Air mattresses you inflate yourself are a convenient solution for when you need short-term sleeping space—for house guests, camping, or travel.
But people report feeling sweaty and uncomfortable lying on the mats all night.
To help with those issues, as well as improve your slumber generally, a sensible place to start is by fixing your habits and sleep environment, using both the findings of sleep research and the collective wisdom of experts, as well as regular users.
This article examines why some problems become a problem and serves up solid, actionable advice to solve those problems.
A more restful night’s slumber on an inflatable air mattress isn’t just wishful thinking.
By taking care to understand and manage critical factors such as temperature control, supported sleep space, and thoughtful bedding selections, you can sleep healthier (and better) whether it’s for 2 days or a month.
Creating a Stable and Insulated Bed Base
When it comes to sleeping on an air bed, the temperature control aspect is one of the main things to bear in mind.
Air mattresses lose a lot of body heat directly into the floor, which can make it cooler and harder to sleep.
Studies, some of which are featured by the National Sleep Foundation, have shown that sleeping in cold temperatures can lead to more night awakenings and less restorative sleep phases.
To reduce this, place a layer of insulation between the mattress and the ground.
Dedicated home-made pads, like a foam pad, thick blanket, or large chunk of cardboard, will work; in the field, an emergency reflective blanket can also insulate.
These cloths will not only help in heat retention but also work as a barrier against puncture-causing objects.
Enhancing support and alignment of the air mattress
Supporting your back properly is particularly important to get a good night’s rest, but air mattresses are notorious for sagging or even deflating by morning.
The Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics has released evidence to suggest that a medium-firm surface is ideal when it comes to supporting the spine; this ensures that you have less pain.
Test the air level before winding down for the night; it should feel plenty supportive with just enough give.
Inflating too much, and the mattress can become hard; too little air results in a sagging sleep surface.
You can also improve its structural support by placing your mattress against a wall or in the corner, and propping it up with pillows or rolled towels at the open parts where it’s bulging to push it back upward.
The experience is so close to a traditional mattress you’ll hardly notice the difference, especially if you top your air bed with a memory foam or latex mattress topper that adapts exactly to your shoulders, hips, and back.
New research from the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine found that a thick and pressure-relieving topper can help improve sleep posture and comfort.
If you use an inflatable bed frequently, consider one with dual-chamber inflation or a mattress that has adjustable support zones.
According to the Sleep Foundation, an adjustable firmness level can minimize morning body aches and enhance overall sleep satisfaction.
Optimizing Bedding Layers for Comfort
Most air mattresses are constructed of cold, hard vinyl or heavy plastic. Sensitivity to temperature and sound can be treated by thoughtful layering of bedding.
In the International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, a review article explains that proper bedding helps to support a comfortable temperature environment and prevent heat loss or overheating.
Begin with a soft mattress topper for that plush, warm feel. Add a fitted sheet, and on top of that, a deep mattress protector, which minimizes shifting and muffles noise.
Opt for blankets and comforters that reflect the season — breathable, lightweight ones in summer, thick and insulating ones in winter.
Great pillows that complement your usual sleep position and enable great support for the neck/back, add to that experience.
Airpedic vs. Sleep Number Comparison – Comparing Adjustable Air Beds
Since the development of inflatable bedding, there has been a demand for luxury air chamber mattresses.
The continuing debate between Airpedic vs Sleep Number air beds also shows how much even temporary sleeping solutions have advanced. Airpedic and Sleep Number are known for customizable firmness and support unique benefits confirmed by a 2006 Mayo Clinic Proceedings study that observed greater overall sleep satisfaction with adjustable beds.
When it boils down to Airpedic vs. Sleep Number, one robs the other of a specific feature.
Airpedic has multiple support zones (usually seven), which translates to more precise body contouring, while Sleep Number mattresses only have five support areas.
More support areas translate to more personalized comfort, as recent studies from the Sleep Foundation have found that this can help eliminate pressure points for most body types.
Material safety is another point of comparison. Both brands often use CertiPUR-US certified foams, a factor that experts consider essential for long-term health and environmental safety.
When choosing between Airpedic vs. Sleep Number, it’s useful to weigh customization settings, mattress durability, and value for investment.
In a survey by Consumer Reports, beds that allow independent firmness adjustments and produce minimal operating noise tend to hold higher satisfaction ratings.
Reducing Noise and Motion Disturbance
You will also find that an inflatable mattress might be less silent at times, when the plastic shifts against the floor or bedding and squeaks.
Collectively and as individuals, this is our experience: Our flocked or plush-topped models are quieter by nature, of course, but if you have the standard vinyl model, thick bedding layers can absorb some sound.
Mom tosses and turns without waking up Anyone? Keep the mattress clean so that it is absolutely quiet and free from any crinkling. Does not wake its baby or the user to bounce!
Among the disadvantages of an air bed is distracting movement. Dual-chamber models — from both Airpedic and Sleep Number- enable each sleeper to choose his or her preferred level of firmness, which also helps localize motion.
For single-chamber beds, a rolled blanket or pillow placed between sleepers will absorb some of the movement.
A stable, level area for your bed also minimizes vibration and prevents the mattress from moving or sliding as you sleep.
And if you’re not on an even surface, tuck in a folded towel or flat board under the mattress to help level things out and get comfortable.
Authentic Insights for Improved Sleep Quality
There are a few well-researched techniques that can help you get better sleep — even on an inflatable mattress.
Make sure to check every now and then for similar small leaks; even a tiny hole can let air out and ruin your support.
Try to keep your sleep space cozy: A cool room is best for good rest, according to sleep experts including those the Sleep Foundation cites: Ideally, you’ll want your nighttime environment to be between 60°F and 67°F.
Raise the head of your bed above your feet, if feasible; this can alleviate common issues such as snoring and acid reflux.
If you have the light dimmed and dark before entering dreamtime, limit screen exposure, even if you are sound asleep, it is those sorts of habits that allow your body to get deeper into the REM cycle faster (so it’s good for deep restorative sleep), so where the mattress lies won’t matter as much.
Final Analysis
Believe it or not, you can have a great night’s sleep while camping on an air mattress if you prepare well.
Each of these modifications in base insulation, support design, and bedding type has scientific support, as well as being advocated by experts.
The popularity of adjustable air beds is indicative of a trend toward personalized sleeping comfort, just like the Airpedic vs. Sleep Number debate continues.
Using these science-minded hacks will help you remake your experience and enjoy a night’s sleep that is deeper and more restorative on any air mattress.
Whether accommodating for the occasional overnight guest, or contemplating that deluxe adjustable option, success rests upon these proven techniques to a more restful — and comfortable — night’s sleep.
