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Best Queen Air Mattresses

Updated May 2023
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
SoundAsleep Dream Series Luxury Air Mattress
SoundAsleep
Dream Series Luxury Air Mattress
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Thick & Comfortable
Bottom Line

A feature-packed modern airbed with ComfortCoil and SureGrip technology for a firm but comfortable mattress.

Pros

Forty air coils keep the mattress firm and durable. The one-click internal pump easily sets up in less than 4 minutes. Supports up to 500 pounds. Waterproof top is also puncture-resistant. Double-height bed is taller than most airbeds. Customers praise the easy inflation and comfort.

Cons

Some customers say the mattress loses too much air.

Best Bang for the Buck
Intex Dura-Beam Standard
Intex
Dura-Beam Standard
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Simple Yet Solid
Bottom Line

This simple air mattress holds up to 600 pounds and comes with its own portable battery pump.

Pros

The included Fiber-Tech construction contours to your body for maximum comfort. Built to last long and stretch with whoever sleeps on it. Great for large campers and people who want an easy-to-store mattress without the need for extra hardware.

Cons

Some complaints about quick deflation. Not very durable over long-term use.

King Koil Luxury Air Mattress w/ Built In Pump
King Koil
Luxury Air Mattress w/ Built-in Pump
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Most Versatile
Bottom Line

This tall, waterproof air mattress features a built-in pump for convenience.

Pros

Soft flocking layer and built-in pillow are convenient when you're packing light. Waterproof quilt doubles as spine support. Included pump inflates from flat to fully pumped in under 2 minutes. Buyers with back pain give this model high marks. Extra-wide.

Cons

The pump is noisy. Some complaints about deflation.

Intex Dura-Beam Essential Rest Airbed with Built-In Electric Pump
Intex
Dura-Beam Essential Rest Airbed with Built-in Electric Pump
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Mid-range Option
Bottom Line

A great, middle-of-the-road, queen air mattress; some reviewers use it daily as their regular bed.

Pros

Holds up to daily use. Good quality for the money. So firm you can sit on the edge to put on your shoes. Engineered with Fiber-Tech construction. Built-in, high-powered electric pump inflates the mattress in approximately 3 minutes. Built-in pillow; outer perimeter frame.

Cons

Some reports of leaking and seams splitting.

OlarHike Air Mattress
OlarHike
Air Mattress
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For Special Occasions
Bottom Line

This air mattress has a built-in pump and takes only 5 minutes to inflate, based on our user testing.

Pros

The mattress measures 80 by 60 by 18 inches and also comes in a smaller twin size. Our tester found that it held air without deflation for 8 hours and proved its claim of being waterproof. They also found it comfortable to sleep on.

Cons

Our tester is 5-foot-7-inches and the mattress was almost too short for them.

Why trust BestReviews?
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

After going through an intensive research process to narrow down our short list of top products in this space, we tested the OlarHike air mattress to be sure that it’s worthy of our recommendation. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter and test to verify manufacturer claims.

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Consulted
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Buying guide for 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.

air mattress set up near a wall
Sleeping on an air mattress without a headboard can be uncomfortable. Try to set it up in an area with a wall behind it to serve as a headboard.

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.

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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.

setting up air mattress
DID YOU KNOW?
If you don’t have a patch kit for your air mattress, you can use a shower curtain liner or another thin, flexible material to repair it.
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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.

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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.
setting up air mattress
When it’s not in use, store your air mattress in an area that doesn’t experience extreme temperatures or excessive humidity. Keep sharp objects away from it, as they might puncture the mattress.

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.