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How To Choose an Air Mattress

An air mattress is an inflatable bed that’s portable and easy to store. When choosing an air mattress, consider whether you’ll be using it for camping, accommodating overnight guests or as a long-term bed solution. Another key factor: Who will be sleeping on it.

Here are a few additional features to consider:

Pumps

Some lower-cost air mattresses feature external pumps, usually sold separately. Inflating with these pumps can be time-consuming. Air mattresses with internal pumps, however, inflate quickly, and there’s no chance of misplacing parts.

Higher-end mattresses feature dual mattress pumps — one that inflates or deflates, and another that maintains the same air pressure throughout the night.

Thickness

Standard, single-height air mattresses tend to be 10 inches thick or less and inflate quickly, offering cushioning that’s low to the ground. Raised or double-height air mattresses are thicker than 10 inches and tend to be more comfortable.

Storage

Air mattresses can be packed up and stored easily, a big plus for camping or small living spaces. Look for options that self-inflate and deflate and come with a storage bag.

Material

Most air mattresses are made of vinyl — usually PVC — because it’s flexible, durable and cheap. Other synthetic materials such as urethane plastic or thermoplastic polyurethane also are commonly used. However, they cost more because they’re sturdier. Here are a few tips for fixing a hole in air mattress.

The following are seven top-rated air mattresses for you to consider.

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Unlike single-height air mattresses, double-height or raised air mattresses inflate 10 inches or more off the ground. We like this extra-thick option because it inflates to 24 inches, closer to the height of an actual bed. It even has a soft, velvety pillow top and horizontal air beam construction for a supportive night’s sleep.

It quickly inflates with the turn of a knob that activates the internal pump. Plus, it can be rolled up easily and stored in its carrying bag. Elderly guests or anyone with injuries will get in and out of this mattress easier than any standard, single-height version. Bonus: Also, check out this Eight Sleep Pod Pro Cover to learn how to convert your regular mattress into a smart bed.