Some have a battery-powered external rechargeable pump, which usually runs on four D-cells. Battery-operated pumps are lighter and don’t require a wall socket but are typically less effective and less capable of fully inflating a mattress. Air mattresses tend to have a bad reputation for being uncomfortable, but it’s unrealistic to always have a spare bed for overnight guests. The very best air mattresses are surprisingly comfortable, so you may end up using yours a lot more than you think. For example, the SereneLife Air Mattress, our “best splurge” pick, boasts a built-in frame, internal air pump, and adjustable firmness settings.
For leaks that are too large to be fixed with a patch kit, the mattress’s warranty may entitle you to a new air mattress, depending the circumstances of the leak. The top of the mattress has a powder-blue flocked velvety material that keeps sheets from slipping around, provides a softer feel, and minimizes the impression one might have of sleeping on a pool float. We had no problem getting our queen-size fitted sheets to grip the mattress snugly, which wasn’t always the case with other testers.
As with all air mattresses, there is some creaking and jiggling, which is more noticeable with two sleepers. It was sometimes cumbersome to pull the cord out of its internal storage cup (which unlike our runner-up, doesn’t have a lid) and plug it into the wall. When it came time to pack it all up, I struggled to cram the mattress back into the included nylon bag, but other testers didn’t have an issue with this. Overnight, we challenged this mattress with 100 pounds of distributed weight.
Of the ten air mattresses we tested in the Lab, this option was one of the easiest to set up—even with a frame! The process was largely hands-off, and it took only six and a half minutes to complete. The setup for this bed couldn’t be any simpler, as you just unzip the case, select the firmness level, and move the dial to inflate. 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.
But this does mean that the sides can be more prone to gathering lint. In past testing for previous versions of this guide, the King Koil mattress lost a lot of air overnight, so I was surprised when it performed so well. 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.
Be the first to know about promotions, special offers and product releases. Sign up to be the first to know about promotions, special offers and product releases. This item will be delivered by a designated courier within 14 days; parcel tracking details will be provided via text and email. If you host sleepovers or have frequent visitors with small children, the Hiccapop Inflatable Toddler Travel Bed is a must-have. Intended for children 18 months and older, it has raised bumpers around the edges, which can help keep young ones from rolling off onto the floor.
The built-in AC air pump inflates the mattress in 5 minutes, so it is ready for bed when you are. Simply place your flattened and folded bed in the included carry bag for easy transport and storage. This article was updated by Grace Wu, a textiles bestway air mattress product review analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute who oversaw recent air mattress testing both in Lab and with at-home sleep testers. Prior to joining GH, Grace earned a Master of Engineering in materials science and engineering and a B.S.
A dual-pump air mattress eliminates the worries of waking up on a saggy, deflated bed. And if you’ve ever gone to sleep on an air mattress, only to wake up with it flat on the floor, you’ll especially appreciate a dual-pump option. While not all air mattresses are equipped with this feature, the Insta-Bed Raised Air Mattress is our top recommendation for those that are. In our overnight evaluation, this option lost less than 1 inch of height while holding 100 pounds of weight.
Deflating the mattress was fast and easy, and it collapses to fit inside of a zippered duffel bag with wheels. It would be easy to roll this air mattress out of a closet, but it’s worth mentioning that the case is a little heavy and bulky. It may be challenging for one person to carry it up a flight of stairs and would probably best be stored on the same floor where you plan to use it.