Best Air Beds

Wenzel's Insta-Bed mattress tops others in reviews

Several Insta-Bed models are sold under different brand names. However, Wenzel's Insta-Bed Queen Raised Sure-Grip Bottom with Built-In Pump (*Est. $120) is repeatedly singled out as one of the best of the bunch. Designed primarily for indoor use, the Insta-Bed Raised Sure-Grip Bottom features an integrated electric pump that inflates this mattress in a mere 90 seconds, and its grippy bottom prevents it from sliding on the floor. The 100 plus consumers reviewing this Wenzel Insta-Bed on Amazon.com give it an average rating of 4.5 stars out of five, and it receives a lot of praise for not leaking. Though it only comes in queen size, the Insta-Bed Raised Sure-Grip Bottom is priced considerably lower than other comparable air mattresses.

Good Housekeeping magazine recommends the Wenzel Insta-Bed in its standard version (*Est. $54 to $65, depending on size). Though this bed doesn't offer the raised comfort or slip prevention of the Raised Sure-Grip Bottom, it's still praised for not leaking. Testers say this mattress is comfortable and easy to inflate and deflate, although they note that the bed's material punctures more easily than some other models. Both Insta-Bed models have a built-in pump, but the cheaper standard Insta-Bed model's pump is battery powered rather than electric, making it more practical for outdoor use. The top of the mattress is also lined with a grippy cover to keep bedding in place.

Shoppers looking for a more sophisticated Insta-Bed model, can try the Insta-Flex (*Est. $150) or the newer Insta-Flex 2 (*Est. $210). Both mattresses, which are only available in queen size, feature a built-in pump, fabric top to keep bedding in place, convenient storage bag and an adjustable seat position -- the top portion of the bed is adjustable to incline the head and shoulder area. However, the newer Insta-Flex 2 also offers an adjustable leg section. At 22 inches high, both beds are the same height as a standard frame and mattress, and their automatic pumps inflate the beds in about four minutes. The Insta-Flex original has more than 35 consumer reviews on Amazon.com. User reviews are mixed, with this model averaging just three stars out of five, but most say the bed is comfortable. The most common complaint is that the mattress has a tendency to leak air overnight.

While the AeroBed line is generally well received in reviews, we found that most of the AeroBed models covered in professional and consumer reviews have been discontinued. While some models may still be found at online retailers, stock is extremely limited. The company plans to introduce several new products in the next year, so we'll be updating our report as more information becomes available. We were unable to obtain further information regarding when new models will be available in stores.

One AeroBed option that's still available is the AeroBed for Kids (*Est. $70). The AeroBed for Kids is recommended for children 3 years and older and can hold children up to 150 pounds. This air mattress isn't included in any professional reviews. It receives near perfect ratings by almost 450 consumers on Amazon.com and more than 100 reviewers on Walmart.com. Parents say this inflatable 50-inch-by-25-inch mattress is ideal for overnight trips, since it can easily be tucked into a travel bag. Users also say the AeroBed for Kids is very sturdy (an important consideration, since kids are often rough with air mattresses). It inflates to 4 inches high and features a safety cushion around the edges so children don't roll off.

While the air beds covered above are intended for indoor use, it's possible to use them outdoors as well. We did find some coverage of air mattresses that are designed for both indoor and outdoor use, which may be a better choice for durability if you plan on using your mattress primarily for car camping or other outdoorsy situations. Note: If you are looking for smaller camping mattresses, ConsumerSearch addresses self-inflating sleeping pads in a separate report. True sleeping pads are much, much lighter in weight than a full-size air mattress. Sleeping pads are usually no more than 2 inches thick and are light enough to stuff into a backpack, while air mattresses are bulky and weigh 20 pounds or more.

One air mattress intended for both indoor and camping use is the positively reviewed Aero Sport All-Terrain Bed with Dual Power Pump (*Est. $75 to $90, depending on size). This air mattress inflates to a standard 9-inch height. The included pump can be plugged into a car lighter or it can be charged for cordless operation. The Aero Sport All-Terrain Bed, which has a two-year limited warranty, easily rolls up for convenient storage or travel. Reviews on Amazon.com are mostly positive, although one reviewer points out a major drawback: while the pump works immediately upon being plugged into a car lighter, it doesn't when plugged into a wall outlet. Using it at home? Make sure you charge the pump fully (which can take 12 hours) before inflating the mattress.

Another indoor/outdoor air-bed option is the versatile Coleman 4-in-1 Quickbed (*Est. $50 without pump). This product can be used as two separate twin beds, zipped together to make one king-size mattress, or stacked and snapped together for one double-high twin mattress. It fits standard-size sheets in both twin- and king-size configurations. The Coleman 4-in-1 Quickbed also comes with a carrying bag.

Other perks include its comfy soft top that prevents sheets from sliding, while its signature Airtight leak-preventing system and Advanced Double Lock Valve lock air in two directions and open wide for fast and easy inflation. The Coleman 4-in-1 has a 600-pound weight capacity. Nearly 100 reviewers on Amazon.com and over 120 reviewers on Walmart.com weigh in with mostly positive comments. Users say it's extremely comfortable. There are a few complaints about the mattress losing air, although most reviewers say it lives up to its leak-free promise.

This mattress doesn't come with its own pump, which is needed for use. However, one Amazon.com reviewer notes that a Coleman pump, such as the Coleman Rechargeable Quick Pump (*Est. $25), which uses a rechargeable battery, is relatively inexpensive and is also handy for inflating other items, such as pool toys. Other pumps are available, including one for about $19 that operates with four D batteries . You can also buy a manual bicycle-type pump for about $12.