The 5 best air mattresses of 2024, according to a sleep expert

The SoundAsleep Dream Series Air Mattress is so comfortable that I almost forgot I was sleeping on an air mattress. Discs on the surface that are meant to mimic the firmness and bounce of a spring mattress provide balanced distribution of air throughout the mattress.

The queen-sized air mattress inflated relatively quietly and in under four minutes. The pump is built into the mattress, so all you have to do is plug it in and set the dial to inflate until you've reached your desired firmness.

The bottom of the mattress has a grippy material to ensure it stays in place. The whole mattress is made with puncture-resistant polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which makes it extra durable and waterproof. While it initially had a plastic odor, the smell disappeared after a couple of hours. 

The mattress's soft, velvety surface prevented my deep pocket sheets from slipping off and also helped maintain the right temperature throughout the night. It's raised 19 inches off the ground, a good height for climbing out of bed in the morning.

I had to give it a quick top-up on the fourth night of testing, but I didn't notice any air loss during the first few nights. The integrated cord storage and carrying bag are convenient additions. 

Considering the price, the Intex Pillow Rest Raised Airbed is one of the best air mattresses for occasional use. Thousands of high-strength polyester fibers provide stability and support.

The mattress inflates with the push of a button. It took less than four minutes to lay out and inflate, and I could adjust it to my desired level of firmness by turning the dial. The chemical odor was stronger than the other air mattresses I tested but slowly decreased after a few days. 

Sleeping on this air mattress for the first two nights was very comfortable. The firmness is good, and the surface is very cushiony. By the third night, it had lost a noticeable amount of air, so I had to reinflate it.

My deep pocket sheets didn't slip off during the night thanks to the indented sides positioned to keep sheets in place. The top is covered in a velvety material for extra comfort. On chilly nights, I noticed that the air mattress felt colder than usual, even with sheets on. 

It's raised 16.5 inches from the ground, making it slightly more difficult to get in and out of than some other models we tried. Since it's so lightweight, it tends to move during the night. While the built-in pillow rest sounds like a great idea, it creates too much elevation and is too firm.

The Insta-Bed Raised Air Mattress is constructed with a top layer of pierce-resistant PVC, making it water-resistant and exceptionally durable. It's built with 35 circular coils to provide a balanced and supportive surface and can hold up to two people and 500 pounds.

The primary built-in pump inflates the mattress to your preferred firmness (plush, medium, or firm) and automatically shuts off when the air mattress has reached the desired level. Then the secondary pump system monitors air levels and maintains the mattress at your chosen level of firmness throughout the night.

Setting up the Insta-Bed Raised Air Mattress was the most effortless experience of all the air mattresses I tested. All I had to do was plug it in and turn the dial to my desired firmness level (medium). The pump is loud compared to the other air mattresses, but it only took about four minutes to inflate.

My sheets fit well, and I had no issues with them slipping off during the night. The mattress had a very strong and supportive surface that was comfortable to sleep on. It's raised 19 inches from the ground, so it was easy to climb in and out. That said, it's a little on the heavy side, weighing 22 pounds.

Some users might be bothered by the subtle buzzing of the secondary pump. I didn't have an issue with it, but I recommend sleeping on the opposite side of the pump if you think you'll be disturbed by it or you can choose to turn it off. Deflating the Insta-Bed works the same as inflating: Just set the dial to deflate, wait around three minutes for it to completely collapse, fold it, and pack it inside the included carry bag.

The twin-size King Koil is our recommendation for those who are seeking a quality air mattress in a small package. Its small profile packs a lot of features that will make you feel like you're sleeping on your normal mattress. A strong pillar support system ensures that you won't wake up with the mattress sagging in the middle of the night. It did not require reinflation during my testing.

The mattress has a puncture-proof finish and a velvet texture that keeps sheets right in place. This is important for restless sleepers who may untuck their sheets. The bottom has a nonslip surface to ensure it doesn't move around and the thick PVC walls add extra durability.

To set it up, simply turn the inflate valve and press the on switch. In my testing, it inflated quickly in under 40 seconds.

I found the mattress maintained temperature and breathed well thanks to the pocket-like dimples on the sleeping surface, allowing for better temperature control. The smaller-sized pillow stop will accommodate most pillow sizes but could be underwhelming for side sleepers. Its compact package will leave sleepers over 6 feet tall, limited in coverage but snug enough.

Sometimes you desire an option that more closely resembles a bed than an air mattress. Beyond its elevated design, raised 24 inches off the ground, the major selling point of the EZ Bed is its self-inflating design. With the push of a button, the caterpillar-like metal legs automatically unfurl to create the bed's frame before inflating the mattress. The auto-shutoff pump inflates to the selected firmness (there are four to choose from) and then shuts off automatically.

Contributor Colleen Sullivan used the bed to host family members and slept on it herself when her husband was sick. She found that adding a mattress pad helped tailor her comfort even more. Her queen-sized sheets were a bit loose around the mattress and slid a bit on the PVC finish, but the company sells its own custom sheet set that includes a flat sheet, a fitted sheet with a 14" deep pocket, and an attached dust ruffle to disguise the metal legs.

When not in use, the process of deflating is basically the reverse of the setup. It is also stored in a case with wheels for easy portability.

One of the biggest drawbacks of the EZ Bed is that the mattress is not available separately from the frame, should you run into any issues outside the one-year warranty. Though billed as puncture-resistant, it does include a repair kit and instructions should a pinhole develop.

Read our full EZ Bed review.

To determine the best air mattress on the market, I used my knowledge of sleep science from two years in sleep research and implemented what I learned from sleep expert Bill Fish, president of OneCare Media, and Steven Shoshany, chiropractor at NYC Chiropractic and Spinal Decompression Center, on how to properly test air mattresses. I slept on every air mattress in this guide for at least four consecutive nights.

During the testing period, here's what I looked for: 

Inflation: I took notes of the unboxing process for each air mattress, including how easy it was to assemble (if necessary) and whether or not the product came with instructions. I also timed how long each air mattress took to inflate and noted whether or not the air mattress emitted any strong chemical odors.

Firmness: This was the most important factor since a good air mattress should be firm enough to support you throughout the night. I paid close attention to any air loss over the course of four nights by measuring the air mattresses with a ruler after each use. Then I took notes on my sleep quality and how refreshed I felt after waking up.

Comfort: I noted how comfortable each air mattress was to sleep on over four nights, including any major issues with temperature regulation. I also recorded if the air mattresses made any noise when I moved, or whether my pillow and sheets fell off during the night. I also considered how easy it was to climb on and off each mattress.

Durability: At the end of the four days of sleeping on each air mattress, I used an uncapped pen to test the durability of the air mattress by poking it in three different places and noting if it punctured. Fortunately, all the air mattresses passed this test. 

Deflating/packing up: I recorded how long it took for each air mattress to deflate. I assessed the difficulty of folding up and packing the air mattress into its respective carry bag and also noted the ease of storage considering its weight and size. 

Size: I noted the dimensions of each air mattress, including length, width, and height, both when fully inflated and when packed up and stored. I also noted each mattress's weight and method of inflation.

What kind of air mattress should I buy?

A medium-firm air mattress tends to result in better sleep quality, according to a scientific systematic review in the journal Sleep Health. The material should be durable, and the bed should have a high weight capacity. "Spinal alignment is key to getting a good night of sleep, and an air mattress is no different," Bill Fish, president of OneCare Media, said. "It's best to have an air mattress supported on one side to prevent too much movement," added Steven Shoshany, chiropractor at NYC Chiropractic and Spinal Decompression Center. 

How do I clean my air mattress?

To clean your air mattress, first lay it out flat on the floor and use a handheld vacuum to remove any crumbs and dust on the surface. To remove stains, you can inflate the air mattress, unplug it, and use a soft cloth and a mild soapy solution to spot clean. Don't use any harsh chemicals or cleaning products as they could damage the air mattress. 

Why is my new air mattress losing air?

Due to the elastic materials, you might think that the air mattress is losing air during the first couple of uses. There's nothing wrong with your air mattress: it usually takes a few inflations for it to completely stretch to its full shape. Manufacturers recommend inflating your brand-new air mattress a few hours before using it and then topping it off before sleeping on it. 

What type of air pump do I need?

There are three main types of air mattress pumps: manual, electric, and automatic. A manual pump is one that you operate by hand or foot. These can be a great option for situations where you don't have access to electricity. An electric pump, the most common type, uses electricity to inflate the mattress with no manual labor required. These pumps can either be separate from or built into the air mattress. An automatic pump is a built-in electric pump that automatically inflates the mattress to your desired firmness, stops when full, and periodically adjusts the air to maintain the right firmness levels. 

How long does an air mattress last?

An air mattress won't last you as long as your regular mattress. Most air mattresses are designed for occasional use and should not be used to replace an actual mattress. Proper use and care can keep it in good condition for more than five years. The best way to extend the life of your mattress is to avoid opportunities for punctures. Use it on clean floors, don't allow pets on it, don't jump on the bed, and avoid overfilling it with air. If the mattress comes with a dust bag for storage, be sure to use it, especially when storing it in a garage or anywhere damage could occur. 

Does my warranty cover a hole in my air mattress?

If your mattress came with a warranty, it's likely limited to only manufactured defects. Holes caused by use or puncture will not be covered. You can usually contact the company for a patch kit, however.

Can I recycle an air mattress?

If your air mattress is beyond repair, check with your local recycling center to see if they accept items made of PVC and similar materials. Otherwise, you'll have to throw the mattress away. If you want to get rid of a blow-up mattress in good condition, consider giving it to a local shelter or donation center.