We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process.
Medical News Today only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.
Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:- Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
- Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
- Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?
Some people may benefit from an air mattress for everyday use. Air mattresses allow for adjustment of firmness, so people can custom inflate a mattress to suit their preferences.
The type of mattress a person sleeps on is important. According to the
Some people may prefer an air mattress to a standard mattress option. Read on to learn about some of the best air mattresses for everyday use.
A quick look at the 8 best air mattresses for everyday use:
- Best with headboard: Intex Queen Dura-Beam Ultra Plush Headboard Airbed
- Best for easy inflation: King Koil King Sized Luxury Raised Air Mattress
- Best non-slip: SoundAsleep King Size Dream Series Air Mattress
- Best budget: Englander Microfiber Queen Size Air Mattress
- Best for personalized firmness: Lazery Sleep Air Mattress
- Best for easy cleaning: Coleman SupportRest Elite PillowStop Double High Airbed
- Best for back pain: Insta-Bed Raised Air Mattress with Neverflat pump
- Best for toddlers: Asani Inflatable Toddler Travel Bed
Typically, air mattresses are made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), though some are composed of textile-reinforced urethane plastic or rubber.
They have an air pump that allows a person to inflate or deflate the mattress as desired. Instead of using fabric, foam, or springs to create height, air mattresses use internal supports and air pressure.
Medical News Today’s methodology
MNT chooses mattresses, sheets, pillows, and other bedding that meet the following criteria:
- Certifications: MNT will choose products that have CertiPUR-US or other certifications. This means that the products are low in pollutants and free from heavy metals and volatile organic compounds.
- Size: MNT chooses products that are available in various sizes.
- Budget: MNT features products to suit a wide range of budgets.
- Sleep trials: MNT chooses companies that offer a sleep trial.
- Shipping: Where possible, MNT will include shipping information, such as where the company delivers and whether shipping is free.
- Warranties and return policies: MNT will include products with warranties and clear returns policies.
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.
Best with headboard: Intex Queen Dura-Beam Ultra Plush Headboard Airbed
- Pricing: $139.99
- Sizes available: queen
- Weight support: 600 pounds (lbs)
- Warranty: does not have a warranty
This air mattress has a headboard, which can help stop pillows from slipping and offer back support when sitting up.
According to the company, the interior comprises strong, lightweight fibers to improve durability and offer extra spinal support during sleep.
The mattress is 18 inches in height, which may help make getting in and out of bed easier. The pump is built into the mattress, and the product comes with a duffel bag for storage.
- Pros: has a headboard to support a person’s back when sitting up, offers spinal support, easy to get in and out of
- Cons: the company has 1.4 stars on Trustpilot
Best for easy inflation: King Koil King Sized Luxury Raised Air Mattress
- Pricing: $379.74
- Sizes available: queen
- Weight support: 500 lb
- Warranty: optional 2 or 3-year accidental damage and extended warranty
The International Chiropractors Association endorses this air mattress.
It features an internal 120-volt (V) alternating current pump that a person can plug in for easy inflation and deflation. According to the company, inflation takes just over 2 minutes.
The mattress’s top layer uses soft, waterproof material that helps keep bedding in place. The manufacturer claims the PVC they use for the mattress is eco-friendly.
The mattress also comes with patch kits to repair accidental tears or punctures.
This mattress supports weights of up to 500 lb.
- Pros: easy to inflate and deflate, eco-friendly PVC, comes with a repair kit
- Cons: an expensive option compared to other models
Best non-slip: SoundAsleep King Size Dream Series Air Mattress
- Pricing: $189.95
- Sizes available: king
- Weight support: 500 lb
- Warranty: 1 year limited
This air mattress features extra-thick, waterproof material on the top layer, which helps prevent bedding from slipping off the mattress.
The grippy bottom layer ensures the mattress does not slide, and 48 internal air coils keep the air mattress flat and firm.
According to the company, the compact internal pump reaches full inflation in under 6 minutes. A one-click dial on the pump allows for rapid inflation or deflation.
The mattress also comes with a 1-year warranty and a storage bag.
This mattress supports weights of up to 500 lb.
- Pros: has a grippy bottom layer to stop the mattress from sliding, quick inflation and deflation, waterproof top layer
- Cons: only one size option
Best budget: Englander Microfiber Queen Size Air Mattress
- Pricing: $99.99 – $199.9
- Sizes available: Twin, Queen, California King
- Weight support: 500 lb
- Warranty: 5 years warranty
This air mattress has a microfiber wrap that protects it from odor and bacteria. The wrap is soft and may help prevent abrasions and punctures.
The mattress contains reinforced coil beams, which offer support and stability. It should not sag overnight after use.
The materials are less prone to stretching than other air mattresses, helping the mattress maintain its shape with everyday use.
According to the company, it has a 5-year warranty against defects, which is the highest in the industry.
The inflation time is around 2 minutes.
This mattress supports weights of up to 500 lb.
- Pros: long term warranty, structure prevents overnight sagging, quick inflation time, 3 size options, an affordable option
- Cons: no king-size option
Best for personalized firmness: Lazery Sleep Air Mattress
- Pricing: $147.95
- Sizes available: twin, queen
- Weight support: 500 lb
- Warranty: 1-year warranty
This air mattress includes a remote-controlled automatic air pump with seven firmness levels.
According to the company, the 40 individual air coils offer support by distributing weight evenly, keeping the mattress flat, and even throughout sleep.
The product also includes a carry bag for easy transportation.
This mattress supports weights of up to 500 lb.
- Pros: can personalize firmness level to individual needs, evenly distributes weight
- Cons: no size choice
Best for easy cleaning: Coleman SupportRest Elite PillowStop Double High Airbed
- Pricing: $302.47
- Sizes available: queen
- Weight support: 600 lb
- Warranty: optional 2 or 3-year accidental damage and extended warranty
This air mattress has a soft, flocked top layer and features antimicrobial material that is odor, mold, mildew, and fungus resistant.
The built-in 120V pump is fitted with a double lock valve, which stops air from leaking when a person removes the pump after inflating. This keeps air in while in use.
Coleman products also undergo factory testing to ensure that they are leak-free.
This mattress supports weights of up to 600 lb.
- Pros: antimicrobial properties, odor-resistant
- Cons: more expensive than some other options
Best for back pain: Insta-Bed Raised Air Mattress with Neverflat Pump
- Pricing: $219.95
- Sizes available: queen
- Weight support: 500 lb
- Warranty: 1 year limited
This air bed uses technology to monitor the air pressure within the air bed and distribute a person’s weight evenly to help alleviate back pain.
According to the company, additional support from the self-deploying bed frame helps provide back support during sleep.
The frame has wheels, so it is travel-friendly. People can also choose from 3 comfort settings during inflation: plush, medium, or firm.
- Pros: sturdy frame to provide back support, distributes weight evenly, portable
- Cons: more expensive than some other options
Best for toddlers: Asani Inflatable Toddler Travel Bed
- Pricing: $62.99
- Sizes available: for children up to 4 feet
- Weight support: 310 lb
- Warranty: lifetime warranty
This air mattress provides a safe sleep surface for children. It features protective bumpers on either side of the bed, which help stop a child from falling out of it. It is also leak-proof and water-resistant.
The company states the soft material is puncture-resistant and 50% thicker than competitor models. It also uses an electric pump to inflate within 1 minute. It is safe for us with children 18 months and older.
It comes with a pillow and a puncture kit.
- Pros: safe for children, comes with a pillow and puncture kit, inflates quickly, majority positive reviews
- Cons: negative reviews state the bed deflated by itself after one use
The table below compares all the top air mattresses on key features:
| Price | Sizes available | Weight support | Warranty | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intex | $139.99 | Queen | 600 lbs | Does not have a warranty |
| Koil King | $379.74 | Queen | 500 lb | Optional 2 or 3-year accidental damage and extended warranty |
| SoundAsleep | $189.95 | King | 500 lb | Limited 1-year warranty |
| Englander | $99.99 – $199.99 | Twin, Queen, California King | 500 lb | 5-year warranty |
| Lazery Sleep | $147.95 | Twin, Queen | 500 lb | 1-year warranty |
| Coleman SupportRest | $302.47 | Queen | 600 lb | Optional 2 or 3-year accidental damage and extended warranty |
| Insta-Bed | $219.95 | Queen | 500 lb | 1 year limited warranty |
| Asani | $62.99 | Toddler | 310 lb | Lifetime warranty |
When choosing an air mattress, a person should consider the following:
- Price. A person should ensure the air mattress comes within their price range
- Size. Air mattresses come in various sizes, from small models suitable for children to queen and king sizes suitable for couples.
- Personal needs. How a person intends to use the mattress is an important consideration. Does the person need a mattress with back support? Or are they looking for an air mattress suitable for a child?
- Weight support. Air mattresses have different weight support limits. Someone heavier than the weight limit may find the mattress deflates very easily and does not provide adequate support.
- Warranty. Some mattresses provide longer-term warranties than others.
- Firmness. Some mattresses feature adjustable firmness levels.
One 2015 review suggests that a custom inflated or self-adjusted mattress may benefit sleep quality and spinal alignment. Studies into the benefits and risks of using an air mattress daily are ongoing.
Air mattresses may be good for people who spend much time in bed due to injury or illness, as they may reduce the risk of developing pressure sores from prolonged contact with the bed.
A
Regulating body temperature on an air mattress may be harder since most use synthetic materials. The air inside an air mattress also stays the same temperature as the room around it. If the room is cold, the air mattress will also be cold.
People with medical conditions should speak to a doctor about whether it is safe to use an air mattress daily.
The following are frequently asked questions about air mattresses:
Are air mattresses good for everyday use?
Although some air mattresses claim to be suitable for everyday use, prolonged use can lead to back pain and stiffness as they cannot provide the same level of support as a regular mattress.
However, one
Can you sleep on an air mattress permanently?
Long-term use of an air mattress could result in a person not getting adequate back support.
Lack of temperature regulation can also be a problem.
How can I make my air mattress more comfortable?
A person can sleep more comfortably on an air mattress by:
- using comfortable, breathable bedding
- putting the mattress on a softer surface
- adding a topper
- using a good quality pillow
- inflating the mattress properly
- having a wall or headboard behind the pillow to keep it falling off the mattress
For some people, an air mattress may offer a range of benefits. Custom inflating the mattress and adjusting the firmness may help improve sleep.
However, an air mattress may not always be suitable for everyday use.
People with medical conditions should speak to a doctor if they have questions or concerns about their sleep surface choice.