Written by Logan Block, Mattress Reviewer
If you’re in need of a temporary bedding situation, you may want to search for the best air mattress. Though these products sometimes get a bad rap for being uncomfortable and cheap, the best models are actually incredibly comfortable. And while they’re not intended for extended use, most air mattresses these days are designed to be as durable, cozy, and supportive as a traditional bed. But how do you separate the high-quality air mattresses from the not so great ones? Well, we’re so glad you asked.
In this guide, we are going to introduce you to the absolute best air mattresses on the market. They inflate (and deflate) with ease, hold up their shape overnight, and bring about plenty of sweet, sweet Zzz’s. After we examine these picks, we’ll then chat about the methodology used to pick them, so you know exactly what to look for when buying an air mattress of your own. Plus, we’ll leave you with some expert tips you can use to improve your buying experience.
Our Top Pick for Air Mattresses
The SoundAsleep Dream Series air mattress is a quality option that won’t sink at night and features a no-slip bottom. It is puncture and water-resistant, making it a good option for indoors or outdoors.
Best Air Mattress 2024
- SoundAsleep Dream Series Air Mattress – Best Air Mattress for Camping
- King Koil Air Mattress – Best Air Mattress for Everyday Use
- Intex Comfort Plush Elevated Airbed – Most Comfortable Air Mattress
- Noble Inflatable Airbed – Best Air Mattress for Guests
- Beautyrest Sensa-Rest Air Bed Mattress – Best Air Mattress with Built-In Pump
- Serta Raised Air Mattress – Best Luxury Air Mattress
- SLEEPLUX Inflatable Air Mattress – Best Affordable Air Mattress
What We Look For In The Best Air Mattresses
Durability and Longevity
When considering air mattresses, you are likely looking for them for activities like sleepovers and camping where they might see their fair share of wear and tear. Because of this, you might want to ensure your air mattress is durable enough to support these activities for many years. We want to help you find a durable and long-lasting air mattress, so we looked into the materials and construction of these mattresses to help you find one that will last you a long time.
Size and Height
The size and height of your air mattress depend on your personal preferences and the things you need it for. Because of this, we looked across a wide variety of mattresses to give you options for size and height depending on what you are looking for.
Ease of Setup and Inflation
Air mattresses are a great option for people who are camping, having people over, or other in-a-pinch sleeping situations. Because of this, you might be looking for an air mattress that is easy to set up and can inflate on its own or without you having to blow it up. We considered this too, and made sure to do a deep dive on the ease of set up of all of these mattresses so you can pick one out that is best for you.
Best Air Mattress for Camping – SoundAsleep Dream Series Air Mattress
SoundAsleep Dream Series Air Mattress
The SoundAsleep Dream Series Air Mattress is a tall, sturdy air mattress that won’t sink in the night.
Expert Opinion
If you’re after a tall, sturdy air mattress that won’t sink in the night, we’d recommend checking out the SoundAsleep Dream Series Air Mattress. This bed’s built with ComfortCoil Technology, which gives it volume and durability. It’s also built with a no-slip bottom cover, so this bad boy’s not going to move around like other air mattresses on the market.
What customers say: Several Amazon reviewers noted how quickly the air mattress inflates, as well as commenting on how they appreciated the taller height of the bed and the raised edges, which keep the sleeper from rolling off the mattress.
Pros of the SoundAsleep Dream Series Air Mattress
- The interior of the mattress is supported with “air coils,” which are designed to help maintain the shape of the bed throughout the night.
- The top and bottom covers are also highly durable and are puncture and water-resistant, making this a great mattress for camping.
- This bed also happens to be available in multiple sizes, including twin, twin XL, queen, and king.
Cons of the SoundAsleep Dream Series Air Mattress
- One slight caveat is that you have to plug it into an outlet in order to use the built-in pump. No external pumps can be used to inflate the mattress.
Sold on the SoundSleep Dream Series air mattress? Get our best deal here.
Best Air Mattress for Everyday Use – King Koil Air Mattress
King Koil Air Mattress
The King Koil Air Mattress is an incredibly versatile air mattress as the built-in pump makes it great for outdoor and indoor adventures.
Expert Opinion
For folks looking to snag an air mattress that feels pretty darn close to a “real” bed, allow us to introduce you to the King Koil air mattress. Designed with a quilted cover, raised “pillow” edge, and water-resistant suede, this bed is as functional as it is comfortable. Plus, it’s got a built-in pump, so can be used anywhere.
What customers say: One recent reviewer on Amazon called the King Koil the “best airbed I’ve ever had,” saying it felt almost like a real mattress.
Pros of the King Koil Air Mattress
- This is an incredibly versatile air mattress as the built-in pump makes it great for outdoor and indoor adventures.
- This air mattress has a built-in pillow and a soft flocked top, meaning it can be used comfortably in a pinch, even without bedsheets or pillows.
- This mattress comes in a California king size, which is pretty rare for the air mattress market. That could make it a great option for folks who are too tall for a queen or king size bed.
Cons of the King Koil Air Mattress
- Unfortunately, the King Koil doesn’t come in twin XL or king sizes.
Think the King Koil air mattress could be a good fit for you? Get our best deal here.
Most Comfortable Air Mattress – Intex Comfort Plush Elevated Airbed
Intex Comfort Plush Elevated Airbed
The Intex Comfort Plush Elevated Airbed features a lot of fantastic characteristics at a price that won’t break the bank.
Expert Opinion
If you’re looking for an air mattress that doesn’t feel so much like an air mattress, then we suggest giving the Intex Comfort Plush Elevated Airbed a try. We like that this bed has a built-in raised pillow and soft flocked top, which helps increase the comfort of the bed. It also includes elevated sides to secure bed sheets and blankets, so you shouldn’t wake up from the sheets shifting around at night.
What customers say: Amazon reviewers noted how easy to use the air pump is and how long the air mattress holds its shape.
Pros of the Intex Comfort Plush Elevated Air Bed
- This bed comes in two heights: elevated (18 inches) and mid-rise (13 inches).
- It’s got a built-in pump, but you can also use an external pump if you so desire, making this air mattress easy to use in multiple scenarios.
- It’s great for folks on a budget, so we’d recommend this air mattress for college students or other young people looking to accommodate guests.
Cons of the Intex Comfort Plush Elevated Air Bed
- According to some customer reviews, there are slight discrepancies in size after ordering.
Click here for our best deal on the Intex Comfort Plush Elevated Air Bed.
Best Air Mattress for Guests – Noble Inflatable Airbed
Noble Inflatable Airbed
The Noble Inflatable Airbed has a sturdy build, which helps it to maintain its shape over night.
Expert Opinion
Tired of air mattresses deflating in the middle of the night? Well, then the Noble air mattress may be the one for you. It’s got a super-sturdy build, which helps it maintain its shape over night. It’s also got a built-in pump and smooth suede top, making it easy to set up and oh so comfortable to sleep upon.
What customers say: Reviewers note how easy the air mattress is to set up, as well as its durability.
Pros of the Noble Inflatable Airbed
- This bed maintains its shape well over night, which can be great for stomach sleepers in need of firm support.
- The built-in pump is another nice feature, as it means this bed can be used both indoors and outdoors.
- This air mattress is easy to inflate. In fact, the brand claims that this mattress can be set up in under three minutes.
Cons of the Noble Inflatable Airbed
- It’s not the most luxurious bed on the market, so may not work for folks in need of extra comfort.
Think the Noble Inflatable Airbed is the right air mattress for you? Click here to get our best deal.
Best Air Mattress with Built-In Pump – Beautyrest Sensa-Rest Air Bed Mattress
Beautyrest Sensa-Rest Air Bed Mattress
The Beautyrest Sensa-Rest Air Bed Mattress is equipped with a built-in pump and sturdy edge support. It comes in many colors, sizes, and thicknesses.
Expert Opinion
If you’re wanting an air mattress with the convenience of a built-in pump, then we definitely recommend the Beautyrest Sensa-Rest air mattress. The included pump is marketed as a “surelock anti-leak” pump. So, you shouldn’t have to worry about this mattress losing air in the middle of the night. Better yet, it can be inflated and deflated in about two minutes.
What customers say: Amazon reviewers noted the bed’s ability to maintain a firm feel and stay inflated throughout the night.
Pros of the Beautyrest Sensa-Rest Air Bed Mattress
- It comes in six different colors and four different sizes.
- This air mattress is 18 inches tall, so you don’t have to worry about sinking to the ground.
- A carry bag is included, so it’s easy to use while camping, in an RV, or even as a guest bed.
Cons of the Beautyrest Sensa-Rest Air Bed Mattress
- While this happens with most plastic air mattresses, you might notice a distinct smell that should fade with time.
Get our best deal on the Beautyrest Sensa-Rest Air Bed mattress here.
Best Luxury Air Mattress – Serta Raised Air Mattress
Serta Raised Air Mattress
The Serta Raised Air Mattress is a luxury option with a self-inflating pump and multiple color options.
Expert Opinion
Let’s face it, sleeping on an air mattress isn’t the same as a standard mattress. But it can come closer than you think, especially with a luxury air mattress like the Serta Raised Air Mattress. Its special pumps not only inflate and deflate your air mattress, but they can also keep the air pressure at a good level throughout the night. This prevents the bed from losing air in the middle of the night.
What customers say: One reviewer who bought this mattress as a temporary measure when using said they continued sleeping on it even after moving, because it was so comfortable.
Pros of the Serta Raised Air Mattress
- This mattress is set at a raised height of 18 inches, so you should be comfortable far off the ground.
- The pump includes three different modes, so your air mattress pump knows what firmness to maintain throughout the night.
- If you host a lot of guests and want to provide a comfortable air mattress for them to sleep on, this luxury air mattress is a great option for providing your guests with a great sleep experience.
Cons of the Serta Raised Air Mattress
- One slight caveat is that it only comes in two sizes: twin and queen.
Is the Serta Raised air mattress the best air mattress for you? Click here to get our best deal.
Best Affordable Air Mattress – SLEEPLUX Inflatable Air Mattress
SLEEPLUX Inflatable Air Mattress
The SLEEPLUX Inflatable Air Mattress is a budget option, complete with a built-in pump and storage bag.
Expert Opinion
Purchasing an air mattress is already a budget-friendly decision, but what if you’re really trying to lower the cost? The SLEEPLUX Inflatable Air Mattress costs between $59 and $113, depending on the size you choose. This is an incredible price, and it has high customer ratings on Amazon.
What customers say: One Amazon reviewer stated this air mattress was perfect for their son to take to sleepovers, as it is easy to transport and set up.
Pros of the SLEEPLUX Inflatable Air Mattress
- It comes with a built-in pump, so you should be able to inflate your mattress in about five minutes.
- These air mattresses include a USB port that’s built into the side.
- A pillow comes with the purchase of a SLEEPLUX air mattress — an extra value for an already affordable air mattress.
Cons of the SLEEPLUX Inflatable Air Mattress
- It’s not as durable as some other options, but is perfectly fine for occasional use.
Click here for our best deal on the SLEEPLUX Inflatable Air Mattress here.
How We Picked
Now that we’ve perused the selections, let’s get into the methodology we used to pick them. You can think of this section as a list of all the factors you need to consider when shopping for an air mattress of your own.
Going Camping?
If you’re shopping for a new camping bed set up, check out our best camping mattresses and our best RV mattresses for some more great options.
Internal Reinforcement
Each air mattress has its own particular technology to help with stability and shape, whether it’s air coils or fiber beams. These designs offer a supportive surface all across the mattress, helping to prevent slouching in the center. Brands will note what kind of support core they’re using, so make sure to take note of it when shopping. No support system is inherently better than another, but it should be a major red flag for you if one isn’t listed at all.
Surface Material
A flocked top is another pretty standard design feature. It provides a velvet-like texture that helps with temperature, comfort, and keeping sheets in place. This material is layered on top of puncture-resistant PVC to create a mattress top that is both sturdy and soft to the touch.
However, this puncture-resistant PVC can sometimes leave the surface with a less than desirable odor. If you’re someone who’s prone to allergies or maybe just sensitive to smell, you may want to focus on brands that have worked to mitigate this issue. As always, customer reviews will be super helpful in assessing whether or not there’s any off-gassing at play.
Set-Up
Ease of set-up is another super crucial factor to consider when buying an air mattress. The most high-quality models have a “set it and forget it” internal pump that fills up the bed without any more effort from you than a simple flip of a switch. Some require wall outlets to charge these pumps while other beds are equipped to fill without external help. Depending on your needs, you may want to opt for either a built-in pump (say, if you’re going camping) over one that needs to plug into a wall.
Leaky Air Mattress?
Even with the highest quality air mattress, leaks can happen. If a leak strikes, there are ways you can easily locate the leak and patch it. Check out our guide on how to find a leak in an air mattress to learn more.
Height
Most of the options on this list are “double-high,” but you can also find air mattresses that are lower to the ground that function almost like sleeping pads. While those options have their own virtues, such as being lightweight and easy to carry around (useful for outdoor activities or frequent traveling), they’re not nearly as supportive as the models included in this round-up.
In general, taller air mattresses will give off a more “realistic” vibe, as they’ll be more akin to the beds folks are used to sleeping on. Plus, a little extra height helps to curb some of the sinkage that may occur as air leaks out overnight.
Bed Size
The most common air mattress sizes are twin and queen. You can find other options, but it’s perhaps most difficult to find twin XL and king size air mattresses. This isn’t a huge issue, but is something to consider if you’re partial to a certain bed size.
Price
Though not as expensive as traditional beds, air mattresses with all the bells and whistles can still be quite pricey. However, there’s a ton of variability on the market, so it’s crucial that you think about the features that are most important to you. Maybe you want to use your bed when camping, so you’ll need a built-in pump. Or perhaps comfort’s most important, so you’ll want an air mattress with built-in pillow and soft suede flocking.
Sleepopolis Tips
Still not sure how to find the right air mattress for your needs? No problem. Take a look at some of our expert tips for navigating the search with ease.
- An important thing to think about is how many people will be sleeping on the mattress. If you’re using it for a single sleeper, go with an affordable twin option. If it’s going to be used by a couple, you’ll want a highly supportive queen mattress that won’t deflate overnight.
- If you’re going to be using the bed while camping, you’ll need a built-in pump, so don’t even consider one unless it has it.
- Keep an eye out for buzzwords like puncture-resistant and waterproof lining. These properties add durability to the mattress, ensuring that it will last for a long time.
FAQs
How long does an air mattress last?
While it will vary from product to product, most air mattresses can last up to six years, as long as you only use them occasionally for travel or as guest beds. If you use them as frequently as a regular mattress, they’ll last much shorter.
What is the best air mattress to buy?
The best air mattress will feature a soft, flocked cover for comfort, a sturdy internal system of air support, and a built-in pump for easy set up.
Can I use an air mattress as a regular bed?
Technically, yes, though you won’t get nearly as much support from an air mattress as you will from a standard bed. Air mattresses are best used as temporary sleep devices.
How much does an air mattress cost?
There’s a lot of variability on the market, but you can snag a high-quality air mattress for under $200.
How can I buy an air mattress?
As with traditional beds, you can buy an air mattress online or in store. We recommend browsing the Internet for models you like and then seeing where they’re most readily available.
Wrapping Up
Well folks, that does it for this guide to the best air mattress on the market. When buying one of your own, make sure to think about the height you want and the support you need, as well as the pump mechanizations that are going to work easiest for you. Once you do that, you’ll be well on your way to scoring the air mattress of your dreams.
How We Chose These Mattresses
Our team of Certified Sleep Science Coaches has reviewed more than 220 products in our mattress lab, running each one through tests such as pressure-mapping and measuring motion transfer with a seismometer. From there, we give every bed an overall score based on materials, comfort, support, cooling, and edge support. We also factor in brand performance with categories such as value and warranty.
To select these air mattresses, we evaluated the materials, ease of use, and customer reviews to determine our selections. Click here to learn more about our methodology.
Best Air Mattresses 2024
| Mattress | Best For | Price (Queen) | Coupon | Review |
| SoundAsleep Dream Series Air Mattress | Camping | $209.95 | Check Out Our Coupons | Coming Soon |
| King Koil Air Mattress | Everyday Use | $169.95 | Check Out Our Coupons | Coming Soon |
| Intex Comfort Plush Elevated Airbed | Most Comfortable | $86.75 | Check Out Our Coupons | Coming Soon |
| Noble Inflatable Airbed | Guests | $99.99 | Check Out Our Coupons | Coming Soon |
| Beautyrest Sensa-Rest Air Bed Mattress | Built-In Pump | $103.93 | Check Out Our Coupons | Coming Soon |
| Serta Raised Air Mattress | Luxury | $189.95 | Check Out Our Coupons | Coming Soon |
| SLEEPLUX Inflatable Air Mattress | Affordable | $74.99 | Check Out Our Coupons | Coming Soon |
Logan Block
Former Content Director
About Author
Logan is the former content director of Sleepopolis. As content director, he reviewed new mattresses every week and curated the comparisons, best of pages, and video guides on the site. Logan perfected his method by personally testing over 200 different mattresses, so he’s not only able to discern the overall vibe of a specific bed, but to contextualize its feel within the bed-in-a-box market as a whole.
Back Sleeper