The research also relied heavily on firsthand testing reports from The Lab, where we tested 10 air mattresses for their stability, support, durability, portability, and more. Our recommendations all use electric pumps for faster inflation and deflation, and most have a built-in pump to further simplify the process. An air mattress with a frame elevates the sleeping area, making it easier to get in and out of bed.
Plus, it is durable enough for indoor and outdoor use and includes a built-in pump and carrying case. We then literally (and carefully) leapt into each mattress and noticed how well it stayed put or if it felt unstable or scooted across the floor. The next day, we checked to see if they’d lost any support and remeasured their height to see how much they’d deflated.
But if you live in a small apartment or house, or you don’t host guests regularly, an air mattress may be the best option. Air mattresses can also be useful for kid sleepovers, temporary sleeping situations during a move, or for quarantining a sick family member in a space that isn’t typically used as a bedroom. Though most queen-size air mattress options measure approximately 60 inches wide and 80 inches long, height is both a variable and a selling point. In fact, it may be a primary consideration for older or disabled people who would have trouble getting on or off a bed that’s too low to the ground.
However, given the fact that the twin-size mattress has less surface area in contact with the floor, we weren’t surprised to see it shift a little. Convenient enough to store or transport it for camping, this air mattress folds into a bag with handles when deflated. A dual-pump air mattress eliminates the worries of waking up on a saggy, deflated bed. And if you’ve ever gone to sleep on an air mattress, only to wake up with it flat on the floor, you’ll especially appreciate a dual-pump option. While not all air mattresses are equipped with this feature, the Insta-Bed Raised Air Mattress is our top recommendation for those that are.
Bear in mind this mattress has a designated “top” of bed with a slightly elevated built-in pillow, which means you may not be able to get the power cord close to an outlet if you are using it in a tight space. Emily Estep is a plant biologist and journalist who has worked for a variety of online news and media outlets, writing about and editing topics including environmental science and houseplants. Good Housekeeping participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. Curacao’s PRICE BEAT GUARANTEE ensures that you are always getting the best deal on any item sold in our store or
online, even after you’ve made your purchase. Item prices do not include fees for pickup, shipping or delivery (if applicable) unless noted in the item description. Air mattresses cannot usually be tossed in your recycling bin at home (check with your local facility to make sure)—you’ll likely have to take it to a recycling center.
However, the motor was surprisingly noisy while filling the mattress, especially compared to others we tested. Also, keep in mind that you’ll hear some light noise from the motor while the mattress is setup, thanks to the Never-Flat secondary pump that monitors and maintains air pressure. We didn’t find it to be a nuisance bestway twin air mattress during testing, but very light sleepers may want to reconsider whether a dual-pump air mattress is the best choice for them. The manufacturer promises a quick and easy setup, taking only three minutes to inflate and deflate. It also automatically opens and closes by itself, allowing for a largely hands-off experience.