The Best Air Mattresses Of 2023 + Expert-Backed Ways To Make One Feel Like A Real Bed

The luxury element of this mattress comes from its built-in sensors, which monitor air pressure and keep air flowing throughout the night. Sleepers can even select a firmness preference (plush, medium, and firm) depending on their position and needs. Independent coils create a soft-yet-supportive surface that’s tough to find in an air mattress. Bonus: it comes with a compact carrying bag for easy storage and travel.

With over 2,700 five-star ratings, this mattress has a 4.2 overall rating on Amazon. Shoppers call it “the best air mattress,” raving about its durability and comfort. One writes, “ “I’ve been through many air mattresses and literally this is the only one that does not leak air AT ALL! And if you want to keep it plugged in, it has an auto air refill monitor thing that slowly keeps refilling air silently through the night when needed. You don’t even need that- but it's a great feature!”

Some reviewers note that they added a foam topper for more comfort.

When it comes time for kids to sleep on an air mattress, you’ll want to find an option that meets the highest safety standards. If your child twists and turns during the night, you’ll breathe easy knowing this mattress has four safety bumpers on each side and boasts reinforced weld seams for added durability. The mattress is also incredibly easy to clean. If it gets dirty, simply wipe it down and let it air dry. One downside is that the pump is a bit loud, but that’s to be expected with many electric pumps.

With a near perfect overall rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars, it’s safe to say that this bed is a great choice for kids. One reviewer writes, “This travel bed is very well made and easy to inflate or deflate. Our 4 year old loved sleeping in it, and we felt confident that he would not roll out of it because of the side bumpers. There are also bumpers at the head and foot of the bed, which stop the pillow and blankets from falling off.”

With a built-in pillow and coil-beam construction, this air mattress provides the basis for a comfortable sleep surface no matter where you are. The best part? It’s quick to inflate in about 90 seconds. Plus, it comes in a bag ideal for travel which can be easily carried to the final destination. Just note, a few people say the bed is a pain to fit in the carrying case.

This mattress has over 1,000 five-star reviews from Amazon shoppers and a whopping 4.4 out of five stars overall. One reviewer says, “Perfect for travel when staying with family, or for an additional bed for the hotel.” Another reviewer adds, “What I like the most is, it holds the air!! I have had this mattress for months now, sleep on it every night, and have not re-inflated it.” While most reviews echo this sentiment, a few do say the bed deflates quickly.

The best air mattress for outdoor use is one that’s portable, small, and designed to withstand the elements. Made specifically for camping, this air mattress comes with a high-speed pump that inflates the bed in less than two minutes. The durable PVC material is perfect for camping, as it’s puncture resistant and won’t break with tiny pokes and prods from nature. 

Campers say this is a great mattress for nature and outdoor use, giving it 4.3 out of five stars overall. One camper writes, “It’s so awesome! We never know we just slept on the ground. We never think of it! No soreness!”

It’s rare that you see an air mattress with a headboard, so this one stands out among the rest. The queen air mattress comes with a headboard that provides support while sitting up. The built-in pump inflates and deflates the mattress in minutes. To store it, simply fold it into the accompanying compact case. 

This upscale air mattress has 4.5 out of five stars on Amazon, and shoppers seem to love it. One says, “The absolute best thing is the headboard. No more lost pillows off the end.” Another writes, “Love the headboard feature. It gives you real back support when sitting up.” With that said, some say it doesn’t hold air well so you’ll want to keep that in mind, too.

Built-in pumps make air mattress setup so much easier—and a patented one-click pump inflates this pick in under three minutes. The mattress arrives in a carrying bag that’s easy to tote on vacations, camping trips, or store away in your home. The raised height makes this an ideal choice for elderly people or those who are movement impaired and may not have the easiest time bending down to a low air mattress. What’s more, the bottom of the mattress has a gripped design to prevent it from sliding around.

This mattress has over 38,000 five-star ratings and has garnered 4.4 out of 5 stars on Amazon. One shopper writes, “Been using this for 2 weeks straight while family visits and this is the best air mattress we've ever used. Super firm and nearly no air loss at night. We put a 3" memory foam topper over it and it's fantastic.” Another shopper says, “The pump seems really hefty and durable as well. Easy to plug-in, start filling or deflating.” With that in mind, some people mention the potential for ‘leaking air” throughout the night.

A great budget option, this mattress takes less than than three minutes to inflate using a built-in electric pump. It has a plush velvet top for ideal comfort, and it holds up to 600 pounds. The included carrying bag makes this another great on-the-go option.

This mattress has a 4.2 overall rating, with reviews praising the easy setup and how comfortable it is. One writes, “Easy to inflate, sturdy, comfortable and perfect height to get up easily. I love that you can inflate or deflate by small amounts to get it just right. The built in pump is a great feature. Takes only a few minutes to inflate or deflate.”

While most agree that this mattress is the perfect height, some wish it were a bit taller.

Made from PVC, this mattress has a flocked top and coil design meant to emulate the feeling of a traditional mattress. To inflate the bed, simply turn on the inset pump—it will be fully expanded within two minutes. The mattress is finished off with an antimicrobial treatment made to keep it fresh and odor-free.

Shoppers say they “love everything about this air mattress.” It has a 4.3 overall rating, with comments about how the comfort level and quick inflation. One reviewer writes, “It's so comfortable and I have back problems but with this bed I don't have any problems at all. I sleep so peacefully.” Another adds, “One of the best air mattresses I have come across! Inflation and deflation is quick and effortless!”

Hot sleepers need a mattress that will keep them cool during the night. And, while that usually doesn’t come to mind with air mattresses, this one is surprisingly breathable. Not only does it contour to your body for ideal support, but it has a cooling top that helps regulate your body temperature throughout the night. The mattress arrives in a carrying case for easy transport and storage.

Reviewers say this mattress is supportive and comfortable and that the durable material holds up well over time. One writes, “This air mattress is the bomb. So easy to inflate and deflate. My guests found it comfortable to sleep on. High enough off the ground that you can get on and off of it pretty easily.”

Keep in mind, a few people note that the air deflates more quickly than they’d prefer.

Some air mattresses are large and bulky, which doesn’t lend itself well to small spaces. This durable and lightweight option folds easily and can be stowed away to keep your space clear. It’s made from non-stretch fibers that hold up well over time and has an adjustable firmness that makes it a great pick for all types of sleepers. The only major downside is that the mattress doesn’t come with a pump—so you’ll want to make sure you have one handy before you decide to inflate it.

One five star reviewer writes, “Great price. Excellent for my 6 year old on one of his first camping trips. Was pleased that it held air so well and that it was easy to fold up when we were done.” Another adds, “I've only had to inflate it once a month so it does a good job maintaining air. Best part is you can inflate it to your liking: soft or firm. Only thing I would say is that it is very low to the ground and if you have bad knees or have trouble getting up from the floor you will have a hard time.”