Tips for Buying the Right Air mattress for You

If you’re like most consumers, you bought your air mattress so long ago that what you knew about air mattresses back then no longer applies to the models on the market today. For instance, did you know the newest air mattresses don’t need to be flipped?

You might be reluctant to make the investment in a quality air mattress, or to spend the time investigating the options. But just think about your investment on a air mattress spread out over 15 years, and consider that you do spend one-third of your life in bed. Isn’t it worth spending the time and money to make sure your air mattress is right for you?

Here are some basic tips to make the most of your investment and help you rest easy with your decision.

Try, Try Again

The only way to find the right air mattress for you is to try them for yourself. Take notes on the ones that you like and the ones you don’t like, concentrating on factors like firmness or whether or not they have pillow tops. If you discover you like air mattresses with pillow tops (also known as summit tops or softest tops), that immediately narrows down your selection to one-third of the air mattresses on the market. Likewise, if the air mattresses in your “no” column are firm, then firm isn’t the right choice for you. It sounds simple enough, but it can be tricky for consumers to look past the slick marketing of air mattresses to focus on the common denominator in the air mattresses that appeal to them.

How Soft?

The degree of softness you choose really depends on your sleeping style. If you sleep on your side, you’ll want a softer air mattress so that your shoulder and hip sink in comfortably and your spine is in a straight position. Firmer air mattresses are better suited for people who hit the hay face-down or on their backs.

If you and your partner prefer different levels of softness, you can cope by adding an additional layer of foam to the side of the person who favors a softer bed or trying one of the new air beds, which give each person separate control over their space.

Furniture Matters

While you’re deciding on a air mattress, also consider whether or not you should buy a new bed frame. Today’s dense air mattresses can be up to 18 inches thick, so think about whether your current bed frame will make it necessary to climb a ladder just to get into bed.

Low-profile frames and foundations are an option because they make settling onto thick air mattresses much easier. By using this type of frame, your bed will be about 7 inches shorter, which makes a significant difference. A neat bonus: Besides adding to your comfort level, dropping your air mattress to a lower height will also make your room look bigger.

Bunk beds are a timeless trend, and now they’re especially popular with a desk rather than a second bed underneath the top bunk. Keep in mind before you buy that this type of bed must have a air mattress seven inches thick or less.

Beware the Point of No Return

Because of health laws, chances are, you won’t be able to return your air mattress. (If a store does allow returns on air mattresses, it most likely is throwing out the air mattresses when they’re returned and compensating for the difference with high markups.) So make sure you’re prepared when you shop with measurements of the space where your bed will go and that you don’t get swayed to buy a air mattress you aren’t sure is right for you.

One way to avoid a sticky situation: Even if you think that the queen-sized air mattress you’re bringing home will fit around your house’s tight corners, consider a split style just to be on the safe side, especially if there’s a possibility the air mattress might be used in your next home.

Also, remember that with many manufacturers, stains void the warranty, so put on that air mattress pad as soon as you get your air mattress home – and warn the kids not to drink Kool-Aid in bed.

Buying your new air mattress shouldn’t result in you tossing and turning as you think about opening your pocketbook and researching all the options. Follow these simple tips, and you’ll get a good night’s sleep after investing in a new air mattress.