BestReviews is reader-supported and may earn an affiliate commission. Details
After going through an intensive research process to narrow down our short list of top products in this space, we tested the OlarHike air mattress to be sure that it’s worthy of our recommendation. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter and test to verify manufacturer claims.
If you entertain overnight guests, want to be more comfortable when camping, or need extra bedding when traveling with family, an air mattress is a convenient, portable way to get a good night’s sleep. For two adults to sleep comfortably, a queen air mattress is the way to go.
Air mattresses work well as temporary bedding because you can inflate them only when you need a bed. The rest of the time, an air mattress can remain folded in a bag, so it’s easy to store in a closet or on a shelf. It’s also lightweight, making it easy to take on the go.
If you’re thinking about purchasing a queen air mattress, start by determining whether an air mattress and a queen size are the best fit for your needs. Next, decide whether a single-height or a double-height mattress will be most comfortable. You should also identify other features that can make the mattress more durable and easy to use, so you can get years of good sleep.
If you’re not sure whether you need an air mattress, it helps to understand the situations or settings where an air mattress comes in handy.
You can find air mattresses in all the usual sizes, including twin, full, queen, and king. To decide whether a queen air mattress is right for your needs, it helps to understand its dimensions.
Like regular queen mattresses, nearly all queen air mattresses are 60 inches wide and 80 inches long. This size is large enough to accommodate two adults sleeping side by side and may even have enough room if your child likes to sleep with you.
However, it’s important to note that it can sometimes be tricky for more than one person to sleep on the same air mattress. The increased weight may cause the mattress to deflate or experience uneven air distribution. Higher-quality queen air mattresses can usually support two people, but they cost more.
A queen air mattress can also work well for single sleepers who like to spread out or move around a lot during the night.
Queen air mattresses are available in two height options: single-height and double-height.
While your pets can sleep with you on an air mattress, make sure to keep them off bare mattresses. Their nails or claws can puncture the material if there’s no barrier to protect the PVC.
The material that a queen air mattress is made of affects its comfort and durability. Most air mattresses are made of polyvinyl chloride, also known as PVC. You can also find some air mattresses made with textile-backed urethane plastic or rubber. Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) is one of these materials and is generally considered nontoxic. It’s also biodegradable to lessen its environmental impact.
In addition to the materials that make up the mattress itself, some air mattresses also have a memory foam top. The foam provides additional comfort, making these queen air mattresses a great choice if you have neck, shoulder, or back pain. Mattresses with memory foam are a bit heavier but still fold up relatively easily. You can also find some air mattresses with microcoils to provide pressure relief to help sore muscles and joints.
Queen air mattresses can have an external or internal pump.
When buying an air mattress, consider how much weight it can hold so you don’t overload it. Most air mattresses can hold 300 pounds or more, but there are many queen air mattresses with a weight capacity of up to 600 pounds. This allows two adults plus a child or a pet to sleep on it without damage.
Some queen air mattresses have a flocked, waterproof surface, making them suitable for use at a campsite or other outdoor locations. The textured surface can also provide additional warmth, which is welcome when sleeping outdoors.
It’s not uncommon for an air mattress to experience a hole or leak if used regularly. Some air mattresses come with a patch kit, so you can seal any holes or leaks as soon as you notice them.
If your air mattress isn’t as comfortable or supportive as you’d like, adding a mattress topper can help provide a better night’s sleep. Egg crate foam mattress toppers work well with air mattresses because they’re lightweight and easy to pack for a trip.
As with a traditional mattress, you need a soft, comfortable set of sheets to make up your queen air mattress. Cotton sheets are a solid option because they’re natural, breathable, and comfortable year-round.
The most affordable queen air mattresses are single-height models, though there are some lower-quality double-height mattresses with an external pump in this price range. They cost $30 to $100.
For $100 to $200, you can find mid-range, double-height queen air mattresses. Many have external pumps, and some feature internal pumps for easier inflation. Many mattresses in this price range are also waterproof or water-resistant.
The most expensive queen air mattresses are double-height mattresses. Most have an internal pump for quick, easy inflation and are waterproof or water-resistant. They cost $200 to $320.
Double-height air mattresses often have a lip around the sides that provide a spot for your fitted sheet to grab onto so it stays in place.
A. Start by making sure the mattress is properly inflated and that it’s firm enough to provide the support you need. It can also help to add a mattress topper for extra cushioning. Avoid putting the mattress on a bare floor. Placing it on a carpet or rug can help keep the mattress in place and keep you warmer during the night.
A. Start by making sure the pump is unplugged or disconnected. Next, remove the sheets and blankets for washing. Then, use a handheld vacuum or a vacuum with a hose attachment to lightly clean the surface of the mattress. Warm water and dish soap can clean PVC mattresses, but you should only spot clean flocked models to avoid damaging the material.
A. The easiest way to locate a leak in your queen air mattress is to run a soapy sponge over the surface lightly. Bubbles will form in areas where there’s a leak. In some cases, you may be able to hear the air escaping from the mattress and find the leak.
Get emails you’ll love.
Learn about the products you’re wondering if you should buy and get advice on using your latest purchases.