How To Make An Air Mattress More Comfortable? Comprehensive Guide

Helen Skeates
Helen Skeates
18 min read

Although air mattresses are notorious for being a poor night’s rest, they can be transformed into a more conventional bed experience.

In this article, we will go over 8 fantastic methods for increasing the comfort of an air mattress, allowing you to receive the restorative sleep you need to maintain your health.

Also, we’ll discuss the most common explanations for why your air mattress is no longer comfortable. Read until the finish since that’s where the important stuff is.

Air Mattress Pros

Custom Firmness

Adjustable firmness is a major perk of air beds, particularly when they are utilized as the primary bed in a home. You have complete control over how tight or loose the setting is. The surface can be made firmer by adding more air, or softer by releasing some. Because every person has slightly varied preferences when it comes to their sleeping surface, this is especially useful when having overnight guests.

Back Pain

Adjustable firmness is a big benefit for persons with back difficulties and other sorts of body or joint pains, and although an inflatable mattress isn’t universally hailed as the best option, it does provide some unique advantages. Because there will be nights when the bed is excessively soft, the user can quickly and easily add air to the mattress by pressing a button, resulting in a firmer surface that is more supportive and comfortable for the user overall. There will be times when you find the bed to be excessively supportive, and on those occasions you may simply deflate a small amount by touching the surface.

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Sharing a Bed

Most mattresses of a full size and up feature two inner chambers so that you can make one side harder or softer than the other to suit your needs or those of your partner. Put an end to arguments over how stiff or soft it should be by adjusting it to your personal preference.

Odor-Free

Since they are made with PVC, they don’t have any of the unpleasant scents that new memory foam mattresses sometimes have.

No Sagging

The crater-like impression caused by sagging occurs when the surface gradually gives way after years of use. When the fabric begins to sag, it’s probably time to start thinking about a replacement. After years of use, a standard full-size memory foam mattress or some varieties of innerspring mattresses can sag, but with an air bed, you can simply inflate it with more air to get rid of the sag.

Increased Durability

The durability of PVC and resistance to drooping problems make these materials far more long-lasting than innersprings, latex, or foam. The typical conventional type, like a latex or spring, will last between 7 and 10 years depending on quality, whereas an air bed can easily last 15 years. If you have an air mattress with a built-in pump, the pump will probably go out first, but it’s cheap and easy to replace.

Rapid Inflation

As an example, a raised twin-size air bed can be inflated to its full capacity in around 5 minutes, depending on the quality of the pump. In roughly three minutes, you can blow up a non-raised, slightly smaller camper mattress.

Low Price

Popular manufacturers like Coleman and Intex have lowered their costs significantly. Comparatively, a twin memory foam mattress can easily cost $300, while a twin air mattress can be purchased online for as low as $30.

Many Uses

An inflatable mattress’s intended purpose is dependent on its size. A twin size low profile version, for instance, can be folded up and stored away for use on camping trips, or it can be set up on the living room floor as a guest bed for unexpected visitors. Similarly, some individuals stretch them over the back seat of their car when traveling, making for a much more pleasant sleeping arrangement than the car seat itself.

Air Mattress Cons

Lengthy Assembly

An inflatable mattress designed for long-term use can take up to an hour or more to set up and may need two people to do so. Once it’s put together, though, all you’ll have to do to customize it to your liking is adjust the air flow.

Noisy Pump

Some consumers have had noise issues with their pumps, however this is more common in cheaper models. In addition, you generally won’t be utilizing the pump very often because it can only be used to inflate or deflate.

Replacing Pumps

Because of its mechanical make-up and dependence on the internal pump, you’ll need to get it serviced, either for a fee or covered by the warranty, if it ever breaks. Simply purchase a new external pump from Amazon for no more than $15 if your air mattress needs one.

Shorter Warranty

PVC bed structures and pumps typically have shorter warranties than latex and innerspring alternatives, so you may have to pay for repairs if they become necessary. However, the price of a new replacement is typically equivalent to that of a repair these days, so you should look into getting a new one rather than putting money toward a repair.

5 Ways to Make Your Air Mattress More Comfortable | Overstock.com

How To Make An Air Mattress More Comfortable

#1. Use Pads or Covers:

When using an air mattress, whether it is brand new or well-loved, a pad or cover is a necessity for maximum comfort. Protect your air mattress from dirt and debris with a good cover.

Any mattress cover should work fine with an air mattress. If you don’t have a cover for your air mattress, it’s not a big thing to get one for $20-$30 so you can sleep comfortably and extend the life of your air bed.

A peaceful night’s sleep is ensured with a sheet or cover that is entirely spread out, free of creases.

#2. Use a Pillow:

To suggest that a pillow is essential to a good night’s sleep would be an understatement. If you sleep on a hard surface, using a high-quality pillow can help keep your spine in proper alignment and prevent neck aches.

Built-in pillows for air mattresses are convenient, but they can’t compare to properly packed pillows.

#3. A Thick Topper Can Work:

Although not all air mattresses, especially ones older than three or four years, have a nice, fluffy surface like the modern inflatable beds do, sleeping on a PVC bed no longer has to be an option. It can be difficult to be comfortable sleeping on this vinyl floor.

A thick topper can provide excellent all-around support and insulation, especially useful in cold climates or while camping. Another benefit is that switching sleeping positions won’t disrupt your partner’s rest.

#4. Position It Correctly:

One of the most important aspects of a comfy air mattress is placing it in the right spot.

Your bed will be more secure and your pillows will stay off the floor if you put it in a corner. This change will allow you to take a nap without disturbing anyone.

#5. Use a Mattress Riser:

If you want to maximize your airbed’s comfort, you must add a mattress topper.

A mattress riser or stand may elevate your bed by 10 to 15 inches, which is enough to keep you off the cold floor and your body warm while you sleep. And it’s a snap to enter and exit your blast zone.

There are various air mattress stands to choose from, such as a simple metal or wooden frame, cot, and box-spring that you can buy according to your budget and requirement.

#6. Make Sure The Airbed Is Adequately Inflated:

Expanding the capabilities of the air mattress is crucial. The effectiveness of your sleep system is something you must know about. If there is an excessive amount of air in the mattress, it may burst if you apply too much force.

Conversely, if it doesn’t contain enough air, it won’t be able to support your body properly and may droop, causing you to experience discomfort as you sleep.

#7. Prevent It From Sliding:

One cannot get any rest on a noisy and unstable bed, which are both common complaints about air mattresses.

One way to keep your air mattress in place without sacrificing comfort is to use a carpet or rug under it. To further improve the bed’s quietness, this adjustment was also made.

You should also always use a sufficient bed sheet to prevent squeaking from the bed’s smooth surface caused by your movement while you sleep.

#8. Pack Your Mattress Properly:

If you have a cute pet, it’s probably not a good idea to leave its inflatable bed out in the open after use, since it could be damaged by a variety of elements and pests.

Sometimes the damage isn’t obvious, and all it takes to stop giving the desired level of comfort is a minor leak or a broken valve. After each usage, roll up your mattress and store it in a secure location.

4 Reasons Why Your Airbed Is No Longer Comfortable

Lack of quality sleep is a common thread that runs across many different problems. And one of the main causes of this is a mattress that is either soft or too firm.

With that said, we’ve chosen to take the privilege of providing you with a few things to consider if you want to make your airbed a lot more relaxed.

This is likely an easy fix, but we need to make sure it’s reliable enough to avoid issues.

#1. Exceeding Airbed’s Carrying Capacity:

When shopping for a new air mattress, size and weight are important criteria to evaluate. When it comes to bearing weight, a wider bed is always preferable. If you and a partner plan to use the same inflatable bed, you will need to divide this weight limit by two because it applies to a combined total.

On average, 300 pounds is the maximum load for a twin-size airbed.

The typical weight limit for a full-sized air mattress is 450 pounds.

A queen-size air mattress can support up to 600 pounds of weight, or roughly twice as much as a standard twin air mattress.

#2. Is Your Airbed Inflated Enough:

The amount of air an airbed can contain is one of the most important factors influencing sleep quality. The firmness of an air mattress can be caused by adding too much air to it.

However, if it doesn’t have enough assets, it will weaken and be unable to provide adequate support. Keep this from happening at all costs.

If the bed needs to be deflated and inflated multiple times to meet the perfect standard, do so. This is one-of-a-kind because the answer depends on the individual’s actual weight.

#3. Lifespan:

When used seldom and maintained properly, an airbed can last for 8 years or more. It is recommended that you fully deflate the mattress and store it in its carrying bag when it is not in use.

Keep the airbed in a cool, dry place away from any sharp objects to prevent accidental punctures. Do not overfill the blow-up bed, and do not sit on the edge while it is inflated; doing so can cause the seams to tear and bulge.

#4. Air Leak Can Be An Issue:

When the vinyl of an air mattress gets a hole or tear, air might escape. A damaged gasket is another potential source of a leak. A rip or tear will always lead you directly to the source of the problem.

Click here to read about some alternate strategies for locating air leaks in an air mattress.

Do’s & Don’ts for Air Mattresses

Do: Keep Inflated When in Use

Repeatedly deflating and refilling an air mattress might cause the seams to wear out faster than they should. If your guest will be staying for multiple nights, it is more convenient to leave the mattress inflated throughout their stay rather than inflating it each day.

Do: Deflate for Storage

Inflating an air mattress takes only minutes thanks to battery-powered or electronic pumps, while deflating one might take hours or even days. When storing a mattress, it can be tempting to remove the plug from the air valve and force the air out by rolling the mattress. However, the mattress may suffer damage if you do that. When air is forced out, it stretches the seams, which might break the seals. Mattresses should be totally deflated before being stored, therefore be sure to remove the plug from the valve. When storing a mattress with a quick deflation mechanism, it is best to allow the air to escape. If you hear a tiny hissing sound at the valve, the air mattress is still losing air.

Don’t: Allow Pets

Household pets, even those accustomed to sleeping in beds or on furniture, should be kept away from air mattresses. A sharp-clawed animal can easily tear a permanent hole in the air mattress. Animals have a habit of pushing off or jumping off furniture, which puts strain on the mattress’s stitching.

Don’t: Overfill

Seams on air mattresses wear out faster if they are inflated to their full capacity. When using your air mattress for the first time, it is recommended that you only inflate it to around 90% of its maximum capacity. An overfilled mattress is more likely to burst.

Don’t: Sharp Objects

Repairing a hole in an air mattress might be a challenge. Patching an air mattress with duct tape or vinyl repair kits is only a short-term solution at best. Keep any sharp objects, including pencils, safety pins, needles, paper clips, etc., away from the mattress to prevent damage. If you plan on sleeping on the mattress, it’s a good idea to remove anything that could potentially puncture it from your pockets.

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FAQs

1. What to put on an air mattress to make it softer?

Add a topper to your mattress; it’s one of the best investments you can make in your night’s sleep. The cold, rubbery surface of an airbed can be avoided by using a thick mattress topper.

Put it on a Box Spring: It is one of the items that will significantly improve the ease of your airbed. It will also make it easier and quicker to rise from bed in the morning.

2. Can you put a memory foam topper on an air mattress?

Put it on a Box Spring: It is one of the items that will significantly improve the ease of your airbed. It will also make it easier and quicker to rise from bed in the morning.

3. How can I make my air mattress sleep better?

Put it on a Box Spring: It is one of the items that will significantly improve the ease of your airbed. It will also make it easier and quicker to rise from bed in the morning.

The use of a box spring is one of the things that can greatly enhance the comfort of your airbed. It will also make it easier and quicker for you to rise from bed in the morning.

Make a Headrest: A headboard may seem like an unnecessary addition to an airbed, but it actually adds a great deal of comfort and can be easily adjusted.

Consider Purchasing a Stand or Cot Instead of an Airbed Because the air inside of an airbed will eventually go below freezing as the night progresses. A great tip for maintaining a comfortable temperature on an airbed is to keep it off the floor.

Conclusion

Don’t fret if you find that your air mattress is not providing the level of comfort you require. A number of solutions have been explored, so clearly there is an issue.

And that settles the age-old conundrum: how to make an air mattress more comfy? I pray that you have a peaceful and restful night inside that space.

You have complete control over your mattress selection at all times.

Helen Skeates

Helen Skeates

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