Size

Today’s high-quality air mattresses are very similar to traditional mattresses. For one, they’re available in all the same sizes as traditional mattresses. You can use the same size sheets and comforters as a conventional mattress. When choosing a new air mattress, the size should be determined by the number of sleepers using the bed. If the mattress is just for you, you can be comfortable on a twin or full size. But a queen is the best choice if you plan on sleeping with a partner or accommodating guests.

When choosing the air mattress size, you should also consider your storage and portability options. Although materials and features are a factor, smaller air mattresses are usually lighter and more compact than large ones. They’re easier to tuck away in a closet or under a bed. A large air mattress might not fit the space when traveling in a camper, staying in a hotel, or setting up a mattress in a small room. If you intend to put the air mattress on a bed frame, choose the size that coordinates with the frame.

Air mattress sizes are as follows:

• Twin: (38” wide x 75” long) This is the smallest air mattress size and is ideal for a single sleeper. It’s a good choice for travel since it’s the most compact, and it fits best in small spaces, like small apartments, dorms, tents, and hotel rooms. It takes up the least floor space in a room and is easy to store.
  Twin XL: (38” x 80”) Another excellent option for single sleepers, a twin XL air mattress is as wide as a twin but offers extra length. It provides extra leg room for taller people to stretch out comfortably.
  
• Full: (54” x 75”) This is another compact-sized air mattress that’s ideal for a single sleeper. It provides the extra width that makes it more comfortable for larger people or those who move around in their sleep. If you only plan on accommodating an overnight visitor and are short on space, this is a good size to choose. It’s also large for two small children, so it’s an excellent choice for traveling with kids.
  
• Queen: (60” x 80”) This is the most common air mattress size, available in many models and options. Since it can comfortably fit two sleepers and isn’t overly large, it’s an ideal choice for a backup guest bed, camping, or an RV. If inlaws or couples visit, they’ll be happy with this size. It’s also great for kids’ sleepovers and movie nights in front of the TV.
  
• King: (76” x 80”) This size of air mattress is most commonly chosen by people who plan on getting a lot of use out of their air mattress. For example, if you prefer sleeping on an air mattress rather than a traditional one, in temporary accommodations, or between mattresses. A king is ideal for two sleepers, especially larger people or those who like their space. However, this size mattress will take up a lot of floor space and isn’t practical for small rooms.
  
• California King: (76” x 84”) This size is similar to a king but offers an extra 4” of length for tall people to stretch out comfortably.
  
• Split Top or Split King: (76” x 80”) These mattresses have the same surface area as a traditional king, but split top kings have a partial split at the head of the mattress with separate chambers to accommodate split top adjustable beds. A split king is two separate mattresses that measure 38” x 80” each, and often they can be connected to form one king bed. The benefit of this is that two sleepers can adjust their mattress firmness independently.
  

Height

You may have noticed that the height dimension was missing from the above list. That’s because air mattresses come in various heights, regardless of the size. A king-sized mattress may only be 5” thick, while a twin could be 15”. It’s all a matter of preference and convenience. Choosing the right height for your air mattress can significantly affect comfort. Early-model inflatable beds that only stood an inch or two high were little better than sleeping on the ground. Today, you can find air mattresses as thick as 22” that offer all the comforts of a traditional mattress. In general, an air mattress’s price increases with thickness.

From a practical standpoint, sleeping close to the floor or ground is unfavorable for many people. Especially when camping, a low mattress puts you closer to the bugs that could potentially crawl into bed with you. But bed height is also important from a comfort standpoint. It’s harder to get in and out of a bed closer to the floor, especially for elderly or physically impaired people. A thicker mattress will feel more like sleeping in a “real” bed.

Originally, air mattresses were typically 10” thick or less. Today, these are called single-high air mattresses. They’re ideal for situations when you need a low profile, such as in a tent, camper, or low-clearance area. Depending on the size of your tent, a 10”+ mattress might put you too close to the ceiling. Thinner mattresses are also easier to transport, for instance, in the trunk of your car or on your backpack. Raised or double-high air mattresses are those that are thicker than 10”. Since they sit higher off the ground, they feel more like traditional mattresses. Since they hold more air, they are typically more comfortable, more adjustable, and less likely to go flat in the night. They’re ideal for long-term sleeping accommodations or for older guests who may struggle with a low mattress.

Air Pump

Early air mattresses were simple structures, similar to children’s blow-up toys or pool floats. They had a single air valve through which you could use your breath or a foot pump to inflate the mattress. While you can still find these types, many air mattresses today have electric or battery-powered air pumps that make inflation quick and simple.

When considering inflation methods, the three types of air mattresses are:

• Manual Inflation: These air mattresses are usually single-high and simply constructed. They don’t have built-in pumps but instead have an air valve or tube that you manually blow. Since using your own breath to inflate an air mattress can be a lot of work, it’s best to have some sort of pump, and many air mattresses come with one. A manual air pump like a foot pump or a push-pull inflator is ideal for camping trips and scenarios without electricity access. An electric plug-in air pump can be beneficial for home use. Since you don’t have the extra bulk of an integrated pump, manual inflation air beds are ideal for travel and camping trips because they’re lightweight, compact, and easy to roll up.
  
• Self-Inflating: Most double-high air mattresses are self-inflating. While they’re more expensive, these are the most convenient because they have a built-in pump that saves time and effort. The pump may be either battery- or electric-powered. Turn the inflation knob or press the button to inflate the bed and let the pump do the rest. You can adjust the firmness by adding or removing air. Most self-inflating air beds fully inflate in 5-8 minutes. Many have deflate features that quickly suck the air out of the mattress when it’s time to pack up. Some advanced models come with remote controls so you can adjust the firmness without getting up. Since the pump is integrated into the sidewall of the mattress, these types are typically heavier and bulkier than manual mattresses.
  
• Dual Pump: A common problem with air mattresses is that they slowly lose air in the night. To solve this problem, some self-inflating air mattresses have a dual-pump feature that maintains constant pressure in the mattress all night. The second pump monitors the air in the mattress and adds more if it senses a change in pressure. The mattress must remain plugged in or turned on for the feature to work, and it may make a low humming noise that some sleepers find distracting. However, you can sleep more comfortably without rolling into a depression or waking up on the floor.
  

Power Source

As discussed above, air mattresses may be inflated manually or have an integrated pump that blows up the bed automatically. If your air mattress has a self-inflating air pump, you will need a power source to use it. Self-inflating air mattresses are either battery- or electrical-powered. When considering power sources, the three types of air mattresses are:

• Battery-Powered: Most battery-powered air mattresses have a built-in pump that takes four D-cell batteries. However, you can also find air mattresses with rechargeable pumps that run on lithium batteries. These pumps are often removable, so you can use them for other applications and conveniently charge them between uses. Often marketed as “camping” air beds, battery-powered air mattresses are the best choice for camping, car trips, and outdoor activities when no electrical outlet is available. However, they are often less sturdy than electric-powered air mattresses and have fewer upgraded features.
  
• Electric: Electric-powered air mattresses are the best choice for home use, although they are often more expensive than battery-powered and manual air mattresses. An electric air mattress has a built-in pump plugged into a standard 120V outlet. This offers unlimited power and inflation speed, and it’s simple to operate. If you want an air mattress to pull out for overnight guests, a queen-sized electric air mattress is often the best choice. These types can accommodate upgraded features, like a pressure-sensing dual pump, automatic deflation, and remote control. However, since an electrical outlet is required to inflate these air beds, they are impractical for camping or road trips.
  
• No Power: Manual-inflation air mattresses do not have a built-in pump, so they do not require a power source. This makes them ideal for travel or camping. However, an electric or battery-powered external pump is advantageous if you want the quickest and simplest inflation. Manual air mattresses are usually the least plush but are the most lightweight and compact.
  

Accessories

Some other features and accessories that you may consider when purchasing a new air mattress are:

• Built-In Pillow: An air mattress with a built-in pillow simplifies sleeping accommodations. All you need to supply is the sheets. A built-in pillow is a raised compartment at the head of the bed that either inflates separately or with the rest of the mattress. A mattress with this feature is ideal for people who travel because it makes one less item to keep track of. Some air beds even have built-in inflatable headboards to provide the comfort of a traditional mattress. However, some users find that they prefer their own pillow, so these features may be insignificant.
  
• Coil Technology: Rather than an external accessory, air coils are a structural air mattress feature that can increase comfort and support. Most air mattresses have chambers, which are separate air spaces within the mattress that evenly distribute weight. Simpler air mattress models only have one. But mattresses with coil technology are constructed with cylindrical beam chambers that provide isolated support to evenly distribute weight and make the air bed feel more like a “real” mattress. The more coils, the more comfortable the mattress is. If you have back issues, coil technology is an important feature but is often more expensive.
  
• Flocked or Quilted Top: Another built-in feature, many good-quality air mattresses have a soft flocked or quilted surface for increased comfort. Often waterproof, this fabric topping provides non-slip stability to keep your sheets in place.
  
• Storage: Chances are you won’t be leaving your air mattress out for the long term, so correct storage is important. An air bed that is improperly bunched up and tossed in a closet can risk puncture or damage. Most air mattresses come with storage bags that keep them safe for neat and compact storage or transport. Ensure that your air mattress provides clear instructions on how it should be folded up and stored.
  
• Air Pump: If your air mattress requires manual inflation, you will need an external air pump. Nobody wants to inflate a queen-sized air bed with their mouth. As discussed above, a pump can be electric, battery-powered, or manual. Some air mattresses come with an air pump, and some do not, so be sure to check for this when making a purchase. Some models have a removable pump that is stored within the bed.
  
• Bedding: Fortunately, air mattresses come in standard mattress sizes, so you can use your regular bed sheets and comforters on an air mattress. Double-high mattresses often have a lip or rib around the edge that helps a fitted sheet stay in place. Single-high mattresses are short enough that the fitted sheet can tuck underneath.
  
• Patch Kit: Although most air mattresses are made from durable and puncture-resistant PVC or microfiber material, they often come with an extra patch or a repair kit because accidents can still happen. These patches adhere to your mattress over the puncture hole. Repair kits are sold in vinyl or PVC, so if you purchase one separately, ensure it matches your mattress material.