This depends on how much your budget will stretch. There are three main types of pumps: a foot pump, an integrated pump or an electric pump. The majority of the top of the range airbeds come with a rechargeable or mains-operated integrated pump. They will also have a remote control that can inflate and deflate the mattress within a matter of seconds. Thankfully, many companies are one step ahead and have designed toppers that consider the additional heat they’re delivering with their toppers and have included features like gels and more breathable textiles to offset these issues. Air chambers: Air beds with vertical air chambers are more comfortable because they work to distribute the weight. It’s worth noting that while air chambers that run side to side look more comfortable, they can sag when you lie down. If the leak is too small, it might be hard to hear so another popular method is to gently wipe over the mattress with a soapy sponge and look out for small bubbles. Washing up liquid is good for this.

What makes air beds worth it is the far better quality of sleep they offer by elevating you properly off the ground. They also allow you to eschew sleeping bags in favour of proper sheets, pillows and duvets to make camping far comfier. A good air bed is also a great investment for putting guests up in comfort at home.

Inflation time: It’s worth noting how long it takes the air bed to inflate – it’ll usually be a couple of minutes. A topper is a great way to change up the feel of your mattress without completely starting over with a new bed. These products typically add a few inches of pressure-relieving comfort to the top, but sinking into softness can reduce the amount of exposure your body has to circulating air and can often retain heat. They roll up small, similar to your average yoga mat and are extremely light. Some people might find them too thin and firm. However, note that they can also be used with a camp bed base for an off-the-ground set-up. Air beds follow the same sizing rules as regular mattresses, but they can feel a bit smaller based on their level of inflation. As was mentioned earlier, this is a point that is of particular concern when sleeping in a cold environment – such as outside while sleeping in a tent. Many air mattresses have built-in air pumps to make them convenient, whether you are setting up a space in your home or going somewhere else. Just make sure that while you choose a product fitting for your animals, it also provides support and comfort for you.

Heavy-duty materials and reinforcements can not only help prevent damage, but it can help the product to last longer as well. A great warranty that covers punctures will also go a long way. Of course, for the health of the sleeper and the animal, choose non-toxic materials. Most good air beds come with their own fixing kit. Each kit’s instructions may vary so be sure to read them carefully.Any extras: While most air beds come with the inflatable mattress and the inflatable mattress alone, there are others that offer extras. They might include pillows, sleeping bags, and more. Of course, these air beds will normally be more expensive, so you need to work out whether those extras are worth the extra pennies. According to the Sleep Foundation, it’s completely natural for air beds to lose some inflation over time. However, if this happens regularly, it’s probably due to a puncture of some kind. If this sounds like a problem you’re dealing with, fear not, as DIY repairs are very common within the air bed community. The main difference between an air mattress and an air bed is that the former is designed to be used indoors, while the latter is for outdoor use. What is the lifespan of an air bed? We’ve brought our sleep expertise to bear on some of the top airbeds available and sorted them based on where and when they excel. Whether you need a space-saving option for visitors, something to tote on a camping trip, or an affordable short-term bed for your home, you’ll find excellent options on this list. 7 Best Air Mattresses

If your air mattress doesn’t come with a repair kit, there are many available online, or you can repair the hole in the same way as you would with a bike puncture. How we select Pump: For a super-easy-to-use air bed, you’ll want to opt for one that has a built-in pump, including manual, battery-operated, and plug-in. We’d suggest going for one with an electric option, as this will make the blowing-up-process faster. This is a great convenience, and it may make the extra cost worth the investment in your mind. No one wants to manually re-inflate a bed in the middle of the night. So, from air beds with pillows for extra comfort to high-rise ones to make you feel like you're in a real bed, here are our top 12 products. Staycations just became seriously stylish. Of course, if you're going away, ease of use and transportation are also super important, and there are so many designs and varieties out there that suit all needs.

How we tested

If you are tenting somewhere that the nighttime temperatures are going to drop significantly, you need to make sure your mattress is going to hold as much air as possible. Cold temperatures are going to cause the air to condense, meaning there won’t be as much left to support you in the morning as there was at night.

Height: A taller mattress is likely to be more comfortable, as it has more air, but, of course, it will be more cumbersome. So, if portability is important, you may want to consider a thinner air bed. One of the most common worries for would-be campers is whether they’ll be able to get a good night’s sleep in a tent – after all, a family holiday or a festival weekend isn’t much fun if you’re not getting proper rest. And the best way to make sure you sleep well in the great outdoors is on a decent air bed. Once you find the hole, circle it gently with a permanent marker so you don’t lose it and then deflate it. You love your animals and your sleep and shouldn’t have to sacrifice either to get through a night. If you are in the market for an air mattress, there are qualities to look for to ensure that you or your visitors do not wake up in the middle of the night in a slowly-deflating puddle of materials. For example, air beds that are not easy to puncture can help protect your sleep space from the curious claws and playful nips.The best air mattresses strike a balance between convenience and comfort. They should be portable, versatile, and easy to set up—no huffing and puffing required. Thankfully, now that we live in a time of self-contained air pumps and anti-leak technology, finding the right air mattress for you can easily be accomplished online. This is especially important with a self-inflating mattress that has a motor to consider as part of the overall product. Size: You can buy an air bed in various sizes, from a smaller single to a much larger queen. So, when choosing the best air bed for your needs, it’s important to understand who the air bed is for. If you like to have one lying around the house for unexpected guests, it’s always a good idea to go bigger. But if you’re buying an air bed for your camping trips, you should always measure your tent before buying the biggest one on offer. Whether you're off on a family camping trip, heading to a festival with your friends, have unexpected house guests, or you're just planning on having a cosy night in your living room watching Netflix, having the right air bed is essential. Whether it's a single, double, or something a little bigger, the following factors are non-negotiable if you want to guarantee a good night's sleep: comfort, quality, and materials.