There’s no worse host or hostess than the one who lets their guests wake up with sore backs after making them squish onto an uncomfortable couch. Don’t be that host!
Also, don’t be the person who can’t enjoy his camping trip because he wakes up feeling stiff from sleeping on the cold, damp ground. Take control of your rest with a premium air mattress designed to mimic the comfort of a traditional spring, pocket-coil, or foam mattress. Get the good night’s sleep you deserve.
Air Mattress Overview
Before we get into the thick of this conversation, let’s take a moment to look over the basic aspects of the 12 air mattresses we’ve chosen to place on this page. As you’ll quickly see, despite all being top-selling, highly rated air mattresses, there are a lot of differences among them.
Good: An easy-to-use built-in air pump allows you to fill this mattress in very little time, while its 40 internal air-pocket coils help to evenly distribute your weight. Its sure-grip bottom stays planted firmly in place.
Not so good: Available only in a queen size, and standing at 19 inches tall, this mattress may be too large for some people’s needs. The price isn’t outrageous, but may still be a little too high for some budgets.
Bottom Line: If you can afford this mattress and have the space for it, you should never again have to complain about an uncomfortable nights’ sleep.
Good: Available in a queen or twin, this air mattress has a built-in pump, a secondary never-flat pump, and adjustable settings.
Not so good: Unlike some others on this list, this bed must be plugged in to inflate.
Bottom Line: As long as you intend to use this mattress near an electrical source you should be pleased with its comfort and customizability.
Good: Strong support beams, a hefty rechargeable external air pump, and a no-slip bottom are a few impressive aspects of this mattress.
Not so good: This isn’t the thickest (and therefore not the most comfortable) air mattress on our list.
Bottom Line: An affordable price and plenty of camp-friendly characteristics all come together to make this our “Best for Camping” choice.
Good: This mattress has Support Lock technology, a powerful air pump, and can be used with either its built-in unit or an external hand or foot pump.
Not so good: Doesn’t include a never-flat pump or adjustable settings like some others on this end of the price spectrum.
Bottom Line: This middle-of-the-road mattress favors support, durability, and longevity over personalization. Recommended for those looking for a good, mid-priced mattress.
Good: This extremely affordable air mattress offers a built-in air pump, a waterproof flocked top to maintain its warmth and keep your sheets from slipping, and can be used with an optional hand or foot pump.
Not so good: Unfortunately, only a queen-sized option is available, which may not be best for small rooms or tents, and the hand or foot pump must be purchased separately.
Bottom Line: As long as you plan to use this in your guest room or own a very large tent, it’s a good choice for people working within a budget.
Good: This mattress’s compact height and easy-to-use hand pump make it great for camping. It also features an extra-strong flocked top and vinyl reinforcement beams capable of holding 600 pounds.
Not so good: Since it’s only 9 inches tall, this mattress isn’t nearly as comfortable as many others on our list.
Bottom Line: If you need something affordable for camping and can deal with less than luxurious sleeping arrangements, this mattress may be just what you need.
Good: This mattress comes in two different sizes, is extra strong with good puncture resistance, and has a fast-inflating air pump.
Not so good: Does not come with a never-flat function.
Bottom Line: With a skid-free base, this durable mattress is good for both the home and the campsite.
Good: Adjustable settings, a secondary never-flat pump, 21 to 35 air pocket coils, and two different sizes (twin and queen) are only a few of the reasons to take a good look at this mattress.
Not so good: No ability to use an external air pump means that this mattress can only be used where you have access to electricity.
Bottom Line: As long as you’re okay with not being able to use an external pump with this mattress, you are likely to enjoy its highly-customizable sleeping experience.
Good: This is an affordable, compact, 13″ tall mattress, available in twin and full size, with specially designed support beams and a built-in electric pump.
Not so good: A lack of special features, such as adjustable firmness or a never-flat pump, mean it isn’t as versatile or comfortable as some others.
Bottom Line: If you are looking for a decent level of comfort in a compact air mattress and don’t want to spend too much, this Intex mattress is worth your consideration.
Good: A well-built air mattress sitting on a sturdy, well-supported cot with special extras, such as two side tables with cup holders.
Not so good: Unfortunately, this set is a little too large for some tents, and environmentally conscious people may not like that the pump relies on batteries.
Bottom Line: The elevated mattress and battery pump operation make this a very comfortable option for camping in damp weather. Also suited for use in the home.
Good: This mattress has the added support of circular air coils, fills in only four minutes using its built-in electric pump, and can be inflated with an external hand or foot pump if needed.
Not so good: Despite its price being near the top of the range, this mattress does not include adjustable settings or a secondary never-flat air pump.
Bottom Line: Though its price seems a little high for the features you get, this WonderSleep mattress appears to be very well-constructed.
Good: Many good qualities come together in this mattress, including a quick-fill internal air pump, the option of hybrid inflation, a tall 20 inches of height, and vertical support beams.
Not so good: The vertical beams will not give the type of support needed for people with back injuries.
Bottom Line: This is a well-priced air mattress with decent support which is aimed mostly at couples with healthy backs.