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Air mattresses, or air beds, have come a long way from a simple inflatable cushion you could liken to a pool float. From light and portable mattresses best for frequent travel to self-inflating beds that mimic real mattresses and box springs, air mattresses are a cost-effective way to stay comfortable on camping trips, host guests over the holidays, or simply buy yourself some time between traditional mattress purchases. Check out some of our top picks below.

How to choose the best air mattress

The best air mattress for you will depend mostly on your individual preferences and how you’re going to use it.

Use

A huge factor in determining which type of air mattress is best for you, is the primary use. Is the mattress for you in a temporary situation? Is it for house guests? Will you use it for camping trips? Does it need to work for your kids?

Size

Just like you would consider your preferred size when reviewing the best mattresses, size is an important factor for air mattresses as well. If you are shopping primarily for guests, a full or queen size mattress may be best, while if you’re looking for an easily portable mattress, the smaller the better.

Storage

Storage and space can also be a factor if you are transporting your air mattress frequently, or if you have limited space where you live. For example, most closets can store up to a king size air mattress if necessary, but that’s probably not the size you’d want to frequently toss in the back of your car.

Our top picks for the best air mattresses

Best air mattress for camping: Coleman SupportRest Double-High Air Mattress

The best camping mattress depends on whether you prioritize comfort or convenience and portability—the Coleman SupportRest Double-High Air Mattress comes with a little of both. Designed for indoor and outdoor use, this air mattress features coil construction for consistent support and a plush top for extra comfort.

Specifications:

• Available sizes: Twin, Queen
• Mattress height: Double-height 18 inches
• Weight Capacity: N/A
• Inflation Method: Manual
• Inflated Dimensions: 15.50 inches x 6 inches x 11.75 inches.
• Price at time of publish: $68

What we like:

• The low price
• Comfortable, plush top

What we don’t like:

• Double-height makes it harder to transport
• Manual pump, pump not included

The bottom line:

The Coleman SupportRest Double-High Air Mattress is a versatile option that’s good for camping, but can also be used indoors.

Best air mattress for camping

Coleman® SupportRest™ Double-High Air Mattress Queen

Best air mattress for guests: Coleman Guestrest Double High Air Mattress

Waste no time with cherished guests setting up your air mattress—the Coleman Guestrest Double-High Air Mattress inflates with a built-in pump under three minutes. The surface is mold-resistant and anti-microbial, which means it’s good to store in between visits. It comes with a velvet plush top and fits standard queen sheets — your guests won’t even know they’re on an air mattress!

Specifications:

• Available sizes: Queen
• Mattress height: Double-height, 18 inches
• Weight Capacity: 600 pounds
• Inflation Method: Built-in pump
• Inflated Dimensions: 78 inches x 60 inches x 18 inches
• Price at time of publish: $79

What we like:

• Built-in pump
• Fits standard queen sheets
• Velvet plush top

What we don’t like:

• No trial period.

The bottom line:

The Coleman GuestRest Double-High Air Mattress offers a luxury and comfortable experience for all guests, at an affordable price.

Best air mattress for guests

Coleman GuestRest Double-High Air Mattress with Built-in 120V Pump, Queen

Best dual-pump air mattress: Bestway AlwayzAire Tough Guard Air Mattress

If a loss of inflation throughout the night is a concern, it’s worth investing in a dual-pump air mattress, which monitors the air pressure and automatically reinflates your mattress if it gets low. The Tough Guard Air Mattress from Bestway AlwayzAire offers a durable, scratch-resistant surface to hopefully prevent loss of air in the first place. Its material is also temperature- regulating, and the mattress also offers a USB port for convenient charging for guests.

Specifications:

• Available sizes: Queen
• Mattress height: 20 inches
• Weight Capacity: 772 pounds
• Inflation Method: Built-in dual-pump
• Inflated Dimensions: 80 inches x 60 inches x 20 inches
• Price at time of publish: $118

What we like:

• Affordable for a dual-pump
• Included USB port

What we don’t like:

• Built-in surrounding frame isn’t adjustable

The bottom line:

The Tough Guard Air Mattress from Bestway AlwayzAir keeps you off the floor throughout the night atop a durable, scratch-resistant anti-microbial surface.

Best dual-pump air mattress

Bestway AlwayzAire Tough Guard Air Mattress

Best air mattress for heavy person: Serta Raised Queen Air Bed Mattress w/ Built-In neverFLAT AC Air Pump & Bag

For heavier folks looking for a comfortable air mattress, the Serta Raised Air Bed Mattress comes with a sensor that monitors the air level of the mattress on a continuous basis. If a loss of inflation occurs, a secondary pump automatically re-inflates the mattress, and it does so silently so it doesn’t disturb your sleep. This automatic system ensures consistent firmness and support throughout the night.

Specifications:

• Available sizes: Twin, Queen
• Mattress height: 20 inches
• Weight Capacity: 500 pounds
• Inflation Method: Built-in pump
• Inflated Dimensions: 78 inches x 60 inches x 18 inches
• Price at time of publish: $159.95

What we like:

• Pillow top
• 2-year warranty
• Monitors inflation

What we don’t like:

• A little pricey

The bottom line:

The Serta Raised Air Mattress comes equipped with a monitoring system to detect and replenish any loss of air pressure throughout the night.

Best air mattress for heavy person

Serta Raised Queen Air Bed Mattress w/ Built-In neverFLAT AC Air Pump & Bag

Best air mattress for kids: Hiccapop Inflatable Toddler Travel Bed With Safety Bumpers

If you travel frequently with toddlers, host toddlers in your home or are simply between a crib and a full bed for your child, the Hiccapop Inflatable Toddler Travel Bed is a great option. Taller and longer than most of its competition, the inflatable mattress fits in most standard cribs, but also comes with safety bumpers to keep your little one from rolling off. It comes with a lifetime guarantee, and puncture-proof vinyl covering for added durability.

Specifications:

• Available sizes: Toddler bed
• Mattress height: 12 inches with bumpers
• Weight Capacity: 310 pounds
• Inflation Method: Separate air pump (included, but not attached)
• Inflated Dimensions: 12 inches x48 inches x 62 inches
• Price at time of publish: $62.92

What we like:

• Fits in cribs
• Fast to inflate
• Lifetime guarantee
• Puncture-proof vinyl covering

What we don’t like:

• A little pricey

The bottom line:

For travel needs or flexibility with kids, the Hiccapop Inflatable Bed with Bumpers is a durable and safe option.

Best air mattress for kids

Hiccapop Inflatable Toddler Travel Bed With Safety Bumpers

Best air mattress for back pain: King Koil Luxury Air Mattress

Similar to the best mattresses for back pain, the best air mattress for back pain is one that’s firm and supportive. If you or your guests suffer from back pain, you generally want to find a firm and supportive mattress—look no further than the King Koil Luxury Air Mattress. Equipped with coil-beam construction to provide extra spinal support, this air mattress promotes good sleeping posture so you wake up feeling rested and pain-free. The pump included both inflates and deflates in under two minutes for extra convenience.

Specifications:

• Available sizes: Twin, Full, Queen, California King
• Mattress height: 13 inches, 16 inches, 20 inches
• Weight Capacity: 600 pounds
• Inflation Method: Built-in pump
• Inflated Dimensions: 80 inches x 60 inches x 13 inches.
• Price at time of publish: $129.95

What we like:

• Multiple height options
• Patch kit included

What we don’t like:

• Though it can be taken camping, designed for in-home use

The bottom line:

For air mattress users with back pain, the King Koil Luxury Air Mattress provides firm and consistent support to wake up pain-free.

Best air mattress for back pain

King Koil Luxury 13in Queen Air Mattress with Built-in Pump for Home Camping & Guests - Queen Size Inflatable Airbed Luxury Double High Adjustable Blow Up Mattress Durable Portable Waterproof

Best self-inflating air mattress: SoundAsleep Dream Series Air Mattress with ComfortCoil Technology & Internal Built In High Capacity Pump

The self-inflating air mattress from SoundAsleep is a double-height mattress for maximum support, with a built-in pump that inflates and deflates automatically in under four minutes. This is a highly-reviewed air mattress that is consistently top-rated.

Specifications:

• Available sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
• Mattress height: Double height
• Weight Capacity: 650 pounds.
• Inflation Method: Built-in electric pump
• Inflated Dimensions: 86 inches x 72 inches x 19 inches
• Price at time of publish: $184.95

What we like:

• Self-inflating
• Lots of size options

What we don’t like:

• A little pricey

The bottom line:

The Dream Series Air Mattress from SoundAsleep is a high-quality, top-rated option that provides ultimate convenience.

Best self-inflating air mattress

SoundAsleep Dream Series Air Mattress with ComfortCoil Technology & Internal Built In High Capacity Pump - Queen Size

Best affordable air mattress: Beautyrest Skyrise Air Mattress

A great option for under $75, the Skyrise Air Mattress from Beautyrest will indeed help you get your beauty rest. Available in three sizes, this air mattress comes with a hands-free pump that inflates and deflates for added convenience and features a coil design for added support throughout the night.

Specifications:

• Available sizes: Twin, Full, Queen
• Mattress height: 18 inches for Queen
• Weight Capacity: 700 pounds
• Inflation Method: Hands-free pump.
• Inflated Dimensions: 60 inches x 80 inches x 18 inches.
• Price at time of publish: $72

What we like:

• Price
• Adaptable, hands-free pump
• Includes carrier bag

What we don’t like:

• No built-in pump

The bottom line:

The Skyrise Air Mattress from Beautyrest is a quality and affordable option available in multiple sizes.

Best affordable air mattress

Beautyrest Skyrise Air Mattress

How we selected the best air mattresses

We reviewed a selection of online and traditional air mattress retailers to make our recommendations for the best air mattresses. In our search, we emphasized price, availability and durability. All of our picks are priced below $300 for a queen, come with at least a one-year warranty and are transparent about pricing and accessories.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Are any air mattresses actually comfortable?

Though they’re not an ideal sleeping option for every night, there are plenty of comfortable air mattresses available at affordable prices. For maximum comfort, look for double-height air mattresses, which are meant to mimic the height of a box spring and mattress of a traditional bed. Make sure you pair your air mattress with the best bed sheets for additional comfort.

Is an air bed good for daily use?

Air mattresses, or air beds, are generally not recommended for daily use long term. Air mattresses are not as supportive as traditional mattresses and they don’t last as long.

What height air mattress should I get?

This will depend on the primary use for your mattress. Double-height air mattresses more closely mimic standard mattresses, and are therefore better for guests or longer term use. Single-height air mattresses are better for camping and travel because they are light and easily portable.

Is it OK to sleep on an air mattress long term?

If you can, it’s generally recommended that you invest in a standard mattress for long-term use. There are several risks in using an air mattress long term, including temperature regulation, body support, and maintenance, just to name a few. Air mattresses used daily also won’t last as long as a standard mattress. If affordability is a concern, check out our guide to the best cheap mattresses.

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