How to choose an air mattress

A mattress is an almost universal item. You can take it with you on a hike and install it in a tent, you can swim on it, and also use it at home instead of a permanent bed or only for guests. In order for it to serve for a long time, you need to pay attention to its correct choice.

How to choose the right mattress for swimming

A mattress for a beach holiday must meet several criteria.

• it must have several sections. This was designed for safety: if some section begins to deflate on the water, the rest will maintain their integrity, and the product will stay afloat;
• valves should not be closed with plugs, but screwed. This provides greater reliability;
• screw-on valves will not open suddenly. This is especially important for children's products, since children are very active on the water and do not always realize the degree of danger;
• the manufacturing material must be dense, since the mattress has to come into contact not only with water, but also with uneven ground, and also withstand the load of the human body;
• the size depends on who is using it and personal preference.For children it is better to take a narrow mattress, but if there is a need for a family swim, then take wide models;
• pay attention to the manufacturer and reviews about it.

Attention! Always check the product before putting it on the water.

How to choose the right air mattress for sleeping

There are several parameters to pay attention to:

• size. It can be single, one-and-a-half and double. When choosing a product, they are guided by the place where it will be located and the number of people who will use it. If you are choosing a mattress for a tent, you should take into account its area. It should not stick out, and also not be too narrow, so that it is comfortable to sleep, and the tent itself is not damaged;
• material. The mattress must be durable, because it is subjected to strong and constant load;
• thickness. If the product is chosen for sleeping, then it is better to take tall models, no lower than 25 cm. This is not only comfortable for the body, but also creates an additional air layer so as not to freeze;
• top and bottom material. It is preferable for the sleeping mattress to have one side with a soft covering. This creates additional warmth and prevents bed linen from rolling;
• weight. If you take the product with you on vacation, especially on hikes, then you should also pay attention to this parameter. Headrests and a built-in pump make the product heavier;
• maximum load. A high-quality sleeping mattress for one person should withstand 120 kg, if it is double, then 200 kg;
• ribbing and presence of partitions. These options allow you to make your sleep more comfortable. Also, if he suddenly starts to deflate, he will not do it immediately and not completely.The partitions ensure that the body is held in a comfortable position without denting the surface too much;
• availability of additional options and accessories: carrying bag, built-in or external pump, removable backrest.

How to choose an inflatable sofa mattress

An inflatable sofa is a good alternative to a regular one. When choosing, they focus on the height - it should be comfortable to sit on. The width and disassembled size are important. Pay attention to the maximum load. Inflatable sofas can be transformable; they can be easily unfolded to create a wide sleeping area. Some manufacturers also offer a corner option.

The upper material must be durable. A soft flocked finish is preferred. Pay attention to the valves. They should allow for quick inflation and deflation. The product must be supplied with a pump and a repair kit.

Main characteristics of an air mattress

The stores have a large selection of a wide variety of models; they differ in parameters, but there is something in common among them.

Size

Standard thickness from 13 to 25 cm. The air bed will be thicker - from 46 cm, the size also affects the weight of the product, including when folded. This should be taken into account if you plan to take it with you on trips.

Material

High-quality products are made from PVC. They can be completely smooth, such products are intended for swimming, or with a flock (velvety) coating. Sometimes mattresses are made from cheap raw materials similar to film. They quickly fail and are unsafe, especially when used on water, since their reliability is low.

Structure

A mattress with one section is easy to inflate, but also easy to deflate. It may be dangerous if used on water.Therefore, you should purchase mattresses with at least two sections, and preferably several. They are more expensive, but more reliable and last much longer.

Color

Personal preferences come into play here. Standard color is blue. You should not take a black mattress if you plan to relax on it on the beach - it will get very hot. Transparent products are difficult to see on the water. For swimming, especially for children, you should take models of noticeable shades.

Mattress pump

There are two types: built-in or separate. The pump must be included and suitable for a specific model. The advantage of an external pump is that if it breaks, the accessory can be replaced with another. Built-in models can be a little tricky.

The pump can also be manual or electric. It’s a manual universal one, you’ll have to put some effort into it when pumping it up, but it will work outdoors. Electric is more expensive.

Storage bag

This accessory is a must, especially when traveling. The bag should be tight to prevent damage to the product during movement.

Repair kit

A mattress is a product that can be damaged by sharp objects, stones, or simply from time to time. For these purposes you need a repair kit. Some manufacturers sell mattresses already with it. You can also buy a repair kit separately. It includes a patch and glue.

What to look for when choosing

Rest and sleep should be comfortable, so you shouldn’t skimp when purchasing. There are models that additionally come with headrests or recesses for cup holders. This increases the comfort of use.

You should pay attention to the presence of a frame. It gives the mattress orthopedic properties.The type of assembly is also taken into account: manual and machine. Preference should be given to the machine type, since such products are more reliable and last longer.

Pros and cons of air mattresses

Any product has its pros and cons, and air mattresses have them too.

Pros:

• A convenient solution for a small apartment. It is easy to install and can be removed quickly.
• Suitable for accommodating guests.
• You can take it with you on vacation.
• The product does not harbor parasites.
• It is not saturated with moisture and dries quickly after use on water.

Minuses:

• The need to inflate.
• Possibility of mechanical damage and deflation if used carelessly.
• Not all people are comfortable for long periods of time sleep on an air mattress.
• In winter it is colder than a regular bed.

Reputable manufacturers

There is a very large selection of these products in stores, but some manufacturers, according to user ratings, have high reliability and quality.

The most popular brand is Intex. They produce models of various sizes and types, and are one of the leaders in the production of mattresses. As well as well-known brands - Camping, High Peak, Bestway.

Tips and tricks

When buying a mattress, focus on your own comfort. Of course, an inflatable product will not completely replace an orthopedic bed, but it can become an assistant on vacation and at home. Children enjoy spending time floating on the mattress, and it is safe if you choose a reliable manufacturer. This thing also has advantages when hiking, because even in a tent you want to sleep comfortably, without having to rest your back on uneven ground.

Basic operating rules:

• do not jump on the mattress or stand on it - the internal partitions may break or the seams may burst;
• inspect before launching;
• do not pump.

With proper use and following the manufacturer's instructions, the mattress can last for several years.