The Best Blow Up Mattress

Buying Guide

The ideal place to sleep each night is in a bed. If you’re camping out or have houseguests, though, that might not be an option. An air mattress can provide a great alternative to sleeping on the sofa or rolling out a thin pad for your sleeping bag.

If you tried air mattresses years ago and were disappointed with results, you might be surprised to learn that modern air mattresses are well worth a second look. Air mattresses have come a long way over the years, and new designs have corrected the issues they once had.

One of those issues was inflation. Now, you don’t have to invest in a pump or, worse, blow the air mattress up yourself. Many modern air mattresses have built-in pumps. Just plug the mattress in, press a button and wait for the mattress to reach its full height.

Another issue you may have encountered with old mattresses is deflation: You’d fall asleep with a fully-inflated air mattress, only to wake up in the morning on the floor. Anti-leak technology will ensure your mattress stays the way it started. Even with that, you may find that your mattress loses a small amount of air, but it won’t be enough to disrupt your sleep.

Older air mattresses were bare-bones, similar to sleeping on a pool float. You’d be surprised how much blow-up mattresses have improved on that front. You can find mattresses built with extra spine support if you have back issues. But you’ll also see some air mattresses that are longer and even have a lifted area to serve as a pillow for your head. Some have a finish on top that will provide extra softness to enhance the comfort of the fitted sheet you use to cover it.

The process of blowing up and deflating your mattress is also important. Not only should it have a built-in pump, but you need to be able to get it started fairly easily. Pay close attention to the length of time it takes to inflate. Today’s mattresses typically fill in just a couple of minutes. Deflation may take a little longer, but you can speed the process along by pressing on the mattress to push the air out.

• Air mattresses come in a variety of sizes, just like regular mattresses. You can find them in twin, full, queen, king and California king sizes. Be sure you check the length before buying to guarantee your tallest visitors will be comfortable on it.
• Some air mattresses have more height than others. This likely won’t make a big difference, but you may prefer one that elevates you well above the ground.
• Punctures can be a problem with air mattresses. A PVC mattress will resist punctures and tears to give you years of use.
• Air mattresses can emit noise while inflating, which may be no big deal. But if you have children sleeping nearby, you’ll be grateful you chose a blow-up mattress that inflates quietly.
• When you first get your air mattress, inflate it and let it sit for a while. This will help you identify any leaks.
• Always inflate your air mattress to the full capacity. Deliberately sleeping on it while underinflated can create uneven wear on the mattress, reducing its durability.
• Before you set your air mattress up, conduct a quick inspection of the area beneath and surrounding it. Remove any sharp objects that could puncture the material.
• When sleeping outside, remove any sharp stones or sticks from the area before setting out your mattress, even if there will be a tent floor between your mattress and the ground.
• Although many air mattresses come with a bag for storage, it’s important to make sure your mattress is completely dry before storing it. Putting it away while wet could promote mold and mildew.
• Whether you’re indoors or outside, it’s important to avoid heat or flames. This is especially true with dangerous heat sources like campfires and space heaters.
• It can be tempting to skimp on bedding, but if you can, give your air mattress the same treatment as you would any other mattress. A mattress pad, fitted sheet, top sheet and blanket will not only provide more comfort, but they will offer cushioning that can protect your mattress against sharp objects, moisture, oils and other substances that will shorten its life.
• Air mattresses can collect dirt from the floor or, if you’re camping outside, the ground. Before you fold the mattress up and put it away, inflate it and clean it using a damp cloth and a small amount of dish soap. Rinse and allow it to dry completely before storing.
• Even if it’s dry and clean, your air mattress needs to be stored in a safe space. For best results, tuck it away in a temperature-controlled area where it won’t be exposed to extreme heat or cold. Try to avoid storing it in a place prone to moisture.
• If you don’t use your air mattress on a regular basis, you should pull it out and inflate it from time to time to make sure it still works. At the very minimum, inflate it at least a week or two before you plan to use it. That will give you a chance to purchase a replacement mattress if your old one has no more life in it.