5 Best Queen Air Mattresses
best queen air mattresses
If you entertain overnight guests, want to be more comfortable when camping, or need extra bedding when traveling with family, an air mattress is a convenient, portable way to get a good night’s sleep. For two adults to sleep comfortably, a queen air mattress is the way to go.
Air mattresses work well as temporary bedding because you can inflate them only when you need a bed. The rest of the time, an air mattress can remain folded in a bag, so it’s easy to store in a closet or on a shelf. It’s also lightweight, making it easy to take on the go.
If you’re thinking about purchasing a queen air mattress, start by determining whether an air mattress and a queen size are the best fit for your needs. Next, decide whether a single-height or a double-height mattress will be most comfortable. You should also identify other features that can make the mattress more durable and easy to use, so you can get years of good sleep.
How to buy the best queen air mattress
Queen air mattress uses
If you’re not sure whether you need an air mattress, it helps to understand the situations or settings where an air mattress comes in handy.
- Guest room bed: For many people, air mattresses are the perfect solution when you have overnight guests in your home. They’re particularly helpful if you don’t have a dedicated guest room where you can leave a bed set up, because they inflate and deflate quickly. They can also be stored in a closet when you don’t have any guests. If you’re traveling to visit friends or family, you can also bring an air mattress with you in case the loved ones you’re staying with don’t have a proper bed for you to sleep on.
- Camping: After use in a guest room, air mattresses are probably most commonly used for camping trips. For some people, sleeping in a sleeping bag on the hard ground in a tent doesn’t provide adequate support for the back. With an air mattress, you can get a much more comfortable night’s sleep at your campsite. However, a queen air mattress may not fit in a smaller tent, so be sure to compare the mattress’s dimensions to the interior space of your tent to verify it will fit.
- Sleeping in a vehicle: If you’re taking a camping or road trip where you plan to sleep in an SUV, van, pickup truck, RV, or another large vehicle, an air mattress can make the experience much more comfortable. You can find some mattresses with a stand specifically designed for fitting in the back of an SUV or truck bed. Some drivers like to keep an emergency air mattress in their trunk if they unexpectedly have to sleep in their vehicle.
- Everyday sleeping: While most air mattresses make it clear they’re not intended for everyday use, some people who deal with neck, shoulder, or back pain find that an air mattress is more comfortable than a traditional mattress. Since you can inflate the mattress to be as firm or soft as you need on any given day, your pressure points get the proper support. Keep in mind that because air mattresses aren’t designed for nightly use, any damage that results from sleeping on them regularly likely isn’t covered by the warranty.
Queen-size vs. other sizes
You can find air mattresses in all the usual sizes, including twin, full, queen, and king. To decide whether a queen air mattress is right for your needs, it helps to understand its dimensions.
Like regular queen mattresses, nearly all queen air mattresses are 60 inches wide and 80 inches long. This size is large enough to accommodate two adults sleeping side by side and may even have enough room if your child likes to sleep with you.
However, it’s important to note that it can sometimes be tricky for more than one person to sleep on the same air mattress. The increased weight may cause the mattress to deflate or experience uneven air distribution. Higher-quality queen air mattresses can usually support two people, but they cost more.
A queen air mattress can also work well for single sleepers who like to spread out or move around a lot during the night.
Single-height vs. double-height
Queen air mattresses are available in two height options: single-height and double-height.
- Single-height air mattresses don’t have pumps, so you only have to blow into a tube to inflate them. They’re extremely lightweight and easy to roll up, making them the perfect choice for camping and backpacking. On the downside, single-height mattresses can lose air fairly quickly and don’t offer the best support.
- Double-height air mattresses have a built-in pump, so they inflate quickly. They feel more similar to regular mattresses and they’re more supportive and comfortable than single-height models. Double-height mattresses work well for a guest bedroom.
While your pets can sleep with you on an air mattress, make sure to keep them off bare mattresses. Their nails or claws can puncture the material if there’s no barrier to protect the PVC.
What features do queen air mattresses have?
Materials
The material that a queen air mattress is made of affects its comfort and durability. Most air mattresses are made of polyvinyl chloride, also known as PVC. You can also find some air mattresses made with textile-backed urethane plastic or rubber. Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) is one of these materials and is generally considered nontoxic. It’s also biodegradable to lessen its environmental impact.
In addition to the materials that make up the mattress itself, some air mattresses also have a memory foam top. The foam provides additional comfort, making these queen air mattresses a great choice if you have neck, shoulder, or back pain. Mattresses with memory foam are a bit heavier but still fold up relatively easily. You can also find some air mattresses with microcoils to provide pressure relief to help sore muscles and joints.
Pump type
Queen air mattresses can have an external or internal pump.
- External pumps connect to a nozzle on the outside of the mattress. Some require manual operation with a foot or hand pedal, while others are electrical and run on batteries or via a plug. Manual pumps can take a while to inflate a bed, but electrical pumps fill the mattress in minutes. Keep in mind that external pumps are often sold separately from the mattress.
- Internal pumps are part of the air mattress, so you don’t have to purchase the pump separately or worry about losing it. These pumps require batteries or an electrical outlet to operate and can fill a mattress quickly and easily. Air mattresses with internal pumps tend to cost more than those with external pumps, and they’re more prone to breaking down than external pumps.
Weight capacity
When buying an air mattress, consider how much weight it can hold so you don’t overload it. Most air mattresses can hold 300 pounds or more, but there are many queen air mattresses with a weight capacity of up to 600 pounds. This allows two adults plus a child or a pet to sleep on it without damage.
Waterproof
Some queen air mattresses have a flocked, waterproof surface, making them suitable for use at a campsite or other outdoor locations. The textured surface can also provide additional warmth, which is welcome when sleeping outdoors.
Repair kit
It’s not uncommon for an air mattress to experience a hole or leak if used regularly. Some air mattresses come with a patch kit, so you can seal any holes or leaks as soon as you notice them.
How do you accessorize a queen air mattress?
Mattress topper
If your air mattress isn’t as comfortable or supportive as you’d like, adding a mattress topper can help provide a better night’s sleep. Egg crate foam mattress toppers work well with air mattresses because they’re lightweight and easy to pack for a trip.
Bed sheets
As with a traditional mattress, you need a soft, comfortable set of sheets to make up your queen air mattress. Cotton sheets are a solid option because they’re natural, breathable, and comfortable year-round.
How much do queen air mattresses cost?
Inexpensive
The most affordable queen air mattresses are single-height models, though there are some lower-quality double-height mattresses with an external pump in this price range. They cost $30 to $100.
Mid-range
For $100 to $200, you can find mid-range, double-height queen air mattresses. Many have external pumps, and some feature internal pumps for easier inflation. Many mattresses in this price range are also waterproof or water-resistant.
Expensive
The most expensive queen air mattresses are double-height mattresses. Most have an internal pump for quick, easy inflation and are waterproof or water-resistant. They cost $200 to $320.
Double-height air mattresses often have a lip around the sides that provide a spot for your fitted sheet to grab onto so it stays in place.
Tips
- Place your air mattress on a secure, stable surface. If there isn’t a grippy surface beneath the mattress, it can shift around when you move during sleep.
- Set up an air mattress like a real bed. To get the best night’s sleep, you should use the same sheets, pillows, and blankets you normally sleep with to make sure you’re as comfortable as possible.
- Reinflate your mattress regularly. If you’re sleeping on the air mattress multiple nights in a row, it can start to lose air and sag after a day or two. Add air to ensure it’s as supportive and comfortable as you need.
- Use a mattress stand or cot with your air mattress. If you plan to leave it out in your guest room or sleep on it for multiple nights, a stand provides better support. Elevating the mattress can also keep you warmer if you’re camping.
FAQ
Q. How can I make my air mattress more comfortable?
A. Start by making sure the mattress is properly inflated and that it’s firm enough to provide the support you need. It can also help to add a mattress topper for extra cushioning. Avoid putting the mattress on a bare floor. Placing it on a carpet or rug can help keep the mattress in place and keep you warmer during the night.
Q. What’s the best way to clean an air mattress?
A. Start by making sure the pump is unplugged or disconnected. Next, remove the sheets and blankets for washing. Then, use a handheld vacuum or a vacuum with a hose attachment to lightly clean the surface of the mattress. Warm water and dish soap can clean PVC mattresses, but you should only spot clean flocked models to avoid damaging the material.
Q. How can I find a leak in my air mattress?
A. The easiest way to locate a leak in your queen air mattress is to run a soapy sponge over the surface lightly. Bubbles will form in areas where there’s a leak. In some cases, you may be able to hear the air escaping from the mattress and find the leak.