Best Air Mattresses for Everyday use in Australia

Our Reviews of the Best Air Mattresses for Everyday use in Australia

Best Overall — Editor’s Choice - Coleman QuickBed

The combination of durability, uniform support and easy maintenance earns Coleman QuickBed first place in this selection of the best air mattresses for everyday use. This mattress is equally comfortable for both indoor and outdoor use and extremely durable — lasting for years with regular use.

The Quickbed is 20 cm high and combines puncture-resistant PVC and a rayon-flocked top that adds grip and comfort — no sheets necessary! The mattress packs in a whopping 45 sturdy air coils to ensure even weight distribution and full-body support no matter your sleeping position.

The mattress is factory-tested for leaks and deflation so you can be rest assured that it won’t let even a whisper of air out. The main valve also features double-Lock construction: the first lock creates a tight seal right after you remove the pump, and the second lock prevents the air from escaping while you’re sleeping. No more waking up with your hips touching the floor. 

The bottom line:

The QuickBed is a versatile, inflatable mattress with good value for money. it will come in handy while camping, for accommodating occasional guests and deliver a peaceful, solid night's sleep.

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.

Fortunately, the Coleman airbed manages to combine durable materials, sturdy design, and some extra features, which makes it a good pick for indoor use as a guest bed or outdoor activities, such as camping.

What are your top considerations for a good air mattress? Do you prefer high-rise or low-rise models? Share your feedback with us!