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Air beds are useful and great items to own. Firstly, they make for superb make-shift mattresses if you are changing beds, moving house, or require additional sleeping facilities. Secondly, their size and design make them perfect for camping trips, outdoor adventures, and holidays. If this is something you need, look no further – we have scoured the web and selected seven of the best available options for your benefit.
How We Compared Air Bed
To find the right air beds, we considered multiple factors, including:
- Size
- Portability
- Pumping Method
- Durability
Our team planned comparison points and specifically looked for products that would cater to all kinds of needs. We spent countless hours researching, consulting customer reviews and comparing features to come up with this list.
Air Bed Reviews
Intex Inflatable (Editor’s Choice)
The fibre-tech construct of this air bed gives it incredible durability and makes it resistant to punctures and wear and tear. This is complemented by the velvety surface, which improves comfort and reduces the need for a bottom sheet.
The Intex Inflatable Bed has a dura-beam interior, which gives fantastic body support and stability. When sleeping, you should not feel any movements. We also like the lightweight and minimalistic design so that you can easily carry and store it.
For inflating, there is a simple air valve with 2-in-1 functionality. Therefore, it is easy to inflate and deflate quickly after use. It is also available in three different sizes, each of which has a relatively low height of 25cm.
Pros:
- Ample space providing more area than a typical camping bed
- Dura-beam inner construction for great body support
- The fibre-tech structure improves durability and comfort
- Lightweight and compact design for easy storage
- Available in three different sizes
Cons:
- You could find that some air is lost when in use
- It may be a little noisy
Active Era Premium King Size (Luxury Choice)
If you have trouble sleeping or wake up easily, the built-in pillow section of this air bed is ideal. At the head end, the segment has an angled slope that is raised to emulate a pillow. Therefore, your neck is completely supported.
The Active Era Air Bed is king size and has a deep design which helps climb in and out of it. Inside, there are 35 fitted air coils which give support to your entire body, including your spine. The top layer is waterproof too and features 5-gauge puncture-resistant material.
For quick inflation, there is a built-in automatic pump that requires a mains power outlet. This should erect the bed in around 3 minutes. Alternatively, you can use it on trips without an electric supply due to the separate manual valve.
Pros:
- It has a built-in electric pump for a 3-minute erection
- The head area has a raised pillow area for better neck support
- Includes 35 fitted air coils to improve body support
- Made from extra-thick waterproof materials
- It supports an excellent maximum weight capacity of 250kg
Cons:
- The built-in pump may make it difficult to store
- It might not include a storage bag
Intex Lightweight Unisex (Best Value)
This air bed’s simplistic construction and no-fuss features are perfect for camping trips where you need to travel light or require a quick sleeping solution. For example, it has a 2-in-1 extra-wide valve that allows for manual or automatic pumping.
The Intex Lightweight Air Bed is great for outdoor use due to the quality-tested waterproof flock top layer. Moreover, the sides and base are vinyl, which is highly durable and resistant to punctures.
The mattress measures 137 x 191 x 25cm in size – classed as a standard double bed. We also like the patented support system inside: this uses fibre-tech materials to give excellent backing to your entire body.
Pros:
- It has a fibre-tech support system for excellent sleeping comfort
- The top uses a waterproof flock-based material
- The 2-in-1 valve has wide openings for quick pumping
- It is also raised 10” from the floor for better convenience
- Lightweight design that is easy to carry
Cons:
- You may find that it loses some air overnight
- It might be a little tricky to set up
iDOO Queen Size (Best for Comfort)
The extra-strong support of this air bed is perfect for those who suffer from aches and pains or who are light sleepers. Thanks to its construction, you get relief at key pressure points in your body, including your spine and shoulders.
The iDOO Queen Air Bed has 40 internal air coils, which improve durability and keep the mattress firm and flat. We like the pump system included: this automatically inflates the bed when connected to a mains outlet in 3-4 minutes.
It is made from robust PVC material that will flex with changing temperatures. Furthermore, the multi-layered sides and top surface give this air bed superior longevity. The sides are high, too, which helps people with limited mobility climb in and out.
Pros:
- Naturally stretchy PVC material to accommodate temp changes
- It has a built-in pump that should inflate in 3-4 minutes
- The top is thick and comfortable but also waterproof
- Multi-layer sides to help prevent punctures
- Excellent depth of 46cm to improve access
Cons:
- It might be a little cumbersome to transport
- This bed may be heavy due to the built-in pump
Avenli 88080 High Raised (Best for Versatility)
The twin size of this air bed is perfect for solo occupants who like a little more room when sleeping or who regularly move during the night. It has a deep design, with a height of 47cm, so that you can climb in and out easier and get separation from the ground to improve temperatures.
The Avenli 88080 Airbed comes with a built-in pump and a manual air valve, allowing you to use it indoors and outdoors. The automatic device should inflate the mattress quickly, and it also deflates in 2-3 minutes.
For durability, this product is constructed from strong vinyl and has a coil beam structure inside. Moreover, the outer frame bulges, allowing the air bed to keep its shape and preventing you from rolling out as you sleep.
Pros:
- Neutral colours to match any room decor
- Made from vinyl with coil beams inside
- It has both a built-in automatic pump and a manual air valve
- Waterproof materials for camping use
- Bulged outer frame to help prevent sliding off the bed
Cons:
- Some customers may have reported self-deflation
- It could be noisy when sleeping on it
Get Fit Premium King (Best Full Set)
The extra features and built-in options of this air bed make it ideal for long-term use. Firstly, it has an integrated headboard which enables you to place pillows against it and offers maximum support and comfort for your neck.
Secondly, the Get Fit Air Bed has a built-in pump. This must be connected to a mains power outlet, but you simply twist the button to the “inflate” position, and it will be ready in around 3 minutes for improved convenience. Alternatively, there is a manual valve, too, so you can still use it on outdoor trips where power isn’t available.
The air bed is a king-size mattress and is durable due to the puncture-resistant PVC sides. Moreover, the top has a flock style that is waterproof. You should enjoy a comfortable sleep thanks to the support and flexibility the bed offers.
Pros:
- Excellent elevated design to replicate a bed
- It comes with a large headboard to support pillows
- Available in several colour options and sizes
- It also has a built-in automatic pump
- The sides are multi-layered for puncture resistance
Cons:
- It could be difficult to transport
- The repair patches may not be useful
Coleman Mattress (Best for Portability)
If you want a simple and effective air bed for camping trips or guests visiting, the features of this product are essential. Weighing just 6.7kg when deflated, this item is easy to lift and also comes with a handy material carry bag.
The Coleman Air Mattress features double-high support, so you can easily climb in and out of it. Furthermore, the contours of the top layer are comfortable while providing the footing you need. We like that it is waterproof too and relatively durable.
It has a simple and accessible valve that can be used either manually or with an automatic device. When not active, the air bed rolls up neatly and conveniently too.
Pros:
- Made for both indoor and outdoor use
- Includes a carry bag for transportation
- Extra height to get in and out easily
- Simple to inflate with a manual pump
- Lightweight and compact design
Cons:
- It may not include a pump
- Some customers may have reported seam splits
How to Choose an Air Bed
As you can see, there are many distinctive air bed designs. Therefore, you may struggle to know which is suitable for your requirements. Before buying one, consider when and where you intend to use it. Additionally, look at how many people will sleep on it and how often you will need it. You can then digest the buying guide below for more inspiration and advice.
Size
The first thing to look at is the size, which directly impacts who can use it and where you can place it. Typically air mattresses will follow traditional bed sizing conventions, and you can find anything from a single up to a king.
Then, consider who will use the product: this should help you decide what size to get. For example, you may live on your own but still want a double mattress for a little extra space during camping trips. Also, contemplate where you will place it. For instance, if you need a camp bed, it has to be small enough to fit inside your tent!
Portability
Next, how portable is the air bed? The great thing about these products is that they typically fold into a small footprint when deflated. However, how compactly they roll and how easy they are to carry depends on the material they are made from and any accessories you get.
Ideally, the air bed will include a carry bag that comfortably fits the item without too much effort. This would allow for convenient transportation and storage when not in use. Also, if there is an included pump, how big is this, and where would it be kept? This may require additional room and might be unsuitable for some trips.
Pumping Method
Obviously, these products require pumping – they are inflatable and need air to work. There are three methods – manual (by mouth), manual pump, or automatic.
The manual option is the most strenuous as you physically have to blow air into the valve with your mouth. Depending on the bed size, this can be a demanding task. Hand-operated pumps are easier but still require some physical exertion. For example, you typically use your appendages to press a lever.
Lastly, automatic pumps are the easiest but require an electrical connection. With these, you simply plug the pump in, connect it to the valve, and switch it on. Always check what type of connector the air bed has and which pumping methods are compatible.
Durability
Lastly, how durable is the device? These products are usually constructed from waterproof material that can withstand high air pressure and are, therefore, quite robust. However, it is still important to check what fabric they are made from.
Summary
Our top pick is the Intex Inflatable Bed with its simple but durable casing, easy inflation method, and ample size. This double mattress measures 137 x 191 x 25cm and is more than adequate for two people to sleep on without feeling cramped. Moreover, inside, it benefits from a dura-beam structure which offers excellent body support. We also like the enhanced fibre used in the external material, which improves durability while not impacting comfort. Lastly, it has a 2-in-1 valve that enables simple inflating and deflating.
Paul is the type of person who never met a problem he couldn’t fix. He can always be found tinkering with something in his house, even if it isn’t broken! His tips and tricks are often shared on our site. He’s the one you call when something breaks because he has been known to improvise fixes for everything from leaky faucets to malfunctioning dryers.