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An air mattress, also called an air bed, is an inflatable mattress that can be used as an alternative to regular mattresses for both indoor purposes as in guest rooms or outdoor purposes as for camping.
Air mattresses come in various sizes ranging from twin to King and they are also available in different materials. In this article, we provide a guide for air mattresses different types and materials for you to choose what suits your needs most.
An air mattress is a blow-up mattress that is very convenient and comfortable to sleep on as an alternative to regular mattresses.
1. Air Mattress Material
There are various materials for air mattresses ranging from the most common to the least common ones.
The material of the air mattress is very important to choose because it determines many factors such as the durability of the mattress, comfort, temperature regulation, and most importantly the price of the mattress.
PVC and Rubber are two of the most common materials from which air mattresses are made. While rubber is more flexible than PVC materials, PVC preferable for heavy weights.
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Air Bed Material |
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PVC |
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Rubber |
Polyvinyl Chloride PVC
Most air mattresses are made of PVC materials, which stands for Polyvinyl Chloride.
It is very common because it’s affordable and characterized as being resistant to puncturing which has a very good effect on the durability of the mattress.
It is also known for being water and fire resistant as explained in this report on PVC and fire.
Rubber
Rubber is also a great option for air bed materials. It is less stiff than PVC and, thus, is a very durable material. However, stiff materials like PVC are a better choice for heavy weights, and that’s why most heavy-duty air beds are made of PVC.
In addition to that, rubber is more affordable than PVC when it comes to air bed manufacturing. So, if you’re looking for a less price air mattress, rubber is a great choice.
2. Types of Air Mattress
Types of air mattresses vary according to the special features they have, and this is a very important factor to consider when purchasing an air bed. Below is a list of some features that can make one air mattress different than another.
With or Without a Built-in Pump
Air mattresses are available either without or with a built-in pump. In case you get one without a built-in pump, you’ll have to get an external air pump or use other alternatives to inflate your air bed.
On the contrary, air mattresses with built-in pumps are very easy and convenient to use. The inflation of the mattress definitely takes less effort and time when done with a built-in pump.
Single High or Double High
Air mattresses are available in different heights. They can either be single high or double high. Single high air beds are usually between 6 and 8 inches While double high air mattresses are between 16 and 18 inches tall.
Double high air mattresses are preferable because the higher the mattress is the more comfortable it is to get in and out of the bed. However, Single high air beds are a better choice for outdoor purposes because they’re easier to pack and use. Single high air beds are also more affordable than double high ones as well.
With or without Adjustable Inflation Option
Some air mattresses do not provide the adjustable inflation option. The adjustable inflation option allows you to control the inflation level of the mattress and how firm you want it to be.
This is very important, and can actually make the air mattresses more expensive than ones without such an option.
Medical Air Mattress
There’s a type of air mattresses developed by medical manufacturers to be used in hospitals for patients. They’re sometimes referred to as medical air mattresses.
This type of air mattress has some unique features that help in improving the health conditions of the patients. Medical air mattresses have to improve blood circulation through the alternating pressure feature.
They also have the ability to prevent pressure sores from occurring by improving blood circulation and alternating pressure on the patients’ bodies.
3. Air Mattress Size
Air mattresses come in different sizes to meet everyone’s needs.
A twin-size air mattress
It is a great choice for single sleepers. It is relatively small and won’t take much of your room’s space.
A twin-size air mattress is usually 75L X 39W X 18H inches.
A double or full-size air mattress
It can still be used for single sleepers but will also fit two people.
- A double or full-size air mattress is usually 90L X 54W X 17H inches.
A queen-size air mattress
It is also available. It’s larger than the twin and full sizes, and it’s a good choice for partners.
- A queen-size air mattress is usually 80L X 60W X 18H inches.
A king-size air mattress.
It is perfect for people who prefer the bed to be large enough for them
- A king-size air mattress is usually 80L X 70W X 16.5H inches.
4. Air Mattress Price Range
It is hard to find a fixed price for air mattresses because how much an air mattress can cost depends actually on various factors.
These factors include the size of the air beds, the material of the mattress, the special features of the mattress, its weight capacity, and height as well.
The most important of these factors is the size of the mattress. So, here is the price range of air mattresses according to size.
- The Price range of a twin-size air mattress is from $25 to$120.
- A full-size or double-size air mattress ranges in cost from $30 to $240.
- A queen-size air mattresses cost between $45 and $320,
- A king-size air mattress ranges between $130 and $350.
5 – Air Mattress Pros and Cons
Pros of an Air Mattress
- An air mattress is a great choice for people who suffer from back pain.
- It provides a better alignment for the spine and allows you to sleep in the best position.
- This actually can alleviate and prevent back pain from occurring.
- Air mattresses have the ability to minimize pressure on your spine by allowing your hip bone and shoulder to sink a little bit when you’re sleeping on your left or right side.
- In addition to its medical benefits, an air bed is easy to use, easy to store as it does not take much space, easy to adjust to your favorite firmness, and easy to pack and move in case you’re camping.
Cons of an Air Mattress
Despite all these benefits, an air mattress has some disadvantages as well.
- The problem of temperature regulation is one of the cons of inflatable beds.
- Air mattresses are very bad at regulating temperature which causes the bed to be very cold in winter and very hot in summer.
- Air mattresses are also vulnerable to puncturing.
- They can be punctured easily if they’re used on rough ground.
6. Air Mattresses Brands
One of the most important features for you to consider when purchasing an air mattress is the brand.
This is because the brand of the mattress is directly connected to the price and the quality of the mattress.
In this Article, we provide a complete guide to air mattresses brands to help you choose what suits your needs.
7. How to Inflate and Deflate an Air Mattress
The process of inflating an air bed is very simple. You can inflate an air mattress easily if it already has a built-in pump.
In case the mattress does not come with a built-in pump, you can use an external electric, foot, or hand pump.
If you don’t have an air pump, you can actually inflate your mattress with a hairdryer on low heat, or you can use a vacuum cleaner in reverse.
You can also inflate an air mattress with a garbage bag if you have no power.
