Air Mattress
Your choice of bedding is one that will affect your life for years into the future. Sleep experts estimate that the average American doesn't get as much sleep as his body really needs. Certainly, one of the causes of this is simply not getting to bed early enough. But another major factor is sleeping on a mattress that is not comfortable or supportive enough for your particular body type. The search for the perfect mattress can be a long process, but once found it is well worth the effort.
One of the bedding options available to you is an air mattress. There are several different types of air mattresses which will be discussed in this article. Keep in mind that the purpose of this article is not necessarily to advocate for air mattresses. Rather, it is simply meant to be information to help you make the right bedding decision.
Camping Air Mattresses
The first air mattresses on the market are the camping mattresses designed for overnight use in a tent. These inexpensive mattresses are usually made of plastic or rubber, with a small inflation valve and molded pillow. If you've ever seen one of these mattresses you know what we're referring to. They are not intended for long term use and in fact, in many cases they deflate over the course of a single night. They are intended only to make sleeping on the ground a bit more comfortable.
Early camping mattresses were usually comprised of a single chamber filled with air - this may be one of the reasons they tended to deflate overnight. But new camping mattresses are divided into 6 or 8 tube-shaped chambers which restrict air movement, increase comfort, and reduce overnight deflation. Though not for long term use, camping mattresses have certainly come a long way.
Temporary Air Mattresses
The successor to the camping mattress is the temporary full-sized air mattress. These mattresses are made for temporary sleeping arrangements of a week or two and come in twin, full, queen, and king sizes. Temporary air mattresses are normally made with high quality materials, with plush covers and large fill valves that can be attached to an electric pump.
Amazingly enough, the best temporary air mattresses can be used for long-term sleeping arrangements of up to a year or two. There have even been reports of consumers who needed to replace their coil spring mattress but didn't have the financial means to do so. Instead, they spent $100 on a temporary air mattress which they used for several years until they could afford to purchase a permanent mattress.
Among the most luxurious temporary air beds are those made with an inflatable "box of springs” of sorts that adds a second layer of air while also lifting the mattress off the floor. With these models you get the look and feel of a full size bed in a unit that can be inflated in just a matter of minutes. With a reverse electric motor, air can be sucked out and the mattress stored flat in a closet.
Permanent Air Mattresses
Air mattress technology has advanced to the point where permanent air mattresses now rival inner spring and foam mattresses for long life and durability. Several well-known manufacturers make adjustable air mattresses that can be used on standard pedestal frames. These mattresses are made of durable materials and encased in a fabric casing designed to look and feel like a standard mattress. With high quality materials and a rigid design these mattresses provide all the comfort of a more traditional mattress with the added benefit of sleeping on air.
The greatest benefit to the permanent air mattress is the ability to adjust firmness. Dual-zone mattresses allow both partners to adjust their own side of the bed to their desired firmness level. And by adjusting the firmness, users can control how well the mattress conforms to their body shape. For a firmer mattress, simply increase the air pressure; for softer mattresses, decrease the air.
Sleeping on air may seem like a strange idea to you, but it's an idea that has caught on with millions of Americans who have learned the benefits of an air mattress. Air mattresses certainly aren't for everyone but they may be right for you. Why not take a look at what air mattresses have to offer and see if there's one that meets your needs. Be it an overnight camping trip, a temporary visit with family, or a permanent situation, there's an air mattress available.