Buying guide for best air mattress for heavy people
Air mattresses offer a convenient and portable sleep solution for various situations like camping trips, guest accommodations or a temporary bed in a new home. However, it's important to remember that not all air mattresses are alike. Some, even high-quality ones, can lose air pressure when supporting heavier weights, leading to discomfort and a poor sleep experience. When shopping for the best air mattress for heavy people, keep weight capacity and comfort in mind.
The BestReviews Testing Lab thoroughly evaluated a number of air mattresses to identify the best options for heavier individuals. While most traditional air mattresses have a weight limit of about 300 pounds, our recommended picks include sturdier mattresses, with some accommodating up to 800 pounds.
However, navigating the vast selection of air mattresses designed for heavier people can be overwhelming. Evaluating the various support systems, air pumps and materials can feel like a daunting task. To simplify your search, we've taken the guesswork out of the selection process by carefully assessing these factors for you. Our top pick is the King Koil Luxury Air Mattress, which is durable, comfortable and quick and easy to set up.
Our top picks
Best air mattress for heavy people
Product Specifications
Weight Capacity: 600 lb | Dimensions and Size: 84” L x 72” W x 20” D | Firmness and Support: Air-filled coil beam construction | Pump Type: Built-in high-speed 120-volt/210-watt automatic pump | Top Material: Flocking
If you're a heavier individual who finds that most air mattresses lack comfort and support, the King Koil Luxury Air Mattress boasts features that are specifically designed to cater to your needs, offering exceptional comfort, support and durability.
The mattress's unique air-filled-coil construction provides superior support and helps maintain proper spinal alignment, ensuring a restful night's sleep. Additionally, the flocked top surface has a plush feel so you don’t feel like you’re sleeping on plastic. Made from puncture-resistant PVC and boasting a weight capacity of up to 600 pounds, this air mattress is built to last. Also, the built-in pump inflates the bed in under three minutes. The included storage bag means the mattress is easy to store and transport when not in use.
It’s worth mentioning that this air mattress is available in a California king size, catering to tall individuals who need the extra length. While the King Koil Luxury Air Mattress is pricier and less suitable for travel than other air mattresses, its durability, fast inflation time and overall comfort make it a worthwhile investment.
Product Specifications
Weight Capacity: 600 lb | Dimensions and Size: 80" L x 60" W x 18" D | Firmness and Support: Dura-Beam construction | Pump Type: Built-in 110-120-volt pump | Top Material: Flocking
Intex's Dura-Beam Deluxe Comfort-Plush Air Mattress is an outstanding option for budget-minded sleepers looking for a comfortable, supportive night's rest. This mattress boasts a weight capacity of 600 pounds, making it suitable for heavy people or two sleepers.
The mattress offers a unique Dura-Beam technology, with vertical beams that prevent sagging and ensure lasting comfort. The plush top adds a touch of luxury, while the puncture- and water-resistant materials provide peace of mind for travelers looking for a durable mattress. The built-in pump inflates the mattress in under four minutes.
Additional support built into the top, bottom and sides enhances stability and minimizes motion transfer, ensuring restful sleep for the lightest sleepers. At an affordable price, the Intex Dura-Beam Deluxe Comfort-Plush Air Mattress offers exceptional value for heavy individuals seeking a space-saving sleep solution.
Best cooling inflatable mattress
Product Specifications
Weight Capacity: 700 lb | Dimensions and Size: 80" L x 60" W x 17" D | Firmness and Support: Dual coil-in-coil construction | Pump Type: Sure-Lock Built-in Express Pump | Top Material: Flocked PVC
If you often get too hot sleeping at night, the Beautyrest Comfort Plus Air Mattress is the solution for those yearning for cooler slumber. This air mattress prioritizes temperature regulation with a plush cooling top that wicks away heat and moisture. Additionally, it is constructed of vinyl and poly-blend fabric, providing better airflow and preventing heat buildup.
The dual coil-in-coil design provides exceptional pressure relief and supports up to 700 pounds. Edge support ensures stability, preventing sleepers who toss and turn from rolling off the edge.
This option includes an inset air pump designed to limit overnight air leaks. We found that it inflates quickly, rolls up compactly for storage and provides general comfort throughout the night, making it a versatile option for guests, travel or camping.
Best single-height air mattress
Product Specifications
Weight Capacity: 600 lb | Dimensions and Size: 80" L x 60" W x 10" D | Firmness and Support: Fiber-Tech interior construction; Dura-Beam support | Pump Type: Built-in 110-120-volt pump | Top Material: Flocked PVC
If you're looking for a no-frills, budget-friendly air mattress, the Intex Dura-Beam Standard Pillow Rest Classic Air Mattress is a good option for a spare bedroom. Available in twin, queen and king sizes, this ten-inch-thick mattress offers a balance of affordability and functionality and is durable enough to support heavier people.
The design is basic, but the Dura-Beam Standard boasts Intex's signature Dura-Beam construction for reliable support. Additionally, the Fiber-Tech interior provides a comfortable and supportive sleep surface even without the extra depth of some other models.
This air mattress has an impressive 600-pound weight capacity and includes a built-in pump that inflates it in under three minutes. While it might not offer the same level of luxury as some pricier alternatives, the Intex Dura-Beam Standard prioritizes comfort and support at a reasonable price, making it a stellar fit for budget-conscious sleepers.
Best air mattress for long-term use
Product Specifications
Weight Capacity: 800 lb | Dimensions and Size: 80" L x 60" W x 20" D | Firmness and Support: Offset coils | Pump Type: Sure-Lock anti-leak inset pump | Top Material: Removable quilted cover
With its quilted cover and premium Duratex vinyl material, the Nautica air mattress is a contender in terms of comfort, making it a great option for long-term use in a guest bedroom. This deluxe mattress inflates quickly — the queen size takes just two minutes — and boasts several features designed to keep sleepers cool throughout the night. It includes a breathable, cooling quilted cover that zips off for easy cleaning, making it perfect for those who want the option of a fresh, machine-washable bed.
Like competing air mattresses, the Nautica has coil construction for a real-mattress feel and to help prevent sagging. It also includes a built-in pump.
Best air mattress with headboard
Product Specifications
Weight Capacity: 600 lb | Dimensions and Size: 80" L x 60" W x 18" D | Firmness and Support: Dura-Beam construction | Pump Type: Built-in pump | Top Material: Flocked PVC
During our extensive evaluation of air mattresses, we were intrigued by this option from Intex that combines portability and comfort and features a plush, double-layered sleeping surface. It also has a knob for adjusting firmness. But what really sets this air mattress apart from the competition is its unique built-in headboard, which mimics the feel of a traditional bed and helps keep pillows from falling off. This mattress inflates in less than five minutes.
With a weight capacity of 600 pounds and Fiber-Tech construction for added durability, the Intex Dura-Beam Air Mattress is a suitable option for everyone, including couples. It weighs 23 pounds, a bit more than competing models, but its unique headboard makes it a standout option worth considering.
Product Specifications
Weight Capacity: 600 lb | Dimensions and Size: 76" L x 55" W x 18" D | Firmness and Support: Aero-Pillar technology; built-in comfort adjust dial | Pump Type: Built-in pump | Top Material: Flocked PVC
Supporting sleepers up to 600 pounds, the Huddle Luxury Air Bed is a great option for heavier sleepers who want both comfort and luxury. This air mattress inflates in just under three minutes using its built-in pump. The pump has Slumberguard technology that quietly and automatically tops up the air throughout the night and automatically shuts off, eliminating the need to constantly monitor the air level and preventing over- or under-inflation. You can also choose your desired firmness level with preset options of Plush, Medium and Firm.
We’re big fans of its innovative Aero-Pillar air coil technology that makes the mattress feel more level and less like an air mattress. While generally well received by customer reviewers, some reported that the air pump can be noisy. Despite this potential drawback, the Huddle Air Bed is reliable, comfortable and highly adjustable, making it a great buy for those seeking a comfortable air mattress with a luxurious feel.
Best air mattress for kids
Product Specifications
Weight Capacity: 310 lb | Dimensions and Size: 62" L x 39" W x 12" D | Firmness and Support: 7 support beams | Pump Type: External high-speed pump | Top Material: Flocked PVC
This portable toddler bed is designed with safety in mind. It comes in two parts: the mattress and a bumper that surrounds the sleeping area, preventing active toddlers from rolling or falling out of bed during the night. With a weight limit of 310 pounds, it can support kids of all sizes. Although it lacks a built-in pump, the bed comes with a powerful external high-speed pump that can inflate both the mattress and bumpers in just 30 seconds.
Parents will appreciate how easy the mattress is to roll up and store in the included bag, making it perfect for travel, camping, visits to the grandparents or living room slumber parties. Standard crib sheets and blankets fit the Hiccapop mattress, so you can use bedding you already have on this supportive inflatable mattress. With its focus on comfort, safety and ease of use, the Hiccapop Toddler Air Mattress will help your little one get a restful night's sleep wherever you roam.
What to look for when buying an air mattress for a heavy person
When looking for the best air mattress for a heavy person, there are a few things to keep in mind. For example, where will the mattress be located, who will be using it, what features are most important to you and what level of support are you looking for? It’s important to note which features you absolutely can’t live without and those you can take or leave. By answering these questions, you’ll be able to find the best air mattress for your needs.
Comfort and support
Nighttime support is especially important for heavier people. With more pressure on joints and back, you want something that can provide structure and comfort without sagging. However, support is also a matter of personal preference. Do you prefer a firm or a soft, pillow-like mattress?
The King Koil Luxury Air Mattress, for instance, has air-filled coils to provide extra support and comfort and maintain the bed’s firmness and soft pillow-top layer. You could also try an air mattress with variable support. For example, the Huddle Luxury Air Bed has a dial that lets you select the support level (Plush, Medium or Firm) that works best for you.
Air mattresses also come in various materials, with vinyl the most common. If you’re looking for the feel of a real bed, you might prefer an air mattress with a flocked or velvet top or, in the case of the Nautica air bed, a pillow top that zips on and off.
Height and size
The height of the mattress also matters quite a bit. Single-height air mattresses can be cheaper, but they can also be more difficult to get on since they’re so low to the ground. If you have knee or back issues, getting onto a low mattress could be challenging.
Thicker, dual-level mattresses compare in height to a typical mattress and box spring. They can be more expensive, but they can also offer more support than single-height mattresses and be easier to use for people with pain or mobility issues.
Many air mattresses come in various sizes and heights, so keep in mind that the weight capacity could change depending on the mattress size. For example, a thicker mattress likely has a higher weight capacity than a thinner one. The same is true with a queen size versus a full or twin mattress.
When thinking about size and height, it’s also important to keep portability in mind. If you’re planning to take your air mattress with you, you might want to opt for one that is smaller to make it easier to pack and carry.
Pump
There are two main types of pump for air mattresses: built-in and external. We found that built-in pumps are more effective, easier to use and require far less effort. These onboard pumps also offer additional features. For example, some allow for automatic inflation or deflation, automatic refilling and even support control. Because internal pumps are easier to access and use, they’re a better option for anyone with joint or back problems, older people or heavier people.
External pumps are typically found on budget air mattresses. These must be plugged into the wall and connected to the mattress, usually through a nozzle. These are much simpler pumps, so they rarely have additional features. They simply inflate the mattress, and you’ll have to determine when to stop adding air, because external pumps usually won’t have automatic shutoff.
Your choice should be about making the experience the most comfortable for the person using the air mattress.
Storage
If you’re shopping for an air mattress, portability is probably a factor. The ability to inflate, deflate and store the mattress makes it incredibly convenient. It’s important to pick one that fits your needs. Are you going to travel with it? Is it going to be packed away in a closet and only used when you have guests? Will it need to fit in a tightly packed car for camping trips?
Mattresses with more support and luxurious materials might be harder to roll up and pack away for storage, while single-height inflatable mattresses are much easier to store. That said, a luxurious, double-height air mattress with a headboard or built-in pillows is a great option for guests if you have the space to store it.
Extra features
You could always opt for a standard, no-frills air mattress, but the features are where air mattresses really shine. A standard air mattress won’t let you down, but a fancy, even luxurious air mattress can upgrade your experience. Common features that increase comfort include the following:
- Built-in pillows
- Built-in headboard
- Flocked or velvet top
- Coil structure
- Cooling materials
If you want to upgrade your comfort level, try mattresses made with premium materials that have a luxurious feel.
Some extra features in air beds make them easier to use, such as a built-in pump, automatic inflation and deflation and support controls. If you have trouble with dexterity, chronic pain or just prefer an air mattress that’s easier to use, you might want to check out an option with some of these features.
Tips for using your air mattress
Air mattresses can be comfortable, but not all of them can equal the comfort of a regular bed. To help make an air mattress more comfortable, you can try the following tips:
- Add a mattress topper between the mattress and sheets for extra support and comfort.
- Use a bed frame to lift the air mattress off the floor, making it seem more like a real bed.
- Add lots of blankets and pillows (many problems can be solved with more pillows).
- Inflate the air mattress the morning before you use it, make sure that it is fully inflated and then reinflate it before going to sleep.
How we analyzed
We analyzed a variety of different air mattresses in order to find the best ones for heavy people. We took into account different weight capacities, sizes, thicknesses, materials and more in order to find the best options on the market. We kept in mind how one might use an air mattress and the ways a heavy person might need additional support in order to get the best night’s sleep.
FAQ
Q. How much weight can an air mattress support?
A. Air mattresses typically have lower maximum weight capacities than standard mattresses. The latter have weight capacities of up to 800 pounds, and while there are a few air mattresses that can support 800 pounds, weight capacity varies depending on the size and construction of the mattress.
Twin air mattresses hold the least weight, with a limit of around 300 pounds. Full-size options are sturdier, typically supporting up to 450 pounds. Queen-size air mattresses are the strongest, able to handle 500 pounds or more. Take a look at the maximum weight capacity of any air mattress you’re considering to make sure it will work for you.
Q. How do I make my air mattress more comfortable?
A. To make your air mattress more comfortable, you can add additional items like a mattress topper, luxury sheets and soft bedding. Also make sure that the bed has been properly inflated.
Q. What is the lifespan of an air mattress?
A. This varies greatly depending on the brand, materials and frequency of use. Obviously, a more frequently used air mattress won’t last as long as one that is only used on rare occasions. For the most part, an air mattress should last between five and ten years with moderate use.
Q. Can I sleep on my air mattress every night?
A. That’s entirely up to you. It can be a good option for people who have just moved and haven’t yet had the chance to get a real mattress. However, an air mattress might not last as long with frequent use. On top of that, it may be less comfortable and worse for your body to sleep on an air mattress every night. If you’re planning to do so, make sure you invest in a high-quality air mattress that is comfortable and leakproof.
