One of the most common concerns with air mattresses is their durability, so if any of them showed wear and tear or ripped during handling, we took note. Once they were deflated and put away, we appraised the portability of the packaged air mattresses. We noted if they came with a storage bag or case, how heavy they were to lift, and whether the pumps and cords were tucked neatly away. Finally, using all of our ratings, we determined the top air mattress for every situation and budget.
On the “Consumer 101” TV show, CR expert Chris Regan shares tips on what to look for when mattress shopping. There are a few general things to consider when shopping for the best air mattress. Item prices may vary between online (for pickup, shipping or delivery) and in club.
Though it’s on the cheaper side, the Intex Comfort Dura-Beam air mattress is sturdy and impressively firm, with horizontal air chambers. While it may not be the overall best air mattress, it’s comfortable enough to sleep on and a great pick for everyday use. The King Koil has a fully-flocked top layer, so we found it soft and comfortable to lay on. We did note that the sides of the mattress weren’t as plush-to-the-touch as expected, so the sheets were as snug around the mattress as they could have been.
Whether your kids are camping out in the basement for a sleepover or you need an extra bed for your guests, rest easy with the Inflatable Air Mattress Twin Bed from Bestway. Doze in ultimate comfort on the flocked sleeping surface that stays inflated all night. With a soft, flocked surface bestway air bed and built-in pillow, you can assure yourself of a good night of sleep. The internal structure of the bed is made with Tritech material offering durability and strength while also allowing the mattress to keep the same shape no matter how many times it’s inflated and deflated.
In terms of comfort, this mattress has a flocked surface but it wasn’t as plush as other options we tested. In fact, the mattress was in pristine condition after our testing, and we liked the fact that the storage bag includes handles to make it easier to tote the mattress from one location to another. And unlike with many other air mattresses, you can choose from three different exterior colors. After testing many different models in our Lab, the popular King Koil Air Mattress is our best overall air mattress. If you are looking for a comfortable mattress that is simple to set up and easy to carry, this is the choice for you.
And there are some beds that are simply more durable and better constructed than others. But airtightness is tricky to judge — even after you inflate an air mattress — and may reveal itself only over time. Others will give you 90 days and throw in a few vinyl patches to cover up a puncture wound.
The King Koil Luxury Air Mattress (20-inch) was one of the most comfortable mattresses I tested. It lasted an impressive 48 hours without needing to be re-inflated and deflated easily within 3 minutes—folding up perfectly in the included nylon tote. In 2017, my husband and I slept (uncomfortably) on an air mattress in our basement for 21 consecutive nights as we waited for bestway air bed construction to be completed in our home. After researching dozens of air mattresses and testing seven, we think the SoundAsleep Dream Series Air Mattress won’t let you down. Its robust built-in pump, bedlike sleep surface, and reliable warranty make it the one to choose for guests. The best air mattresses have a built-in electric pump that plugs into a wall socket.
One online reviewer even said once he inflated it, he didn’t need to add more air for a solid two weeks, even though he slept on this mattress every night. The King Koil Air Mattress is our top pick based on its comfort and convenience in our testing. The built-in pump makes quick work of the inflation and deflation process, and it’s fully flocked for a softer feel and to keep your sheets in place. For a more budget option, we recommend the Coleman GuestRest Double-High Air Mattress.