The Best Air Mattresses - 2021
Why Trust The DWYM Score?
DWYM is focused on helping you make the best purchasing decision. Our team of experts spends hundreds of hours analyzing, testing, and researching products so you don't have to.Learn more.
Our Picks For The Top Air Mattresses
- The Best Air Mattress
- 1. Intex Dura-Beam Deluxe Comfort Plush Elevated Air Mattress
- 2. SoundAsleep Dream Series ComfortCoil Air Mattress
- 3. EZ INFLATE Double High Queen Air Mattress
- 4. Sable Built In Pump Queen Air Mattress
- 5. King Koil Elevated Air Mattress & Pump
- 6. EnerPlex Never-Leak Double High Air Mattress & Pump
- 7. Englander Microfiber Air Mattress & Pump
Quick Inflation TimeThis air mattress is made with indented sides that are designed to keep your fitted sheet in place.
ComfortCoil TechnologyYou'll sleep soundly on this air mattress, as it's made using ComfortCoil technology.
Soft and ComfortableThis air mattress is waterproof and puncture resistant, which makes it a great choice when camping.
Great for CampingIntegrated into this air mattress is a raised pillow that offers proper head and neck support.
When looking to buy a new air mattress, the first consideration should be how you plan to use it. Do you plan to use the inflatable mattress for camping or other types of travel?
Will you mostly be using the inflatable bed in your home to accommodate overnight house guests? Some people even use blow-up beds as a long-term substitute for traditional mattresses.
Once you determine how your air mattress will be used, you can consider other elements, including construction, inflation and deflation times, pump types, and the overall quality and durability of the inflatable mattress.
From a construction standpoint, there are two primary types of airbeds: Those made with coil construction and those made with a traditional beam construction. You’ll recognize a coil air mattress by the pockets on the mattress top that look similar to the pockets on a regular mattress whereas a traditional beam construction typically has seams running the length of the mattress. Coil construction is generally more supportive and comfortable.
If you are purchasing a blow-up bed to be used in your home for guests and plan to use it with some regularity, a double-height or double-high airbed would be a good choice. These mattresses generally blow up to be 16 to 22 inches off the ground and more closely resemble the height of a standard bed than a single height mattress.
The top-rated air mattresses on the market today have traded off super-fast inflation times for enhanced durability and comfort. Those extra minutes spent inflating and deflating a mattress seem worth it when you consider you’re buying an air mattress that won’t deflate while you sleep, will last for more than a few uses and offers comfort that’s akin to a regular mattress rather than a pool float.
Most high-quality double-height air mattresses offer a pillow top design for enhanced comfort. Some even come with an attached inflatable headboard, which lends the mattress even more of the feel of a traditional bed.
Single height or single high air mattresses tend to fold up smaller than the double-high beds and are a more compact choice for camping or storage. Single height inflatable mattresses generally come with an external pump while many double-high mattresses have a built-in pump. Some models come with an automatic pump, so you won’t exhaust your lungs or arm muscles trying to fill it manually.
If you plan to buy an air mattress to accommodate two large adults, you’ll want to pay attention to the suggested maximum weight. This is generally included as a standard spec from the manufacturer. There are air mattresses that rely on thick vinyl and strong seams to support up to 750 pounds, but not every air mattress is able to hold that much weight.
Some air mattress pumps plug into a wall outlet while others rely on batteries. Inflation and deflation speeds will vary based on the size of the mattress and the pump.
Be sure to check whether the air mattress fills with an automatic or manual pump. All of our top-rated mattresses will fill up on their own when the pump is activated.
Air mattresses range in size from twin to king. You should be able to find a decent air mattress to fit your needs and your budget.
The Best Air Mattresses
Intex Dura-Beam Deluxe Comfort Plush Elevated Air Mattress
It takes just over 4 minutes to fully inflate this air mattress. The mattress comes with its own carry bag, which makes it ideal for camping and RV trips. It's weight capacity is 600 pounds and it has an expanded edge to maximize your sleep space.
Features
Specifications
SoundAsleep Dream Series ComfortCoil Air Mattress
Thanks to the patented one-click internal pump, you'll have this air mattress up and ready to go in minutes. It has a SureGrip bottom that keeps it from flipping when you toss or turn during the night. The ComfortCoil technology is also a plus, as it provides a cozy surface that will help you enter dreamland as soon as your head hits the pillow.
Features
Specifications
EZ INFLATE Double High Queen Air Mattress
Thanks to the built-in pump, this air mattress inflates and deflates in just 2 minutes. The mattress also features a coil beam construction that keeps your back properly aligned while you sleep. It's safe for use with two adults and has a maximum weight capacity of 600 pounds.
Features
Specifications
Sable Built In Pump Queen Air Mattress
Thanks to this air mattress's built-in electric pump, the mattress is ready for use in as little as 3 to 5 minutes. The mattress itself is quality made and waterproof, which makes it a great choice when spending time in the great outdoors. The top flocking is also soft against your skin for a comfortable night's sleep.
Features
Specifications
King Koil Elevated Air Mattress & Pump
Not only is the top of this air mattress extra thick and durable, but also waterproof. That makes it an excellent choice when camping by the lake. The mattress is able to inflate in just two minutes and it extends high up off the ground just like a traditional bed.
Features
Specifications
EnerPlex Never-Leak Double High Air Mattress & Pump
If you're searching for an air mattress that looks and feels just like a real bed, this model is your best bet. It has a waterproof construction that is also puncture resistant. Of course, it is the luxury comfort top flocking that makes this mattress stand out from the rest.
Features
Specifications
Englander Microfiber Air Mattress & Pump
A host of special features is what you'll get with this air mattress. The mattress has a built-in pump, reinforced coil beams and a thermo-regulating microfiber top. It even comes with a handy carrying case for easy storage when not in use.
Features
Specifications
Our Air Mattress Buying Guide
When looking to buy a new air mattress, the first consideration should be how you plan to use it. Do you plan to use the inflatable mattress for camping or other types of travel?
Will you mostly be using the inflatable bed in your home to accommodate overnight house guests? Some people even use blow-up beds as a long-term substitute for traditional mattresses.
Once you determine how your air mattress will be used, you can consider other elements, including construction, inflation and deflation times, pump types, and the overall quality and durability of the inflatable mattress.
From a construction standpoint, there are two primary types of airbeds: Those made with coil construction and those made with a traditional beam construction. You’ll recognize a coil air mattress by the pockets on the mattress top that look similar to the pockets on a regular mattress whereas a traditional beam construction typically has seams running the length of the mattress. Coil construction is generally more supportive and comfortable.
If you are purchasing a blow-up bed to be used in your home for guests and plan to use it with some regularity, a double-height or double-high airbed would be a good choice. These mattresses generally blow up to be 16 to 22 inches off the ground and more closely resemble the height of a standard bed than a single height mattress.
The top-rated air mattresses on the market today have traded off super-fast inflation times for enhanced durability and comfort. Those extra minutes spent inflating and deflating a mattress seem worth it when you consider you’re buying an air mattress that won’t deflate while you sleep, will last for more than a few uses and offers comfort that’s akin to a regular mattress rather than a pool float.
Most high-quality double-height air mattresses offer a pillow top design for enhanced comfort. Some even come with an attached inflatable headboard, which lends the mattress even more of the feel of a traditional bed.
Single height or single high air mattresses tend to fold up smaller than the double-high beds and are a more compact choice for camping or storage. Single height inflatable mattresses generally come with an external pump while many double-high mattresses have a built-in pump. Some models come with an automatic pump, so you won’t exhaust your lungs or arm muscles trying to fill it manually.
If you plan to buy an air mattress to accommodate two large adults, you’ll want to pay attention to the suggested maximum weight. This is generally included as a standard spec from the manufacturer. There are air mattresses that rely on thick vinyl and strong seams to support up to 750 pounds, but not every air mattress is able to hold that much weight.
Some air mattress pumps plug into a wall outlet while others rely on batteries. Inflation and deflation speeds will vary based on the size of the mattress and the pump.
Be sure to check whether the air mattress fills with an automatic or manual pump. All of our top-rated mattresses will fill up on their own when the pump is activated.
Air mattresses range in size from twin to king. You should be able to find a decent air mattress to fit your needs and your budget.
DWYM Fun Fact
Air mattresses may seem like a 20th-century invention, but the first known air mattress was invented in 1889 by the Pneumatic Mattress & Cushion Company. These rubber mattresses were developed as an alternative to the traditional hair-filled mattresses used at the time, which were cumbersome and not ideal for use on ships. Not only were the pneumatic mattresses more portable, but they could also double as a life raft (please do not test this at home!).
The Air Mattress Tips and Advice
- Don’t be surprised if your new air mattress deflates a bit overnight during the first couple uses as the PVC stretches out. You may also smell a plastic-y odor on your mattress. Most air mattress owners report that the odor lessens with use.
- Repair kits are there for a reason. Don’t throw your air mattress away because of one small leak. Most airbeds will come with a repair kit, and if not you can buy one for cheap.
- Don’t rush your repair process. Make sure you let the glue on your air mattress patch dry completely before re-inflating it.
- Air mattresses with a flocked top (flocked means it has a velvet-like texture) will help to keep sheets from slipping. Some users also report a flocked top helps with temperature control. (Editor’s note: All four of our top-rated air mattresses offer a flocked top.)
- Blow-up beds are not designed for infants due to the risk of suffocation if the mattress deflates.
- Inflation and deflation times vary widely from under a minute to several minutes.
- Want to ensure you’re getting a good bang for your buck? When it comes to your budget, consider how often you plan to use your air mattress. If you’ll be using the inflatable mattress for a one-time camping weekend, you may not require the same durability and comfort as someone who purchases an air mattress to accommodate frequent guest visits.
- If you plan to take an air mattress camping, you should pay close attention to its power source and find one that fits your needs and the electricity sources you’ll have available to you.
- Most air mattresses today use an automatic pump, but this is something you should double-check before purchasing. A manual pump may be necessary if you are filling your mattress somewhere without electricity. Otherwise, an automatic pump will save you time and energy.
About The Author
Alicia Bodine is a New Jersey-based writer specializing in gardening. She enjoys spending time learning about the latest gadgets that make designing, planting and maintaining a garden a breeze. With more than 15 years of experience, her work has appeared on leading home improvement publications.