How Long Do Air Beds Last?

Air beds are a comfortable alternative to conventional mattresses that are convenient, portable, and easily stored. Air mattresses can even help with health concerns, such as pressure relief or improving blood circulation. Since they are designed to be temporary, you might be wondering, how long do air beds last? Well we’ll help answer your question and provide you tips for expanding the life of an air bed in this article.

Air beds last for two to eight years when used occasionally and cared for properly. To maximize the life of an air bed, deflate fully and store in a carry bag when the air bed is not in use. Keep the air bed in a cool, dry place that is free of sharp objects to ensure it isn’t punctured. Additionally, to prevent ripping and bulging of the seams, do not over inflate the air bed and don’t sit on the edge of the inflated air bed.

For more information about the benefits of air beds, read our article to learn more about the advantages of using an air bed. 

With proper care, an air mattress can be a comfortable alternative to a regular mattress for up to 8 years. Image Source: Amazon.

How Long Should an Air Bed Last?

How long an air bed will last depends on how frequently it is used, the materials it is made of, the design of the air mattress, and the durability of the included air pump. 

An air bed should last for two years with constant use and up to eight years with occasional use. To make sure the air bed lasts as long as possible, select one made of durable materials such as thermoplastic urethane (TPU), with structural components such as internal air coil chambers, and a weight capacity of at least 600 lbs.

To help you choose a longer lasting air bed, read our article on how to fix a lump in an air bed to learn more about the materials and manufacturing of good quality air beds. This article from Healthline.com recommends that you change your mattress every eight years. However, the length of time a mattress lasts and remains comfortable, while offering proper support, will depend on how well it is maintained and whether the safety instructions included in the owner’s manual are followed. This owner’s manual from Intex covers all the safety guidelines and precautions you should follow to ensure your mattress lasts longer. 

The materials used in air beds are selected for their durability and the comfort they provide to consumers. Materials such as polyvinyl-chloride (PVC), rubber, and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) are used because they are durable and long-lasting. 

Different companies offer different warranties. For example, King Koil offers a one year warranty on these air beds, and Active Era offers a one year warranty to its customers. Keep in mind that air bed warranties apply to minimum expected lifespans, and air mattresses can remain useful for many years after the warranty period has expired. We explain more about warranties in our step by step guide on how to return an air bed.

You might also be able to extend the lifespan of your air bed by helping prevent punctures and lifting it off of the floor. Make sure to check out these 10 ways to lift an air bed off the floor for more information.

How to Choose an Air Bed That Will Last the Longest

Looking for an air bed that lasts as long as possible? Well, it depends on your specific needs—whether you require durability, support, or cushioning. Of course, your budget will also be a determining factor. 

Choose an air bed that is made from TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) which is more elastic and durable and should last longer than an air bed made from PVC (polyvinyl chloride) or rubber.  

Some materials are cheaper while others are comparatively expensive. TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane), for example, is expensive compared to PVC, and an all rubber air mattress is usually the cheapest option. This article from Cnki.com discusses the elasticity and ageing resistance of PVC and TPU, explaining why TPU is more durable.

A thermoplastic polyurethane air mattress is more elastic and durable than a regular PVC mattress. Image Source: Amazon.

How Use Affects the Lifespan of an Air Bed

The lifespan of any product is affected by how well or how roughly you use it. You can extend the life of your air bed by using it properly, implementing necessary measures to take care of it, and by storing it well. 

The estimated lifespan of an air bed that is used occasionally for guests and camping, and is stored properly, can be as long as 8 years. When camping, protect the mattress with a ground mat and never over inflate an air mattress.

While tears in an air bed can be fixed with vinyl patches, it is still important to take care of the mattress and avoid getting any holes in its surface because patches can affect the mattress’ integrity. Read our article on how to repair a leak in an air mattress for helpful tips to patch up a tear or hole. Adopting proper inflation and deflation techniques, as well as careful packing of the mattress after use, will also help prolong the useful lifespan of an air mattress. 

Here we look at how to take proper care of your mattress:

Camping

Most people use air mattresses for camping or traveling purposes because they are portable, and can be inflated and deflated quickly. Air mattresses also take up less space in the luggage compartment when they are packed in their storage bags like this one. 

There are many sizes and types of air mattresses available. For car camping, there are backseat air mattresses like these, that are designed to snuggly fit into the contours of the backseat of various car models. Read our article on how to make a comfortable truck camping bed for step-by-step instructions on using an inflatable mattress in a vehicle. 

Car air mattresses are specifically designed for use in the backseat of various models because they have additional inflated sections that fit into the floor area. Image Source: Amazon.

Guest Room Occasional Use

If you are using your air bed occasionally, it will generally last longer than an air bed that is used every night. The most important thing for occasional use is to inflate it correctly and store it properly after each use. Putting your air bed right back into the bag provided by the manufacturer or one like this, is the simplest and easiest way of storing it. Just deflate and roll it up, then put it into the bag, for later use. Read our article on how to deflate an air bed for directions on removing all the air from your air bed before storing it. 

How Long Does an Air Mattress Last If Used Everyday?

Using an air bed on a daily basis is good if you have pressure sensitive injuries or suffer from issues like back pain, because you can adjust the firmness of the mattress to provide customized support. We provide several tips on how to improve the comfort of an air bed and make it look and feel like an ordinary bed, in our article about the long-term use of air beds. 

Summary of the Lifespan and Benefits of Using an Air Bed

Air Bed Use	Why Use An Air Bed and How Long Will The Air Bed Last	Amazon Product	Price
Camping	Very affordable and portable. Expect ~8 years with proper storage and occasional use.	Coleman Camping Cot, Air Mattress, and Pump Combo	~$180
Guest Room	Affordable and durable. Easy to deflate to make the room more spacious or accommodate other uses. Air bed should last ~8 years with occasional use.	Intex Pull-Out Inflatable Bed	~$85
Long-Term Use	Durable TPU air beds can be comfortable and can sometimes last up to 15 years. Most other air beds will last for 2-4 years.	Intex Dura Beam Elevated Fiber Tech Soft Air Mattress	~$180

Can an Air Mattress Burst?

An air bed is not likely to burst, but it can leak. To avoid this ensure that there are no sharp objects that could puncture it, deflate and store the mattress when it is not in use, and never over-inflate your mattress. 

An air bed with a single chamber that is manufactured from inferior materials could burst if it were over inflated. However, it is far more common for an air mattress to leak due to a faulty seal on the valve or a puncture in the material. 

Over-inflating will strain the seams and materials, causing them to deteriorate over time. Read more about this in our article that explains common air bed dangers and how to fix them. An air mattress should only be filled up to 90% of its capacity. 

How to Make an Air Mattress Last Longer – Good Care Habits

There are a number of things that can go wrong with an air bed, such as faulty pumps, internal bladders wearing out, or punctures causing an air leak. However, the single best way to ensure that an air bed will have a long useful lifespan is to adopt good air bed care habits.

To make an air bed last longer, store it properly in a zip-up fabric bag, and at a moderate temperature. When in use, only inflate it to 90% of the maximum capacity. Do not sit on the edge of the air bed as this could cause an uncomfortable bulge in the fabric. 

Storing an Air Mattress 

When storing your mattress be sure to do the following: 

• Make sure to smooth out any wrinkles and bumps once it is deflated. 
• Roll the mattress up properly, making sure there isn’t anything sharp caught in it. Always lay out your air bed where it can lay flat and it won’t be damaged by anything sharp. 
• When you deflate your air bed make sure to deflate it properly. 
• Store the mattress in a box or a bag – do not leave it lying around. 
• Store it in a cool dark place, and not in a humid or hot area. 

Properly Inflating an Air Mattress

An air bed should be inflated with a low pressure pump like this, to avoid damage caused by over-inflation. Some air beds like these, have built in pumps for easy inflation in 3-5 minutes or even less. 

This air bed has a built-in pump for easy hassle-free inflation. Image Source:Image Source: Amazon.

Sitting on the Edge of the Air Mattress

Sitting on the edge of an air bed can place strain on the wall of the air bed and its surface, causing the seams and fabric to tear or stretch. When this happens, there is a chance that your air bed could develop a leak or lump. We recommend only laying flat on the air bed so that the weight is distributed equally over a larger surface area.

Keep Children Away from Air Beds

To avoid accidental punctures, toddlers and children should be supervised by their parents when playing around an air bed. More importantly, according to the CPSC, babies and very young children should never be left alone around an air bed or sleep on one because there is a chance the child could get stuck in the bed and suffocate. That is why many air beds have a warning that they are not safe for children younger than 15 months. 

Air beds are not safe to use for children younger than 15 months old. Image Source: Public Health Post.

Choosing the Best Air Mattress

When you are looking to select the best air mattress for your needs, consider the quality of materials, the cost, and the maximum weight capacity of the air mattress.

Choosing the best air mattress means selecting one that is made of high quality fabrics like TPU or PVC. Don’t purchase a cheap air mattress and make sure that it has a proper manufacturer warranty. Also, choose a heavy-duty air mattress that can hold 400-500 pounds, for its durability.

Good quality material

When choosing an air mattress it is crucial to buy one made of good quality materials. Avoid air mattresses that contain harmful chemical substances that could affect you and your family. We recommend this iDoo air bed because of its multi-layer covering that is puncture resistant.  

Budget

Avoid investing money in something that is not durable. Look carefully at all product specifications because air mattresses vary. Avoid going for the cheapest option as it is probably not going to be of the best quality. It is possible to find a well-made air mattress at a reasonable price if you know what to look for. We like this air bed because it offers a 2-year warranty and a 2-in-1 inflation valve. 

Weight limit

Your mattress should be able to hold 400-500 lbs of combined weight so that two people can sleep on it peacefully, if you’re planning on buying it for daily use. This Insta-Bed with never-flat pump is ideal for long-term use. 

Summary of Air Bed Care Do’s and Don’ts

Air Bed Care	Do’s	Don’ts
Storage	Store in a cool dark place, inside a storage bag.	Don’t store in a hot or humid place, unpacked.
Inflation	Inflate slowly with a pump, to 90% capacity.	Fast, over-inflation beyond 90% air capacity is a bad idea.
Sitting on the Edge of the Air Mattress	Sit in the center of the mattress and make sure your weight isn’t concentrated in one place.	Sit on the edge, applying full pressure on one area.
Warranty	Choose an air bed with warranty and replacement option.	Don’t buy an air bed without a manufacturer warranty.

Key Takeaways

Lifespan of Air Beds

Air beds, when used occasionally and maintained properly, have a lifespan ranging from two to eight years. Their longevity is influenced by the frequency of use, material quality, and adherence to care instructions. Opting for air beds made from durable materials like thermoplastic urethane (TPU) and following the manufacturer’s care guidelines can significantly extend their useful life.

Maintenance Tips for Extended Durability

To maximize the lifespan of an air bed, it’s advisable to store it deflated in a carry bag, in a cool, dry place away from sharp objects that could cause punctures. Over-inflating and sitting on the edge of the air bed should be avoided to prevent damage to the seams and fabric which can lead to leaks or bulges.

Material Quality and Durability

The durability of an air bed is largely determined by the quality of materials used in its construction. Air beds made from TPU are known to be more elastic and durable compared to those made from PVC or rubber. Hence, investing in a TPU air bed could be a wise decision for long-term use.

Warranty and Manufacturer Support

Selecting air beds from reputable manufacturers who offer warranties can provide a safety net against defects and ensure a minimum expected lifespan. Companies like King Koil and Active Era offer one-year warranties, ensuring a level of trust and assurance in the product’s durability.

Usage Habits and Lifespan Correlation

The lifespan of an air bed is directly affected by usage habits. Proper inflation, avoidance of over-inflation, and appropriate storage practices play crucial roles in prolonging the life of an air bed. Air beds used occasionally for guests or camping tend to last longer, potentially up to eight years, with proper care.

Safe Use and Precautions

Adhering to safety guidelines, like keeping young children supervised around air beds and not allowing babies or very young children to sleep on them, is vital for preventing accidents such as suffocation or accidental punctures.

Quality over Cost

Avoiding overly cheap air beds and instead investing in a quality air bed made from good materials with a reasonable warranty can prove to be cost-effective in the long run. A well-maintained quality air bed can provide comfort and convenience over several years, making it a worthwhile investment.

Choosing the Right Air Bed

When in the market for an air bed, considerations such as material quality, weight capacity, and warranty should be prioritized. Opting for an air bed with a higher weight capacity and made from durable materials like TPU can contribute to a longer-lasting and more satisfying user experience.