An air mattress can be a great way to accommodate overnights guests in more comfort than offering them your lumpy couch, but for some, for various reasons, they may consider making use of an air mattress as their primary bed. But how long do air mattresses last? And can you really use one on a daily basis?
How long an air mattress lasts does depend on how it is used, and how it is taken care of. And while it may not be the ideal situation for some you can indeed use an air mattress on a daily – or should that be nightly? – basis as long as you keep its care in mind.
Here we are going to look at how to use and care for an air mattress the right way, how long an air mattress lasts and even some of the best buying options on the market right now.
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Is sleeping on an air mattress bad for you?
If it’s a good one very few people have a problem sleeping on an air mattress. In fact, some, especially those who suffer from back pain or other chronic aches and pains find the fact that they can create a completely personalized support level – by adding or subtracting air from the mattress – helps relieve their pain and offers them the best night’s sleep they have had in a while!
Some folks do struggle with a low sling air bed, but as many sold these days are the same height – or even higher – than a standard mattress – then modern air mattress present this problem less often.
Can you sleep on an air mattress permanently?
Essentially a high quality, well-maintained air mattress isn’t too different from any other. And for some, as we will discuss at greater length in a moment using their air mattress on a full-time basis can be both beneficial to their health and their wallet!
How long does an air mattress last?
According to most bedding experts an air mattress, if it’s a good quality model, can last for four to five years, even when used on a daily basis. As mentioned though, this kind of impressive longevity can only be achieved with proper care and usage, otherwise your new air mattress may only last for a few months!
How to make sleeping on an air mattress comfortable
If you are going to swap a standard mattress for an air mattress to make use of as your primary bed then there are some things you can do to ensure that doing so is comfortable, cozy and helps you get a great night’s sleep every night. Here’s a look at just some of them:
Make it more like a real bed
If you are going to make an air mattress your permanent sleep spot, make the investment in some great bedding and turn it into a ‘real bed’. Air mattresses are sometimes a little deeper than a standard mattress though, so for something like a fitted sheet you should opt for a deep pocket fitted sheet, as they are specifically designed to accommodate this.
CGK’s Extra Deep Pocket 6 Piece Sheet Set
These classic microfiber sheets fits extra tall and large mattresses. They come in 19 different colors, 7 sizes and each set comes with 4 pillow cases all with pretty decorative embroidery design on each pillow case.
Click here to see CGK Deep Pocket Sheet Set
While some air mattresses come with a pillow top you may also want to add to the comfort level of your new bed by adding a mattress topper or mattress pad. These can be found at prices that are very reasonable and not only do they add soft, pillowy comfort and extra support, but they also provide additional insulation, something that’s great if your floors tend to be cold.
Stop the Sliding!
Some air mattresses do tend to slip and slide around when used on a hard surface floor like hardwood, tile or linoleum. You can prevent this – and add an extra layer of insulation between you and the potentially cold floor – by making use of a mattress gripper.
Gorrila Grip Slip Resistant Mattress Gripper Pad
The best of these that we have found is the Gorilla Grip Slip Resistant Mattress Gripper Pad. Designed to be placed underneath your air mattress, it helps it stay put all night, is available in all standard bed sizes and can even be cut to fit if you happen to need or want a slightly different size.
Click here to see the Gorrila Grip Slip Resistant Mattress Gripper Pad
Keep it Clean
Air mattresses are crafted from various forms of plastic and/or PVC, materials that attract dust and dirt. To keep things fresh and clean – and much nicer to sleep on – invest in a good air bed cleaner and make use of it at least once every few weeks.
Why does my air mattress keep losing air?
An air mattress is designed to lose a little air when pressure is put on it – by your sleeping body – to prevent it from exploding! Just like the tires on a car it may also lose more air in colder temperatures too, and if it develops a slow leak that will obviously lead to gradual air loss. There are things you can do to minimize air loss from your mattress, including the following:
1. Check for leaks
No air mattress can claim to be truly puncture proof (especially if you own a cat)- although some are much hardier than others – and a small slow leak can develop from a small puncture you might not be able to see with the naked eye. If your air mattress is losing more air than usual checking for one of these leaks is a must.
To do so inspect the valve first. A loose valve is a very common source of air mattress leaks. If that seem fine strip your bedding and fill a spray bottle with soapy water. Spray the water evenly across the mattress and if there is a leak it will reveal itself by bubbling as the air escapes.
2. Maintain a constant bedroom temperature
Air mattresses will often lose more air in a cold room, so try to keep your bedroom at a constant temperature. Doing so will also help you get a better night’s sleep, so the effort to do so is well worth making. What’s the best room temperature for both keeping your air mattress in great shape and getting a good night’s sleep? Experts recommend setting your thermostat to between 63 and 67 F for the most comfortable sleep.
Choose a bed that’s right for your weight
While modern air mattresses are far more durable than they once were not all of them are designed to support more than a certain amount of weight. When shopping for an air mattress check the weight rating. Making the right choice will not only cut down on air leaks but will make for a better night’s sleep anyway.
What is the best air mattress for long term use?
There are a lot of air mattress choice out there, it’s hard to know where to start. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Here’s our top picks for air mattresses that can be used on a nightly, long term basis.
SoundAsleep Dream Series Air Mattress
We love the SoundAsleep because it can be inflated to an excellent firmness level, has a non-slip bottom and features a pillow top for extra comfort. We also love the fact that it can be inflated in less than four minutes!
Click here to see SoundAsleep Dream Series Air Mattress
Coleman Double-High SupportRest Air Mattress
If you are looking for an air mattress with a little more loft, then we can highly recommend the ‘double high’ Coleman SupportRest. This is a great bed – crafted by the folks who have been the leaders in camping gear for decades, so comes with a fine pedigree, and is very durable, as you would expect from such an established specialist.
Click here to see Coleman SupportRest Air Mattress