We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Shopping People Tested The 10 Best Air Mattresses of 2024, Tested by Real People The Chillsun Air Mattress is a comfortable solution for guests and travel By Madison Yauger Madison Yauger Madison Yauger is a shopping editor at PEOPLE.com with eight years of digital media and journalism experience. She has a penchant for lifestyle content with a focus on staples like cozy throw blankets, chic dog jackets, Away luggage, and the linen pants celebrities can’t stop wearing. People Editorial Guidelines Updated on April 5, 2024 09:38AM EDT In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews Things to Consider How We Tested FAQ Why Trust PEOPLE? What Is PEOPLE Tested? People / Dera Burreson Whether an impromptu family visit or an outdoorsy trip you forgot you agreed to — when life throws you curveballs, a good air mattress can ease the unexpected. Just like a standard mattress, an air mattress should provide comfort and support but also be portable and adaptable to storage. Our team compared 17 popular air mattresses, taking an afternoon in our lab to rest and test. Looking at the design and effectiveness of each model, we found an assortment of winners from popular brands like Serta, Coleman, and more that will serve you well for any occasion that demands a versatile resting place. Read on for the best air mattresses that PEOPLE tested. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Chillsun Twin Air Mattress at Amazon ($55) Jump to Review Best Overall, Runner Up: Insta-Bed Raised Pillow-Top Air Mattress at Amazon ($240) Jump to Review Best Budget: Bestway Tritech Air Mattress at Walmart ($27) Jump to Review Best Portable: Englander Air Mattress at Amazon ($126) Jump to Review Best with Headboard: Bestway Headboard Queen Air Mattress at Walmart ($74) Jump to Review Best with Built-In Pump: Brookstone Perfect Queen Air Mattress at Amazon ($140) Jump to Review Best for Storage: Coleman SupportRest Rechargeable Air Mattress at Walmart ($105) Jump to Review Best Durable: Intex Deluxe Comfort-Plush High-Rise Air Mattress at Amazon ($66) Jump to Review Best Firm: Intex Dura-Beam Comfort Air Mattress at Amazon ($42) Jump to Review Most Comfortable: Serta Raised Air Mattress at Amazon ($160) Jump to Review Best Overall Chillsun Twin Air Mattress Amazon View On Amazon $55 View On Walmart $48 Our Ratings Durability 5/5 Comfort 4.3/5 Effectiveness 5/5 Ease of Setup 5/5 Design 4.5/5 Pros It quickly inflates and deflates with two controls and a built-in pump. The materials were strong and showed no signs of air leaks despite all-day testing. The mattress was comfortable and allowed for movement without noise. Cons The noise level was high during inflation, but it only lasted two minutes. The twin size isn’t long enough for a tall adult. If you need a solid air mattress in a pinch, the Chillsun air mattress is comfortable, durable, and versatile for a reasonable price. It only takes two minutes to inflate with the built-in pump — a system so intuitive our tester didn’t even need the instructions. We tested it for an entire day — lying down and moving around on it — and it never lost any air. The air mattress is made from a strong PVC material that isn’t susceptible to rips or water damage and should be easy to wipe down for cleaning purposes. We loved how comfortable it was: Our testers described the surface as “sculpted” which allowed for airflow between their body and the mattress. You can move around without any squeaks or creaks, and the mattress holds its shape throughout the night. Though inflation was a bit noisy and the twin size was too short for a tall adult, the air mattress is well-built and highly versatile. You can deflate it in less than two minutes, fold it up, and store it in the included storage bag, making it perfect for guests or travel. Sizes: 16-inch twin and queen, 18-inch twin and queen | Weight: 11–16 lbs. | Material: Polyvinyl chloride | Includes: Storage bag, built-in pump People / Dera Burreson People / Dera Burreson People / Dera Burreson People / Dera Burreson Best Overall, Runner Up Insta-Bed Raised Pillow-Top Air Mattress Amazon View On Amazon $240 View On Target $230 View On Kohls.com $221 Pros The air mattress has fill options like plush, medium, and firm. It has a self-shut-off function for safety and efficiency. You don’t feel the other person moving when two people are lying down on the mattress. Cons It’s among the more expensive air mattresses on our list. The carrying case was a little small for the mattress size. Though competitive with the Chillsun in terms of features and design, the Insta-Bed is one of the higher-priced air mattresses we tested, earning it our “runner-up" spot. It was simple and quiet to set up with inflation choices like “plush,” “medium,” or “firm” should you have a support preference. Plus, it has a self-shut-off function so it will stop inflating once the mattress is full. We found this air mattress to be incredibly comfortable — on all three air-fill settings. The medium setting was a favorite, but the plush was deemed best for two people. We didn’t experience any sinking while lying on the air mattress and couldn’t feel the other person tossing and turning. The air mattress kept its height throughout use, never losing any air. The waterproof fabric also proved to be durable against rips. The mattress was easy to fold up and store in an accompanying storage bag — though we thought the bag was small given the size of the mattress. That said, considering all the qualities of this air mattress, our tester called it “the best air mattress I have tested or owned.” Sizes: Queen | Weight: 29.8 lbs. | Material: Waterproof, but unlisted | Includes: Washable pillow-top, storage bag People / Dera Burreson People / Dera Burreson People / Dera Burreson People / Dera Burreson People / Dera Burreson Best Budget Bestway Tritech Air Mattress Walmart View On Walmart $27 Our Ratings Durability 4.8/5 Comfort 4.3/5 Effectiveness 3/5 Ease of Setup 5/5 Design 4.5/5 Pros It’s the most affordable air mattress we tested. The lightweight and portable design is great for travel. The mattress is comfortable to sleep on and durable against rips and tears. Cons It has a firm feel, so if you like softer mattresses, this one might not be a good choice. The length is a bit short for taller adults. It was a little noisy during the inflation process. If you’re looking for an inexpensive but effective air mattress, let us point you to the Bestway Tritech air mattress. For less than $30, this mattress offers easy setup and take down, no air leaks, durable PVC material, a comfortable and supportive design, and portability to take it on the go. It took a minute to inflate, maintained the same height throughout our tests, and came with a built-in pillow for added comfort. Our tester was tall so their feet hung over the edge slightly, but two people were able to sleep on the mattress comfortably while feeling equally supported. You do have to plug in the electric pump which could make this mattress less outdoor-friendly unless you have an AC outlet while on the move. It does come with a storage bag with cloth handles that’s easy to carry around and folds up well to fit snugly. Sizes: Twin, full, queen | Weight: 9 lbs. | Material: Polyester, flocking PVC, PVC | Includes: Built-in pump, built-in pillow, storage bag People / Dera Burreson People / Dera Burreson People / Dera Burreson People / Dera Burreson Best Portable Englander Air Mattress Amazon View On Amazon $126 View On Walmart $31 Our Ratings Durability 4.8/5 Comfort 5/5 Effectiveness 5/5 Ease of Setup 4.5/5 Design 4/5 Pros It was simple and quick to inflate and maintained its air level throughout use. The air mattress comes with an oversized storage bag. It’s a thick mattress that holds air well and provides comfortable cushioning. Cons The air valve has to be shut really tight after inflation or it will leak. For campers, road trip enthusiasts, and anyone who enjoys life on the move, the Englander air mattress is a highly portable option. It takes just a few minutes to set up, though our tester noted a learning curve with the control valves — and suffered a few air leaks until they figured out the valve wasn’t closed all the way. That said, once that problem was solved and properly closed, the air mattress maintained its air level for the rest of our test, providing solid support. The air mattress was comfortable and firm, with ample room for two people. You could feel some movement from the other person, but very little. The height of the air mattress is thick, putting a lot of cushioning between you and the ground, and the material is durable and held up to metal brush bristles. A major plus: It comes with an oversized storage bag with large handles for portability, so you can pack it right along with your family tent and travel pillows. Sizes: Twin, queen, California king | Weight: 12.8 lbs. | Material: Microfiber | Includes: Storage bag, built-in pump People / Dera Burreson People / Dera Burreson People / Dera Burreson People / Dera Burreson People / Dera Burreson Best with Headboard Bestway Headboard Queen Air Mattress Walmart View On Walmart $74 Our Ratings Durability 4.8/5 Comfort 4.5/5 Effectiveness 5/5 Ease of Setup 4.5/5 Design 4.6/5 Pros This is a tall, comfortable, and supportive air mattress. It didn’t lose any air during our test and maintained the mattress height. It comes with a headboard for added convenience and comfort. Cons It took double the amount of time to deflate as it did to inflate (six minutes). The material squeaks and makes noise while you toss and turn. It’s a little heavy to carry around. Due to the size of this air mattress and given the headboard feature, this would make a solid guest option in your home — perhaps set up in a small office or other bonus room. It was easy to set up with three dial options: inflate, off, and deflate (though it did take twice as long to deflate as it did to inflate). The headboard addition gave our tester good support when sitting up: a bonus for an air mattress. The mattress material held up well against the pet brush bristles being pushed into it — with no punctures or marks. It does come with a storage bag, but it felt quite heavy to our tester when carrying it on their shoulder, so we think this is better for use around your home rather than as a travel option. Sizes: Twin, queen | Weight: 22.08 lbs. | Material: PVC | Includes: Storage bag, built-in antimicrobial treatment to prevent growth of unwanted bacteria People / Dera Burreson People / Dera Burreson People / Dera Burreson People / Dera Burreson People / Dera Burreson Best with Built-In Pump Brookstone Perfect Queen Air Mattress Amazon View On Amazon $140 Our Ratings Durability 5/5 Comfort 4.8/5 Effectiveness 5/5 Ease of Setup 4.8/5 Design 4/5 Pros It comes with a built-in pump and is easy to inflate and deflate. The mattress is comfortable, supportive, and generally quiet when moving around. It comes with a storage bag and a fitted sheet that covers the top and sides of the mattress. Cons It’s about three inches shorter than advertised, but it maintained its height throughout the test. The storage bag had short handles, making it awkward to carry around with the folded mattress inside. The assembly of this air mattress was made painfully easy by the built-in pump — it had intuitive controls for inflation and deflation. Our tester didn’t even need the instructions to set it up and could leave it unattended thanks to the auto shut-off function. In terms of comfort, the air mattress comes with a soft fitted sheet that covers the top and sides of the mattress. During our test, everyone felt supported and comfortable when lying down on the mattress and found it mostly quiet to sleep on. The materials passed our puncture test and the height — though shorter than advertised — never lowered during the test, indicating no air leaks. Though folding the mattress was a small challenge, it fit in the storage bag nicely — however, the bag had short handles which made carrying it a little awkward. This one might be better suited as an extra mattress you keep in your home. Sizes: Twin, queen | Weight: 25 lbs. | Material: PVC | Includes: Built-in pump, ultra-plush top, fitted sheet, storage bag People / Dera Burreson People / Dera Burreson People / Dera Burreson People / Dera Burreson Best for Storage Coleman SupportRest Rechargeable Air Mattress Walmart View On Walmart $105 View On Coleman.com View On Coleman.com Our Ratings Durability 4.5/5 Comfort 3.5/5 Effectiveness 5/5 Ease of Setup 5/5 Design 5/5 Pros The mattress comes with a drawstring storage bag that can also fit sheets and a pillow. It has an easy and quick setup and holds its air well without any leaks. The inflation pump is also USB rechargeable. The materials are durable and have an antimicrobial coating to prevent bacteria growth. Cons It’s not the most comfortable mattress we tested, so it’s better for a few nights at a time rather than extended use. The air mattress isn’t super portable since the storage bag doesn’t have handles. The Coleman air mattress is ideal for quick overnight guest visits. It’s incredibly easy to store with a drawstring bag that can fit the mattress, as well as sheets and a pillow. Once you pull it out, the air mattress inflates quickly and holds air throughout use — we saw no evidence of air leaks during the test. The inflation pump is also USB rechargeable. While the air mattress is certainly comfortable for a night or two, we don’t think it would be a good mattress to sleep on long-term. The edges didn’t have amazing support, so you could feel the air moving around as you moved closer to the edge of the air mattress. The materials were impressive though, with an antimicrobial coating to prevent unwanted bacteria growth, and a strong material that held up to our puncture test. All things considered, this air mattress is an ideal option for short-term sleeping and overnight guests. Sizes: Twin | Weight: 30 lbs. | Material: Plastic | Includes: Rechargeable built-in pump, antimicrobial sleep surface, oversized drawstring storage bag People / Dera Burreson People / Dera Burreson People / Dera Burreson Best Durable Intex Deluxe Comfort-Plush High-Rise Air Mattress Dick's Sporting Goods View On Amazon $66 View On Walmart $66 View On Wayfair $56 Our Ratings Durability 5/5 Comfort 4.8/5 Effectiveness 5/5 Ease of Setup 4/5 Design 4.4/5 Pros The air mattress is highly durable with vinyl that didn’t puncture or release any air during our test. It was one of the quietest mattresses we tested. It’s comfortable, supportive, and portable thanks to the storage bag. Cons It took nearly seven and eight minutes respectively to inflate and deflate — the longest of any mattress we tested. If you are looking for a durable air mattress that will last many years, the Intex Dura-Beam mattress is a long-term guarantee. The setup process was simple but did take the longest of any air mattress we tested to inflate (and deflate) — unsurprising given the sturdy vinyl material. The mattress is one of the quietest we tested when you’re lying down on it. Our tester credited this to the thickness and how it absorbs any noise. It remained level even when our team tossed and turned and was quite comfortable to rest on. The most impressive aspect was its durability — there were no air leaks, no punctures, the material and seams felt strong, and the mattress kept its shape. It’s a supportive, comfortable air mattress that you can even store or travel with thanks to the handled storage bag. Sizes: Queen | Weight: 23.15 lbs. | Material: Velvet, vinyl | Includes: Built-in pump, storage bag People / Dera Burreson People / Dera Burreson People / Dera Burreson Best Firm Intex Dura-Beam Comfort Air Mattress Amazon View On Amazon $42 View On Walmart $51 View On Wayfair $56 Our Ratings Durability 4.8/5 Comfort 4.5/5 Effectiveness 5/5 Ease of Setup 4.5/5 Design 4.3/5 Pros It’s a highly supportive, firm air mattress. The mattress was easy to fold and portable thanks to the storage bag. It’s a fairly budget-friendly option compared to the others we tested. The pump is quiet compared to most of the air mattresses in our test. Cons There’s no automatic shut-off for the pump. It will be too firm for people who like medium-firm or plush mattresses. It took longer to inflate than some mattresses we tested. For those who like to sleep on a firm, supportive mattress, the Intex Dura-Beam Mid-Rise Mattress is a solid option. It did not sink at all, making it ideal for those who like a lot of firmness (and maybe less so for plush enthusiasts). The air mattress was simple to inflate, though it took some time and doesn’t have an automatic shut-off function so you have to watch it and manually turn it off when full. The mattress proved durable against punctures, tears, and rips. There’s also a bolster around the edges to prevent you from rolling off. While our testers didn’t notice any air loss during their rest, the air mattress did lose about 1/8 of an inch of air — not a deal breaker, but worth noting. Once it was time to store, the mattress could be folded easily, though the cord took extra effort to get in the carrying bag. Sizes: Twin, full, queen | Weight: 15.68 lbs. | Material: Vinyl | Includes: Built-in pump, designed for lumbar support People / Dera Burreson People / Dera Burreson People / Dera Burreson Most Comfortable Serta Raised Air Mattress Amazon View On Amazon $160 View On Walmart $70 View On Kohls.com $247 Our Ratings Durability 5/5 Comfort 5/5 Effectiveness 3/5 Ease of Setup 5/5 Design 4.5/5 Pros The air mattress is comfortable and supportive with very little motion transfer. It has three different comfort levels: plush, medium, and firm. The pump’s motor is fairly quiet during inflation and has an automatic shut-off feature. Cons There’s a humming noise when the mattress is plugged in, even when it’s off. It lost about four inches of height after an overnight test with a medicine ball on top. The storage bag has short handles. Serta is known for its plush mattresses, and this air mattress matches that expected level of comfort. The controls let you toggle the comfort level and the inflation. You can choose between plush, medium, or firm for the comfort levels, with a traditional inflate, off, or deflate for the other dial. It only took two minutes to inflate and set up. The pump was surprisingly quiet, though we noticed a humming noise while the pump was plugged in. The air mattress could comfortably fit two people and there was very little motion transfer. Our tester said they could barely feel the other person move when they simulated tossing and turning. Plus, there’s a little border around the edge to keep you from rolling off. Our tester was comfortable in various sleeping positions such as the back, side, and stomach. The mattress also held up to our durability tests. While the initial test showed no air leakage, our overnight test showed a difference of about four inches in height after a medicine ball rested on it. The air mattress was easy to fold and store, but the bag had shorter handles than we would have preferred. Sizes: Twin, queen | Weight: Unlisted | Material: PVC | Includes: Built-in pump, storage bag People / Dera Burreson People / Dera Burreson People / Dera Burreson People / Dera Burreson People / Dera Burreson Things to Consider Before Buying an Air Mattress Materials The exterior materials of an air mattress can impact its longevity. For instance, a strong PVC or vinyl fabric — like the Intex 64417ED Dura-Beam Deluxe Comfort-Plush High-Rise Air Mattress — can hold up against water, tears, and extensive use. If you plan to take your air mattress on the road, it might have to endure a lot of transit as well, so choosing an air mattress with strong materials will be an important consideration. If you’re just looking for an extra mattress to keep around the house, the material might not need to be as durable. Maintaining Air Pressure “Air mattresses can cause the body's weight to be unevenly distributed across the mattress, which can cause strain on the spine due to improper spinal alignment,” Mount Sinai’s Dr. Alopi Patel, a double board-certified anesthesiologist and pain management specialist tells PEOPLE. That’s why you want an air mattress that holds the air in place and doesn’t leak. “Sleeping on improperly inflated air mattresses regularly can cause the development of chronic back pain due to muscle-related or disc-related pain,” she says. Some of our tested air mattresses that held onto their air beautifully include: Chillsun Air Mattress, Insta-Bed Raised Pillow-Top Air Mattress, and Bestway Tritech Air Mattress. Extra Features Depending on your needs, many extra features can make an air mattress more user-friendly. For instance, the headboard on the Bestway Headboard Air Mattress gives someone upper back support should you want to sit back and read a book. Whereas, the Beautyrest Lumbar Support Air Mattress gives your lower back some relief with three horizontal panels to provide support to that area. Many of our air mattresses — including the Brookstone Perfect Air Mattress — come with a built-in pump for convenience. And if you need to store or travel with the air mattress, a storage bag like the one included with the Englander Air Mattress can come in handy. People / Dera Burreson How We Tested We tested 17 top-rated air mattresses from brands like Serta, Beautyrest, Coleman, and Chillsun, looking at how versatile and effective they were for different scenarios. Setup: Our team timed the inflation process, as well as deflation after the test was complete. We also measured the noise level of each, using a decibel reader as a gauge. Durability: We checked the durability and design of materials, using a dog brush with prongs to see how rip-proof the fabrics were and considering whether they were waterproof. We also tossed and turned to see if the materials squeaked or made noise. Effectiveness: Our team tested how well the mattresses held air, measuring the height of the mattress before and after lying on it, and rolling around to check for air leaks. We also left a medicine ball on top of each mattress overnight to see if it caused leaks. Comfort: We physically laid down on each mattress to make sure they were comfortable for sleeping, and for full sizes and up, we made sure two people could comfortably fit. Portability: After the test was complete, we folded up the mattresses, if applicable, and considered how easy they would be to store or move. We also considered extras like storage bags and other accessories. The Serta Raised Air Mattress with Never Flat Pump. People / Dera Burreson Frequently Asked Questions What is the lifespan of an air mattress? According to the Helix mattress brand, if you take good care of your air mattress, it can last, on average, between five and 10 years. Of course, air mattresses that are frequently used, or traveled with, will probably see more wear and tear sooner. Should you regularly sleep on an air mattress? “Ideally, regular mattresses with proper back support that minimize uneven weight distribution are better to regularly sleep on,” says Dr. Patel. “However, occasional use of good quality air mattresses won't necessarily cause back pain.” She emphasizes that a good quality and well-inflated air mattress can help avoid exacerbating any existing back pain. Where should lumbar support sit on your back? The little dip in your lower spine (above your tailbone) is where lumbar support should focus. “Lumbar support is when a device such as a cushion is used to help maintain the natural curvature of the lower back,” says Dr. Patel. “Lumbar support can be used in the curvature of the lower spine where the last five vertebral bones are, right above the sacrum.” The 21 Best Bed Frames of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Why Trust PEOPLE? Madison Yauger is a senior shopping writer for PEOPLE with extensive experience in the home space. Whether she’s writing about the most effective pet hair vacuums, cozy bath towels, or sleek wine decanters, Madison is always dreaming of the perfect homescapes. For this story, she utilized our lab’s insights after an in-depth test of 17 air mattresses to understand which models came out as the most comfortable, most durable, and most versatile for all occasions. She also spoke to a double board-certified anesthesiologist and pain management specialist, Dr. Alopi Patel, to learn how various qualities of an air mattress can affect your spine and lower back. Meet Our Expert Alopi Patel, M.D. is a double board-certified anesthesiologist and pain management specialist at Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. She is also one-half of the duo of The Female Pain Docs and The Hurt Podcast. What Is PEOPLE Tested? We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs. But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square. In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.