How to Choose an Air Mattress

Look for air mattresses with a minimal amount of air chambers. Multiple air chambers are often advertised as adding comfort, but they can increase the chances that something will go wrong with your air mattress or that it will lose its comfort. When in doubt, choose fewer air chambers.

Find out more about the materials, particularly those near the top of the air mattress that you'll be lying on. Latex and memory foam are popular choices. The closer these materials are to the surface of the air mattress, the better. Higher density materials are more comfortable for some people and are more durable.

Pay attention to the air pump that comes with the air mattress. User-friendly, high capacity pumps are ideal. Consider the amount of noise the pump makes. After all, you might be using your air mattress while staying with a relative or in a hotel room, and you don't want to disturb others.

Test out the air mattress remote, if the mattress comes with one. Like the pump, you want this element to be simple and user-friendly. The remote allows you to adjust the air level in the mattress while you're lying in it. This is an important function, but it's still fairly simple, which is why simple remotes are best.

Look for air mattresses that offer side rails. This is especially important if you plan to sleep in the air mattress a lot. A side rail makes the mattress more comfortable because you don't have to worry about sliding off. If you choose not to go with a side rail, still look for air mattresses that do not have air chambers all the way to the edge of the mattress.