We’ve all had the experience at one time or another of sleeping on an inflatable mattress. Whether the experience was positive or negative, sometimes it just makes sense to break out the air mattress for a simple sleep solution, particularly for camping or even for out of town guests at home. If you’ve made up your mind that air mattresses aren’t for you then perhaps I can change your mind. On the other hand, if you’re looking for information about choosing an inflatable matress you’ve also come to the right place, and your decision will be made easier by the information contained below. The following article will outline some of the different types of inflatable air mattresses including the benefits and pricing for each.

Though the history of the inflatable air mattress is not well documented, it’s a fact that these cheap sleep options have been around for decades, and for good reason. An air mattress is likely the cheapest sleep solution apart from crashing on the couch, and is generally regarded as being much more comfortable. I look back with horror on some of the air mattress options that were available during my youth, as many of these mattresses offered poor support and did a poor job of holding air throughout the night. Fast forward a couple of decades and you have a slew of air mattresses that are far more comfortable than anything produced in the past. Of course, with advancements in comfort and design comes a host of different options, making it somewhat difficult to pick out the perfect mattress for your situation. After all, the mattress that is best for you may not be the best bet for someone else.

By far, the most popular and still the most commonly used air mattresses are made from nylon or vinyl. The reason being is that these mattresses are affordable, lightweight and waterproof. Nylon mattresses not only come in the standard sizes (twin, double, queen and king), but also in different heights in order to provide the sleeper with a more natural (raised) sleep experience. One of the things I dislike most about the majority of air mattresses is how low to the ground they are, making it difficult to get in and out of them. Obviously, this becomes less of an issue when the mattress is “midrise.” Perhaps the most well known examples of the nylon air mattress are made by Aero Bed, which produces a line of inflatable mattresses that feature advanced support systems and an onboard pump that can inflate or deflate the mattress in just 60 seconds. I had the opportunity to borrow one of the mattresses from a fried recently for use on a camping trip and was pleasantly surprised by how quickly and effortlessly the mattress inflated. Many of these mattresses also feature a raised portion for your head, which comes in handy if you forget your pillow. The coolest feature about the Aero Bed mattresses is the included control wand, which allows you to adjust the air volume with the touch of a button, allowing you to determine the perfect level of firmness while lying on the bed. Even a $5,000 memory foam mattress isn’t this customizable. Prices for the Aero Bed range from $75 to $150 depending on your desired size. There are even smaller options made specifically for children that run around $75.

Another type of inflatable air mattress used mostly for camping and backpacking are the thin and ultra lightweight inflatable camping pads. These camp pads are designed to be highly portable and are typically self inflating; simply unroll the pad and release the air valve to allow for inflation to occur. I have used this type of pad extensively for backpacking and car camping and would never be without one. The difference between using one of these camping pads and sleeping on the bare ground is night and day. I would recommend the Therm-a-Rest brand from experience, and also because they specialize in producing extremely lightweight camping sleeping pads. They also produce a less expensive line that is a bit heavier, but perfect for short hikes in the backcountry or for use while car camping. Prices range from $50 to $100 depending upon the length and weight desired. Visit your local outdoor supply retailer for more information and to see these sleeping pads firsthand.

I hope this article has given you some additional information regarding the various options that are now available in the world of inflatable mattresses. If you’ve learned nothing else, it’s important to understand that air mattresses as a whole have evolved significantly over the years, and are now a viable alternative to the traditional mattress. In my opinion, there is a place in every home for a quality air mattress that can be used for out of town guests, children and for the outdoors.

Related posts:

1. A Review Of The AeroBed Inflatable Mattress
2. How to Choose the Best Mattress
3. Why You Need a Waterbed Mattress