Every home should have an air bed. It just makes practical sense, providing a comfortable place for friends and family who come to visit, either on planned holidays or impromptu visits. Some even swear by high-quality air mattresses for fighting backache, but more on this later.
Air mattresses are available in all shapes and sizes, but not just any will do. If you’re inviting a guest into your home, you'll want to make sure that they're going to get the soundest night’s sleep possible. That’s why we’ve rounded up the very best air beds. Not only are our picks affordable, but they are also comfortable and supportive.
Key features to look out for
It’s not just the size of the air bed that you need to consider before making your purchase. There are several other features to think about before hitting that buy button. These features are going to ensure that the product is fit for purpose, comfortable and user-friendly.
Vertical chambers
To get a comfortable night’s sleep free from morning aches, it’s important to pick an air bed with a vertical chamber. Often referred to as columns or I-beams, these vertical chambers are internal structures that fill with air and compress when under pressure. This helps to increase surface area and weight distribution that - as highlighted in this study by the Canadian Chiropractic Association - can cause bodily tension and ache-inducing pressure points in the shoulders, neck and lumbar.
Secondary pump point
We recommend making sure that there is a secondary pump point on an air bed, with a built-in electric pump. These secondary access points allow for manual inflation and deflation of an air bed. This feature increases an air bed’s versatility, allowing it to be inflated away from mains power or if the electric pump fails.
Depth
The depth of an air mattress is worth considering. The increased distance helps to insulate the sleeper from chilly ground temperatures. High air beds are more accessible when compared to low floor-hugging options. Finally, deeper air beds offer more flexibility with sleeping positions, allowing side sleepers to rest comfortably.
Are air mattresses good for back pain?
Related: The best orthopaedic pillows | The best cheap mattress
The benefit that air beds offer is that you can adjust the firmness with ease. A slightly softer inflation can allow the air mattress to rise to match a body’s natural shape. As stated in the CCA study mentioned above, such support is valuable to the lumbar and lower back. Anecdotally too, the internet is full of consumers shouting about the benefits air mattresses offer for ongoing back pain.
However, it’s important to note that everyone is different - what works for one may not work for another. So, before you go selling your traditional mattress and purchasing an inflatable option, consult with a health professional or physiotherapist.
Here are our picks for the best air mattresses available today.
The best air mattress
Affordable and easy to use
Bed size: Single | Material: PVC | Weight: 5.4kg | Pump: Electric & Manual
The Active Era Single Air Bed is an affordable air mattress with an integrated pump. The double-thickness helps to insulate against ground cold, while inside, 21 air-coil support columns help to support the user throughout the night. The built-in inflation pump can fill the mattress in under two minutes and will also help deflate the bed with haste when no longer in use.
The head of the mattress is raised by eight centimetres, acting as a built-in pillow. While this isn’t good enough on its own, it can help to improve the sleeping position when combined with a pillow. The topping is flocked and waterproof, though we still recommend using a bedding sheet for reasons of comfort and hygiene.
Pros: Affordable and supportive thanks to vertical columns
Cons: Built-in pillow isn’t for everyone
Best raised double
Bed size: Queen | Material: PVC | Weight: 4.6kg | Pump: Electric & Manual
Coleman Airbed Extra Durable Raised Double is a top purchase for those with regular guests. Inside, 40 air-coils provides more strength and firmness, supporting a comfortable sleep for both back and side sleepers. The border of the bed has a slight ridge, which helps to maintain support when weight is close to the edge. It also provides a lift for pillows, which, in turn, aids in supporting the neck and head.
Pros: Durable and Comfortable
Cons: Internal structure noisy
A luxurious choice
Bed size: Queen | Material: PVC | Weight: 6.5kg | Pump: Electric & Manual
The Fineway Deluxe is a very comfortable queen mattress that will keep your guest well-rested, even after consecutive nights of sleep. The mattress has a built-in pump that inflates the bed within minutes from flat to “just right.” The mattress uses a thick, durable and puncture-resistant material and Oval Coils, which help to create an even distribution of weight for a comfortable and supported position.
The Fineway Deluxe comes with a handy storage bag a touch of luxury. When the bed is no longer needed, it deflates and rolls up.
Pros: Excellent quality and comfort
Cons: Expensive unless used regularly
Affordable room for two
Bed size: King | Material: PVC | Weight: 10.5kg | Pump: Electric & Manual
The Active Era Luxury King Size Double Air Bed brings all that makes the brand’s single mattress so tempting to a larger option. Ideal for sleeping two, the mattress features six air beams that allow for targeted body support. The double-height makes it much easier to climb on and off while also negating any cold from the floor. The built-in inflation pump can fill the mattress in around three minutes. This pump also helps with deflation.
As with the Active Era single mattress listed above, the head of this king sized mattress is raised by eight centimetres, acting as a built-in pillow for improved neck and head support - though, we still recommend using a pillow.
Pros: In-built pillow and I-beam support for ache-free sleep
Cons: Some will find the raised pillow uncomfortable
Bed size: 188 x 137cm | Material: PVC | Weight: 3.6kg | Pump: Manual
If you’re the one heading off into someone else’s hospitality, you may prefer to take your very own air mattress. In this case, you need something comfortable but also light and easy to carry. It’s a welcome option to have at hand if you ever head off camping, too. Inside the mattress, there are 30 support coils spread across a dual-chamber design. This dual design allows each person to set their level of comfort and prevent night-time disturbance if the other gets up.
Be aware that this mattress doesn’t conform to traditional mattress measurements - make sure where you’re heading has space for you. As a large manually inflated air bed, we’d recommend a quick-filling pump or electric option. The Coleman Comfort mattress is available as a single.
Pros: Easy to transport and store, dual-chamber system for two sleepers
Cons: Manual pumping and best only for short term visits
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William Lobley is a Senior Commercial Content Writer and reviewer for WhatsTheBest, specialising in technology and outdoors. He also writes for Empire Online.
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