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15 of the best air beds for your most comfortable staycation ever
Why camp when you can glamp?
Whether you're off on a family camping trip, heading to a festival with your friends, have unexpected house guests, or you're just planning on having a cosy night in your living room watching Netflix, having the right air bed is essential. Whether it's a single, double, or something a little bigger, the following factors are non-negotiable if you want to guarantee a good night's sleep: comfort, quality, and materials.
Of course, if you're going away, ease of use and transportation are also super important, and there are so many designs and varieties out there that suit all needs.
But before we dive in and show you some of our top air bed picks, let's chat about what you can expect when it comes to the different kinds on the market. Typically, there are two main types: one that uses a manual foot pump to inflate, or one that has a built-in pump. If you’re just planning to use the bed at home, a built-in pump is a pretty safe option. However, we’d recommend opting for one that you have to pump up yourself if you’re planning to go away, as the built-in ones require electricity. Things could get pretty awkward in the middle of a field when you realise you don’t have the comfy mattress you were dreaming of.
So, from air beds with pillows for extra comfort to high-rise ones to make you feel like you're in a real bed, here are our top 12 products. Staycations just became seriously stylish.
Top tip: Lost your pump? A hairdryer on cold will do just the trick.
A practical choice for any adventurer, this Quecha air bed self inflates and looks as slick as it gets. It's sturdy, durable, and super easy to transport.
You will literally feel like you're sleeping in a real bed with this airbed. Not only does it inflate in 5 minutes so you can head to land of nod ASAP, but it's also got a handy storage bag so you can take it on trips. Convenient and comfortable.
It's the word luxury for us, that's it. If you like keeping yourself to yourself when you sleep, this single air mattress will be your absolute BFF.
You don't need to bring pillows with this one. All you need is yourself and a duvet.
A high-rise mattress can make all the difference. While not necessarily the most practical for camping, for a night in with friends or having house guests over it can be a total saviour, as it mimics a real bed.
This camping mattress is eco-designed, so it's absolutely perfect for those woodland camps. Super comfy and practical, it folds up easily back into its bag so you can store it away when it's not in use.
Air beds with panelled sides are great if you're someone who is at risk of falling out of the bed or just want a bit more stability from sleeping on something filled with air. Plus, there's more than enough room for two, or one if you like to starfish.
This purse-friendly double is a campers best friend. It has a raised head so there's no need for pillows, and the foot-pump is also built in. We've got to say, it looks pretty comfortable too. Light packers, this one's for you.
If you're looking for an air bed with a bit more substance to it, this queen sized option is a great choice. Not only is it high rise and super wide but it's also got a comfy headboard so you can still sit up in bed to watch Netflix, even if you're camping.
It's giving Hannah Montana best of both worlds vibes. A bed and a sofa? Yes please, no question about it! We're just picturing ourselves setting up camp in our living room and binge-watching Netflix all night.
Affordable, practical and still pretty luxurious. This comfy double is the perfect all-rounder, especially if you're on a budget.
This camping mat is perfect for people looking to camp or travel with your bed in your bag. It's self-inflating, ultralight and very helpfully waterproof. It's also a solid four inches thick, so you don't have to compromise on comfort.
If Kravis were an airbed. That is all.
This is a great option if you've not got much space in your home. It's also got a hand pump, so is a perfect choice if you're going camping with no access to electricity.
TENTRA OUTDOOR SPECIALISTS TENTRA Ultralight Self Inflating Camping Mat
If affordability, practicality, and storage are the most important things to you when looking for an air bed, then look no further, because you've just found the perfect one for you. Coming in at under £30, it's self-inflating and won't take up much space in the car and in the cupboard when it's not in use.
Sophie Williams is a Freelance Journalist and Copywriter, covering everything from Fashion to Entertainment to music, Lifestyle and Features. She has interviewed a range of musical artists and authors including Alyssa Edwards, Courtney Barnett, Confidence Man, The Vaccines, Loyle Carner, Gabrielle, and John Niven, and has written for publications like Metro, Reader's Digest, ITV's Woo! and Vice’s NBGA. She is also working on a book for HarperCollins about Taylor Swift, due to be published in 2024.
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