Air Mattress Guide 101: How to Choose the Right One for You

1. Size

One of the first factors that most people look at when buying an air mattress is the size. Whether it’s a twin, full, queen or king, you need to know how many people the air mattress will accommodate and how much space you have in your house, tent or luggage.

A twin may be a great option for a child, while an adult may feel more comfortable on a full or queen-sized air mattress. You may also opt for a twin if your tent is on the smaller side, and queen and king are wonderful options for when you’re having multiple family members stay overnight during the holidays (especially for extended stays).

2. Height

Next, you’ll want to consider the height of the air mattress. You may see different heights being mentioned in the name or description on the packaging or online. Generally, heights can be grouped into two different categories:

Single-height air mattresses: Commonly between 8 and 12 inches high, single-height air mattresses are great for camping, sleepovers or single-night use (mainly because they simply aren’t as comfortable as taller air mattresses).

Double-height air mattresses: Commonly between 13 to 24 inches high (18 inches is a typical height you may see), double-height air mattresses are great for extended stays since they’re much higher off the ground (making them more comfortable). Double-height air mattresses also feature divots around the sides (extra layers) which help the bed hold its form at the taller heights and makes it easier to add a fitted sheet.

3. Internal and External Structures

Internal

Just like the mattress on your bed at home, everyone has a preference when it comes to the air mattress being firmer or on the softer side.

The firmness of an air mattress depends on the internal and external structures.

At Bestway®, we use four different internal structures, each with unique purposes and comfort levels. These include wave beam, horizontal I-beam, coil beam and vertical I-beam.

If you aren’t sure which one is right for you, get more details here.

Many of our air mattresses are built with a Tritech™ Internal Support System. This premium grade material offers durability and strength, while allowing the mattress to maintain the same shape no matter how many times it’s inflated and deflated – no sagging, no stretching!

4. Pump Type

Another factor you want to consider is the pump type and whether it's included with the air mattress.

Some air mattresses come with a manual hand pump or handheld AC electric pump, while others will need to be purchased separately. Many double-height air mattresses come with built-in pumps.

If you’re camping, you’ll want a battery-powered pump or a manual hand pump. If you’re traveling by car, it might not be a big deal to also bring an additional pump with you. On the other hand, if you’re traveling by plane, or have limited space, you’ll likely prefer an air mattress with a built-in pump. 

If you’re looking for a premium option, some of our air mattresses include a built-in AlwayzAire™ dual pump (with internal sensors that silently reinflate the bed as you sleep) to ensure your air mattress stays inflated all night long (and inflates in just 4 minutes), so you never wake up on the floor!

5. Special Features and Accessories

Lastly, you’ll want to think about any special features you may want.

Maybe you prefer a pillow top, or a raised head or headboard. A storage bag for easy transportation may also be a dealbreaker for you if it’s not included.

A few of our indoor air mattresses feature Fashion Flock™, a soft (sleek and trendy!) top that elevates the luxurious look and feel of the mattress; while most of our air mattresses come with an added Ultra-Fresh® antimicrobial treatment that protects the mattress from growing odor-causing bacteria, mold and mildew.