Air Mattresses : Ratings of Sources

Our AssessmentSome inflatable air beds sold on Amazon.com receive a fair number of customer reviews. Most models by AeroBed -- especially the AeroBed for Kids -- receive positive reviews. While the AeroBed for Kids is the only air bed maintaining a perfect 5-star rating at the time of our visit, the AeroBed Guest Choice (with 120 reviews) and AeroBed Sleep Away (with more than 30 reviews) each have an overall rating of 4 stars out of 5. The Coleman King-Sized Quickbed with Wrap 'N' Roll Storage is also favorably reviewed, with an overall rating of 4 stars out of 5, based on nearly 60 owner-written reviews.

Our AssessmentSeveral air mattresses have received a fair number of reviews on Walmart.com, although the site is a bit more difficult to navigate than other retailer sites. In order to see the number of reviews available for a specific product, users must click through to the product page and scroll down several pages. There are some helpful details provided, however, including the age of the reviewer and how long the consumer has owned the product. Many air beds are highly rated on this site; those with an overall rating of 4 stars out of 5 or better based on at least 100 reviews include the AeroBed for Kids, Coleman 4-in-1 Quickbed with Wrap 'n Roll Storage and Coleman Queen Size Double-High Air Bed with Pump.

Our AssessmentExpoTV.com is a review website that allows consumers to post video reviews of various products. While most air beds have only a few reviews, video reviews are useful because they allow consumers to demonstrate visually various problems and features of a product rather than relying on verbal description. The discontinued Greatland Air Bed with Pump and Coleman Quickbed Air bed – Twin have accumulated four and five reviews, respectively, and both have an overall rating of 5 stars.

Our AssessmentThis informal review lists the top five air mattresses with a built-in pump, along with a brief review of each. It's not clear what methodology the author used in selecting the models, but it doesn't appear as though formal testing has been conducted. The top pick is the Wenzel Insta-Bed Raised Sure Grip Bottom with Pump.

Our AssessmentA user asks for recommendations for the best air mattress for occasional company in this camping forum. While the original thread is from 2006, the most recent comments are from 2009. Several owners recommend various Intex models.

Our AssessmentEpinions.com is typically a good source for user reviews, although most air beds have received only a few reviews. The reviews here also seem much lower than average compared to other online retailer and review sites, with many inflatable mattresses averaging only 2 or 3 stars out of 5.

Our AssessmentThis article provides tips for making overnight guests feel comfortable and welcome, including recommendations for several products. The only air bed recommended is the AeroBed Premier Cushioned Comfort.

Our AssessmentThis brief individual product review covers the Aerobed Pakmat, which the author touts for its easy storage and time-saving characteristics, noting that it stores in the pump used to inflate it. It's not clear whether the author has actually used this air bed.