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- Best dual pump air mattress: Insta-Bed Raised Air Mattress
- Best-rated traditional air mattress: SoundAsleep Dream Series Air Mattress
- Best budget air mattress: Beautyrest Hi Loft Air Mattress
- Best luxury air mattress: Englander Microfiber Air Bed
- Best value air mattress: Intex Pillow Rest Raised Airbed
- Best adjustable air mattress: Lazery Sleep Air Mattress
- Best antimicrobial air mattress: Simmons Rest Aire Mattress
- Best extra-plush air mattress: Brookstone Innovations Perfect Air Bed
- Best camping air mattress: EZ Inflate Air Mattress
- Best air mattress for support: King Koil Luxury Air Mattress
- Best customizable air mattress: EnerPlex Air Mattress
Whether it’s to prepare for those unexpected drop-ins from your in-laws or plan for your next camping escapade, you’ll want to make sure you’re picking the best air mattress.
We’ve done the digging for you and rounded up our top 11 choices.
Plus, we chatted with Sarah Moe — founder and CEO of Sleep Health Specialists — so you know what to look for and won’t end up deflated (sorry, we couldn’t resist).
While deciding which air mattresses get our stamp of approval, we considered:
- Ratings. We only included mattresses that are rated well in online reviews. Keep in mind that some reviewers may overuse their air mattresses, which can quickly chip away at the life span, even for the most durable options. Even high quality air mattresses are typically intended for occasional use only.
- Comfort. Everything on our list is comfy and cozy, according to reviewers. Some have cozy, soft, and smooth fabrics — one of our picks is microfiber.
- How easy they are to set up. We scoured reviews and looked for options reviewers say are quick and easy. Many of the mattresses inflate and deflate in under a couple of minutes. Some come with travel or storage bags too, though some reviewers mention the bags may not be useful, depending on the quality of the fabric.
- Intended use. We included picks for a few different scenarios, including outdoor and indoor use. This also includes mattresses that say they are resistant to water or punctures.
- Warranty. Most of these mattresses come with a 1-year warranty. Some offer a little longer warranty periods, but they may be limited. Unlike traditional mattresses, there’s typically no sleep trial. Instead, you have a return window of 30 to 90 days, like most online purchases.
Pricing guide
Prices will vary depending on the size of your mattress. These prices are based on a queen-size air mattress:
- $ = under $100
- $$ = $100–$150
- $$$ = over $150
Best dual pump air mattress
Insta-Bed Raised Air Mattress
- Price: $$$
- Features: offers three firmness levels
- Material: synthetic, water-resistant
- Trial: 30-day return policy
- Warranty: 1 year
This popular pick can be used indoors and out, and promises to stay fully inflated all night.
It features a built-in pump system that fills to your firmness preference (among three firmness options) in under 5 minutes. It also comes with a carrying case, which is a nice bonus. At under 15 pounds, it’s light enough to move around and easily store.
Reviewers love it because it feels like a traditional mattress. However, they note that it only comes with a 1-year warranty.
Pros
- quick to inflate and deflate
- indoor and outdoor mattress
- choose your firmness preference
Cons
- only 1-year warranty
- only 30-day return policy
Buy Insta-Bed Raised Air Mattress online.
Best-rated traditional air mattress
SoundAsleep Dream Series Air Mattress
- Price: $$$
- Features: thick mattress, quiet motor, carrying bag included
- Material: PVC and flocking, waterproof
- Trial: 30-day return policy
- Warranty: 1-year warranty
This air mattress takes the gold for its impressive combination of comfort, customer service, and longevity. It’s known for its thickness and boasts a quiet motor, so you can sleep soundly.
Bonus: It’s puncture-resistant, a nice feature for those with kiddos or critters.
It’s worth noting it’s only intended for indoor use. Weighing around 20 pounds, it’s not the most portable option.
Pros
- inflates quickly
- stays inflated for days
- highly rated
Cons
- 30-day return policy
- 1-year warranty
Buy SoundAsleep Dream Series Air Mattress online.
Best budget air mattress
Beautyrest Hi Loft Air Mattress
- Price: $
- Features: soft and smooth feel
- Material: plush, waterproof, flocked velvet top
- Trial: 90-day return policy
- Warranty: 90-day warranty
If you’re looking for a cozy and affordable air mattress, this pick by Beautyrest is a solid option. One of the lowest on our pricing guide, this mattress is budget-friendly without sacrificing quality. The plush material has a velvety smooth feel and is waterproof.
Reviewers are overall pleased with this purchase, calling it comfortable and saying it’s great for having guests over. They do mention that this mattress needs sheets with very deep-pocket — something to keep in mind.
Pros
- budget-friendly
- soft and smooth material
- includes carry bag and vinyl repair kit
Cons
- only 90-day warranty
- requires very deep-pocket sheets
Buy Beautyrest Hi Loft Air Mattress online.
Best luxury air mattress
Englander Microfiber Air Bed
- Price: $
- Features: inflates in 90 seconds, durable
- Material: soft, plush microfiber
- Trial: 30-day return policy
- Warranty: 5-year warranty
This high-end choice is both soft and strong. The exterior is fully microfiber as well as thermo-regulating, keeping you at a comfortable temperature all night.
It also stands tough against punctures and is strong enough for everyday use.
This may be Amazon’s air mattress with the highest praise, especially when it comes to the microfiber material. The return period for this mattress is very limited though, with just 30 days to return via Amazon.
The brand offers a 5-year warranty, according to the company website. It’s worth pointing out that one Amazon reviewer had trouble getting their warranty benefits.
Pros
- premium microfiber
- thermo-regulating
- comes in sizes from twin to California king
Cons
- 5-year warranty may not be a simple process
Buy Englander Microfiber Air Bed online.
Best value air mattress
Intex Pillow Rest Raised Airbed
- Price: $
- Features: grip bottom, built-in pillow
- Material: Carinessa, water-resistant
- Trial: 30-day return policy
- Warranty: 90-day limited warranty
This pick offers comfort and reliability without hitting the wallet too hard. It inflates in just a little over 3 minutes. Many reviewers say it stays plump all night without losing air.
Plus, its built-in pillow provides a mattress feel, and its grippy bottom helps it stay in place.
A few things you may sacrifice with this affordable option, though: There’s no satisfaction guarantee, only a 90-day warranty, and it sits rather low to the ground.
This pick is a good choice for people who need an air mattress only occasionally.
Pros
- good option for occasional use
- best priced air mattress on our list
- comes with a carry bag
Cons
- 90-day limited manufacturer warranty
- sits low to the ground
Buy Intex Pillow Rest Raised Airbed online.
Best adjustable air mattress
Lazery Sleep Air Mattress
- Price: $$
- Features: 7 firmness settings
- Material: puncture-proof, waterproof
- Trial: 30-day return policy
- Warranty: 1-year warranty
While some air mattresses come with a couple firmness levels, this one goes a few steps further in adjustability. It features a seven-setting LED remote control, giving you even more ways to adjust to your comfort level.
The remote is also used for easy inflating and deflating. Reviewers say this comfy pick is worth the splurge and is very easy to use.
Even though it’s a pretty high-end option, it’s also a good choice for camping, as it’s resistant to punctures. It comes with a handy travel bag, too.
Pros
- most firmness setting options
- comes with carry bag
- resistant to water and punctures
Cons
- only 30-day return policy
- 1-year warranty
Buy Lazery Sleep Air Mattress online.
Best antimicrobial air mattress
Simmons Rest Aire Mattress
- Price: $$
- Features: safety auto shut-off, breathable
- Material: velveteen cover
- Trial: 90-day return policy
- Warranty: 3-year limited warranty
This air mattress by Simmons offers a couple of unique and useful features at a reasonable price point. First, there’s the no-sag edge support, which is a common concern when purchasing an air mattress. The cover, which is breathable and prevents heat from building up, is finished with an antimicrobial treatment for freshness.
Inflation and deflation time with this one is under 2 minutes, and the pump has safety auto shut-off so you have one less thing to think about. The brand offers a 3-year warranty on this mattress but it is limited.
Pros
- breathable mattress
- safety pump features auto shut off
- the mattress is antimicrobial for freshness
Cons
- warranty is limited
- fine print acknowledges that the mattress is only intended for occasional use
Buy Simmons Rest Aire Mattress online.
Best extra plush air mattress
Brookstone Innovations Perfect Air Bed
- Price: $$$
- Features: inflates in under 2 minutes, ultra-plush
- Material: polyvinyl chloride, waterproof
- Trial: 30-day return policy
- Warranty: 3-year limited warranty
Air mattresses don’t come much plusher than this option by Brookstone. If you have some room in the budget and want to opt for the plushest air mattress out there, this one is a strong contender. The ultra-plush top on this pick is contoured for comfort.
There are also three heights available: 12, 18, and 24 inches.
It comes with a carrying bag and fitted sheet, which is nice because some reviewers have a hard time finding sheets that fit air mattresses properly.
Pros
- plush comfort
- carrying bag and fitted sheet included
- three sizes and heights available
Cons
- pricey
- warranty is limited
Buy Brookstone Innovations Perfect Air Bed online.
Best camping air mattress
EZ Inflate Air Mattress
- Price: $
- Features: waterproof, puncture-resistant
- Material: polyvinyl chloride
- Trial: 30-day return policy
- Warranty: 2-year warranty
Highly rated by Amazon reviewers, this air mattress is a good choice for campers thanks to its waterproof and puncture-resistant design. It’s also one of the more portable picks on our list, which makes sense for campers who want quick travel with their air mattress.
The price point is reasonable for this choice too, and inflate time is only 2 minutes. Most reviewers are happy with this pick, while others had trouble with the warranty, and a couple of others say it didn’t hold up for them.
Pros
- comes with a carrying bag
- easy to travel with
- waterproof and puncture-resistant
Cons
- warranty may not be straightforward
- some reviews mention it doesn’t hold all night
Buy EZ Inflate Air Mattress online.
Best air mattress for support
King Koil Luxury Air Mattress
- Price: $$$
- Features: extra plush, supportive
- Material: fully flocked, water-resistant
- Trial: 30-day return policy
- Warranty: 1-year warranty
King Koil promises this durable and extra-thick air mattress won’t sink as you sleep. It’s also built for comfort, with a quilt top designed to give extra spinal support.
There are three height options available for this pick: 13, 16, and 20 inches. You’ll also get an oversize carry bag with this air mattress.
Pros
- extra thick
- designed for a no-sink sleep
- three height options
Cons
- only water-resistant, not waterproof
- warranty could be longer
Buy King Koil Luxury Air Mattress online.
Best customizable air mattress
EnerPlex Air Mattress
- Price: $$
- Features: no-skid bottom
- Material: PVC
- Trial: 30-day return policy
- Warranty: 2-year warranty
Intended for both indoor and outdoor use, this pick can be used for unexpected guests or for outdoor adventures. The no-skid bottom is a nice touch, especially when plopping it down on a surface like hardwood flooring. Although, it’s worth mentioning that it’s puncture-resistant and not puncture-proof like some others.
It’s a hit for most Amazon reviewers, who seem to like that it’s adjustable for your firmness preferences.
Pros
- available in eight sizes
- carry bag included
- no-skid bottom
Cons
- puncture-resistant, not puncture-proof
| Air mattresses | Price | Material | Trial | Warranty | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Insta-Bed Raised Air Mattress | $$ | synthetic, water-resistant | 30 days | 1-year | 3 firmness levels |
| SoundAsleep Dream Series Air Mattress | $$ | PVC and flocking, waterproof | 30 days | 1-year | thick mattress, quiet motor, carrying bag |
| Beautyrest Hi Loft Air Mattress | $ | plush, waterproof, flocked velvet top | 90 days | 90 days | soft, smooth feel |
| Englander Microfiber Air Bed | $$ | soft plush microfiber | 30 days | 5-year | inflates in 90 seconds, durable |
| Intex Pillow Rest Raised Airbed | $ | Carinessa, water-resistant | 30 days | 90-day | grip bottom, built-in pillow |
| Lazery Sleep Air Mattress | $$ | puncture-proof, water-proof | 30 days | 1-year | 7 firmness settings |
| Simmons Rest Aire Mattress | $$ | velveteen cover | 90-days | 3-year | safety auto shut-off, breathable |
| Brookstone Innovations Perfect Air Bed | $$$ | polyvinyl chloride, waterproof | 30 days | 3-year | extra plush, inflates in under 2 minutes |
| EZ Inflate Air Mattress | $$ | polyvinyl chloride | 30 days | 2-year | waterproof, puncture-resistant |
| King Koil Luxury Air Mattress | $$ | fully flocked, water-resistant | 30 days | 1-year | extra plush, supportive |
| EnerPlex Air Mattress | $$ | PVC | 30 days | 2-year | no-skid bottom |
Sarah Moe — founder and CEO of Sleep Health Specialists — tells us there’s a reason air mattress popularity is on the rise. “They really do work well for everyone!” she says.
“If you are looking for a new mattress and have a spouse or bed partner, an air mattress can be a great option. Otherwise, when there are differing preferences, one person may end up suffering more,” Moe says.
Besides keeping everyone’s preferences in mind, there are a few other things to look for in an air mattress:
- Pieces and parts. Moe tells us to carefully check out the components involved before purchasing. “The different parts needed to keep it inflated or change its settings can be bulky. You don’t want to invest in a bed that may not work in your space,” she explains.
- Price and compare. It’s always a good idea to look for coupons online. “Many air mattress companies offer great deals since they are still attempting to remove the stigma that air mattresses might not be as comfortable as regular mattresses — trust me, they are!” Moe says.
- Don’t be swayed by name brands. “If you find one that works for you, trust your gut and get more restful nights under your belt,” she says.
- Bigger may be better. Moe also says that while air mattresses tend to adapt and conform to the person on them, extra space is rarely a bad thing. “Splurge for the queen or king to ensure optimal comfort for everyone. After all, we spend one-third of our lives in our beds!” she explains.
- Replace every 5 to 6 years. Although it may sound like a ploy for mattress companies to get more of your money, Moe promises there really is a science to it. “As we age, our bodies go through significant physiological changes,” she says. “That means what may have been your go-to bed before could now be the cause of your chronic backaches.”
Luckily, air mattresses aren’t super high maintenance, but you do need to keep a few tips in mind. It’s a good idea to:
- Examine it. You’ve just dragged your air mattress out of storage. Now it’s time to give it the once-over. Are there any tiny holes or tears? Mildew? Bugs? Since air mattresses are typically used infrequently, it’s best to examine them before each use.
- Watch where you put it. When you’re setting up your air mattress, take a look around. Are there any sharp objects it may run into? If so, it’s best to relocate.
- Inflate it correctly. Be sure you’re not under- or overinflating your air mattress, which could lead to early wear and tear.
- Dress it properly (use bedding!). Sheets and blankets will protect your mattress from any potential sharp objects it may encounter. Plus, they just make it a lot more comfortable to sleep on.
- Wipe it down. Use a cloth to clean your air mattress from time to time or after spills. Gentle soaps and washcloths will do the trick. Avoid intense cleaning materials with harsh chemicals or bristles.
- Store it safely. Just as you want to make sure it’s in a safe place while in use, make sure you’re storing it safely, too. When you’re ready to put it away, deflate it, fold it nicely, and keep it away from excessive temperature conditions, sharp objects, and water.
How much do air mattresses cost?
Depending on the size, brand, and quality of the air mattress you choose, the cost starts as low as $20 (typically for a twin size) and can reach a few hundred dollars.
How long do air mattresses last?
If your air mattress is made well and isn’t used daily, it can last 8 or more years. If you use it pretty regularly and aren’t careful about storing it properly, you may only get a couple of years out of it.
What is an alternative to an air mattress?
Other types of mattresses that can be used for quickly accommodating guests, camping, and easily storing away include foldable beds (also called rollaway beds) or floor mattresses. Murphy beds (also called wall beds) are another option. These require more initial assembly, since they store in the wall, and are more costly.
There are plenty of quality air mattresses available at a variety of price points.
Do your research, consider your needs and preferences, and remember to keep an eye out for coupons.
Remember to place and store your mattress in a safe space, and examine it frequently for tears, bugs, or water damage.
Breanna Mona is a writer based in Cleveland, OH. She holds a master’s degree in media and journalism and writes about health, lifestyle, and entertainment.