Prior to starting at Good Housekeeping in 2022, she earned a master of engineering in materials science and engineering and a bachelor of science in fiber science from Cornell University. While earning her degrees, Grace worked in research laboratories for smart textiles and nanotechnology and held internships at Open Style Lab and Rent the Runway.
This article was written by GH Institute Textiles Lab Executive Director Lexie Sachs, who has a B.S. In fiber science from Cornell University and more than 15 years of experience in the textiles industry, including merchandising and product development for home products. Lexie joined GH in 2013 and has extensively tested all types of bedding — including mattresses, sheets, pillows, comforters and more — using specialized lab equipment and hundreds of consumer testers.
King Koil’s customer service representative told us that the mattress had been re-designed with a more powerful built-in pump and a thicker layer of PVC. We’ll be keeping a close eye on it during long-term testing to make sure it holds up as well as the SoundAsleep. The King Koil Luxury Air Mattress (20-inch) was comfortable to sleep on and, like our top pick, holds air overnight without needing to be re-inflated. The Beautyrest Hi Loft twin air mattress comes equipped with a plug-in electric pump that screws on to the mattress.
Item prices do not include fees for pickup, shipping or delivery (if applicable) unless noted in the item description. Item prices may vary between online (for pickup, shipping or delivery) and in club. Good Housekeeping participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. Air mattresses cannot usually be tossed in your recycling bin at home (check with your local facility to make sure)—you’ll likely have to take it to a recycling center. 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. Bear in mind this mattress has a designated “top” of bed with a slightly elevated built-in pillow, which means you may not be able to get the power cord close to an outlet if you are using it in a tight space.