Buying guide for best full airbeds
If you need a spare bed for occasional use that can be packed away easily when you don't need it, an airbed is the ideal choice. Sometimes a twin spare isn't sufficient, but you don't have room for a queen. Not to worry: a full airbed ticks the right boxes.
An extra bed can come in handy when your child has a sleepover, when family visits during the holidays, or when bad weather prevents a party guest from driving home. Full airbeds are also great for camping trips and should fit nicely in a three- or four-person tent with room to spare for gear.
There's plenty to consider when searching for the perfect full airbed. Do you want a standard airbed, or do you prefer an elevated model? Would a built-in pump be convenient, or do you need an external air pump? This guide will help you answer these questions and plenty more. Read on for more information, and don’t forget to check out our favorite full airbeds.
Key considerations
Bed height
Full airbeds are either standard height (also known as "single-height") or elevated (also known as "double-height" or "raised").
Single-height airbeds are generally somewhere between six and 10 inches tall. They tend to be inexpensive, inflate quickly, and are extremely compact when deflated and packed away, so they're a good choice for camping trips. But they're not as comfortable as raised models, and they are harder to get in and out of, which can be a concern for older users.
- Double-height airbeds tend to measure between 15 and 20 inches tall, making them about as easy to get in and out of as a regular bed. They're more comfortable than single-height airbeds and great for when you need to use an extra bed for more than a night or two. The downside is that they are slower to inflate and fairly bulky when deflated, so camping with them isn't ideal.
Built-in pump
Double-height airbeds usually have a built-in pump that plugs into a standard power outlet. While this is handy for home use, it's not much good for camping. Some models, however, allow you to bypass the built-in pump and use an external pump.
Internal coils
Some full airbeds feature internal coils or beams, giving you more effective and even support. Airbeds without air coils or air beams tend to sag in the center, which can result in a less comfortable night’s sleep.
Features
Built-in pillow: Some full airbeds include a built-in pillow. This isn't like a standard pillow; it's more of a raised area at the head end. Even so, it will offer some support and elevation for your head, which is useful if you don't want to pack a pillow or don't have any spares at home.
Headboard: It isn't a common feature, but you can find full airbeds with built-in headboards. Models with headboards take a little longer to inflate, but they will prevent your pillows or head from sliding over the end of your airbed if it isn't positioned up against a wall.
Flocked top: A flocked top is a soft, velvety top layer of an airbed. Airbeds with flocked tops are more comfortable to sleep on without a sheet.
- Storage bag: Some full airbeds include storage bags so you can pack away your airbed when not in use. This helps protect your airbed from punctures and keeps it clean between uses. If the storage bag has handles, it's also useful for transporting your airbed on trips.
Did you know?
Most airbeds include a patch kit to
repair small tears and punctures.
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Accessories
Full airbeds are far too large to blow up without some kind of pump. We highly recommend buying an electric pump (like Etekcity’s rechargeable model) over a hand pump or foot pump. Battery-powered and rechargeable air pumps are available for camping use, and many can be used for other purposes — such as inflating pool toys — as well.
Even with a flocked top, it's far more comfortable to sleep on a real sheet than directly on the surface of the mattress. Standard full-size sheets will fit on a full airbed, but it's best if they're fitted rather than flat. The four-piece set from Elegant Comfort is highly affordable and available in lots of great colors. You can use it on other beds in your home as well as your airbed.
A pillow will make your airbed experience far more comfortable. We like this travel pillow from MyPillow for both camping and lodging guests at home, as it comes with its own case and can be easily stored when not in use. The pillow can double as lumbar support in your office chair, so your investment can be put to good use during the day and the night.
For the ultimate in comfort, use a full-size mattress topper on top of your airbed. If you ever need to use an airbed for an extended period, this will help save you from back pain. We like the three-inch memory foam topper from LUCID. You could also place it on a guest bed — or your own bed — when it’s not being used on the air mattress.
Full airbed prices
Full airbeds vary in price depending on their height and overall quality. Standard single-height models typically cost $15 to $30 — slightly more if they have a built-in pump. Mid-range double-height airbeds cost between $40 and $80. At the high-end, some double-height airbeds can set you back as much as $100 to $200.
Tips
Air retention is vital. Nobody wants to wake up touching the floor because their airbed has leaked half its air overnight. A quality airbed should have solid air retention properties. Some models with built-in pumps monitor the air levels constantly and can top up when needed.
Make sure a full airbed is the right size for you. A standard full airbed measures 54 x 75 inches. If you require some extra length, full XL airbeds measure 54 x 80 inches.
Consider how regularly you'll use your full airbed. Spending over $100 on an airbed for occasional might be excessive. On the other hand, an inexpensive airbed won't last long if used every weekend.
- Think about where you'll set up your airbed. If you'll be setting your airbed up on uncarpeted floors (such as hardwood or tile), place a rug beneath it to prevent the airbed from moving around in the night.
Other products we considered
For taller sleepers, we like the Sable Air Mattress with Built-in Electric Pump. It’s a full XL airbed that fits in most spots that a full airbed would. It measures 18 inches high and is quick to inflate with its integral pump, though you do have the option of inflating it with an external pump for camping use.
Another good option from the same manufacturer is the Sable Elevated Inflatable Air Mattress. This one’s slightly lower at 17 inches high, but has a built-in raised pillow area. It takes just three to five minutes to inflate with the built-in pump.
If you're looking for an inexpensive model, consider the Intex Dura-Beam Standard Series Deluxe Single-High Airbed. This is a basic 10-inch high airbed that needs to be inflated with an external pump. It's lightweight and packs up small, so it's great for camping trips or home use.
FAQ
Q. Are full airbeds comfortable for long-term use?
A. In short, no. Although airbeds are fairly comfortable, they're only intended for short-term use. They don't provide enough support for long-term use and are likely to cause back pain or other body aches if used for extended periods.
Q. How long does it take to inflate a full-size airbed?
A. This depends on the height of your bed and the method of inflation. A double-height airbed will take around three to five minutes to inflate with an electric pump, or about 10 to 20 minutes with a hand or foot pump. A single-height airbed should inflate within one to three minutes using an electric pump or roughly five to 10 minutes with a manual pump.
Q. Do full airbeds have a maximum weight limit?
A. Yes, all airbeds have a maximum weight limit. If you exceed this limit, the bed could burst or sag excessively. The majority of full airbeds can handle 300 to 600 pounds. This is more than enough for most single users. But if you intend to sleep two on a full airbed, it's easier to exceed the maximum.
