Every summer my family loves to go camping. But as I started to get older, spending the night in a sleeping bag on the cold, hard ground was not my idea of a good time. When my husband suggested an air mattress, it seemed like the perfect solution.
Not All Mattresses Are Camping-Friendly
We had an air mattress that we’d purchased several years before for some guests who were staying over the holidays. So the very next weekend, we pulled it out of storage with high hopes of my getting a good night’s rest.
Sadly that was not to be the case. Because we forgot to bring some type of air pump, we spent the better part of the evening manually blowing air from our lungs into the mattress. And then the air leaked out overnight, leaving me on the cold ground anyway.
Tips for Selecting the Perfect Air Mattress
It was clear that we were going to have to buy a new mattress. Whether you just need a quick, part-time space for company to sleep, or you’re an avid camper, the tips we discovered while buying an air mattress will help you select the perfect one, too.
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Air Pump –
Choosing the right mattress also means choosing the right pump. Built-in pumps are easy to use, but they can cost more than mattresses that require an external pump.
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Mattress Size –
When it comes to buying an air mattress, size matters. Will you need a twin, queen, or king mattress? If you are getting the mattress for camping, then the size will depend on the size of your tent and how many people will sleep on the mattress.
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Raised or Low Profile –
This is overall a personal choice, but it will most likely depend on the age of the person using the mattress. A low profile air mattress can help keep younger campers from rolling onto the ground and prevent bumps (on the head) in the night.
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Memory Foam –
Some air mattresses now offer memory foam. This provides added comfort and makes it feel like you’re sleeping on a real bed. Some of these styles even come with a cot-style metal frame. However these do cost more than standard air mattresses.
As you study the different types of air mattresses, you will find that there is truly something for everyone. It is important to stick to your budget, but once you buy an air mattress, if it is good quality then you will not have to replace it for a long time.
How to Get Comfortable on an Air Mattress
The last thing you want when you wake up in the morning is to find that your air mattress is lumpy due to loss of air. A latex foam mattress topper can provide great comfort, even if the mattress tends to lose air.
Finally, you will want to choose an air mattress that comes with a patch kit, or have one handy. When you’re roughing it in the woods, sharp sticks or rocks can wreak havoc on an air mattress. Being prepared for the worst can help you have the best night’s sleep on an air mattress.
Benjamin Baker is addicted to writing, as well as a real research hound. He’s always using review sites like http://www.best-mattress-reviews.com/ to research the articles he writes. When he’s not working, Benjamin enjoys spending time with his family, which includes his wife and their three busy, growing teenagers.
