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Air mattresses come in handy on numerous occasions:
They make great accommodation for late-night guests, work well for camping and water activities. You can even use an airbed as a temporary alternative to your regular mattress, for example, while you’re renovating your bedroom.
All you need to do is to choose the type of quality you’re looking for.
And this review of the best air mattresses for everyday use in Australia is here to help! Just scroll down and you’ll find a detailed comparison of the 5 most popular models on the market, as well as useful tips on how to make the right decision.
A Quick Preview
 | Best Overall — Editor’s Choice Scarlet Air Bed | Materials: vinyl with a flocked surface Pump: built-in Available sizes: Twin | Check Current Price Read more about this mattress |
 | Second Best Choice Shamil Bestway Air Bed | Materials: Plastic with vinyl Pump: built-in AC pump Available sizes: Twin, Queen | Check Current Price Read more about this mattress |
 | Best for Travel Giles Air Bed | Materials: vinyl with a flocked surface Pump: built-in Available sizes: Twin, Queen | Check Current Price Read more about this mattress |
 | Best Budget Pick Socampo Inflatable Mattress | Materials: Vinyl Pump: built-in Available sizes: Twin, Queen | Check Current Price Read more about this mattress |
 | Best for Couples Samra Inflatable Bed | Materials: Plastic with vinyl Pump: built-in AC pump Available sizes: Twin, Queen | Check Current Price Read more about this mattress |
Our Reviews of the Best Air Mattresses for Everyday use in Australia
Best Overall – Editor’s Choice — Scarlet Air Bed
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Highlights
- flocked top for improved comfort during sleep;
- built-in pump for easy setup;
- sturdy l-beam construction to deliver reliable, long-lasting support;
- thick vinyl exterior to avoid punctures and air leaks;
- inflates in a couple of minutes to save more time when preparing for bed.
What makes the best air mattress for everyday use in Australia is the combination of comfort and quality. Luckily, the Scarlet air bed by Bestway possesses both of those traits. This is a sturdy air mattress that uses thick vinyl to ensure durable performance. It even managed to withstand the claws of my medium-sized dog, and that says a lot.
Moreover, the Scarlet is a rare example of an air mattress that can be used daily. It has a soft velvety top that is super pleasant to the touch. Additionally, it adds some traction and helps the sheets remain in place (unless you’re a very active sleeper). I also love how tall this air mattress is. Getting in and out of bed is super easy when the mattress isn’t close to the ground, making the Scarlet ideal for frequent use.
This model was built to last, so it can be used daily without any worries. Plus, the Scarlet offers enough support to redistribute the body weight evenly, leading to improved comfort.
Pros:
- super easy to inflate thanks to a built-in pump;
- sturdy construction, promises durability in use;
- soft top, can be used even without sheets;
- doesn’t take much time to inflate;
- high-profile design to make getting in and out of bed easier.
Cons:
- quite tall, so it might not work with standard fitted sheets;
- the sheets may slide off during the night if you’re a very restless sleeper.
Second Best Choice — Shamil Bestway Air Bed
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Check Current Price Read our detailed review Shop Now on Zanui.com.au
Highlights
- seamless design to create a smooth, comfortable sleeping surface;
- built-in raised pillow for additional support for the head;
- raised edges to prevent rolling off during sleep;
- includes a carrying bag for easy transportation;
- built-in electric pump for effortless and fast setup.
A close runner-up among the best air beds for everyday use in Australia is the Shamil mattress by Bestway. This is another model that feels sturdy and reliable. In fact, I was rather surprised by its almost rigid feel upon arrival, especially given this mattress’s price.
Additionally, I love the built-in pillow design. While it did not substitute for a real pillow in my case, it made me feel more comfortable. How? The raised edge prevented my pillow from sliding to the edge and falling. I also enjoyed the extra support that built-in pillow provided, given that I’m a side sleeper who requires taller pillows.
It’s also worth mentioning that the Shamil comes with a built-in pump. It took me only a couple of minutes to inflate this mattress fully. This makes the Shamil ideal for everyday use if you prefer to store the mattress away during the day. It’s also an excellent solution for unexpected guests or fast firmness adjustments.
The Shamil air mattress by Bestway is very likely to satisfy a wide range of sleepers thanks to its quality construction and comfortable design. Plus, it comes with an attractive price tag, which is always a great bonus.
Pros:
- powerful pump for fast installation;
- built-in pillow for improved comfort;
- offers great value for money;
- seamless construction to eliminate bumps that may disturb sleepers;
- soft, velvety surface for comfier sleep;
- raised edges to prevent rolling over during the night.
Cons:
- the built-in pillow might not work for strict stomach sleepers (as they require minimal support for the head to avoid neck strain);
- not ideal to be used with a fitted sheet as this mattress is rather tall.
Best for Travel — Giles Air Bed
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Highlights
- medium profile to work in different settings;
- built-in pump, does not require any effort to inflate;
- raised edge near the head to provide additional support for the pillow;
- easy to transport and to store thanks to a handy carrying bag;
- water-resistant vinyl construction, can be used outdoors as well.
Looking for a great air mattress that you can use daily when camping or moving between homes? The Giles air bed might be just the right pick. This model isn’t that big, so it can be used in various circumstances and settings. At the same time, the Giles air mattress is spacious enough to accommodate two average sleepers. Therefore, it can offer enough room for comfortable rest without taking up too much space (great for camping, sleeping in an RV, or setting up a temporary bedroom space when moving).
It gets even better: with the Giles, you don’t even have to carry your pillow. This model has a raised edge (the so-called built-in pillow), which makes it one of the best air mattresses for everyday use in Australia, especially for travelers. I was sleeping on the Giles air bed for days at my friends’ house while my apartment was going through some renovations. And for the first couple of days, I didn’t have a pillow. Nonetheless, I felt perfectly comfortable and supported thanks to the Giles’ raised edge.
This air mattress is a perfect solution for sleepers who want to rest comfortably on the go. The Giles is sturdy, comfy, easy to inflate, not too bulky, and even comes with a bag for transportation. What else is there to wish for?
Pros:
- built-in pillow for increased comfort (and to limit the number of items users carry with them);
- comes with a carrying bag;
- powerful built-in pump, inflates the mattress fast;
- medium profile, doesn’t seem bulky or take too much space in the room;
- soft flocked sleeping surface, can be used without sheets.
Cons:
- the pump may seem too noisy to some users;
- not ideal for heavier couples.
Best Budget Pick — Socampo Inflatable Mattress
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Highlights
- sturdy construction despite the affordable price;
- seamless air beams for maximum support;
- easy to transport;
- slightly raised edges to prevent rolling off during sleep;
- lower profile, can work with fitted sheets for improved comfort.
This model is one of the best air beds for everyday use in Australia that isn’t likely to affect your budget too much. The Socampo mattress comes with a very attractive price tag and makes an excellent solution for budget shoppers. Nonetheless, it is rather sturdy. It offered more than enough support for me and my partner with minimal to no air leakage during the night. That’s quite impressive given how affordable the Socampo air mattress is.
Another cool thing about this model is how easy it is to inflate. The Socampo has a built-in pump, which is an excellent bonus for the money. It takes only a couple of minutes to inflate. Therefore, you won’t be likely to waste any time preparing for sleep. I was storing the Socampo air mattress during the day to save space in the room and had to inflate it every evening. Despite that, my bedtime preparation didn’t take more than usual.
The Socampo air bed is an ideal solution for shoppers who wish to save more but don’t want to sacrifice their comfort.
Pros:
- built-in pump for fast and easy setup;
- lower profile to accommodate deep-pocketed fitted sheets;
- attractive price tag, great for budget shoppers;
- durable and moisture-resistant vinyl, suited for both indoor and outdoor use;
- seamless design to eliminate uncomfortable ridges.
Cons:
- might not be sturdy enough for overweight sleepers;
- the pump doesn’t work as fast as in more expensive models, which may disappoint some users.
Best for Couples — Samra Inflatable Bed
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Highlights
- powerful pump to ensure fast setup;
- raised edges to create a secure sleeping surface;
- supportive l-beam construction to easily accommodate partnered sleepers;
- soft flocked top for extra comfort and to add more friction for the sheets;
- high profile to make getting in and out of bed easier.
This model is one of the best air mattresses for everyday use in Australia suited for partnered sleep. The Samra is tall, durable, and supportive, which means it can create a comfortable, reliable sleeping space for couples. My partner and I also appreciate the slightly raised edges. They made us feel safer during the night, as we didn’t have to worry about rolling off and falling.
I also like the fact that the Samra air bed is rather tall. It’s easy to get out of. Additionally, it looked like a real bed with all the sheets and bedding on top. Therefore, the Samra can be used daily without making the room look like a temporary refuge. I used a Queen fitted sheet with extra-deep pockets to cover the air mattress fully. And I couldn’t distinguish it from a regular bed with the rest of the bedding on top.
The Samra air mattress has a lot to boast of, but I think partnered sleepers will appreciate its supportive design the most. Plus, the raised edges can come in handy if you or your partner sleep like a starfish. They will prevent the other sleepers from rolling off.
Pros:
- high profile, easy to get in and out of;
- offers reliable support, great for partnered sleepers;
- comes with a built-in pump and does not require any effort to inflate;
- soft top, can be used even without sheets;
- slightly raised edges to provide additional support and prevent sleepers from rolling off the mattress.
Cons:
- motion transfer is possible, so this model is not ideal for partners who have a significant weight difference between them;
- not the most budget-friendly option.
What Makes a Great Inflatable Mattress?
Even though an airbed is a relatively simple thing to choose, there are a few features worth looking out for before you buy.
Materials
Today, the best inflatable beds for everyday use are predominantly made of PVC film because it’s a durable and relatively cheap material, suitable for active exploitation (1). However, some modern models can be made of reinforced plastic, PVC and rubber blends, or thick natural rubber.
Also, many air mattresses feature a flocked top made of polyester or suede-like fabrics. This will ensure you don’t stick to the plastic cover during those sweaty summer nights.
Note that PVC can degrade under UV light or if it’s placed near a heat source. Be sure to put your air bed in a cool, dark place when not in use.
Thickness
The thickness of your inflatable mattress directly impacts your comfort. Today, you can choose between these two main categories:
- Low-rise mattresses. These typically don’t exceed 20–25 cm in height. Low-rise air beds are lighter, cheaper and can be used for accommodating guests or creating a cozy spot in your camping tent.
- High-rise mattresses. These are also called ‘double-height’ and range between 40–45 cm in height. High-rise air beds are very similar to a regular bed when inflated and provide more comfort for a sleeper. However, they’re also more expensive and relatively bulky, which slightly limits their use.
The bottom line:
A high-rise bed makes a great pick for indoor use, as a guest bed or regular bed. A low-rise air mattress will work better for campers, kids, and outdoor use.
Support System
Now, an air mattress isn’t just a blob of air you pack inside a vinyl encasement. It has a support system, just like regular mattresses do. This support comes in different variations with the most common ones being the following:
- Air coils. You will likely find an internal air coil system inside the majority of the best air mattresses in Australia. These coils are essentially vertical air chambers that inflate along with the mattress and create a rigid structure to keep its surface uniform. An average queen mattress has 40–50 internal coils.
- Air beams. Similar to the previous style except for the fact that air beams are located horizontally and give the top surface of the mattress a ribbed look. Air beams can also feel softer than air coils because the air pressure inside is lower.
Sometimes, an airbed has separate chambers with independent valves for each chamber. This leaves some room for customization because you can regulate the firmness inside each chamber. However, mattresses with independent chambers also cost more.
Pump
A pump is an essential element for any airbed. It makes the maintenance loads easier and helps you quickly organize a sleeping spot for your friends or yourself.
Here are the options you can choose from:
- Built-in electric pump. The fastest and most powerful configuration you can get. The built-in pump can inflate and deflate an airbed in minutes. Some models also feature pressure sensors to maintain a consistent firmness throughout the night. However, the built-in electronic pump requires a socket to work, which renders it useless in camping conditions.
- Built-in rechargeable pump. Offers the same benefits as the electronic pump — speed, power, and pressure control, but can be charged and used in camping conditions or anywhere away from sockets. The problem with rechargeable pumps is their short lifespan, so you may need to change it more often than you think.
- External electric pump. This pump is typically purchased separately, which might be a downside for some. However, an external pump comes with different nozzles, and you can use it for different things, so it might be a worthy purchase.
- External rechargeable pump. Another great pick for outdoor and camping conditions. Rechargeable pumps can handle several inflation-deflation cycles, which is enough for a long hike with 2–3 stopovers.
- Manual pump. The cheapest and the simplest configuration. The manual pump doesn’t depend on electricity, and the only type of energy it needs is your physical labour, which makes it a good pick for frequent campers or eco-enthusiasts. It’s also significantly quieter should you need to pump a bed up late at night.
Regardless of the pump configuration you choose, it’s advisable not to inflate the mattress right to its fullest capacity, as it can put the excess stress on the seams (2). During the first use, inflate the airbed to about 90% and leave for a couple of hours — this allows the seams to stretch and become capable of withstanding larger pressure.
How to find the perfect airbed
The first thing you need to do in order to choose a perfect airbed is to define your needs.
If you plan to use your mattress mostly indoors, opt for a high-rise model with extra features, such as additional chambers or built-in USB ports.
For outdoor conditions, it’s advisable to pick durable and thick materials and opt for a low-rise model as they don’t take up much space in your hiking gear or backpack.
And if you are still feeling a little hesitant, the Scarlet Air Bed has a lot to offer for both indoor and outdoor use. It’s an excellent option for those looking for a compromise between comfort and durability. Plus, the Scarlet comes with a built-in pump and doesn’t cost that much. To me, that’s a win-win combo!
What are your top considerations for a good air mattress? Do you prefer high-rise or low-rise models? Share your feedback with us!
References
- Dean Hecksher (2019, February 21). Air Mattresses Buying Guide. Retrieved from https://www.canstarblue.com.au/home-garden/air-mattresses/
- Liza Hollis (2018, April 20). Do's & Don'ts for Air Mattresses. Retrieved from https://www.hunker.com/13419834/dos-donts-for-air-mattresses
Allana Wass is the Co-founder and Editor-in-Chief at Comfybeddy; a Certified Sleep Science Coach, trained at the Spencer Institute. Ever since, she has honed her skills as a sleep expert. With her wealth of experience as a sleep coach, she’s always learning about new sleep products, and she freely recommends top-quality choices for sleepers of all kinds. And because she strongly believes that satisfactory sleep is vital for healthy living, her goal is to help as many consumers to get precisely what’s best for them in order to achieve a healthy sleep habit.
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Mattresses Considered
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Hours of Research
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Sleep Experts Consulted