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Reviews
By Alex Rennie and Joe Bloss, CNN Underscored
Updated 10:43 AM EDT, Tue June 11, 2024
What's in this guide
- The best air mattress: King Koil Luxury Air Mattress
- How we tested
- How to take care of an air mattress
- How to take an air mattress camping
- Air Mattress FAQs
- Other air mattresses we tested
You may not use an air mattress often but when the time comes, you’ll want one that’s reliable, comfortable and easy to inflate and store. You don’t want to struggle to set it up, you need it to be supportive enough to provide a good night’s rest and the last thing you or your guests want is to wake up in the middle of the night, floundering in a half-deflated blob of vinyl.
To wade through the wide variety of what’s available, we set out to find the best air mattress by putting seven top models to the test. We judged them on their comfort while sleeping (of course) and assessed their overall usability for setting it up, inflating and deflating it, and storing it.
If you haven’t shopped for an air mattress in a while, you’ll be surprised to find how comfortable and convenient they are nowadays — some of them could honestly hold their own against even the best mattresses we’ve tested. But even among this impressive group, we found an outstanding choice that should make you and your guests happy.
Best air mattress
In addition to providing the most comfortable night’s sleep during testing, the King Koil Luxury Air Mattress uses a built-in pump for quick and convenient inflation and has a raised pillow that helps mimic the feel of a real bed. We tested the 20-inch-high queen size.
The best air mattress: King Koil Luxury Air Mattress
While many of the air mattresses I tested were similar in design, pump operation and dimensions, the King Koil Luxury Air Mattress was a clear winner in overall comfort. Not only does it feature a soft, velvety flocking covering the top, but it’s also designed with a raised pillow area on one end. This area provides just enough head and neck support to mimic the effect of a headboard, making it feel much more like a real bed to me than any other option.
The King Koil Luxury Air Mattress also provided plenty of full-body support. The “coil-beam construction” does sound gimmicky but these internal, air-filled coils worked as advertised. They provided the ideal amount of support, mimicking a real mattress more convincingly than any other air mattress I tested. Since the coils are spaced throughout the mattress, edge to edge, I never felt like the sides would give way and cause me to roll out, which is sometimes the case in less supportive mattresses. I did experience a small amount of deflation over my 48 hours of testing but it was minimal enough to chalk up to standard stretching of the new material. In addition to the two nights of sleeping, I found myself lying on it throughout the day, just to experience its comfort and support.
At 20 inches high, the King Koil Luxury Air Mattress is convenient to climb into at night, and more importantly, comfortable to roll out of in the morning. Air mattresses lower to the ground are more difficult to get into and out of, and the process involved more grunting and bending than I was prepared to do first thing in the morning. This wasn’t the case with the King Koil.
The King Koil pump is easy to use (and the instructions are laid out clearly right next to it), and the power cord tucks neatly away in its own compartment.
The pump was easy to use and quick to fill, fully inflating the mattress in just 1 minute and 50 seconds. You need only twist the valve you want to use — either inflate or deflate — press the power switch and you’re set. The power cord conveniently stores inside a little storage cubby with a latching door, keeping everything nice and tidy when it’s time to store the mattress away.
As for storage, despite its luxurious height and internal structure the King Koil packs up very tidily into a storage sack small enough to tuck into the back of a closet. Some competitors were stiff and difficult to fold up easily, and others were too large even folded away into their stuff sacks to store away easily.
The King Koil folds down into a compact bundle not much bigger than its internal pump assembly.
The materials used in the mattress and pump appear to be of high quality, and I never felt like any elements or components were flimsy, loose, or weak. Deflation was also easy, taking just 1 minute and 50 seconds to go from full to empty. It took me less than a minute to fold it up and slide it back into the included storage bag too, thanks to the illustrated instructions in the manual.
The King Koil mattress comes with (and folds into) a storage bag that's small enough to store easily in a closet for whenever you might need it.
The King Koil Luxury Air Mattress is not cheap relative to the competition but the overall comfort, build quality and speedy inflation make it worth the money.
How we tested
To help better understand the benefits and drawbacks of the air mattresses we tested, we ran each mattress through a comprehensive battery of real-world tests, from setup to packing and unpacking and, of course, sleeping, evaluating them across a range of criteria but focusing on comfort and convenience.
Setup
- Ease of use: Since air mattresses are frequently set up in areas not typically used for a bed, and sometimes last-minute, they must be easy to use. Nobody wants to fumble around with a confusing air pump or dig for an instruction manual when you just want to sleep. I paid close attention to how simple — or complicated — each mattress was to operate, from unboxing, to setup, inflation, deflation, and finally storage.
- Included pump: I noted any specific issues with the pump operation controls and the helpfulness of each mattress’s instruction manual.
Performance
- Comfort: To accurately judge each mattress on the most important measure of performance (its comfort and support while sleeping), I slept on each model for two nights, noting both how comfortable their soft topper was, as well as overall stability.
- Deflation during sleep: I also paid close attention to any deflation issues overnight. Although minor deflation is expected with new air mattresses — the vinyl material stretches — I did my best to notice any significant deflation that could indicate actual issues down the road.
- Inflation experience: I compared each mattress pump as well, evaluating them on how easy they were to set up, notable noise differences, and how long it took them to fully inflate the mattress.
Storage
- Take down: After testing each mattress, I deflated and rolled (or folded) each mattress and stored it and any pumps in their included storage bag. I noted how easy this process was from start to finish, paying attention to how well the pump deflated the mattress, if any included instructions made it easier to fold up the mattress correctly, and how easy it was to fit into the storage bag.
Build
- Quality: During testing, I kept track of any issues concerning build quality. Flimsy switches or valve openings, and any noticeable seam or molding issues with the vinyl or soft topper helped me evaluate one mattress versus another.
- Size: In addition to these testing categories, I also compared specific metrics like overall weight, the dimensions of each mattress when folded up, and warranty lengths.
How to take care of an air mattress
Even high-quality air mattresses won’t last forever, but there are things you can do to extend their lifespan. Avoid punctures by keeping your pets off the bed — even small dogs can have sharp toenails that can puncture or scratch through an air mattress — and avoid unnecessary pressure by preventing rambunctious kids from jumping or walking on it. This extra pressure can place more stress on the seams, causing splits and cracks over time. Insta-bed also recommends not placing the mattress against a wall to avoid hidden carpet tacks.
Take the time to vacuum your mattress after every use. Accumulated crumbs and other small debris can also pose a potential puncture threat, especially when folding it up and squeezing it down during deflation.
The most important thing to remember is that cold temperatures can make vinyl stiffen, so if it’s stored in a cool area, like a basem*nt or attic, allow your air mattress to come to room temperature before inflating. If not, the vinyl may lack the flexibility to expand safely, which can cause cracks or splits in the material. The Insta-bed manual also recommends this warming-up period after your bed is delivered to your doorstep since it could have been sitting outside longer than you think.
If your bed does get damaged, it’s not a lost cause. Every mattress I tested included a patch kit for leaks, which, if applied properly, can easily fix the problem. Should your built-in pump go haywire, some mattresses allow you to fill them manually with a separate pump.
How to take an air mattress camping
Taking an air mattress camping isn’t only feasible, it’s an amazing way to stay comfortable while roughing it. If you’d prefer to sleep off the ground and not worry about roots and uneven ground impairing your sleep, then air mattresses could be a great choice. However, you’ll need to be aware of their limitations and the effects they may have on your trip.
First, since air mattresses are extremely vulnerable to punctures, you don’t want them to lay directly on the ground. You’ll want to ensure they keep clear of stray campfire embers that could melt the vinyl, too. While patching holes is a solution, it’s not an ideal project to perform in the wilderness. Keep in mind you can just as easily puncture your mattress when it’s folded up, so don’t pack it with sharp objects. Air mattresses are also relatively heavy, and depending on how long you plan on carrying them to your site, this weight can be more trouble than it’s worth.
Perhaps most importantly, you’ll need to ensure you have a reliable way to inflate your air mattress. If you want to take advantage of the convenience and quick performance of built-in pumps, you’ll need a power source, like a car cigarette lighter, or a campsite power hookup. If you’ll be away from electricity, you’ll need a mattress with a battery-powered pump, like the Intex Dura-Beam Standard Single-High Air Mattress, or a mattress with a manual foot pump. If these limitations sound like they won’t work with you and your trip, you’ll probably be better off with a camping pad.
Air Mattress FAQs
Air mattresses come in every size. Our top pick, the King Koil, is available in twin size, full, queen and California king, as well as a smaller kids size with built-in safety bumpers. The SoundAsleep Dream Series, another strong performer in our testing, ranges across seven sizes: twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California King XL and kids. It’s important to consider which size is suitable for your needs. While more room to sleep sounds enticing, going too big limits its portability and placement options.
While the best air mattress for camping may very well be the best air mattress overall — in this case, the King Koil — that won’t be the case for all campers. It’s important to account for any limitations your camping setup might place on your air mattress options. Backpacking through the wilderness? The air mattresses we tested here won’t be near mobile enough for your loadout. Have a campsite in a campground? Make sure you have an electrical hookup or use a mattress that inflates with either a battery-powered pump or a foot pump. However, if portability, fragility and inflation are a concern when figuring out your sleeping arrangements while camping, then some of the best sleeping pads we tested might be a better option than an air mattress.
Even a good air mattress deflates over time, especially when it’s used for several consecutive nights of sleep. Our top pick, the King Koil, lost some of its inflation over 48 hours, mainly due to its material stretching. But if your air mattress is failing to hold its air for even one night, there are a couple of potential reasons why. First, ensure its pump or valve, if applicable, is properly sealed. If everything seems to be closed properly and you’re still losing air, you might have a leak. Every air mattress we tested came with a patch kit to solve this problem, so refer to your model’s instructions for how to fix it.
Your air mattress won’t be destroyed if you don’t put sheets on it, but aside from the extra warmth and comfort sheets provide, they’re also an added layer of protection against harmful debris that could penetrate your mattress’s material. The vinyl material that makes up most air mattresses only has so much puncture resistance, so think of sheets like a cloth napkin when you sit down to a nice dinner. Crumbs and other droppings will fall into the napkin instead of your clothing, like how bedding can turn away those same threats from your air mattress. That same reason is why we recommend vacuuming your air mattress before storing it after each use.
It depends. If you want an easier time getting in and out of the mattress, you don’t want to be very low to the ground. Our favorite air mattress, the King Koil, is easy to get in and out of because it’s 20 inches high. The tallest model we tested (22 inches) was even more convenient for entrance and exit, while the shortest (10 inches) made for a difficult transition off and on our feet.
Other air mattresses we tested
A solid runner-up, the SoundAsleep mattress gave us a comfortable, supportive night’s sleep, and was a breeze to set up and inflate. The velvet topper was nice and cozy, and I could tell it had some structural support inside that helped keep its shape. Although I did experience some deflation after two nights of sleeping, it didn’t appear to be leak-related and could be chalked up to standard material stretching. The only drawback I had was a minor design issue with the power cord storage. Unlike other mattresses that provide a small latched door to keep the folded cord inside, this mattress only provides an open hole to cram the cord into. It’s also worth noting that this model doesn’t include instructions for folding/rolling up the mattress for storage. This was a fairly straightforward process, so it isn’t a dealbreaker but a diagram could certainly come in handy. This mattress is also just 18 inches high, as opposed to the 20 inches of the King Koil, which was the primary reason it didn’t take my top spot.
If you’re extra sensitive to changes in air mattress inflation and prefer a specific level of firmness, this is the bed for you. The “never flat” pump will automatically power on if it detects that the bed is beginning to deflate, even a small amount, pumping it back up to your desired setting. You can choose between 3 of these settings — plush, medium, and firm — and the pump maintains that setting at all times. If you’re worried about pump noise interrupting your sleep, you shouldn’t be. I’m a light sleeper and never woke up once during testing, despite the mattress remaining perfectly full the entire time. I kept the mattress next to my desk during the day to monitor the pump, and when it would power on for a few moments, I was really surprised at the low noise level. The supportive structure and velvet topper were comfortable as well, making this a favorite during testing. Keep in mind that you do have to keep it plugged in at all times to take advantage of the never-flat feature, which might limit where you can place it in your room. Plus, unlike the King Koil which covers the sides of the mattress with soft black velvet, this model has exposed vinyl all around, giving it more of an “air mattress” feel, as opposed to the King Koil, which felt more like a real bed — but this is still a very comfortable air mattress.
If a speedy inflation time is your priority, consider this high-quality EnerPlex mattress and its built-in pump. It took just 1 minute and 21 seconds to fully inflate, which was the fastest of all the mattresses I tested. This mattress also scored major points in overall comfort during my sleep test, and its “coil beam construction” definitely provided a good amount of support throughout the night. I also appreciated the non-skid bottom, which kept it firmly in place when getting in and out. Its 2-year warranty is twice as long as any other mattress I tested, making it well-suited for those who may use it frequently. Unfortunately, its 18-inch height was noticeably less comfortable to get in and out of than the 20-inch King Koil. If the King Koil is unavailable, this mattress is a great alternative.
The ultra-low price and compact size of this Intex mattress make it a great choice for campers or those on an extra-tight budget. I was surprised at how comfortable this model felt during the night too, and the inner support system provided more structure than I expected at this price point. That said, its 10-inch height was more of a challenge to get in and out of than the taller options I tested. Although the battery-powered pump took the longest to inflate — 4 minutes — it was by far the quietest among the group we tested, which might be worthwhile if noise is a concern (apartment dwellers take note). I wish the intake valve fit the pump better, as I had to continually press the valve adapter into the port the entire time it was operating. Another drawback: Intex doesn’t include the six “C” batteries required for the Dura-Beam’s pump. I had to purchase these separately, so keep that in mind if you don’t already have them on hand.
I really enjoyed the subtle “bumpers” on the edge of this mattress, which created a cozy, secure sleeping surface and gave me the confidence that I wouldn’t accidentally roll out in the event of overnight deflation. At 22 inches, it was also the tallest of the models I tested, which made it easy to get out of in the morning. The internal horizontal support beams gave it a nice and sturdy feel and provided a comfortable sleep overall. The pump was simple to use too, with just a simple dial to rotate from side to side. The main drawback to this mattress was its inflation time. It took the longest to fill up, 4 minutes and 10 seconds, so keep that in mind if speedy inflation is a priority. At 21 pounds it’s also the heaviest of my testing pool, though not by much.
The Coleman GuestRest mattress, unlike most of the competition in this price range, uses an external pump (sold separately for around $30), which I found much less convenient than the built-in units. While the ability to use the pump for other items could be useful to some — like if you have pool toys, inflatable kayaks, or balloons — it was quite loud by comparison, ultimately reaching a pitch that I would describe as “screaming”, and its ill-fitting adapter required you to hold it tightly in place during the inflation process. If you anticipate filling your mattress late at night, this is not the mattress for you. I appreciated that the pump and inflation instructions were included in the instruction manual and printed on the side of the mattress, which would be convenient if you lost the manual. In the pump’s defense, it did fill the mattress relatively quickly, taking just 3 minutes and 37 seconds to get a nice firm mattress. It’s also nice and compact, making it convenient to store when not in use.
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Note: The prices above reflect the retailers' listed price at the time of publication.
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