While the mattresses are super affordable when compared to traditional models, you’re still getting a good, thoughtful design for the price. The support layer is the air chamber inside, made up of several intex twin air mattress chambers separated by fiber-constructed walls using a process called Fiber-Tech Construction™. The thicker mattress is also reinforced along the edges so you can use the entire sleep surface.
The patented Fiber-Tech technology, comprised of any of high strength polyester fibers, consists of 14 horizontal beams to provide incredible strength, enhanced contour support and luxurious comfort. Unlike traditional airbed construction, high-strength polyester fibers do not stretch over time, resulting in long-lasting durability. So, when I look at their air mattresses, I know I’m getting more than a plastic bag filled with air.
The Beautyrest Hi Loft twin air mattress comes equipped with a plug-in electric pump that screws onto the mattress. Once attached, it inflates the mattress in about 2 minutes, although not as fully as I would’ve liked. Once it’s inflated, you need to quickly unscrew the pump and replace the valve cap. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission strongly advises intex queen air mattress against using air mattresses with children under the age of 15 months—whether alone or accompanied by a grownup. According to a study published in the American Journal of Public Health (paywall), air mattresses were reported in more than 100 sleep-related infant deaths. Instead, look into portable cribs or “pack ’n plays” that are safe for infants to sleep in.
While the top of the air mattress is not as pillowy as the Dura-Beam Plus, it still feels supportive. During the testing, I thought the King Koil model came closest to mimicking the feel of a real coil mattress. At about 17 pounds, it was light enough to move around and inflated fully in just under 3 minutes. The flocked top and sides add some extra grip for sheets and minimizes the feeling of sleeping on a pool float (as opposed to the SoundAsleep, which is flocked on only the top). But this does mean that the sides can be more prone to gathering lint. The King Koil Luxury Air Mattress (20-inch) was one of the most comfortable mattresses I tested.
They won’t get as much as a traditional mattress, but some contouring is better than none, even in a temporary situation. There are a few general things to consider when shopping for the best air mattress. The mattress is constructed from a softer type of vinyl than others, making it easier to roll up and fold into a compact shape for storage. If something is wrong with the airbed you purchased or they sent you the wrong one, you have 15 days from the date you received it, to report the problem. Air mattresses cannot usually be tossed in your recycling bin at home (check with your local facility to make sure)—you’ll likely have to take it to a recycling center. You can also consider reusing it in a number of creative ways.