When your short-term rental guests ask if they can add one or two more to their reservation, instead of offering them the uncomfortable couch, have an air mattress ready to accommodate everyone. If you pick the right air mattress, it can offer just as much comfort as a regular bed.
To break the prejudice that air mattresses are uncomfortable, we’ve done a thorough search for the best air mattress for Airbnb. After reading reviews, opinions from forums of Airbnb hosts, and discussing the topic with rental owners and travelers alike, our top pick is the SoundAsleep Dream Series Air Mattress.
Here’s everything you need to know about getting the right air mattress for your vacation rental.
Why Get an Air Mattress for Your Airbnb?
Requests for increasing the bed capacity aren’t uncommon for short-term rentals. When this happens, there are several options. First, the extra guests can stay on a couch or sectional which can be uncomfortable, and they’ll have to clean it up each day or bear the sight of a messy living room. Another option is getting a foldable bed frame and a mattress, but this can cost quite a lot.
This leads us to the most affordable and comfortable solution—an air mattress. It is easy to store and relatively cheap to buy, so whenever someone asks about adding an extra guest, you’ll be ready.
An air mattress can also help you maintain guest loyalty. Let’s say that there’s a couple who’s been coming to your rental for years, but this year they want to bring a friend. The air mattress will transform your rental to accommodate a party of three, and your guests will stay loyal to your Airbnb.
Does an Air Mattress Count as a Bed in an Airbnb Listing?
You need to be clear in the Airbnb listing about what type of bed you offer to avoid disappointing guests. An air mattress isn’t the same as a bed, and it shouldn’t be described as such.
If your guests expect a regular bed and instead they get an air mattress you can face poor reviews or even refund requests. So, state clearly what sleeping arrangement you offer and consider adding a photo of the set-up air mattress.
How to Make an Air Mattress More Comfortable for Your Guests
The downside to an air mattress is that it can be too firm and feel too flat. So, if you want to maximize the comfort of your air mattress, add a mattress topper.
An air mattress with a quality memory foam mattress topper can be just as soft and comfortable as a full memory foam mattress. If you add nice sheets and comfy pillows, the guests won’t be able to tell the difference between a real bed and an air mattress.
What to Look for in an Air Mattress for Your Vacation Rental
Air mattresses can be very convenient for vacation property owners if they pick the one that suits their needs. Have these factors in mind when choosing the best air mattress for a short-term rental:
Easy to set up and store – The mattress should be easy to set up, so guests can take it out and inflate it without trouble. It should also be compact so you can store it in the rental without the mattress occupying much space.
Size and Height – Consider which size is the best for your rental based on how many guests you want to accommodate and how much space you have. Also, the higher the air mattress is, the easier it will be for guests to get into and out of bed.
Durability – Finding an air mattress that’s puncture-resistant is critical if it’s going to be used often. To make the air mattress last longer, inflate it to 90% of the maximum capacity.
Inflation – Air mattresses can come with a built-in pump or an external pump. Built-in pumps are more convenient.
Comfort – Look for air mattresses that have additional support or a design that improves comfort, such as multiple layers, comfort technology, fiber-tech beam construction, and extra spinal support.
The Best Air Mattress for Airbnb and Vacation Rentals
Despite the fierce competition, the SoundAsleep Dream Series Air Mattress is, in our opinion, the best air mattress for Airbnb. Its many functionalities attracted our attention, but incredible reviews helped us make the decision.
SoundAsleep Dream Series Air Mattress
Here’s why we think the SoundAsleep Dream Series Air Mattress is the way to go for short-term rentals:
Built-in Pump – You can easily inflate and deflate the mattress simply by turning the dial.
Multiple Layers for Support and Comfort – With multiple layers and comfort technology, this air mattress promises comfortable sleep and good support.
Puncture-Resistant and Waterproof – The material is puncture-resistant and waterproof, so there’s no worry about guests doing any damage to it.
No Sliding – SoundAsleep uses SureGrip technology on the bottom of the mattress to ensure that it doesn’t move or slide, even in the case of restless sleepers.
Different Dimensions Available – Choose between a Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, or King size air mattress.
Double-Height Bed – This is a double-height raised air bed, so getting out of bed won’t be a struggle.
Carry Bag Included – For effortless storage and transportation, SoundSleep packs the air mattress in a carry bag.
1-Year Warranty – This air mattress comes with a 1-year warranty, so if you’re not happy with it, you can return it.
Other Airbnb Air Mattress Alternatives
Besides our top pick, the SoundAsleep Dream Series Air Mattress, we were also pretty impressed with the Intex Comfort Plush Elevated Dura-Beam Airbed and the King Koil Luxury Air Mattress.
We selected the Intex Comfort Plush Elevated Dura-Beam Airbed because of its 22-inch height that creates the illusion of a real bed. It is made out of high-strength polyester fibers for comfort and support, and the plush flocking on top makes it super soft.
The inflation and deflation are hassle-free because of the built-in electric pump. This airbed is waterproof, and it is stored in a duffel bag so you can transport it easily.
For those who prioritize comfort, King Koil’s air mattress is a great choice. The International Chiropractors Association (ICA) endorses King Koil products, so it’s no surprise that this air mattress is designed for pressure relief. Created for maximum comfort, it has a soft flocking layer and a built-in pillow.
This mattress is also waterproof, and it comes with a patch kit in case of a tear or puncture. Inflation and deflation are fast and easy thanks to the internal pump.
The downside is that the mattress is quite big and not so easy to store.
Final Thoughts
Guests want a comfortable bed to rest in after a long journey, and the SoundAsleep Dream Series Air Mattress will make sure that even those unexpected guests have a good night’s sleep. After reviewing many different options, we can confidently say that this one stands out because it combines quality, comfort, and various useful functionalities, and on top of all that, has excellent reviews.
