by Air mattresses provide a lot of comfort, but not much insulation, which can leave you feeling cold in the middle of the night. This is because air mattresses are often made from a thin sheet of vinyl, plastic, or other materials that absorb cold from the environment and don’t disperse the heat your body generates throughout the night. This article will provide tips on how you can fix an air mattress that is getting cold at night.
To fix an air bed that is cold use a thermal air mattress topper or portable heater, or buy an insulated air mattress or a heated air mattress pad. To insulate the mattress from the bottom, place a sleeping bag, a foam pad, or a rug underneath it.
Placing an insulator under the air mattress is especially valuable during camping since this will protect the air mattress. To read more about how to make your air mattress more comfortable when camping, have a look at our article on the simple steps to make a truck camping bed more comfortable in addition to finding out if you should use an air bed or a camping cot when camping.
The air temperature inside an air bed cools down during the night as the ambient temperature of the room decreases. But there are ways to keep an air bed warm. Image Source: HearstappsHow To Fix An Air Bed That Is Cold
Maintaining a warm and comfortable temperature will help you sleep better during the night and wake up rested and refreshed. This article from Science Direct discusses how a heated bed improves sleep quality and health in the elderly. Though an air bed has the disadvantage of rapidly cooling during the night as air temperatures drop, there are ways that you can minimize how cool it gets.
To fix an air bed that is cold, use a thermal mattress topper to insulate the bed or a portable heater to warm the room. Other options include buying an insulated or a heated air mattress.
Tip 1. Use A Thermal Air Mattress Topper
A thermal air mattress topper is the perfect choice to keep you warm whether you’re using the air bed inside or outside your home. Thermal air toppers are available in king, queen, and twin sizes to suit all mattress sizes. They are the perfect sleeping solution for camping, hunting, car camping or even a chilly evening on the beach. Read our article on choosing a mattress topper for camping for tips on how a mattress topper can make your air bed more cozy.
A thermal air mattress topper, like this one from Amazon, is made of insulation materials, which help reflect your body heat back towards you. By insulating the part of the air mattress that comes in direct contact with your skin, the thermal topper prevents heat loss and keeps you warm and cozy naturally.
This thermal air mattress topper helps you stay warm on any air mattress found inside or outside of your home. Image Source: Amazon.For some more information, make sure to take a look at our related article that explains choosing between an air bed vs. memory foam mattress for camping as well.
Tip 2. Use A Portable Heater
If electricity is not an issue for you, try setting a portable heater to warm your surroundings before sleeping on an air mattress. Portable heaters can be used to heat small spaces like a car or a camping tent. However, ensure that you do not keep the heater too close to the air mattress, as it could damage it and deflate it overnight. If your mattress is leaking air even at a good distance from the portable heater, check out our article that discusses how to fix an air bed that deflates. This article from the National Fire Protection Association offers more guidance on how to use portable heaters safely. Some portable heaters, like this one, don’t need an electric socket to function. They are easy to operate and can be used as both a heater and a camping stove in outdoor spaces.
This portable heater can be carried to any outdoor occasion to keep you warm and cozy while sleeping on an air mattress during chilly nights. Image Source: Amazon.Tip 3. Buy An Insulated Air Mattress
The best way to insulate an air mattress is simply to get a good air mattress that already has some insulation built-in. This type of air bed is designed for both indoor and outdoor use. An insulated air bed like this one from Amazon helps protect you from losing body heat and keeps you warm throughout the night.
This insulated air mattress offers cushioning and insulation for sound sleep. Image Source: Amazon.Tip 4. Buy A Heated Air Mattress Pad
A heated air mattress pad can be very effective in keeping your air bed warm on cold nights. Lay it on top of your air bed and plug it in to heat the mattress. It can even serve as a backup blanket wherever electricity is available.
Avoid falling asleep while the pad is on as it is a fire hazard, and according to this article from IEEE Xplore could result in overheating during the night if left on. You can get a water heating system like this one to eliminate the risks associated with traditional electric pads.
This electric air mattress pad keeps your air mattress warm on cold nights. Image Source: Amazon.You might also find interest in learning how to choose an airbed that holds more than 400 pounds so make sure to check that out too.
What Can I Put Under My Air Mattress?
Using an insulating material either above or below an air mattress will help keep your body warm, cozy, and comfortable while sleeping. The main idea when trying to insulate your mattress is to create a barrier between the air mattress and the floor.
To generate warmth and maintain body heat while sleeping, put a sleeping bag, foam pad, or rug under the air mattress.
Option 1. Use A Sleeping Bag
Sleeping bags are designed for outdoor use to keep the cold away. Simply open the sleeping bag and spread it on the floor to cover as much as possible of the area under the air mattress. Not only will it create a barrier between the air mattress and the floor, but it will also buffer the squeaky noise that air beds make when pressed against the floor. Read our article on how to use a mattress topper on an air mattress to reduce the squeaky sound.
Option 2. Use A Foam Pad
A foam pad retains more body heat than other materials. Putting a foam pad like this one under the air mattress will provide minimal air circulation underneath the bed. As a result, your body heat will increase the temperature of the air mattress.
Option 3. Use A Rug
Laying an area rug like this one under an air mattress can help add insulation to the floor and prevent heat loss. The rug acts as a barrier between the cold floor and the air bed, and helps prevent the air bed from shifting around on a bare floor whenever you get into or out of it.
Summary Of Ways To Warm Up An Air Bed
| Solution: | Best Use: | What to look for in a good product: | Example from Amazon: | Price |
| Thermal Air Mattress Topper | Thermal air mattress toppers can be used inside or outside of your home. They are very convenient for camping, car camping, and in guest bedrooms. | Choose a topper that is made of well-insulated material to keep you warm and cozy throughout the night. | Alki Twilight Thermal Mattress Topper | ~$80 |
| Portable Heater | Electric portable heaters work best in confined places such as a small room, a car, or a camping tent where electricity is available. Non-electric space heaters can also be carried to any outdoor occasion such as camping, hunting, or even to a chilly evening on the beach to keep you warm and cozy. | The most important things to consider when buying a space heater are the size of the space you want to heat and the heater type. Other considerations include safety and convenience features. | 4,000-9,000 BTU Portable Heater | ~$90 |
| Insulated Air Mattress | Insulated air mattresses are very convenient for both indoor and outdoor purposes, as they do not need electricity to operate. | Choose a mattress that is made of well insulating material to fulfill its purpose. | Insulated Camping Air Mattress | ~$80 |
| Heated Air Mattress Pad | Heated air mattress pads work best in indoor spaces, as they need electricity to function. They can also be efficient for car camping where you can use the car’s electricity. | Choose a heated air mattress pad that is made of good material and functions well with a good rate of heat output. Otherwise, you will end up with a regular mattress pad. | Heating Mattress Pad | ~$900 |
| Sleeping Bag or Foam Underneath the Mattress | Sleeping bags or foam pads underneath the air mattress can be used inside or outside of your home to create a barrier between the air bed and the ground. | Choose a high-quality sleeping bag that is of the same size or bigger than the air bed to cover the entire area underneath the mattress. | Farland Sleeping Bags 20℉ for Adults | ~$55 |
You might also be interested in our tips and tricks to using your air bed long-term. Make sure to read our related article to find out more. You might also be interested to learn that you can replace some of the pieces-parts of your air mattress to prolong its life. Be sure to check out how to replace an air bed bladder for more detailed information. And when you’re ready to store your air mattress, be sure to read our step-by-step guide on how to deflate an air bed for detailed instructions.
Key Takeaways
- Use a thermal air mattress topper to retain body heat and keep warm.
- Set up a portable heater to warm the area, ensuring it’s at a safe distance from the air bed.
- Purchase an insulated or heated air mattress for better temperature regulation.
- Position insulating materials like a sleeping bag, foam pad, or rug underneath the air mattress for added insulation.
- Consider a heated air mattress pad for extra warmth, while being cautious of overheating risks.
- For outdoor use, ensure the chosen insulating materials adequately cover the area beneath the air bed to prevent heat loss.