Air beds comparison: expert purchase advice 2021

Air beds have nothing to do with thin air mattresses, they are a real alternative to guest beds. What you absolutely need to know before buying.

You probably know that:

Many guests in the house always & everywhere lack space. This is especially true for the bedroom, because very few of us have more than 1 guest bed available.

The solution: Inflatable air beds not only save space, they are also set up very quickly. With the right model, you can sleep comfortably and healthily almost anywhere.

But there are countless variants – and according to the manufacturer, each of them should be the best. So how do you find the right airbed when comparing the (advertising) descriptions & equipment lists?

I have created this very detailed guide, which contains all the important information about buying an air bed.

After reading it, you will know what is important when making a selection and you can rightly call yourself an airbed expert – and who doesn’t want that?

The essentials in brief

If you are looking for an all-round solid air bed, then you should take a look at this model from The Body Source.

The high construction not only ensures undisturbed sleep, but also makes it easy to get up.

The pump supplied inflates the bed within a few minutes – in 3 adjustable degrees of hardness. In contrast to cheap models, the impact-resistant material and the hard-wearing seams ensure long durability.

In summary: This air bed is a convincing all-rounder with a great price-performance ratio. Available in 2 different sizes.

 


Index

Air beds are more than just large air mattresses

Air beds only have similar-sounding names in common with inflatable swimming aids. When it comes to sleeping comfort, however, you can measure yourself against a conventional bed:

  • Due to the height (40-60cm) you don’t have to be afraid of being woken up by the hard ground.
  • Air beds are available in all possible sizes – from single beds to huge models for several people.

And best of all : air beds save space and can be set up in a few minutes. This is ideal for spontaneous visits, camping trips, or many unexpected guests.

Are air beds a complete replacement for the bed?

You may be wondering whether an air bed is not just an occasional guest bed, but a complete replacement.

You should refrain from doing this, because even the luxury variants cannot keep up with the right mattress.

The air chambers are comfortable, but only partially adapt to your own body.

  • That is enough for a couple of nights, but in the long term you should rely on a full mattress that supports the spine and neck.
  • This prevents tension and ensures healthy sleep. You shouldn’t skimp below that, because lack of sleep is poisonous for health .

In many situations, however, air beds are the best way to sleep well and trump any available alternative.

The benefits of sleeping on air beds

The biggest plus point is certainly the unique combination of mobility and sleeping comfort:

  1. If there is no air in the chambers, the air beds can be transported in a very space-saving manner (or simply stowed in the basement).
  2. On camping trips, they not only protect against hard, uncomfortable surfaces, but also against water and dirt on the ground.
  3. Modern air beds have integrated pumps, which means they can be set up in a few minutes without much effort.

Most air beds can be used both inside and outside – the base is made of sturdy plastic (usually PVC or vinyl) and the top layer is made of soft material such as velor.

The disadvantages of air beds

If you have never dealt with such inflatable guest beds, then you should definitely know about the possible disadvantages of air beds before buying – because they are not perfect.

  • The built-in pump can get quite loud – it usually only takes 2-3 minutes to inflate, but at night at the campsite this is by no means ideal.
  • If a hole arises, then that’s it with comfortable sleeping. Mending the thick material (it is made for heavy weight) is not that easy.
  • Cheap variants from the Far East often stink of cheap plastic & break after a few nights. Better to invest a little more money here.

Deflating can also take a while – folding it usually takes significantly longer than inflating it. With a little practice you can do it in about 10 minutes.

My new air bed keeps losing air – is that normal?

You will often read on the Internet from customers whose air beds are broken from the start – because you lose air in the first few nights and have to be pumped up.

3 common reasons for air loss

In many cases this is due to these misunderstandings:

  • Number 1: Very few air beds are 100% airtight and need to be pumped up regularly. Small leaks occur at the seams – especially when the weight is high – through which the air escapes.
  • Number 2: During the first couple of uses, the material will expand a little and hold more air. You should therefore pump in some air after the first night so that the air bed is firm enough to sleep.
  • Number 3: If the temperature in the area fluctuates significantly, this can also affect the strength of the air bed. Cold air contracts and can give the impression that the mattress is losing air.

In short: If you are going to use it for a longer period of time (e.g. camping for a week), you have to be prepared to pump up from time to time.

I have never experienced an air bed that was 100% airtight – even the premium versions feel a little less full after 3 nights.

No drama – the mattress will be refilled in seconds – but you should know what to expect.

 

This is what matters when choosing the right air bed

Now that you know about the general advantages and disadvantages of air beds, let’s move on to choosing a suitable model.

First, I cover the most important differences and features. Then the best recommendations follow.

The most important differences at a glance

Let’s start with the purchase advice.

Before buying, you should first of all consider the purpose of your air bed. Different variants can be useful – depending on your personal needs.

The right size

The right size is without a doubt one of the most important considerations for a healthy sleep – there are both compact single beds and huge air beds.

The larger the lying surface, the more stable the material should be to avoid sagging.

  • However, there are limits: In my experience, the durability of everything above queen size – i.e. king size & double bed size – decreases massively.
  • The mattresses become thinner (otherwise they would be too heavy to transport) and the risk of leaky seams increases.

That is only logical: If 4 people sleep on an air bed, the stress increases noticeably.

Tip: Use the printed maximum load as a guide – it is given in kg for most air beds. It is best not to exhaust them to minimize the risk of rapid air loss.

 

The height of the air bed

In addition to the size, many buyers overlook another characteristic: the right height.

  • It is one of the most important features. The higher the air bed, the safer you are from hard surfaces.
  • This not only increases sleeping comfort, but also protects (for example when camping) against soil moisture.
  • A high mattress also protects against the cold – it makes you feel cozy and warm, especially at night.

 

Last but not least, a high air bed helps when lying down and getting up. If you have elderly guests with limited mobility, it is best to also consider the height.

In short: if you want to sleep as comfortably as possible, you should choose an air bed that is as high as possible.

Pump or not?

Virtually all modern air beds have a built-in pump. Self-inflating guest beds are standard these days.

In my experience, an air bed with a pump has several advantages:

  1. The most obvious is of course the shorter set-up time . The pump inflates the air bed within a few minutes.
  2. This has another advantage: self-inflating air beds are usually larger and taller.

Inflating such a model by hand would take significantly longer – nobody does that to themselves. So for the highest sleeping comfort you have to use the guest beds with pumps.

 

You should pay attention to this with self-inflating air beds

But how do you recognize a high quality pump? First of all, you should pay attention to test seals such as those of the TÜV.

This ensures that the pump meets certain minimum safety standards and that you do not suddenly wake up to a cloud of smoke.

With cheap mattresses, you often have to struggle with bothersome pumps, which in the worst case can also cause dangerous short circuits.

The pump duration & volume

In addition, the following points also play a role:

  • How long does it take to set up : Take a close look at the time it takes to inflate. Premium models also have an air deflation function.
  • Pumping without electricity: If no plug is available, then the air bed should also be mechanically inflatable – this is especially important when camping.
  • How loud is the pump: Electric pumps never work very quietly, so a few compromises are always necessary. However, some models work louder than others.
  • Adjustable degree of firmness: the fuller the air bed, the harder the inflatable mattress will feel during the night. Better models offer preset degrees of hardness.

Take a closer look: Most manufacturers are most likely to save on the pump – in the sales room (or the sales texts on the Internet), what counts most is size and appearance.

In my experience, the following applies: the higher the price, the more efficient & faster the pumps used are. If you value these points, invest a little more.

Tip: additional valves never do any harm

Some manufacturers install a second valve for external battery pumps (you can also connect many of them to the car). This is practical because you can fill the air bed in several ways.

Which material to choose

When choosing the material, you are very limited at first glance – almost all air beds are made of sturdy plastic.

But if you take a closer look, there are a few differences:

Top

Most air beds have a soft padding on the top, which is supposed to increase sleeping comfort (“naked” plastic is sticky and does not allow the skin to breathe).

The material on the top should not only be sufficiently thick & soft, but also puncture-proof. Otherwise, children who are already playing or a key forgotten in their pocket are enough to tear a hole in the beautiful air bed.

For a spontaneous overnight stay, this type of padding is always sufficient – but for a whole week of camping it can be helpful to take an additional sleeping bag or a sheet with you.

This not only increases comfort, but also makes cleaning easier – you can get stains and sweat out of the cover much more easily than from the soft top of the air bed.

Grooves or air coils

All major manufacturers equip their air beds with grooves or similar patterns on the surface.

They prevent night sweats and adapt better to the spine. They also store heat and protect against cold floors.

Whether you prefer grooves or coils (round recesses) depends on your personal needs – both increase sleeping comfort.

bottom

You should make sure that the plastic on the underside is sufficiently stable. It not only keeps the air in bed, but also protects against water and other liquids on the floor.

Foldability of the material

If you only use your air bed occasionally, it will be folded up in a storage place most of the time. It should therefore be easy to stow away.

Tip: There is usually exactly 1 correct way to fold the air bed as compactly as possible (this is often not so easy, especially with an integrated pump).

Therefore, when unpacking, make a careful note of how the manufacturer folded the bed. Fortunately, many air beds have their own folding instructions with them to save you this step.

Obviously this is hard to find out before you buy, but this is the area you may be thinking of as you read reviews.

My air bed stinks – is that normal?

Only one material fulfills the requirements for an air bed – inflatable & stable -: plastic. So right after you buy it, it can be normal for your airbed to smell like that.

My air bed stinks – is that normal?

Only one material fulfills the requirements for an air bed – inflatable & stable -: plastic. So right after you buy it, it can be normal for your airbed to smell like that.

  • However, the typical plastic smell does not have to be a sign of poor quality, but can occur if the product has been stored for a long time.
  • Just let your new bed air out for 1-2 nights and most of the odor should be gone.

Weight of the air bed

The weight of an inflatable guest bed can be an indication of the quality of the material used.

Basically, the heavier an air bed is built, the more stable the material used.

  • Of course, there are other factors such as the quality of the seams that play a role – but weight is an excellent first orientation.
  • However, a high weight not only has advantages: If you want to take the air bed with you to camping, it makes transport more difficult and increases the space required.

So it’s best to find a compromise between lightness and stability that suits your requirements.

Quality of the seams

One of the most reliable ways to judge the quality of an air bed is to inspect the seams.

Often air comes out first. Therefore, pay close attention to an even seam that is free from defects.

It should look stable & run as evenly as possible – cheap manufacturers do not glue the seams together sufficiently to save costs.

Is there a way to repair it?

Some manufacturers include puncture repair kits with their air beds. However, you should not be under any illusions:

  • In many cases this accessory does not help. If the air escapes through leaky seams, for example, it will be difficult to seal the holes.
  • And even with breakdowns on the underside, a repair is not always successful. Often the patches kink when they are folded or they come off over time.

Experience has shown that a hole usually means the death of an air bed. In many cases, it is hardly possible to patch the affected area so that it remains permanently closed.

In short: make sure that the quality of workmanship is as high as possible – once the damage has occurred, the repair kits supplied by the manufacturer are of little help in many cases.

Additional features such as upholstery

Some air beds offer interesting additional features such as built-in cushions. These can relieve the neck and relieve tension (just like a real pillow ).

Be careful: these cushions do not always fit the shape of your body and can have a negative impact on sleep.

I advise you to better choose a bed with a bump for the neck. This supports the head a little and makes sleeping more comfortable. And you can – if necessary – add your own upholstery.

In short: built-in pillows are a double-edged sword – they are not a full replacement.

Storage options

If the air bed is only used as a temporary guest bed for special occasions, it will remain tucked away in a corner most of the time.

 

For this reason, there is often a practical carrying bag to add space for the folded mattress.

This is certainly not the number one purchase criterion, but it is a nice plus point that you should include in your decision.

The best air beds in comparison

If you have read the sections above carefully, you can rightly call yourself an airbed expert – congratulations!

Or you may have jumped straight to these recommendations, or you just want to save a little time looking for the perfect air bed.

In that case you have come to the right place. In this section, I’ll cover what I think are the most compelling air beds you can buy right now:

The best all-rounder

Whether as a guest bed or as a comfortable night’s sleep in the tent: This version of The Body Source does pretty much everything you can expect from an air bed.

You sleep very comfortably on the extra thick top layer – and getting up is no problem thanks to the height of almost 50cm. The whole thing is rounded off by a small elevation for the neck.

  • The water-repellent material including seams is very stable and can be inflated in different degrees of hardness.
  • The built-in pump is clearly audible, but ready within a few minutes (and is also suitable for deflating).

If no power plug is available, you can fill the air bed by hand (or using the second additional valve with another pump).

The manufacturer recommends this model for indoor areas. However, if you only use the air bed at the campsite (and not for a real outdoor adventure in the wilderness) then in my experience it is sufficient.

Overall, the price-performance ratio of this air bed is convincing – there are certainly cheaper variants, but you always have to accept sections.

If you do not want to compromise on sleeping comfort and durability, then it is worth accessing here.

 

Tip: The mattress is available in 2 sizes – in addition to a variant for couples, a compact single bed is also available.


Air bed for camping

If you mainly camp outside and the air bed is intended for on the go, then a special outdoor variant makes sense.

This Coleman air bed was designed precisely for this purpose. In contrast to mattresses for indoor use, the material used is a bit more stable.

For this you have to accept a slightly lower height – so sleeping comfort cannot quite keep up with the large indoor air beds. Fortunately, this also means that the camping air bed weighs significantly less and can be stowed compactly in the carrying bag supplied.

The inflatable mattress has 2 air chambers, which not only increases durability, but also increases sleeping comfort. If your partner moves during the night, you will hardly feel it.

A practical hand pump is included in the scope of delivery and fills the air bed quickly and without much effort. The bed is full within around 2 minutes (deflating naturally takes a little longer and is not mentioned in the advertising).

Overall, this camping air bed can convince in every respect. If you often spend the night in nature, then it is best to choose this thought-out option.

 


Air bed for children

If you often have children visiting or are planning a camping trip with the whole family, then a special air bed for children is worth considering.

Air bed for children
  • In contrast to the version for adults, this model by Intex has a soft edge that protects against falling out at night.
  • This probably doesn’t prevent real crawlers, but at least during sleep the inflatable barrier helps and provides a little more security.

Extremely practical: you can take out the inner mattress and the children can use it to lie down during the day. Perfect for the game!

The manufacturer also refrains from using harmful phthalates (plasticizers that could affect your child’s health).

There is no integrated pump, but due to its compact size, this air bed can also be inflated by hand. Without breaking a sweat.

Overall, this air bed is a great way for children to quickly set up a safe place to sleep – whether on vacation or staying with friends.

 


Budget air mattress

To call this cheap bargain from Bestway a real air bed would be an exaggeration – it is much more like a stable air mattress for sleeping.

In contrast to the premium variants from above, the height is very low. Although you are still reasonably comfortable on it, the feeling of sleep cannot, of course, be compared with a real air bed.

Attention: This does not include a pump! If you don’t have one, you have to buy one separately.

For the asking price, the quality of this air mattress is okay. This variant is sufficient as a quick emergency bed for unexpected guests – but you shouldn’t expect any miracles.

 


Air bed for the car

For those who often spend the night in the car , there are also special air beds for the trunk.

Which variant is the right one depends primarily on the size of your car. However, if you have some space left, this airy double bed is one of the best options for comfortable sleep.

This air bed has 5 different chambers – you can fill these with air depending on the size of your car.

The work is done by the supplied electric pump. You can of course connect this to the 12V network (cigarette lighter) of your car.

All in all, you can tell that the manufacturer has put a lot of thought into making sleeping on this car air bed as comfortable as possible.

 


Are there alternatives to the air beds presented here?

Naturally! The above recommendations should save you a tedious search – however there are countless other variants & manufacturers who have a suitable air bed on offer.

For this reason, I can never test or even adequately compare all available air beds in this comparison.

So feel free to browse on your own for a model that suits your requirements (you now know which properties are important when choosing)

But: In my opinion, the recommendations from above cover the most common uses and all represent solid air beds.

Where can I buy an air bed?

If you still want to browse a little at other manufacturers, you will find a large selection of different air beds on the following websites:

Air beds on Amazon.de

Air beds at REAL

Air beds from the manufacturer Intex

Air beds at OTTO

Buying a used air bed – does that make sense?

You do not have to buy a used inflatable mattress. On portals like Ebay or in classified ads, there are always people who want to get rid of their old airbed.

The chance of a bargain is great here – but so is the chance of a real bad buy. The possible disadvantages can very quickly destroy the advantage of cost savings:

Used air beds may be unsanitary

In the case of improper care (more on this in the next chapter), various bacteria and body fluids can accumulate in the soft top layer. Here you are dependent on the cleanliness of the previous owner.

Used air beds are more prone to leaks

The older the material used, the more likely it is that there are holes or weak points at the seams. The cost savings through a used purchase can literally vanish into thin air.

Be careful with NoName manufacturers

Under no circumstances should you buy air beds from any cheap manufacturers in China, because they can have serious safety defects.

In contrast to a real dealer, a private seller often does not know about test marks and safety standards (you would have to check these yourself before buying).

In summary: Even if bargains are possible, buying a used one is often risky. In contrast to real mattresses, air beds are also not that expensive – if you want to save a few euros, you should do so elsewhere.

How to maintain your air bed for the longest possible durability

Proper care can significantly affect the life of your air bed. In this section you will find out what you need to consider during maintenance and how to hygienically stow your air bed.

 

Clean the mattress after each use

How exactly you have to be there depends on the area of ​​application:

  • Indoor: If you only use the air bed indoors, cleaning is done in a few moments.
  • Outdoor: On camping trips or overnight stays in the wilderness it looks very different.

For this reason, I have summarized the most important steps for both scenarios:

How to clean your inflatable guest bed

Make sure that there is no dirt (food scraps, crumbs, liquids) on the top before folding the air bed.

Otherwise there is a risk not only of mold and germs, but also of small holes (if, for example, leftovers press against the material).

Also, inspect the underside and wipe it with a damp cloth every now and then to prevent stains and debris.

To clean your air bed after using it outside

Cleaning can be a lot more time-consuming here. In many cases, you will need to clean the bottom completely with water (& a little soap) before you can begin folding.

Otherwise earth residues and dirt harden and attack the material. After just a few excursions, the first holes appear and you have thrown a lot of money out the window.

It is best to start cleaning as early as possible and allow the clean air bed to dry thoroughly in the fresh air. If you fold it up too early, mold can develop quickly.

Protect the bed from temperature fluctuations

Of course, this point applies above all to outdoor use. Large temperature fluctuations can put a lot of stress on the material and make it brittle very quickly.

Also keep the air bed away from sources of heat (campfires, camping stoves) to prevent damage.

If you travel to areas with extreme weather conditions, make sure to use a durable material that is designed for high / low temperatures.

Many outdoor manufacturers have such models on offer (however, they cost a little more than normal variants).

Tip: Use a cover

A cover not only makes sleeping more comfortable, but also protects the air bed from contamination and body fluids such as sweat.

Whenever possible, you should therefore use a fitted sheet. This is much easier to clean in the washing machine than the top of the air bed.

Always remove the air completely

This not only makes it easier to fold, but also improves hygiene. The less air there is in the mattress, the less likely germs and other animals are.

 

Load your air bed as gently as possible

It is of course tempting to fall back on the soft air cushions again and again – depending on the weight, however, this puts a strain on weak points such as the seams.

If this happens from time to time, it is usually not a problem. As a bouncy castle, however, you (or more likely: your children) should not use an air bed.

Air bed care summary

The tips from above are done quickly, because maintaining an air bed is not a complicated thing. As long as you follow a few simple rules, you will enjoy your inflatable bed for as long as possible.

Air beds: common questions

In this section I will go into all the questions that the readers of this page ask me frequently.

Are air beds also suitable for allergy sufferers?

Yes, because unlike mattresses, dust mites cannot nestle in the air core here. However, you should clean the soft top regularly, as infestation is possible here.

A topliner or a similar pad can help protect against mites. But normal fitted sheets also reduce the strain – at least if they are cleaned regularly.

Can I also use an air bed on a folding bed?

Basically nothing speaks against it – but if you like to sleep elevated, then it makes sense to use a high premium air bed straight away. This is usually less wobbly & easier to transport.

How long do air beds usually last?

Even experts are overwhelmed with this question – how long is a piece of string? So as not to leave you with this unsatisfactory answer:

In my personal experience, air beds from quality manufacturers last significantly longer than one season – but it all depends on the place of use, care and use itself.

If you also have a question about air beds, just send me an email ( contact – the a- mark- sleep knowledge.com ) or write your question in the comments. I then add to this section from time to time.

Summary of this airbed comparison

If you made it through to the end, then congratulations: now you really know everything there is to know about air beds.

  • I hope the information in this article has been helpful in helping you purchase a suitable air bed.
  • In addition to the right equipment, a few other things are also important for healthy and deep sleep.

On this page you will therefore find a lot of helpful tips for better sleep . We spend a large part of our lives in bed so it’s worth learning more about it.

It is best to browse through our remaining guides to do something good for yourself and your health.

If you need other ideas for the bedroom in addition to an air bed, just visit the linked section.

I would be delighted to receive further support: Please recommend this article to friends and acquaintances in order to help other people as well.

I created Sleep Knowledge to share my interests and experiences on healthy sleeping with others. On this page I am therefore dealing with interesting questions about the optimal night’s sleep & everything else that goes with it.

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