The importance of a good night’s sleep can never be underestimated, even if it’s just one night, so whether you’re camping or staying at a friend’s house overnight, a comfortable sleeping environment is a must.
Many of us will have endured a bad air bed, whether we’ve turned blue in the face after spending more than an hour trying to get it to inflate, or we’ve woken up at 3am lying flush to the floor. beneath us. Fortunately, many air beds these days have been designed for maximum convenience and comfort, with internal support structures, built-in pillows and sometimes even headrests.
When choosing the right air bed for you, consider whether you need a double or single, how raised off the ground you want it to be, as higher beds can be helpful if you have mobility issues.
While an air bed should stay plump enough for comfort throughout the night, remember that it’s normal for a small amount of air loss to occur when temperatures drop and the PVC, or other material it’s made from, will stretch after a few uses too.
My top pick is the Huddle never deflate air mattress with patented dual pump (£159, Amazon.co.uk), owing to its speedy inflation and handy nightlight and the USB charging port, but, below I’ve shared tried and tested buys for the whole family, for every preference and budget.
Read more: Best pillows, tried and tested for every sleeper
The best air beds for 2026 are:
- Best overall – Huddle never deflate air mattress with patented dual pump: Was £159, now £134.98, Amazon.co.uk
- Best budget buy – Green Haven premium raised king-size air bed: £54.99, Amazon.co.uk
- Best for camping – Quechua inflatable two person camping mattress: £29.99, Decathlon.co.uk
- Best single air bed – Yawn air deluxe self-inflating air bed: £68.59, Amazon.co.uk
Read more: Best summer duvets for 2026, reviewed
