Inflatable Mattress (Airbed) Guide
Mike Stownel
Inflatable mattresses are an affordable bedding option for consumers with adjustable firmness and support capabilities, easy setup, and built-in features. Also known as an airbed or air mattress, we’ll dive into the inner workings of airbeds, standard air mattress features, and the best inflatable beds in the industry.
Inflatable mattress
Air Mattress Features
As a whole, air mattresses are structurally designed similarly, but not all are created equal. Some air mattresses are designed with internal support structures, built-in pillows, auto-inflate and deflate toggles (dual pump), and can reach heights as tall as 25” (known as a double high air mattress). Newer air mattress models tend to operate on battery-powered auto-inflate functionality, while older airbeds may require an external air pump.
Materials & Dimensions
How Air Mattresses Work
Air mattresses are inflatable mattresses whose air chambers fill with air to provide a customizable firmness and support level. For more firmness, simply add more air into the airbed while taking air out will reduce the degree of firmness. To deflate, remove the plug or switch on the auto-deflate function and tuck away.
Materials
Most air mattresses are made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), rubber, or a type of urethane plastic.
Sizes & Dimension
Airbeds are available in the following sizes and dimensions:
- Twin (38” x 74.5”)
- Twin XL (38” x 79.5”)
- Full (53” x 74.5”)
- Queen (60” x 79.5”)
- King (76” x 79.5”)
- California King (72” x 83.5”)
Dual-Pump
Dual-pump air mattresses have a built-in high capacity pump that can inflate air mattresses twice as fast. These dual-pump air beds are a relatively newer innovation within the bedding arena, with many new dual-pump inflatable mattresses being waterproof and puncture-resistant. The fast-pump technology of dual-pump airbeds is its most attractive feature, with an inflation valve, deflation valve, a power switch, and a compartmentalized power cord.
Pros
- Custom firmness
- No air pump needed
- Easy setup and storage
Cons
- Costs more
- Shorter warranties
- Not for everyday use
With over 8,000 5-star reviews, the EnerPlex Dual Pump Luxury Air Mattress is one of the best-rated dual-pump airbeds on Amazon - 2-year warranty included.
Extra-Long
Consider getting a Twin XL, Queen, or King air mattress to support your tall children and growing teenagers. Twin XL is the most preferred size as it gives the extra length needed, but they are also the most challenging to find in stock. Therefore, the next best option would be a queen-sized dual-pump airbed.
Pros
- Quick setup and storage
- Variable firmness levels
- Supports growing children
Cons
- Difficult to find
- Rarity can raise prices
- Not sufficient for everyday use
With 21 internal air coils, a patented 1-click internal pump, the SoundASleep Dream Series Air Mattress Twin XL air mattress is on sale for $50 OFF and provides that hard-to-find extra length needed to support its occupants fully.
For Kids
Air mattresses provide a practical and affordable solution for families with growing children who have their friends over often. For younger children, a Twin or Full-size air mattress should work. For young adults and taller children, a Twin XL or a Full-size air mattress is most recommended.
Pros
- Affordable
- Adjustable firmness
- Portable and lightweight
Cons
- Not for sleeping every night
- Less durable than standard beds
- Can pop or tear with misuse
For families with toddlers and younger children, the EnerPlex Kids Inflatable Air Mattress’s built-in safety features have great reviews on Amazon.
1. Nectar
Price Range: $499 to $1,799. Offer: $399 Of Accessories Included With Every Mattress
|
Trial period: 365-nights |
Warranty: as long as you own the mattress |
|
Financing : 0% APR, Affirm, Splitit |
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King |
Intex has been a name brand within the air mattress industry since its inception. Their airbeds have built-in 120V pumps, which allow for easy inflation or deflation in 4 minutes, with some models supporting up to a 600-lb capacity. Intex inflatable mattresses have thousands of high-strength polyester fibers, giving the mattress increased stability for a comfortable night of sleep. Here are Intex’s best-selling air mattresses:
Free Shipping & Returns, Financing Available. Try It Risk-Free For A Full Year
2. Ez Inflate
EZ Inflate believes that great sleep shouldn’t break the bank, so they provide comfortable air mattresses at affordable prices. For the best dual-pump EZ Inflate air mattress, the Double High Luxury Twin Air Mattress ($69.95) has over 3,800 5-star reviews on Amazon. These inflatable mattresses have a durable, puncture-resistant material, can support up to 300 lbs, are waterproof, and are backed with a 2-year warranty.
3. SoundAsleep
SoundAsleep air mattresses have anti-slip bottoms, are puncture-resistant, and are made with eco-friendly synthetic material. Prices span between $74.95 to $199.95, while these airbeds have 1-year limited warranties. SoundAsleep’s best-rated airbed is the twin size SoundAsleep CloudNine Series ($149.95), a proprietary dual pump air mattress with three comfort levels designed for every kind of sleeper. Deflates in less than 4 minutes and stands 18” tall. Other notable SoundAsleep airbeds include:
4. King Koil
King Koil combines luxury and affordability to provide long-lasting, warranty-backed premium air mattresses. Their airbeds have an extra thick puncture-proof PVC surface, a skid-free bottom, a built-in electric pump and cord storage, and a waterproof flocked top. King Koil is the only air mattress manufacturer endorsed by the International Chiropractors Association for enhanced spinal alignment and a healthier night’s sleep.
5. Englander
Englander is the world’s first microfiber air mattress that combines quality, comfort, and durability. The Englander airbed is durable, prevents overnight sinking, and isolates partner movements with its internal reinforced beams. With 10% higher airflow capacity than competitors, Englander’s built-in dual pumps inflate in half the time of competing beds and provide a level of comfort unparalleled to competitors using non-microfiber airbeds. More impressive yet, Englander inflatable mattresses have 5-year warranties!
6. Sable
Sable’s 3rd generation air mattresses are waterproof, made with eco-friendly materials, and provide a new comfort level not seen with traditional airbed competitors. Sable air beds inflate and delate between 3 to 5 minutes, have an integrated raised pillow design, and are resistant to punctures, abrasions, and skidding. Their built-in I-beam air coils adjust to your body frame, weight, and sleeping position for a supported and restorative night of sleep, while their craftsmanship is second-to-none.
7. EnerPlex
EnerPlex is a top-rated air mattress manufacturer that retails warranty-backed air mattresses. Prices range between $59.95 to $119.95 with discounts up to 30% OFF. EnerPlex’s best seller is the 16” High Twin Size Air Mattress with Built-in Pump ($69.95). This airbed is puncture-resistant, uses eco-friendly PVC, has a 30-day money-back guarantee, and an unheard-of 2-year air bed warranty! Other EnerPlex raised mattress include:
FAQ
- How can I fix an air mattress?
- How much do air mattresses cost?
- How do I inflate an air mattress?
Recommended Reading
Written by: Mike Stownel
Senior Sleep Health and Mattress Technology Expert
Mike Stownel is a seasoned sleep health and mattress technology expert with over a decade of rich experience. He previously served as a Sleep Wellness Advisor for numerous boutique mattress manufacturers, where he played a crucial role in product development and customer education. Mike also worked as a Consultant for several start-up sleep tech companies, contributing to innovative sleep solution strategies.
His deep understanding of mattress technology and sleep science, combined with practical industry experience, positions him as a trusted authority. Mike`s insights, rooted in both science and market trends, offer invaluable guidance for achieving optimal sleep health.