The first thing you should determine before shopping for an air mattress is what your intended use will be. If you plan on using the mattress indoors in place of a regular mattress, you may want to consider raised air mattresses because their height off of the ground makes them as close to a regular mattress as possible. For outdoor use, air mattresses made specifically for camping inflate and deflate quickly and are easy to carry.
The size of the mattress may also be determined by where you plan to use it. Mattresses range in size from singles that are easy to stow and carry to king size mattresses which can easily support two people. You should check the manufacturer's listed weight capacity for the mattress to ensure that it can support the weight of those who will use it.
After determining whether the mattress will be used indoors or outdoors and what size mattress you are looking for, you will want to take into consideration how you will inflate the mattress. Many air mattresses come with pumps that you can plug in at home or in a car. Outdoor options without a power source include foot pumps and battery operated pumps.
Finally, how you will store the mattress and/or transport it are other challenges you will want to think about when looking for the right air mattress. Most air mattresses made for camping come with duffle bags the mattress packs into so it’s easy to carry. Storage space is a factor which may also determine the size of the mattress you’re considering. Most manufacturers list the size of the mattress bundle when it is deflated.
Types of Air Mattresses
Raised Air Mattresses
Raised air mattresses give the convenience of an air mattress with the comfort of a real bed and are ideal for spare bedrooms and dorms. These air mattresses can range from 15 inches to over 2 feet in height. Their design often resembles a combined mattress and box spring, raising the mattress higher off the floor and making them easier to get on and off of. Most raised air mattresses are made with multiple air compartments to minimize the disturbance when more than one person is sleeping in the bed. They often come with internal electric pumps which maintain a consistent air level throughout the night.
Camping Air Mattresses
When looking for the right air mattress for camping, you will want to find one that is made from durable materials less likely to puncture. Most camping mattresses are made from thick PVC plastics made to endure the rigors of outdoor use. These materials also make the mattresses easy to keep clean in between trips. The packing size is something to think about because if you’re planning long hikes, the weight of the mattress and its bag should also be taken into consideration.
Types of Air Pumps for Air Mattresses
Electric Pumps
Electric pumps are the most convenient of all of the pumps for inflating an air mattress. These pumps require a power source, plugging into an indoor outlet or with a car adapter. These pumps inflate mattresses quickly and some are made to customize the firmness of the mattress and maintain the air level quietly throughout the night.
Rechargeable Pumps
Battery operated pumps that have a rechargeable cell are often the best option for camping where electricity is not an option. These pumps are often purchased in addition to the air mattress, adding to the expense, but the convenience of being able to quickly inflate the air mattress outweighs the additional cost.
Manual Pumps
The most common manual pumps for air mattresses are operated by foot or hand. These pumps, while freeing you of the need for electricity or having to remember to charge a battery operated pump, can make for tedious work, depending on the size of the air mattress.