I used to associate sleeping on an air mattress with waking up with a piercing headache, neck pain, or lower back pain. All that changed when my partner and I got an extra air bed for our guestroom, as I realized that an air mattress can be almost as cozy as a regular mattress.
Not all models offer the same comfort level or have the same features, but despite this, finding a cozy and durable air mattress isn’t too hard.
My advice is to get a model that perfectly fits the space and your requirements instead of looking for a mattress with the most advanced coil technology or the highest quality materials.
I’ve reviewed and tested some of the best air mattresses on the market, so let’s dive deeper to find out which ones made the cut.
SoundAsleep Dream Series Luxury Air Mattress
Our Top Recommendation for Air Mattresses!
- Quality you can trust with 100%
- Industry leading design
- Customer friendly 1-year warranty
- Extra durable and long-lasting
The 5 Best Air Mattresses
Before we proceed further, I’d like to point out that all air mattresses I reviewed are designed for indoor use, so please consider other options if you need an air mattress for your car or a camping trip during which you won’t have access to the power grid.
All five models I listed in this article have built-in air pumps, and you must plug them into a 120V power outlet to inflate them.
However, they can still be a good sleeping solution while you’re on the road, as long as you stay indoors during the trip. Here’s a quick overview of my favorite air mattresses.
- SoundAsleep Dream Series Luxury Air Mattress
- Serta Raised Air Mattress
- OlarHike Signature Collection Air Mattress
- Intex Dura-Beam High-Raise Air Mattress
- King Koil Luxury Air Mattress
1. SoundAsleep Dream Series Luxury Air Mattress
Saying that I enjoyed testing the SoundAsleep Dream Series Luxury Air Mattress would be an understatement. I loved everything about this luxury mattress, from the effortless setup to waking up fully rested.
It took me under four minutes to inflate the mattress with its built-in EZ pump. The air bed didn’t deflate during the night, and I experienced zero discomfort throughout the night.
Moreover, deflating and packing this SoundAsleep model was as easy as setting it up.
Usability
The first thing I noticed about this air mattress after inflating it was its height. The model I tested was 19 inches tall, and it provided plenty of separation from the ground, so sleeping on it felt like sleeping in a regular bed, even without the frame.
Comfort Level
ComfortCoil technology features forty air coils that evenly distribute the sleeper’s weight and ensure the mattress retains its firmness throughout the night.
The flocked top surface is soft, preventing the sheets from sliding off as you twist and turn.
The Model’s Durability
15-gauge PVC material is waterproof and puncture-resistant. You can use this air mattress for years without noticing any deterioration, but remember that using it in extremely hot or cold conditions can affect its durability.
| Product Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Brand | SoundAsleep Products |
| Color | Blue Top / Beige Body |
| Size | Queen |
| Capacity | 1 Cubic Feet |
| Special Feature | Built-In Pump |
| Model Name | Dream Series with ComfortCoil |
| Price | $149 |
Pros
- Impressive Air Retention – You won’t have to reinflate the mattress often because it can stay inflated for several days.
- Zero Mattress Movement – This air mattress has a Sure-Grip bottom that prevents it from sliding even when placed on a slippery surface.
- A Quiet Air Pump – The EZ pump inflates the air mattress quickly and quietly.
- Easy Upkeep – All you need to do to keep the mattress clean is occasionally wipe it with a wet towel.
Cons
- No Dual Pump – This air mattress doesn’t have a secondary pump that maintains its firmness level.
- It’s not Ideal for Cold Weather – You might feel too cold sleeping on this mattress if the room isn’t heated.
2. Serta Raised Air Mattress
The incredible stability and smooth top surface are among the features that make the Serta Raised Air Mattress one of the best air mattresses you can buy.
This air bed is available in two sizes, and you can get the twin-size variant if you need a mattress that can accommodate a single sleeper or a queen-sized version if you need an extra bed for two adults.
The Serta Air Mattress is made of premium materials, so chances are you won’t have to replace it for years.
Usability
There’s no need to place this air mattress on a frame because its height ensures you’re at a safe distance from the ground. Moreover, firm-edge technology prevents the mattress from sagging and delivers the support you need to sleep comfortably.
Air Pressure Control
The mattress’s built-in air pump lets you choose between plush, medium, and firm comfort levels. Its air pressure sensor detects when the bed starts losing air and activates the secondary pump to maintain the selected firmness level.
Noise Level Both air pumps are quiet, and the model’s secondary pump is unlikely to disturb you while you sleep. In addition, the mattress doesn’t make squeaking sounds whenever you change a sleeping position.
| Product Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Serta |
| Color | Tan |
| Size | Queen |
| Weight Limit | 500 Pounds |
| Components | Instructions |
| Model Name | ST840017 |
| Price | $151.46 |
Pros
- Two-year warranty – You can replace your Serta air mattress if it gets damaged within two years after you purchase it.
- Effortless Comfort Level Control – Setting the firmness level takes only a few seconds.
- Full-Body Support – The air mattress doesn’t sag under pressure and ensures all parts of the body receive sufficient support.
- It Pairs Well with Mattress Toppers – Using a mattress topper will make this air mattress even more comfortable.
Cons
- The Primary Air Pump is Prone to Failure – The built-in air pump can break down easily, which affects the mattress’s durability.
- The Mattress’s Seams can Create Air Leaks – The seams wear out over time, creating irreparable leaks.
3. OlarHike Signature Collection Air Mattress
Although its manufacturer claims that the mattress is easily portable, I recommend using the OlarHike Signature Collection Air Mattress only when you have easy access to the power grid.
Its built-in inflation and deflation system runs on electricity, which prevents you from using it during tent camping trips. Even so, OlarHike’s model is among the best air mattresses for indoor use because it is cozy, durable, and easy to pack.
Usability
PVC coils, two layers of PVC sealing, and the elastic silk mattress toper are some of the air mattress’s highlights. Each feature ensures that you can sleep comfortably on this mattress for a long time without worrying about air leaks.
Mattress Setup
You shouldn’t use this air mattress for 24 hours after receiving it. Instead, you should open the air valve to enable it to expand to its full dimensions, but take extra care not to overinflate the air mattress.
Warranty Details
The manufacturer offers a two-year warranty for this model, and you can easily replace it if any of its parts malfunction. Still, dealing with the brand’s customer support and claiming the warranty isn’t always straightforward.
| Product Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Brand | OlarHike |
| Color | Black |
| Size | Queen |
| Special Feature | Portable, 18'' Extra Tall, Pongee Anti-Leak Fabric, Silk Foam Topper, Built-In Pump |
| Included Components | User Guide, Queen Air Mattress With Built In Pump, Carrying Bag |
| Model Name | AMH7V103 |
| Price | $169.99 |
Pros
- The Air Mattress Inflates in Minutes – The built-in air pump needs only a couple of minutes to inflate or deflate the mattress.
- Excellent Anti-Leak Properties – Besides Pongee fabric, the air mattress has two layers of PVC sealing that prevent air leaks.
- It Offers a High Degree of Comfort – The PVC coils and silk foam topper vouch for your coziness throughout the night.
- A Neat Power Cord Storage Compartment – The mattress has a storage compartment for the power cord, so you can easily stash it whenever the air pump is not in use.
Cons
- No Firmness Level Settings – You can’t set the air mattress’s firmness level to plush or firm.
- It Takes a While to Air the Product – The mattress has a strong odor straight out of the box, and you must air it to get rid of the unpleasant smell.
4. Intex Dura-Beam High-Rise Air Mattress
One of the key reasons I consider the Intex Dura-Beam High-Rise air mattress one of the best air mattresses to buy is its price-performance ratio. The model’s price isn’t steep for the quality it offers.
Arguably, its biggest downside is that it needs a couple of days to stretch to the full size. Hence, it might take a few tries to learn how to inflate the mattress properly, but once you get the hang of it, you won’t have to reinflate it often because it can stay inflated for days.
Usability
This high-rise mattress is 22 inches tall, and, in my opinion, it is ideal for all situations where adding a few extra inches of separation from the ground matters. However, you can also get versions of this mattress that are 13 or 18 inches tall.
That said, I don’t recommend sleeping on this mattress in unheated rooms without a sleeping bag, regardless of the height option you choose.
Mattress Construction
The Dura-Beam support prevents you from sinking into the mattress and protects the sleeper’s lumbar area, while its Fiber-Tech construction delivers additional support and expands its weight limit. In addition, the mattress’s edges don’t sag under pressure.
Portability
The Intex Dura-Beam High-Raise air mattress has a built-in air pump, but you can also use a manual air pump to inflate it when camping or in any other situation when you don’t have access to a power outlet.
This lightweight air bed arrives with a carry bag that doesn’t need much storage space.
| Product Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Intex |
| Color | Grey |
| Size | Queen (600 lbs) |
| Special Feature | Built-In Pump, Flocked Top, Water Resistant, Quick Inflation |
| Included Components | Airbed, Carry Bag, Repair Patch |
| Model Name | Dura-Beam Deluxe Comfort Plush Air Mattress |
| Product Dimensions | Product Dimensions |
| Capacity | 600 Pounds |
| Prize | $79.58 |
Pros
- Industry-Leading Design – The air mattress offers a high degree of comfort due to its advanced design.
- Soft and Cozy Top – The flocked top surface utilizes a plush dual-pillow system to add an extra layer of comfort.
- It’s Great for Camping – You can manually inflate or deflate this air mattress, even when off the grid.
- The Air Valve doesn’t Leak – You can use the air mattress for a few days without reinflating it.
Cons
- It Might be Uncomfortable for two or more Sleepers – Putting too much weight on the mattress can cause it to dip and affect its comfort level.
- The Material isn’t Puncture-Proof – Sharp rocks and other objects can damage the mattress.
5. King Koil Luxury Air Mattress
Only a handful of air mattresses I tested can compete with the King Koil Luxury Air Mattress in terms of comfort and sturdiness.
The brand offers this model in all standard air mattress sizes, and its height varies from 13 to 20 inches, so finding the version of this air mattress that fits in your guest room shouldn’t be too difficult.
However, don’t forget that the mattress’s weight limit depends on its dimensions.
Usability
The King Koil Luxury Air Mattress isn’t suitable for outdoor use because it has a built-in air pump that can be easily damaged if exposed to high humidity levels. Inflating the air bed to its full size takes a couple of minutes.
Air Retention Capacity
The air mattress has separate inflation and deflation valves. You must open the inflation valve before switching on the air pump, and the bed will need around two minutes to inflate fully. The mattress can stay inflated for days once you switch off the air pump.
Deflating and packing the mattress is as easy as setting it up.
The Basics of the Enhanced Coil Technology
I believe that the enhanced coil technology is the main reason this King Koil model is frequently mentioned in conversations about the best air mattresses.
The technology utilizes air-filled coils and internal layering to prevent you from sinking into the mattress. The enhanced coils ensure that the bed can retain its firmness after years of daily usage.
| Product Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Brand | King Koil |
| Color | Black |
| Size | Queen |
| Special Feature | Adjustable,Built-in,Built-in Pump,Inflatable |
| Included Components | Pump |
| Product Dimensions | 80"L x 60"W x 13"Th |
| Capacity | 600 Pounds |
| Prize | $129.95 |
Pros
- The Mattress is Waterproof – The air bed’s top surface doesn’t soak sweat or spilled beverages.
- It has a Longer Lifespan than most Air Mattresses – You can use this mattress for over five years.
- Efficient Inflation System – The built-in air pump inflates the mattress in two minutes.
- The Mattress has a Raised Pillow Area – This feature contributes to the mattress’s overall comfort by keeping the sleeper’s head in a natural position.
Cons
- It’s not Advisable to Unpack the Mattress in Closed Spaces – The mattress has an unpleasant smell when you open it, and ideally, you should leave it outside to air out before using it.
How I Selected the Best Air Mattresses
I know how frustrating it can be to buy an air mattress you must throw away after using it just a few times. That’s why I utilized strict criteria to pick the best air mattresses that deliver plenty of value for their price.
Let’s go through some of the key factors I relied on during the selection process.
Mattress’s Construction
The model’s materials, air coils, or reinforced edges are some aspects I considered while evaluating the quality of the mattress’s construction.
Wear and Tear Resistance
My main priority was pinpointing air mattresses that can offer the same level of comfort for a long time.
Size and Weight Support
All air mattresses I listed in this article are available in several sizes and accommodate one or more sleepers weighing up to 660 lbs.
Inflation and Deflation Time
The time you need to inflate or deflate any of the air mattresses I mentioned ranges from two to five minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Stack Air Mattresses?
Putting two mattresses on top of each other can make you more comfortable during the night as long as one isn’t considerably smaller.
What is the Best Air Mattress Material?
The vast majority of air mattresses are made of PVC, but models made of TPU (thermoplastic urethane) are the most durable.
Are Air Mattresses Breathable?
Air mattresses often have a soft material at the top, but these materials are usually not breathable.
Do Air Mattresses Have Replicable Air Pumps?
You cannot replace the built-in air pump on an air mattress, but you can ask the manufacturer if they can repair it or send you a new mattress.
Let’s Wrap It Up!
An air mattress can help you save space in your guest room because you can quickly put it away whenever it’s not in use. After testing countless air mattresses, I cannot recommend sleeping on one permanently, but I still think they’re an excellent temporary solution.
The air mattress you chose should be comfortable, durable, and easy to set up, but above all else, it should be the right fit for the context in which you plan to use it.
