What to Look For in Air Beds

Not all air beds are the same. Don’t think that a cheap Chinese knockoff can perform and last as long as ones made by better known brands. But people still find it hard to resist a good deal. There are some tips for you to follow to weigh the savings you will make and the actual value that air beds may have.

First to look for is the size. Many manufacturers try to pull a fast one by intentionally using vague sizing criteria. A queen air bed may just be as big as a double air bed, depending on the manufacturer. Many will try to pass off a smaller size as a king size air bed. To really know how big it is, look for the actual measurements. Try to look for something like this: 60” X 80”. This shows the air bed’s dimensions – its length and width – in inches. An inch is an inch, so there can be no mistaking the size.

Next comes material. Beware of high-tech sounding trademarked materials. They could just be marketing gimmicks to drive up the price. Also, since they are a “trade secret”, you have no way of knowing what they really are. They could just be a fancy name for tire rubber for all we know. PVC, Nylon®, and urethane are the industry standards for air bed construction and with these materials, you’ll know exactly what you’re getting.

Construction comes next. Many cheap air beds are just glorified air bladders offering little support and structural integrity. Offerings from more reputable brands like Coleman air bed and

Aero Bed guest bed instant air mattress have features that make them suited to the task. Whether toughened construction or ergonomics and convenience, those with years of experience in their respective fields tend to know their stuff.

Features are important but sometimes, you don’t need all the bells and whistles. Additional features can quickly drive up the price and if you go overboard, your search for a deal will be all for nothing. A complicated pump and control system can break down at the most inconvenient time and cause you headaches. For outdoor applications, the air bed with the simpler design is always better – also, less bulk and weight to carry.

In closing, there are literally hundreds of air bed choices out there. From the most simple to one needing an engineering degree to put together and everything in between. Remember to let your needs and your budget – along with the tips found in this guide – lead you to the best one for you.