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What To Look For
Double Air Mattress
There are several things you need to take into consideration when choosing an air mattress. Air mattresses are sized in the same fashion as the mattresses you purchase for your home. Before purchasing an air mattress consider how many people will be sleeping on it. You want to purchase one that will be big enough to accommodate your needs. Besides the actual bed size, air mattress height also needs to be considered. You can now purchase double air mattresses that are like two regular-size air mattresses laid on top of each other. If you want the extra height and the feeling of sleeping in your bed at home, purchase a double mattress. Coleman makes a variety of air mattresses that are of good quality and relatively inexpensive. The bonus with Coleman mattresses is that they come with an extra flap of thick vinyl that the mattress rolls up into, protecting it while being stored. Ozark Trails also has a variety of sizes and styles of air mattresses. Though still good, they are not as high a quality as the Coleman brand. They make a basic, inexpensive mattress with no extra protection or features. Prestige nylon air mattresses have a built-in bellows foot pump. Though they say it takes only two minutes to inflate it, you'll find yourself spending much longer working the foot pump and inflating the mattress. Two minutes can turn into 20. Most air mattresses have a flat surface when blown up, but you will find some that have a raised area at one end simulating a pillow area. If you don't like a fixed raised area for your head, don't purchase an air mattress with the built in pillow area.
Common Pitfalls
The most common pitfall when dealing with any air mattress is the loss of air. Since most air mattresses are made of vinyl, a puncture wound is its worst enemy. The plastic will also be cold to your skin at night if the mattress isn't properly covered. If the weather is going to be cold, make sure to bring enough bottom covers so you'll be warm. When dealing with an air mattress with an attached foot pump, some of the varieties are difficult to operate and don't inflate properly. The hassle to blow them up is not worth the money spent on purchasing one.
Where To Buy
Finding a store that sells air mattresses is pretty easy. They've become popular for everyday use, so most department stores carry them. Wal-mart and Target carry a variety of air mattresses in their outdoor section. You'll definitely be able to find different styles and sizes of air mattresses at your local outdoors stores such as Sports Authority, Bass Pro Shops or Dick's Sporting Good Store. You can also find them offered online through outdoor outfitter stores such as Cabelas, Bass Pro Shops, Amazon or REI. You can also find them online at auction sites such as eBay. If you're not sure what you want, take a look online before buying one.
Cost
The cost of an air mattress will vary depending on the size and style. Most brands will fall within a couple of dollars of each other. Your cheapest mattress will be a single-layer twin, which sells for from $10 to $13. A queen size single layer mattress averages from $20 to $35. The king size is the most expensive and averages from $30 to $50. The double mattresses are the most expensive of the non-inflating variety. The price for a queen size double mattress is $55 to $65. A king size double mattress ranges from $65 to $70. If you're thinking about purchasing a self-inflating air mattress, the cost can range anywhere from $25 to $200.
Accessories
If you purchase an air mattress there are several accessories that you'll also need to buy. You're going to need a bellows or an inflator to blow up your mattress. A bellows will blow up your mattress the old fashioned way with hand or foot power. They cost anywhere from $10 to $20. Inflators either will be powered by the cigarette lighter in your car or by batteries. They range in price from $12 to $25. If a patch kit doesn't come with your new air mattress, it will be a good idea to purchase one. You can find them in the camping section, and they usually come with several vinyl patches and glue. It's best to be prepared. If you get a hole in your mattress you'll be able to repair the leak.
Insider Tips
Air mattresses are definitely better to sleep on than the ground. If you're camping in colder weather, make sure to bring enough covers to lie on the bottom of the mattress. Otherwise, the vinyl gets cold and you'll sleep miserably all night. Mattresses with the built in pillow area seem to be less comfortable than the flat ones. With the former, you aren't able to control the height of your head, which can lead to an uncomfortable night's rest. Mattresses with a cloth rather than vinyl cover seem to be a bit warmer to sleep on. If you're backpacking, make sure to check the weight of the mattress before purchasing one. Some air mattresses are quite heavy and are difficult to carry for a long distance.
