While blow-up mattresses aren’t exactly a novel concept in the mattress market, they have improved by leaps and bounds. Today, air mattresses are not just light and portable, they are also comfortable and supportive. Some are even being used as regular mattresses.
The science is unequivocal: a nice, relaxing vacation does you much good and there are few better ways to do that than going on a camping holiday with your family. For any such trips, blow-up mattresses are a must. We have discussed some of the best at length in this article.
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What is a Blow-up Mattress?
A blow-up mattress or an air bed is an inflatable mattress, usually made of PVC, often used on a temporary basis and for recreational purposes. While the concept has largely remained the same, the quality, comfort, and variety available have markedly improved. Gone are the days when an uncomfortable blow-up mattress gave you the feeling as if you were sleeping on a balloon.
It was also not uncommon to find yourself on the cold and hard floor in the morning with the mattress limp and deflated. While these mattresses are still mostly used to accommodate guests and facilitate camping, they are increasingly being used as permanent, everyday beds as well.
Let’s take a look at some of the best that the market has to offer.
List of Best Blow up Mattresses
- Aerobed Active Bed
- Coleman All Terrain Double High Mattress
- Wanderer Comfort Rest Double High Queen Airbed
- Intex Kidz Travel Air Bed
- Intex Durabeam Air Bed
- Lazery Sleep Air Mattress
Criteria for Selection
As your reliable mattress guide, we did not just throw out these brand names willy-nilly. As matter of fact, we based our selections on the criteria discussed as follows:
Thickness
Generally, the thickness of a blow-up mattress is directly, and positively, related to the comfort it provides. Greater thickness means that it will allow for more air inside it and, as a result, you will have a thicker cushion of air to sleep on.
This is even more important because of the fact that nearly all air mattresses lose some of the air inside them during the night. Choosing a thin mattress may result in your, practically, sleeping on the floor for half of the night.
Pump
Regardless of what you need it for, buying a blow-up mattress with a pump is worth your while. After all, you wouldn’t want to blow it up like a balloon (your cheeks would hurt for weeks).
Many blow-up mattresses come with built-in pumps. All you have to do is to attach them to a power source and they do the rest for you. Many others come with a hand or a foot pump. These manual pumps require you to put some effort into blowing up your mattress.
Some mattresses even come with different firmness options, based on the amount of air pumped into them.
Height
As these mattresses are usually put on the ground or the floor, getting up can be a problem, sometimes. Higher blow-up beds come with a base and make getting up from them much easier than their lowly counterparts. This is a big plus for people with mobility issues.
Size
Most good brands offer mattresses in all the popular sizes. However, there can be differences among the measurements of those sizes among different brands.
The more important thing is the size and dimensions of the space they are going to be used in. You don’t want your mattress sticking out of our tent.
Packability
Depending upon what you need it for, the packability of a blow-up mattress can be a big asset. For example, if you have a shortage of storing space, a mattress that takes up a small area, when packed, comes in handy.
Similarly, for campers and trekkers, smaller and lighter lies prove easier to carry.
Price
Blow up mattresses range from dirt cheap prices to hundreds of dollars. Naturally, superior comfort and quality come with a bigger price tag. However, that does not mean that you cannot buy an affordable mattress that offers quality.
It all comes down to your requirements. If you want something to sleep on for a one-off trip, you can buy a cheaper mattress but if you are looking for a mattress to use often and for a longer period of time, buy one on the higher end.
Best Blow Up Mattresses in Australia
Here are our detailed reviews on all the top blow-up mattresses on the market.
1. Aerobed Active Bed
Credit: AeroBed
The Aerobed Active Bed is the top entry on this list. This superior product is a perfect outdoors option. It is puncture-resistant and reliable. It also has the capacity to bear more pressure with minimal deflation.
The PVC coil is heavy-duty and maintains air distribution. As a result, you have an equal cushion under all parts of your body. This takes the comfort aspect of it up a notch.
It’s NiCAD and DC dual power pump is a portable tool that can be plugged in and charged at any place. You could use it as an extra mattress for home or for a night under the stars with equal ease.
Features
- Thickness: 23 cm
- Weight: 6.2 kg
- Pump: Included
- Price: –
2. Coleman All Terrain Double High Mattress
Credit: Coleman
This blow-up mattress is among the toughest mattresses on this list while also being among the softest. Its Puncture Guard fabric protects it against holes and other outlets for air. It is also durable while being light at the same time.
The Comfort Strong coils add support while the double lock valve prevents any air leaks. All in all, except for the fact that it doesn’t come with a pump, it’s a pretty good option for most customers.
Features
- Height: 20 cm
- Weight: 3.8 kg
- Pump: Not included
- Price: $159.99 (Queen)
3. Wanderer Comfort Rest Double High Queen Airbed
Credit: bcf.com.au
As if the name wasn’t enough of a giveaway, this mattress is perfect for outdoors, especially Australia’s. The PVC gives it its durability while the soft top gives you a proper bed feel. The big sell is its “double height”. At 38 cm from the ground or the floor, it makes getting out of bed easier.
Interestingly, it also has a backrest which allows the sleeper to stack a couple of pillows behind him and slack off. The carry cag is another goodie that makes carrying this mattress very easy.
Features
- Thickness: 38 cm
- Weight: –
- Pump: Included
- Price: $149.99 (Queen)
4. Intex Kidz Travel Air Bed
Credit: Intexcorp
The Intex Kidz Travel Air Bed is a unique entry on this list. It is actually two sleeping surfaces in one. Intex Kidz is hard enough to get a good night’s sleep on a camping trip. A kid keeping you up all night is the last thing you want. This blow-up mattress solves both problems.
It has an inner sleeping surface that can be removed and used separately while the snug and safe mattress frame can be used for kids. This blow-up mattress comes with a hand pump too. Although it takes a while to inflate completely. Some people also find it too heavy.
In crux, while it has some drawbacks, it is a good choice for people with kids looking for safe and sound sleep.
Features
- Thickness: 12.7 cm
- Weight: 4.155 kg
- Pump: Included
- Price: $39.99 (Queen)
5. Intex Durabeam Air Bed
Credit: Intexcorp
The Intex Durabeam Air Bed is among the best blow-up mattresses for camping. Its fiber tech construction makes it resilient and durable. The air distribution mechanism ensures sufficient cushion for all body parts. A velvety top prevents the slipping that is typical of air beds. It also adds to the comfort.
A special two-in-one valve can be attached to both an electric and manual pump. People looking for a solid choice at a decent price should opt for this one.
Features
- Thickness: 25.4 cm
- Weight: 4.26 kg
- Pump: Included
- Price: $54.33 (Queen)
6. Lazery Sleep Air Mattress
Credit: Lazery sleep
The final entry on this list is a special product and a special mattress. It is here to dispel the notion that blow up mattresses are only suitable for occasional and outdoor use. The Lazery Sleep Air Mattress is a top-notch, high-quality air mattress with comfort and support rivaling a traditional mattress.
It is thicker and more durable than other run-of-the-mill air bed mattresses. Its internal pump is remote controlled and fills the mattress up in 4 minutes. You have 7 different remote settings to choose from which translates to 7 different firmness settings. Not even a hybrid mattress gives you that many options.
To top it all off, it comes with a storage bag and fits right into a cupboard or your car’s trunk. It just doesn’t get any better than that. Yes, it is more costly than its other air bed brethren but it is worth every cent spent.
Features
- Thickness: 22.86 cm
- Weight: 8.98 kg
- Pump: Included
- Price: $118.95 (Queen)
Final Thoughts
Thanks to modern technology, blow-up mattresses are much more comfortable than they were back in the day. While the comfort of your bed at home will always remain unsurpassed, the mattresses in this list will make sure that you get some well-deserved sleep under the sky after an exhausting day of camping. Sleep tight!