Many of us have had an experience of using an air bed at some point in our lives.
Some positive experiences could be a result of a good quality bed or pure luck of the draw.
Whatever experience you have had, the main difference between a real bed and an air mattress is usually down to comfort and height, two things we seem to appreciate more as we get older.
Allow us to research the best air mattresses for seniors and take the leg work out of what is on the market for you.
Buying and choosing an air mattress is an important decision for everyone. After a great night’s sleep, you feel recharged, refreshed, and ready to take on the day’s challenges.
As we age this necessity becomes even more essential as our body and bones start to show their age.
When the body matures we can become more susceptible to chronic illnesses, and our physical and mobile capabilities can be affected.
It is no shock to realize that a great sleep can have a renowned effect on us as we grow older.
The mattress we choose can be a game changer from tossing and turning in a restless muddle to sleeping a solid 8-9 hours.
Obviously, everyone wants an undisturbed night sleep so we have taken a few of the best air mattresses for seniors and looked at them to ensure you have the best quality for your dollar.
Air Mattress Buying Guide
From the level of support that it offers for seniors, to the perfect height for ease of getting in and out – especially important for older people that may not be as mobile as they once were as well as a feature that promotes healthy circulation.
Types of Air Mattress Available
No matter what you may need an air mattress for ensuring that you have the most comfortable night’s sleep is important to all aspects of our health and well-being.
Depending on the brand you are looking for there are many different things to factor in on top of the normal requirements when looking for an air mattress for the elderly such as
- Bedsores – if you or a relative is spending a lot of time in bed then it is essential that you choose the best air mattress. You should be looking into pressure relief mattresses to help prevent any bedsores that can appear when a person is bed-bound. These beds are specifically designed to help the less mobile people to sleep in comfort knowing that they are at low risk of developing ulcers and other soft tissue injuries.
- Height – Many people think an air bed is low to the ground. These days that gap in the market has been filled. Air mattresses have grown with consumer reviews and with this, the height of many air mattresses has been increased over the years. Many people have been known to pick an air mattress over a real one as they are cost-effective and can be altered with air for specific firmness and height requirements. Having a higher mattress can help a senior person get out of bed easily. Starting the day with a struggle to get out of bed could result in injury and leave you feeling deflated before the day has started.
- Circulation – Many people can have circulatory problems. Most common in people as they age it is important that we remain vigilant about boosting our circulation at times where we may be the stillest – in bed. Mattresses with airflow technology automatically adjust the air pressure inflating and deflating from a mains power supply ensures that good circulation and promotion of healthy tissue is constant even when you are sleeping.
What to Look For When Choosing An air mattress for an older adult.
Here are a few tips to help you find the perfect inflatable mattress for seniors.
Things to consider:
- Permanent – You have to decide if this mattress is going to become a permanent feature in your home. If it is, then maybe look for one that covers all bases from height to suitable bases. You may wish for the mattress to become a part of the homely furnishings rather than a makeshift camping bed.
- Support – Knowing that you are going to sleep with the best support is important. It is not a surprise that as we age we need to take extra care of our bodies. Choosing a mattress that cna offer the specific level of support you personally need will enhance your sleeping pattern and help your mental health.
- Size – Be prepared when choosing the correct size mattress. From single to queen there are many different sizes to choose from. Don’t forget that many mattresses are mainly manufactured using PVC and over time with constant inflation, the PVC can stretch meaning the dimensions of the bed can increase.
7 Best Air Mattresses For Seniors
Here are our top picks of the best 7 air mattresses for the elderly so that you can find the best one to ensure sleeping on air is exactly what you get.
1. King Koil Queen Air Mattress
The King Koil mattress is one of the tallest air mattresses on the market at 20 inches tall – it is also available in two other height options allowing you to find the perfect height for your needs.
It comes with easy and quick inflation from its built-in pump – in under 2 minutes.
The pumps can also be used to adjust the firmness to your preference.
The King Koil comes with a 1-year warranty and the mattress is endorsed by the international chiropractors association.
Pros
- Feels like a normal bed
- Variable inflation for the perfect level of comfort
- Variety of heights available
Cons
- Can be a little too firm even when adjusted.
- Loses shape over time.
2. SOARZ Air Mattress Queen
This air mattress is an upgraded version and comes with better firmness and stability.
It also comes with a water resistant flocked top material which in turn not only makes it more comfortable to sleep on but also helps to reduce the noise when moving around in bed.
The SOARZ air mattress comes with a raised frame design which is designed to provide better comfort and support while sleeping.
Perfect for those with mobility issues or the elderly.
It also has a built-in pump for quick and easy inflation.
Pros
- Anti-skid base
- Built-in pump
- Air beam technology for greater comfort and support.
Cons
- Does lose air overnight, requiring re-inflation.
- The storage bag does not fit the mattress.
3. EZ INFLATE Luxury Double High Queen Air Mattress
The EZ Inflate is designed to provide the maximum amount of sleep space, as measurements are taken from edge to edge and do not include the rounded edges of the mattress.
The EZ INFLATE comes with beam technology which helps to provide the perfect level of stability and support and so provides the user with a great night’s sleep.
To also enhance the level of comfort the mattress comes with Adaptive Support allowing you to fully customize the level of support for the user.
Pros
- Adaptive support
- Quick inflation in 90 seconds
- Maximum sleeping space
Cons
- Loses air
- The sizing is a little off.
4. Bedsure Queen Air Mattress
This Dual Chamber air mattress is raised for extra support when getting in and out.
Made with durable PVC to prevent any leaks.
This air bed is perfect for nonessential use and is portable with a handy easy storage bag.
The best feature about this mattress is the fact it can hold a weight capacity of 650 lbs and is large enough to sleep up to 3 people.
It is also fully equipped with a built-in pump.
Pros
- Long lasting
- Comfortable
- Height is perfect for tired legs
Cons
- Some deflation issues
- Bubble cushion in the center can become uncomfortable
5. Brookstone Innovations Twin Air Bed
The Brookstone Innovations perfect Air Bed has a built-in 1-click internal pump making this easy to inflate and deflate.
When not in use the cords tuck away safely in the storage port so no tripping hazards.
The top of the mattress is contoured for comfort so you will sleep well and wake up feeling refreshed.
It is available in 3 sizes – twin, full, or queen as well as 3 heights – 12 inches, 18 inches, and 24 inches to choose from and has a bonus sheet and carry case.
Pros
- Comfortable
- Easy to use
- Height is perfect – like a real mattress
Cons
- Loses air overnight
- Air gathers in one pocket in the center after some extensive use.
6. Ivation EZ-Bed Queen
This air mattress is innovative in that you literally unzip the bag, plug into a power source, and leave it to do its thing.
It will be fully inflated and ready for use within 4 minutes and has a frame design giving it a height of 24 inches making it feel more like an actual bed.
The Ivation is made from high quality PVC and has an interior coil design that provides increased comfort and support.
Making this a good choice for elderly relatives.
Pros
- Self deploying mattress
- Interior coil support
- Select level of firmness.
Cons
- Difficult to pack away
- Loses air through the night
7. Insta-Bed Raised Air Mattress
The Insta-Bed comes with a fantastic neverflat pump and sensors that periodically monitor the air pressure through the night and add air if necessary.
This ensures a comfortable and consistent firmness.
It also features circular coil construction that increases both comfort and support for the user.
As well as a removable, washable top that makes it feel more like a standard mattress.
Pros
- Neverflat pump
- Circular coil construction for support
- Pillow top for added comfort.
Cons
- Some issues with air leaking
- Control panel comes away from the mattress.
Conclusion
Overall whether you are buying for yourself or a relative you must ensure that comfort and safety is at the forefront of your purchase.
Look at the specific features of each air mattress and decide which are the most important to your needs.
It may also be a good idea to consult a medical professional if you have an elderly relative coming to stay with you that have more needs than a standard air mattress can provide.
They can also advise you on the specific requirements you will need in a mattress.
After looking at these seven reviews you can clearly see that many beds have their own positives and many people have had some negatives with each of them.
The most important factor in all of this is deciding what you or your elderly relative needs.
Also, factor in how much you are willing to budget as many of these beds can run expensive.
Remember the important factors to consider:
- Is it going to be permanent?
- How much support will it give?
- Is it the correct size for the frame?
Air Mattress for The Elderly FAQs
Do Air Mattresses Prevent Bedsores?
Expensive high-tech best air mattresses are only marginally better at preventing pressure sores and ulcers than a specialist foam mattress, according to the results of a major study.
It is important to research before you buy.
Why Are Air Mattresses Used for Bedridden Patients?
Using an air mattress has been one of the best products of inpatient care to prevent pressure sores.
They work in the principle of distributed pressure over larger areas and providing a better interface to pressure-sensitive areas
What Type of Mattress Is Best for Bed Sores?
The best mattress for bedsores uses memory foam or latex in its manufacture.
These materials can mold to one’s body curves, distributing the pressure evenly and all around the body and preventing its build-up in separate areas.
