There are several reasons why you might find yourself in need of something like an air mattress. You might occasionally have guests to stay with or just lack space.
However, there are also several reasons why an air mattress might not be a practical solution. Some people find them uncomfortable, there’s always a risk of them being punctured, and they can also be noisy.
During this guide, I will walk you through the options you can use as an alternative to an air mattress, such as camping beds and sleeping pads, and even more creative ideas.
Let’s look at some excellent space-saving options to use in place of an air mattress.
Reasons Why People Avoid Air Mattresses
There are several reasons that we hear about why people would prefer not to use an air mattress.
One of the most frustrating things about them is the noise they make. A bed that squeaks with every movement can be highly annoying and cause you to wake up at night, leaving you feeling unrested the following day.
Another downside to having an air mattress is the probability of getting punctured. It’s especially the case if you have pets or want to use your mattress for camping, where it could be popped by stones or damaged because of uneven ground.
As you can see, air mattresses are exceptionally convenient and great for some purposes, but they’re only for some.
So, what are the alternatives?
Best Air Mattress Alternatives
The best air mattress alternatives could be different from one person to the next depending on their requirements, so below, I have listed some of the best options for both indoor and outdoor use.
1. TETON Sports Adventurer Camp Pad
The TETON Sports Adventurer camping pad is ideal for people who like to travel light when camping. I say this because of its packing-away capabilities. It was the most convenient thing I found about this.
Aside from being compact, this sleeping pad was also pretty comfortable, especially considering how lightweight it felt.
Pros
- Insulation – The camping pad is very well insulated and kept me well wrapped up and warm all night.
- Accessory Pocket – this is a great little addition for storing personal items.
- Material – The pad felt nice, especially compared to other similar products.
Cons
- Price – At $120.00, some people may think this to be a little too expensive.
- Durability – I would be unsure of the durability of this if it were overused on rough outdoor terrain. It would become easily scratched if placed directly on the floor.
2. Therm-A-Rest Trail Pro Self-Inflating Camping And Backpacking Sleeping Pad
If you’re looking for something that feels like a mattress, the self-inflating sleeping pad by Therm-A-Rest might be more up your street.
I was impressed by everything about this item, to be honest, but most of all, how easy it was to inflate and how fast it did so. And also, because it can be deflated when not in use, it makes it perfect for packing away and storing.
Pros
- Comfort – The comfort level of this sleeping pad was impressive. I slept like a baby.
- Durable – I have a lot of confidence in the durability of this pad, mainly due to its high-quality material and capability to withstand outdoor use.
- Lightweight – This would be perfect for anyone who enjoys backpacking; it folds up extremely small and is light as a feather.
Cons
- Packing Away – Although this was quick and easy to inflate, packing it away again required some practice and skill.
3. Foam Floor Mats – Interlocking EVA Foam Padding For Home Gym
It might seem like a strange suggestion, but I’ve tried it, and it worked.
Of course, I am not suggesting you use these to sleep on directly. That wouldn’t be very comfortable at all. However, if you’re using something as a padded sleeping bag, these work excellently for creating an even, soft flooring for your tent.
Pros
- Assembly – These interlock like a jigsaw, making them very straightforward to put down on the bottom of the tent.
- Versatility – The foam pads interlock like a jigsaw puzzle, which means they can be made to fit into tents of all shapes and sizes.
- Easy to Clean – These are wiped clean and ideal for outdoor use.
Cons
- Price – I would expect more than eight pieces for the price.
4. ENO, Eagles Nest Outfitters Camping Hammock
Not everyone’s idea of a good night’s sleep involves a hammock, but this one, in particular, might change your mind.
It’s a double hammock, though having the extra room to myself was nice.
The material was high quality, the attachments were strong, and once I’d mastered the art of not falling out, I slept like a dream.
Pros
- Price – This is a budget-friendly alternative to an air mattress for under $60.00.
- Durable – This is made from exceptionally high-quality material and doesn’t feel like it would fall once fitted correctly.
- Lightweight – This was incredibly light at 550g for a strongly-made product.
Cons
- Sleeping Position – If you’re not familiar with sleeping in a hammock, it can take some getting used to, and it might not appeal to everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Looking for an alternative to an air mattress is a common query, so let’s see what other people are asking.
What Are The Best Alternatives to Air Mattresses for Camping?
Suppose you need to use your mattress alternative on outdoor terrain. In that case, you want a durable, strong option that won’t be easily punctured or scratched. It should also be lightweight.
What is the Most Comfortable Alternative to an Air Mattress?
It depends on personal preference. While some enjoy the experience of a padded sleeping bag, others may prefer something that feels more like a real bed.
What is the Most Budget-Friendly Alternative to an Air Mattress?
Foam sleep pads, hammocks, and fold-away camping beds are usually the cheapest alternative to air mattresses.
Closing Remarks
If you’ve been looking for an alternative to an air mattress for any reason, now your search is over, you can rest well on your new camping bed, or perhaps you’ll be rocked to sleep in a brand-new hammock. I highly recommend it.
Overall, while air mattresses can be a convenient solution, plenty of alternatives could better suit your needs.
