Air mattresses are incredibly versatile. Whether you want a spare bed for your friend to sleep over or are planning to spend some time outdoors while camping, air mattresses can help you in various ways.
However, it would be best to remember that air mattresses are less dense than regular foam mattresses. Hence, it would be best if you were mindful of the weight that these mattresses can carry.
Depending on the size and weight of your mattress, you should check how much pressure it can withstand.
If you unwittingly put more weight on the mattress, it can either damage the mattress, or you could risk hurting yourself after sleeping on an unbalanced mattress.
Not all mattresses are equal, and a lot depends on the material that went into constructing them. Knowing the weight capacity will help you care for it well, and your mattress will last longer. Here is what you need to know.
What is the Average Weight Capacity of Air Mattresses?
While some differences exist between the various brands, an average twin air mattress can hold about 300 pounds. A full-size mattress can hold 450 pounds, while a queen air mattress can hold between 500 to 600 pounds of weight.
However, remember that the weight should be as evenly distributed as possible. When happy, you cannot jump on your air mattress like on a regular mattress. Or, you cannot put heavy objects with pointed ends on them, even if they are within the weight limit.
That is because air mattresses are more likely to be perforated, and evenly distributing the weight as much as possible is the key to getting the most out of them. Hence, try to use them only while lying down or sitting when you want to stretch your legs as you relax.
Factors that Affect the Capacity of an Air Mattress
Several factors affect the weight capacity of an air mattress, and knowing about them will help you pick the right one.
Material
Most air mattresses are made out of PVC or some combination of plastic. A mattress with thicker plastic will hold more weight than a thinner one. You can make your air mattress more comfortable by using a mattress topper.
Size
More oversized air mattresses with greater surface area are designed to hold more weight than smaller ones. They automatically have thicker plastic and are seemingly strong enough to bear the weight.
Construction
Air mattresses have multiple construction elements, like air chambers, beams, and air coils. Depending on the brand and make you opt for, they may have all or some of these elements.
They are meant to support the frame and help with the even weight distribution of the mattress. A sturdy mattress will automatically hold and bear more weight.
For example, the more air coils an air mattress has, the more significant support it can offer. On the other hand, air beams are like an interconnected framework that prevents the mattress from sagging. A more intricate frame will have a greater weight capacity.
Inflation
If you intend to use the air mattress very often or plan to use it outdoors for camping or hiking, you could invest in an air mattress that inflates an electric pump.
That will make it easy for you to use the mattress. If you are on a budget or will only use it sparingly, you can buy one that must be manually inflated.
Price
The price is a significant factor when buying an air mattress. Some mattresses are worth $30, and some cost over $200.
Unless you are intentionally buying an air mattress you know you won’t need after using it once or twice, it is better to buy one known for its high quality and durability.
These air mattresses can be a bit more expensive but will last you longer and are way more comfortable.
How to Find Out About the Weight Capacity of Your Air Mattress?
You can find out about the weight capacity of the air mattress in two simple ways.
- If you have not bought the mattress yet, you can visit the manufacturer’s website during your research and look up the weight capacity. It would be listed in their product description.
You can also visit the brand representative in the store and ask them about the weight capacities of the brands you are interested in looking at.
- If you have already purchased the mattress, you can look at the manufacturer’s label or the brochure with the mattress. It will contain all the weight capacity, care, and maintenance information, so check all the tags before discarding them.
How to Choose Which Weight Capacity You Should opt for?
It would be best if you ideally chose an air mattress depending on the purpose of the mattress and the people who are going to use it the most. Here are some guidelines to help you decide.
One Person
If only a single person is going to use the air mattress, or you are going to use the mattress sparingly, then you can buy one that has a weight capacity of 300 pounds. And if the person using it is of average build, you can also opt for a lower capacity.
Two People
If two people are going to share the mattress, or if you are going to use the mattress quite often, then you should get one with a weight capacity between 400 and 500 pounds.
That will provide better support to the body, and the mattress will be able to withstand the weight better.
Very Large People
If the people who are going to use the mattress are on the heavier side, then you should opt for air mattresses with a weight capacity of 600 pounds or more.
Some of them can bear even 800 pounds of weight. That will provide adequate support to very large people or if multiple people use the mattress.
If you are unsure which mattress to choose, always opt for one with a higher weight capacity. That way, you can be sure you will always have adequate support, and a higher weight will not disrupt the mattress.
What May Happen if You Use an Air Mattress with Low Weight Capacity?
Sleeping on air mattresses with a low weight capacity compared to your body is not advisable. If you continue to sleep on such a mattress, not only will you risk damaging the air mattress, but you will also risk hurting yourself.
The air chambers may be damaged beyond repair as the extra weight will damage the internal frame. Moreover, you may also suffer from lower back or shoulder pain as the air mattress will sag under your weight.
Although air mattresses are excellent for temporary sleeping arrangements, sleeping on them continuously, primarily when they cannot support your weight, can be detrimental. It would be best to be careful not to put sharp and heavy objects on the mattress as it could make a hole in the PVC.
FAQ’s
You may have some questions while buying an air mattress, and answering these questions will help you make a more informed choice.
Can air mattresses be used as regular furniture?
Even if you use an air mattress with a suitable weight capacity, it is not advisable to continuously use it as a regular bed.
Air mattresses tend to sag a little compared to regular foam mattresses, no matter how much you fill it in. It can also be exhausting to pump the mattresses continuously if you use them too often. Hence, although they are great for temporary sleeping arrangements, avoid using them for your daily night’s sleep.
How to use a heavy-duty air mattress?
A heavy-duty air mattress is made of high-quality rubber, and they have very sturdy seam stitches. A heavy-duty queen mattress can bear about 800 pounds.
It is ideal for campers who sleep outdoors regularly, large families who need extra bed space, couples whose combined weight is over 700 pounds, or front sleepers who need extra midsection support.
Do air mattresses need lightweight bedding?
It is always good to have some kind of mattress topper for your bed. You may not need extra bedding if you are on the lighter side. Still, if your weight is nearing the weight capacity of the air mattress, then some bedding will offer you extra support.
Ideally, the weight of the bedding should not exceed 10% of the user’s body weight. You can buy some light cotton or fleece toppers to make the air mattress surface smoother and more comfortable.
Conclusion
Air mattresses are highly functional; having one around will take care of your sleeping problems forever. You won’t have to worry about sleeping space if you camp outdoors or if a friend has to stay the night.
Knowing about the weight capacity will help you make a more informed decision so that you do not face any issues with your new mattress. It would be a great addition to your home necessities, and you will always have something to fall back on, quite literally, when you need some extra space to relax!
