The best air mattresses are incredibly versatile and extremely useful. They’re great for long camping trips, sleepovers for the kiddos, or even a place for the in-laws to rest when they visit. We carefully selected our top four picks for the best air mattress of 2024. We have options for camping, as well as some more deluxe options for indoor use. There truly is something here for everyone!
Our Verdict: What’s the Best Air Mattress?
Our expert reviewers chose the AeroBed as the best luxury air mattress due to its internal air pump, multiple firmness options, and its high quality construction ideal for a guest room.
Our Top Picks: The Best Air Mattresses
- AeroBed – Best Luxury Air Mattress
- Intex – Best Value Air Mattress
- SoundAsleep – Best Camping Air Mattress
- Coleman – Most Versatile Air Mattress
Video Review: Best Air Mattress of 2024
How We Chose the Best Air Mattresses
Our team of Certified Sleep Science Coaches have reviewed more than 600 mattresses, using proprietary analysis and hands-on testing to establish easy-to-understand scores. The air mattresses in this article were subjected to similarly rigorous testing.
While selecting the best air mattresses for this roundup, we focused especially on durability, support, and budget. When it comes to an air mattress, it’s crucial that our readers are knowledgeable of the models that make for budget-friendly, long-term investments.
Best Luxury Air Mattress – AeroBed
Aerobed Luxury Full Air Mattress
The Aerobed air mattress features a built-in electric pump and durable design.
Mattress Clarity Score
4.40 / 5
Our Expert’s Take
AeroBed is one of the most well-known air mattress brands on the market, and for good reason; they make luxury air mattresses that come in a variety of styles and designs. The AeroBed is a long-lasting, high-quality air mattress that is best suited for indoor use. It features a built-in 120V air pump with three firmness settings, which allows sleepers to find the right firmness for them. The top of the AeroBed has a brushed polyester layer and an anti-microbial treatment which is great for sleepers with allergies.
What our testers say: “The AeroBed is one of the most deluxe air mattresses I’ve personally tested. After a quick nap on the AeroBed, I was impressed that it stayed as firm as when I went to sleep.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the AeroBed
- It comes with a convenient carrying case and a fleece fitted cover to make it feel more like a traditional mattress.
- AeroBed’s proprietary Whoosh valve is designed to quickly deflate the air mattress in less than three minutes.
- Using its handheld wand, you can adjust the AeroBed’s firmness levels to find the best balance of comfort and support.
What to Keep in Mind About the AeroBed
- The AeroBed is not designed to be used for camping, it’s best suited for indoor use in a guest room.
- A full size AeroBed costs $199 before any discounts or sales, which is more expensive than other simpler air mattresses.
Other User Reviews
The Aerobed Luxury Full air mattress has a 4.4 out of 5 star rating based on 87 global reviews left on its product page on Amazon. Top reviews mention that the AeroBed provides them with comfortable sleep and has held up over months of use. A few reviewers complained that the AeroBed started to leak air after its 30-day return window had passed.
Full review coming soon!
Best Value Air Mattress – Intex
Intex Air Mattress
The Intex Dura Beam is a thicker more substantial air mattress that should be a good fit for house guests.
Mattress Clarity Score
4.40 / 5
Read Full ReviewOur Expert’s Take
Like the AeroBed, the Intex Dura-Beam Hi-Rise Premium Comfort Airbed with Internal Pump is a substantial air mattress with a number of interesting features. It’s 22″ tall and has a built-in pump with one firmness setting. Those who want a durable air mattress for indoor use, but don’t want to break the bank should consider the Intex.
What our testers say: “I found resting on the Intex comfortable in all three sleep positions with some experimenting with its firmness level. Its internal pump and carrying case made it simple to inflate and deflate quickly.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the Intex
- This Intex air mattress model is best suited for guest rooms and sleepovers as an affordable alternative to a guest bed.
- Its Fiber-Tech construction provides the air mattress with extra durability and should prevent leakage and popping for a good amount of time.
- It is built with extra support along its top edge to prevent you from rolling off the mattress.
What to Keep in Mind About the Intex
- Its tall height makes this Intex air mattress not the best fit for young children. However, the brand does sell 13” and 18” height options of the same model.
- This Intex air mattress is not a good fit for camping because of its large size.
Other User Reviews
On Amazon, the Intex Dura-Beam air mattress has a customer rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from nearly 69,000 customer reviews. Many users enjoy using their Intex air mattress for daily temporary use and find it comfortable and supportive. A few reviews mention the mattress not staying firm or leaking air throughout the night.
Read the full Intex air mattress review for more information.
Best Camping Air Mattress – SoundAsleep
SoundAsleep Camping Series Air Mattress
The SoundAsleep camping air mattress is an impressively durable option for campers.
Mattress Clarity Score
4.00 / 5
Read Full ReviewOur Expert’s Take
One of the main reasons people invest in an air mattress is to have something to sleep on while camping out under the stars. We found the SoundAsleep Camping Series air mattress to be an outstanding option. It’s 9″ tall and is constructed with a multi-layered PVC designed to prevent puncturing and air leakage. This can happen easily when camping because of the rocks and sharp sticks found at campsites, but it shouldn’t be a particular issue with the SoundAsleep.
What our testers say: “The SoundAsleep has unique I-Beam Air Coils that made me feel supported while back and stomach sleeping. This air mattress can work for virtually all campers no matter what position they sleep in.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the SoundAsleep
- Its included, rechargeable air pump can inflate the SoundAsleep air mattress in less than a minute!
- The SoundAsleep features I-Beam Air Coils that evenly distribute support so there are no weak spots.
- It has soft flocking found on top that makes it easy to move around without causing excessive noise.
What to Keep in Mind About the SoundAsleep
- The SoundAsleep was designed with camping in mind and is not a substantial mattress for guests.
- It is a value air mattress and does not have deluxe features like multiple firmness options or an internal air pump.
Other User Reviews
The SoundAsleep has a 4 out of 5 star rating from 1,390 global reviews on Amazon. Users found it to be comfortable, supportive, and convenient for camping. Its negative reviews tend to mention air leaking at night through the air valve, some even only after a few uses.
Read the full SoundAsleep mattress review for more information.
Most Versatile Air Mattress – Coleman
Coleman Air Mattress
The Coleman air mattress is a versatile option for those who need something for indoor and outdoor use.
Mattress Clarity Score
4.50 / 5
Read Full ReviewOur Expert’s Take
What about those who want one air mattress that can work both in a guest room and in a tent? Well, that’s what the Coleman Double High Support Rest air mattress is all about: versatility. In addition, the Coleman features a Support Lock system that provides even support across the entire air mattress. Whether one uses it inside or outside, the air mattress should feel comfortable and supportive.
What our testers say: “As a larger person, I felt well-supported by this Coleman air mattress, especially with its raised edge. Its durability, height, and construction make it an ideal air mattress for both indoor and outdoor use.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the Coleman
- This Coleman air mattress is very durable. It’s constructed from thick PVC and shouldn’t leak or pop, even when being used outside.
- Its Double Lock Valve should prevent significant amounts of air from leaking out of the Coleman.
- If you notice some air leaking or other air valve issues, the Coleman comes with a one-year limited warranty.
What to Keep in Mind About the Coleman
- Some Coleman air mattresses come with an air pump, but the Double High Support Rest air mattress does not. Coleman recommends using a 120V or a rechargeable air pump to inflate this air mattress.
- When we used a rechargeable air pump, it took about 20 minutes for the Coleman to fully inflate.
Other User Reviews
On Amazon, the Coleman Double High Support Rest air mattress has a 4.5/5 star rating based on 7,592 user reviews. Its positive reviews mention being easy to inflate and sturdy enough for camping trips. Some customers found the Coleman not very durable, finding punctures or leaks after a few uses.
Read the full Coleman air mattress review for more information.
What To Consider When Buying An Air Mattress
Buying an air mattress isn’t the same as buying a standard mattress for a bedroom. There are a number of specific factors to consider in order to ensure a wise investment.
Purpose
When purchasing an air mattresses, it’s crucial to determine why you’re buying one in the first place, as these circumstances will dictate what type of air mattress you should be shopping for. For instance, an air mattress made for guests staying a long weekend will have different qualities than an air mattress made for camping in a tent or the back of a truck.
Inflation Method
Whether or not you need an air pump for a mattress depends on a variety of factors. Some mattresses come with built-in air pumps, and some don’t. Built-in pumps are going to be great for camping, especially because you won’t have to worry about finding an outlet or hooking things up to your car. Those who don’t mind a little extra work should make sure the air mattress works well with an air pump.
Another aspect of air mattress inflation is the time it takes to inflate and deflate. Some of the mattresses on this list can inflate in about a minute, but we think a few minutes of deflation time is normal for most air mattresses.
Durability
Unlike standard mattresses, air mattresses run the risk of popping or leaking air. When this happens, people can find themselves lying on a deflated air mattress. We recommend you look for a bed that features thicker PVC or other construction features that will help to evade this annoying issue. While this may be a bit more expensive up front, it should make for a good long-term investment. After all, an air mattress that’s properly taken care of can last about 10 years.
Height
Again, the height at which you should purchase your air mattress it depends on the design and intended use. For instance, a single-layer camping air mattress will usually be no thicker than 11″ or 12″. A more advanced, multi-layered air mattress could be as high as 22″. A taller height such as this is going to be more comfortable and feel more like a real mattress. In this sense, it’s better for guest rooms. However, an air mattress with a shorter height is likely going to be more portable, since taller air mattresses include more material and are heavier. In the end, it all depends on your preference. As an example, you might choose a heavier, taller air mattress for camping to sacrifice portability for comfort.
Budget
All in all, there is no reason to break the bank when shopping for an air mattress. Depending on size and whether or not it comes with a built-in pump (an air mattress with a built-in pump will likely be more expensive), we’ve seen the middle range of air mattress prices between $30 and $150. We recommend keeping the above points in mind when deciding how much to pay for an air mattress. Regardless of price, ensure your air mattress is durable and is able to function for your intended uses.
How to Care for an Air Mattress
Just as you would for a normal mattress, it’s essential to take proper care of an air mattress. This can help prevent deflation and odor, and can extend the lifespan of your air mattress.
Preventing Leaks and Deflation
You shouldn’t have to stress over whether or not your air mattress is going to support your through the night. The last thing you’d want wake up to is a deflated air mattress underneath you.
Of course, all air mattresses deflate a small, unnoticeable amount because of temperature changes, pressurization, and other factors. But often, these are things we can’t control. To avoid leaks and pops, the biggest priority is to take care of the physical condition of the mattress. Here are some tips:
- Inflate your mattress the right way. Make sure you don’t over-inflate your mattress. Otherwise, the material can stretch and become susceptible to leaks and pops. Additionally, ensure you’re inflating your mattress according to the directions provided on your air mattress’ instruction page.
- Don’t leave the mattress inflated after you’ve finished sleeping on it. Of course, it’s recommended to leave the air mattress inflated when in use so you aren’t inflating and deflating it each and every day. However, after you’ve finished using your air mattress, it’s necessary for storage purposes to always deflate it entirely, fold it properly, and store in a dry environment. If you leave it inflated or fold it in a manner against the manufacturer’s suggestions, it can eventually lead to damage.
- Only use your mattress for sleeping purposes. Sitting on the edge of the mattress causes a weight distribution the mattress is not built for, and so it can lead to overstretching the material.
- Allow the mattress to stretch before using. Especially if instructions indicate, it should be best to pump up your mattress and allow it to stretch out its material for two days or so before using.
- Purchase a mattress with the right weight capacity. If you’re looking at a mattress for a heavier adult, make sure you’re not purchasing an air mattress meant for lightweight sleepers. Manufacturers list a weight capacity for air mattresses, and it’s important to follow these guidelines so the air mattress doesn’t stretch or lose air.
If your air mattress is already leaking, we recommend you purchase a new mattress if you have the means to. It’s difficult to fix, and locating the place where the air mattress popped is a challenge within itself, since the hole can be miniscule. However, if you’re stuck on avoiding a new purchase or need quick fix, here are a few (temporary) solutions:
- Purchase a repair kit. Your mattress should come with a repair kit, but if it doesn’t, it makes for a wise purchase. If necessary, even a bike tire repair kit will do.
- Duct tape. While it definitely won’t hold up overtime, duct tape can be great in a pinch, especially when camping. You will likely have to continue to replace the tape.
- Make your own patch. Select a thinner plastic material and glue to the source of the leak with a strong adhesive like super glue.
- Super glue only. Apply one layer of super glue to the leak, and then another larger layer of super glue over it once dried.
Cleaning Your Air Mattress
For cleaning, we recommend you refer to the instructions that came with your air mattress. However, if you don’t have access to your individual air mattress’ cleaning instructions, we’ve got some some tips for you:
- First, remove any loose dirt. After taking off the sheets and unplugging any pumps or devices, take care of the larger dirt particles on the mattress. You can use a small brush to swipe it all off. Alternatively, use a vacuum hose to gently clean both sides of the air mattress.
- Remove any mold or mildew. A 1:1 ratio of water and rubbing alcohol should do the trick!
- Remove any stains or odor. Sift baking soda over the stain and let it sit for five minutes or so. Then, take a 1:1 ratio of water and vinegar to rub with a rag on the area covered with baking soda.
- Clean the mattress surface. Without soaking the surface, dish soap and warm water can be rubbed onto the air mattress with a rag. Using rubbing alcohol and a rag to clean should work as well, especially for any sticky spots.
- Dry it out. This helps avoid moisture being trapped in the air mattress, and thus assists in preventing odor.
Where to Buy an Air Mattress
Whether in person or on the Internet, you can find a variety of quality models for a large range of prices. There’s no right or wrong decision here, as long as you’re purchasing an air mattress that fits your budget and your needs.
In-Store
Hardware stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s, sporting goods stores like REI and Bass Pro Shops, and some retail stores like Target and Walmart have plenty of air mattress options. Purchasing a mattress in-store can be beneficial because you might be able to get advice from a knowledgable salesperson.
Online
You can also purchase air mattresses from any of the sites mentioned above but from the comfort of your own home. This allows you to look at a variety of additional options from different retailers.
Air Mattress Accessories
Just because you’re sleeping under the stars or in a guest room doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice comfort. Did you know that air mattress accessories are offered, just as they are with normal mattresses?
Air Pumps
While we wish it were true, there is not a one-size-fits-all pump when it comes to air mattresses. Each brand has its own compatible pump. With that said, there are pumps that come with various nozzle attachments. This can be especially useful if you have multiple air mattresses from different brands or have lost the air pump that originally came with your mattress.
The pumps’ functionality can differ, too. Some, as we’ve mentioned, are built-in pumps. But there are also electric pumps that aren’t built into your air mattress, as well as manual pumps. Manual pumps and built-in pumps can be great for camping, especially because you may not have a power source available for an electric pump. If you’re looking for an option that isn’t noisy, it’s best to go with either a manual pump or search for an electric or battery-powered pump that stays on the quiet side. And for those looking to do the least amount of work possible, an electric or battery-powered pump is always best.
Toppers
Toppers can alter the feel and temperature of your mattress, depending on the model and its materials. Generally, toppers are used to change up the feel of the air mattress, especially if you find the surface of your bed is too firm. If you buy a topper to help alter the overall temperature of your sleeping surface, the materials used can either help cool you down or heat you up.
FAQs
What is the best air mattress for everyday use?
First off, we do not recommend using an air mattress for an extended period of time because this can lead to pain in certain areas. That being said, in our experience, the best air mattress for everyday use is the AeroBed Air Mattress. It’s a substantial, supportive air mattress which could mimic the experience one would get with a standard mattress.
What is the most durable air mattress?
One of the most durable air mattresses that we have come across is the Intex Dura-Beam Hi-Rise Premium Comfort Airbed with Internal Pump. It features a Fiber-Tech construction, and the PVC contains thousands of polyester strands that should help prevent puncturing.
Is it bad to sleep on an air mattress every night?
It’s really not the best idea to sleep on an air mattress for an extended period of time because this can lead to pain and strain in the joints and back. To get the best sleep and support possible, people should be lying on a standard mattress with a proper bed frame.
Why does an air mattress deflate?
Changes in temperature, punctures in the surface, and even time itself are all common causes for air mattress deflation. All air mattresses deflate because pressurized air is contained within them and eventually escapes, but if you purchase a new bed, you shouldn’t feel the air escape. To prevent you from dealing with holes, leaks, and the other factors more in our control, we recommend purchasing a mattress with quality materials to increase overall durability. Additionally, following your air mattress’ instructions on proper care is crucial.
