Best Air Mattresses

In a Hurry? Editors choice:
SoundAsleep Dream Series
Test Winner: SoundAsleep Dream Series
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Traveling away from home means that you have to leave your bed behind. If you are planning on going on any outdoor adventures this summer, you are going to need to make some alternative sleeping arrangements. This can be a stressful endeavor because adequate sleep can make or break a trip. Sleeping in a strange place in a bed that is not yours can be one of the hardest parts of traveling. However, there might be a way to lessen the blow of this uncomfortable situation. Investing just a little bit of money in a mattress can really come in handy. Don’t worry about blowing them up, because most of them come with an electric pump included with purchase, and can go from flat to inflated in five minutes. Check out our top picks below and sleep easy on your next camping trip.

Standout Picks

SoundAsleep Dream Series
If you are in the market for something that is easy to use. Can go from rolled up and flat to fully inflated and ready for sleep in a matter of minutes- this is going to be your best bet. Plus, it is offered at an affordable price by a company that really stands by their products.
Amazon Link
$149.95
King Koil
King Koil is one of the only manufacturers of beds that is endorsed by the International Chiropractors Association, so you know that it is going to be incredibly comfortable and good for your spine. It has a sharp exterior that is measured to be able to fit standard bedclothes and is offered at an affordable price point with a 1-year warranty.
Amazon Link
$149.95
Intex 68765E
Intex offers users something that is a little bit more affordable, as well as compact and easy to carry. If you have found that the prices of many of these standard models have left you a little reluctant to pull the trigger on such a pricey purchase- you might be pleased by this design. It gives you all of the things that you would want from one of these products, and is offered at a quarter of the price.
Amazon Link
$35.98
Insta-Bed
The Insta-Bed uses something called Never Flat Technology that utilizes two pumps to ensure that you don’t wake in the morning on the floor. One pump is used to inflate the bed while the other runs all night to constantly adjust for changes in pressure. It also allows you to adjust to match your comfort levels, and it still offered at a reasonable price point.
Amazon Link
Serta
Serta is a name in bedding you probably recognize because they have been in the business of making comfortable sleeping surfaces since their humble beginnings in 1931. This is another brand that utilizes the impressive Never Flat Technology so that you can ensure that you won’t be waking up on the floor. This model also offers some new features, such as a quilted top that is able to be removed to throw into the washing machine.
Amazon Link
Lazery Sleep
Lazery Sleep provides users with a few more options than some of the other designs out there on the market. Keep in mind, however, that is is set at a slightly higher price point. However, users find that all the added features are well worth the uptick in the price tag. If you want something that is a little less practical and a little more luxurious- this is a great option for your needs.
Amazon Link
Airmattress.com
Not only is this product made from really high-quality materials that are designed to last a really long time- it is one of the best looking designs out there on the market. It comes with a bamboo bed skirt that makes it look like you brought along an actual bed to your vacation. The dimensions are true to size so all of your queen sheets will fit perfectly for a great night sleep. Some users even claim to like this more than their bed at home.
Amazon Link
Fox Airbeds
This is the tank of all inflatable beds. Everything about this model is bigger and thicker than many of its competitors. It uses vinyl that is thicker than many of the others out there, and it is also slightly bigger than a lot of the average queen sizes. The Air-Flow system on this design is made to keep you from rolling to the center of the bed.
Amazon Link
yeacar
This is a great design that is easy to use and comes in at an affordable price point. Instead of using coils on the inside, it uses something that is just a little bit different to provide you with a great night sleep no matter how far away from home your travels take you.
Amazon Link
WonderSleep Classic Series
This is a great option for travelers that want something that is comfortable, durable, and easy to use. It doesn’t have a lot of bells and whistles like some of the other designs that are out there on the market, but it makes up for this with its incredibly affordable price tag.
Amazon Link

Criteria Used for Evaluation

Materials

Most of the models on the market are made from two different types of material- vinyl or PVC. These types of materials are a good idea for these products because they are soft and pliable, but they are resilient to becoming punctured. If they do become punctured, these types of material are easy to repair using a patch kit that you would pick up at your local hardware store. You certainly want to ensure that you select a design that is made from these materials because a flat inflatable bed is no use to anyone. Some users dislike the use of PVC for their beds, so if that is something that is concerning to you- we recommend using a product that uses vinyl for the exterior shell.

Comfort

    Sleeping is the most important thing- and if it doesn’t help you get some much-needed Z’s- then it’s just a glorified pool float. We made sure to select designs that had a structured interior that used coils or other types of curved structures to keep your back and body supported, and that also keeps you from rolling straight to the middle. We also made sure that the top of the bed was made from a light and breathable material. Products that only had a PVC top have a reputation for creating a hot and sticky night sleep. Products that ensure that the top used a breathable, velvery materials ensured that there was airflow between the skin and bed so that the user didn’t become too hot.

Durability

If you are a nature lover, looks might not be such a big factor. However, these products can be used in the middle of the woods, and they can also be used for a bed if your in-laws happen to be visiting. In the case of the in-laws- you probably will care a little bit more about how it looks. We made sure to pay close attention to the design of each product, and nixed options that looked to be inflatable pool floats that are used on dry land. We especially liked options that came with their own bedclothes because they were often the easiest to clean. We also like to select designs that came with extra features- such as inflatable pillows or bed skirts. One of the most important things was to make sure we selected models that conformed to the traditional bed sizes so that you could use the same size bed sheets at the ones that you use at home.

Use

Before you make a purchase, you need to first consider what you are going to be using it for. If it is something that will be used on a daily basis, you want to get something that uses really heavy duty vinyl- such as the Fox beds design that claims it’s vinyl is approximately 43 percent thicker than competitors. If you are buying something for backpacking trips- be sure that it has a port for a hand pump if you are traveling without a generator. A carrying case is also something that you want to make sure is included so that you won’t struggle to carry it from your car to the site. If you are buying one for house guests that are coming to visit- you want to make sure that it is comfortable and has a lot of interior support so that your guests feel refreshed and relaxed while they are traveling away from home.

Top 10 Picks

1. SoundAsleep Dream Series

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$149.95
SoundAsleep Dream Series
Amazon Link

If you are in the market for something that is easy to use. Can go from rolled up and flat to fully inflated and ready for sleep in a matter of minutes- this is going to be your best bet. Plus, it is offered at an affordable price by a company that really stands by their products.

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Design:

This design is offered in a queen size which will be able to comfortably fit two people. The top is made from a soft blue puncture resistant material that is also waterproof. It also sits high up off the floor to give you the feeling you are in an actual bed.

Portability:

What makes this model great is that it is able to be deflated, and then rolled up to create so that it is not only easy to store, but it will be great to pack up into the car and take along with you. When fully deflated and rolled up, the unit weighs just under 20 pounds.

What’s on the inside:

There isn’t just air in there, there is a whole system that is designed to keep you comfortable on the go. SoundAsleep utilizes something called their Comfort Coil Technology that uses a series of 40 coils to keep the bed flat and your body comfortable. These coils keep the bed incredibly firm so that you can get a great night sleep.

Ease of use:

After a long day on the road, no one likes to have to sit and wait while their bed inflates. The best feature about this product is that it has the pump built right into the end of the bed. When you are ready to call it a night, simply plug the unit into an electrical outlet, turn the knob to ‘inflate’, and then just wait a mere 4 minutes until it is completely inflated. When it is time to go home, turn the knob to deflate, roll it up and store it in the car or garage for when you will need it next.

Summary:

For travelers that want something that is incredibly easy to use and don’t want to wait a long time for their bed to fill up with air- this is going to be your best bet. Plus, it comes with a 1 year warranty in case anything goes wrong with your product.

Amazon Link
$149.95

2. King Koil

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$149.95
King Koil
Amazon Link

King Koil is one of the only manufacturers of beds that is endorsed by the International Chiropractors Association, so you know that it is going to be incredibly comfortable and good for your spine. It has a sharp exterior that is measured to be able to fit standard bedclothes and is offered at an affordable price point with a 1-year warranty.

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Design:

The exterior is all black with a large King Koil logo on the side in white letters. The white quilted top is composed of a comfortable and soft material that is also waterproof. It measures to be 80 inches long, 60 inches wide, and sits an impressive 20 inches up off of the ground.

Portability:

When you are ready to pack it up and head home, simply deflate all of the air out, roll it up, and place it in its convenient carrying case with the nylon straps. Once deflated, it only weighs just over 20 pounds, making it easy to throw over your shoulder and make your way to the woods.

What’s on the inside:

Due to the fact that this model is recommended by the International Chiropractors Association- you know that it must have more than just air on the inside. The coiled technology running on the inside in conjunction with the gripped base ensure that this model will stay flat all night and will be good for your spine.

Ease of Use:

The pump needed to inflate it and deflate it is located right on the base. Simply turn the switch to ‘infate’, and sit back for about 3 minutes while it fills with air completely. When you are ready to go home, switch it to deflate and then pack it into the carrying case.

Summary:
If you want something that is easy to use, incredibly comfortable, and will leave you feeling refreshed for a new day of adventures- this is a really great option that comes with a 1-year warranty in case anything goes wrong with your purchase.

Amazon Link
$149.95

3. Intex 68765E

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$35.98
Intex 68765E
Amazon Link

Intex offers users something that is a little bit more affordable, as well as compact and easy to carry. If you have found that the prices of many of these standard models have left you a little reluctant to pull the trigger on such a pricey purchase- you might be pleased by this design. It gives you all of the things that you would want from one of these products, and is offered at a quarter of the price.

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Design:

The design of this model is a little bit different than some of the others. It doesn’t sit as far up off of the ground, and it doesn’t have the same quilted design on the top. It still has the same dimensions as a queen- 80 inches long, 60 inches wide, but it only sits just over 8 inches up off of the ground.

Portability:

Due to the fact that is isn’t as bulky as some of the other options you might have already looked at, it means that it doesn’t weigh as much. This model comes in at just over 10 pounds, making it one of the lightest designs to make this list.

What’s on the inside:

The only thing on the inside of this model is air. It doesn’t have a lot of the other bells and whistles on the inside, and it’s significantly lower price point reflects that. However, if you were looking for something durable and comfortable that allows you to sleep off of the ground, this hits the mark.

Ease of use:

Unfortunately, this doesn’t have a built-in electric pump. To inflate this unit, attach the pump to the side of the unit and inflate it manually. This manual setup might seem inconvenient, but it makes it a perfect solution for the woods and don’t have access to electricity.

Summary:

While it might have a simple design, it makes up for it in its price point. With such an affordable price tag, you will have the option to buy one for every family member that is coming along with you this summer.

Amazon Link
$35.98

4. Insta-Bed

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Insta-Bed
Amazon Link

The Insta-Bed uses something called Never Flat Technology that utilizes two pumps to ensure that you don’t wake in the morning on the floor. One pump is used to inflate the bed while the other runs all night to constantly adjust for changes in pressure. It also allows you to adjust to match your comfort levels, and it still offered at a reasonable price point.

Read more

Design:

This looks just like any other inflatable queen bed out there on the market. It has a light grey base as well as a light grey quilted top. For a little bit less money, you can also opt for tan as well as white. It measures to be 80 inches long, 60 inches wide, and sits about 16 inches up off of the ground (which is a little shorter than most).

Portability:

To pack up and head home, all you need to do it hit the button to deflate the unit. Once all of the air is out of it, simply roll it up and place it into the soft carrying case that is included with purchase.

What’s on the inside:

Inside, there is a series of 35 circular coils that serve to keep the bed flat as well we provide additional support to your spine. The addition of a second pump is constantly running throughout the night to ensure the bed always stays inflated. The downside to this pump, however, is that some users find that the constant flow of air on the inside makes the bed rather cold.

Ease of use:

There is no need to dig out a hand pump because the pump is built right into the side of the bed. To inflate, simply plug it into an electrical outlet, and sit by while it takes about 4 minutes to completely fill with air. You can also adjust the firmness of the bed with a knob found on the side.

Summary:
For those that have had trouble with inflatable beds that leave you waking up on the floor- the Insta-Bed is designed to eliminate that possibility altogether. Plus, it comes in at a reasonable price point even with all of the added features.

Amazon Link

5. Serta

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Serta
Amazon Link

Serta is a name in bedding you probably recognize because they have been in the business of making comfortable sleeping surfaces since their humble beginnings in 1931. This is another brand that utilizes the impressive Never Flat Technology so that you can ensure that you won’t be waking up on the floor. This model also offers some new features, such as a quilted top that is able to be removed to throw into the washing machine.

Read more

Design:

This queen size is just a little bit smaller than many of its competitors. It measures in at 78 inches long, 60 inches wide, and sits about 18 inches up off of the ground. These dimensions are not noticeably different to most, but if you are over 6’ you might notice that this is a little bit smaller than some of the others you have used in the past.

Portability:

Weighing in at just over 30 pounds, this product is a little bit heavier than many of the other options. However, when deflated it rolls up easily, and it fits into the sharp carrying case with nylon shoulder straps that are included with the purchase.

What’s on the inside:

There is a series of 35 coils on the inside that not only distribute weight more evenly, but it also helps to keep the entire unit flat. It also uses Never Flat Technology that has a pump that runs all night to adjust for the time when it starts to lose air to ensure that you never wake up on the floor.

Ease of use:

To inflate, simply plug the power cord into an electrical outlet, and turn the knob located on the side of the bed to ‘inflate’. It only takes about 4 minutes to inflate and has an automatic shut off if you don’t want to stand around to watch it inflate.

Summary:
If you were looking for something that comes from a brand that you recognize and is incredibly easy to use, this is an excellent option. Keep in mind, however, that it is priced a little higher than some of the lesser known brands on the market.

Amazon Link

6. Lazery Sleep

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Lazery Sleep
Amazon Link

Lazery Sleep provides users with a few more options than some of the other designs out there on the market. Keep in mind, however, that is is set at a slightly higher price point. However, users find that all the added features are well worth the uptick in the price tag. If you want something that is a little less practical and a little more luxurious- this is a great option for your needs.

Read more

Design:

The exterior of this model looks just like all the of tall queen size products out there on the market. It has a grey base with a quilted and soft top that is designed to keep you from sweating and becoming uncomfortable throughout the night. It is 78 inches long, 58 inches wide, and 19 inches tall.

Portability:

This is one of the more lighter options for a deep queen size bed, weighing in just shy of 20 pounds. To deflate it, simply press the deflate button found at the side of the bed. Once all of the air is out, roll it up and place it into the sleek carrying case with nylon shoulder straps that come included with purchase.

What’s on the inside:

The interior is designed with an impressive 40 coils to help distribute weight, provide extra support, and to lay flat for the duration of the night. Additionally, this product comes with a remote that you can use while laying on the bed, and it is able to adjust the firmness of the bed from firm to plush with just the press of the button.

Ease of use:

To inflate, simply plug the cord into a power supply, and press the inflate button. It only takes about 4 minutes to inflate, but if you don’t want to wait that long you can always press inflate and go about other tasks. It has an automatic shut off when it is completely inflated so you don’t have to worry about overinflation.

Summary:
If you are looking for something that is comfortable, easy to use, and comes with additional comfort settings to ensure that you get a good night sleep when you aren’t in your own bed- this is an excellent option, if you are willing to pay the slightly higher price point.

Amazon Link

7. Airmattress.com

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Airmattress.com
Amazon Link

Not only is this product made from really high-quality materials that are designed to last a really long time- it is one of the best looking designs out there on the market. It comes with a bamboo bed skirt that makes it look like you brought along an actual bed to your vacation. The dimensions are true to size so all of your queen sheets will fit perfectly for a great night sleep. Some users even claim to like this more than their bed at home.

Read more

Design:

Airmattress.com took a lot of care into considering how their product would look. It measures to be 80 inches long, 60 inches wide and sits 19 inches up off the ground- which is the standard size of a queen. What makes this product a little different is that it comes with the addition of a quilted and comfortable bamboo bed skirt that transforms it into an actual bed.

Portability:

Packing this up and putting it in the trunk of your car for a weekend is simple. It rolls up easily and will fit nicely in the carrying case with nylon shoulder straps that is included in the purchase. Weighing in at just over 23 pounds, transporting it from the car to the woods shouldn’t be too hard on your back.

What’s on the inside:

While some companies utilize coils, Airmattress.com finds that utilizing the best materials in the top layer is the key to promoting an excellent night sleep. The top layer is quilted from a few layers of both vinyl and nylon. The quilted bed skirt adds another layer of softness and comfort as well.

Ease of use:

Filling this unit with air is incredibly easy. Simply plug the power cord into a power supply, and wait approximately 10 minutes for it to become fully inflated. 10 minutes is a little longer than many of the other brands on the market that take 3 to 4 minutes. However, it is capable of supporting up to 600 pounds.

Summary:

If you are in the market for something that looks great and adds additional layers of soft comfort to the top of the bed, this is a really great option that will help you get a great night sleep no matter where your travels take you.

Amazon Link

8. Fox Airbeds

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Fox Airbeds
Amazon Link

This is the tank of all inflatable beds. Everything about this model is bigger and thicker than many of its competitors. It uses vinyl that is thicker than many of the others out there, and it is also slightly bigger than a lot of the average queen sizes. The Air-Flow system on this design is made to keep you from rolling to the center of the bed.

Read more

Design:

This model comes with a solid grey base and a light grey surface. The Fox Airbeds logo is printed in modest white and red letters along the side. It measures in at 82 inches long, 62 inches wide, and stands up at 19 inches tall. Many of the standard queens are 80 inches by 62 inches- so this is just a little bit bigger.

Portability:

Taking this on a trip to the woods for a weekend, or storing it in a closet is simple. It doesn’t come with the additional carrying case like some of the others, but it rolls up easily and it weighs just over 18 pounds- making it easy to carry from the car to the site without breaking your back.

What’s on the inside:

Many inflatable beds suffer from something called the “hammock effect”. This means that users will slink to the middle of the bed. Fox Airbeds combats this effect by utilizing a specific air flow system. This keeps the air continuously flowing into the bed to keep the user from rolling to the middle.

Ease of use:

To fill with air, simply plug the cord into a power supply and sit while it fills with air. There is no automatic shut off, so you need to keep in close range to prevent overfilling. Luckily, it only takes 4 minutes to inflate so you won’t have to be waiting too long.

Summary:

The vinyl used for this model is about 43 percent thicker than many of their competitors, so you can rest assured that you are getting something tough and rugged for all of your outdoor adventures. The price tag is a little bit higher than some of the others, but past users found that it is absolutely worth it.

Amazon Link

9. yeacar

Where to buy
Amazon Link
yeacar
Amazon Link

This is a great design that is easy to use and comes in at an affordable price point. Instead of using coils on the inside, it uses something that is just a little bit different to provide you with a great night sleep no matter how far away from home your travels take you.

Read more

Design:

The sides of this bed are a light grey, and the top is composed of a rich royal blue that feels soft and velvety to the touch. It measures in at 80 inches long, 60 inches wide, and sits 19 inches tall- which is pretty standard for queen sizes.

Portability:

Packing this model up and taking it on the go couldn’t be easier. Once all of the air has been deflated from it, simply roll it up and place it in its convenient carrying case that closes via a drawstring. Plus, it weighs just over 20 pounds which makes it light enough to carry from location to location without too much trouble.

What’s on the inside:

We touched on it earlier, but what makes this design different, is the curved beam support on the interior which conforms naturally to the shape of your body. Some of the other brands on the market utilized coils like a traditional bed. If you are looking to try something that is a little different- this is an excellent and innovative design choice.

Ease of use:

TO inflate, simply plug the cord into a power supply and hit the inflate button that is located on the side of the bed. Typically, it takes about 3 minutes to become fully inflated. It doesn’t have an automatic shut off, so you are going to want to hang close by to avoid over-inflating it.

Summary:

If you are in the market for something that is a little more affordable but still is incredibly comfortable and easy to use- this is going to be a great addition to your next trip.

Amazon Link

10. WonderSleep Classic Series

Where to buy
Amazon Link
WonderSleep Classic Series
Amazon Link

This is a great option for travelers that want something that is comfortable, durable, and easy to use. It doesn’t have a lot of bells and whistles like some of the other designs that are out there on the market, but it makes up for this with its incredibly affordable price tag.

Read more

Design:

The WonderSleep Classic Series has the same shape and footprint as many of the other queen sizes to make this list. It measures in at 78 inches long, 58 inches wide, and sits an impressive 20 inches up off of the ground. It’s a bit shorter and more narrow than most, but it sits a little bit taller which many users prefer.

Portability:

Carrying this unit from location to location couldn’t be easier. Simply deflate all of the air, roll it up, and place it into the carrying case that is included with purchase. The carrying case is shaped like a duffel bag and has a long shoulder strap. The entire bed weighs just over 18 pounds, making it easy to carry from the car to the vacation spot without breaking your back.

What’s on the inside:

Just like many of the others making this list, this product uses coils that are spaced on a 7x5 grid on the inside of the bed to offer you maximum support so you can get a restful nights sleep.

Ease of use:

Filling this unit with air couldn’t be easier. Plug the cord into a power supply, and press the inflate button. It should reach peak firmness in just under 4 minutes. When it is timed to head home, a simple press of the deflate button and you are good to go.

Summary:

If you wanted something that has the design of one of the higher end models but didn’t carry a hefty price tag- this is going to be your best bet without breaking the bank.

Amazon Link