How Much Is an Air Bed? - Air Bed Price Guide

Air beds are a convenient alternative to regular beds for indoor purposes, whether you’re using them in a guest room or in your own bedroom for long-term use. They’re also a practical option for campers in search of comfort and convenience. The good thing about air beds is that they are affordable and come at different price points, ranging from extremely affordable to the most expensive. We’ll cover what you need to know when you think about how much an air bed is, in this air bed price guide.

The price of a twin-size air bed is between $25 to $120, a full-size air bed costs between $30 and $240, a queen-size air bed costs between $45 and $320, and a king-size air bed costs between $130 and $350. Costlier air beds tend to be deeper, have better materials on the surface, and have a built-in air pump.

They also come in various sizes to accommodate one or two sleepers. If you want to learn more about the various sizes of air beds then have a look at our guide to air bed dimensions. When thinking of purchasing an air bed, this guide will show you what you will get at various price points.

Air bed prices for double-depth air beds are higher.

How Much Do Air Beds Cost?

The price of an air bed depends on many factors, the most obvious being the size of the mattress and its weight capacity, whether it has an internal air pump, and the materials that it is made of.

The cost of a twin air bed ranges from $25 to $120, a full-size air bed ranges in cost from $30 to $240, a queen-size air bed costs between $45 and $320, and a king-size air bed costs between $130 and $350.

All things being equal, a twin-size air bed won’t be as expensive as a king-size one. However, a twin-size air bed with a high weight capacity can be more expensive than a full-size air mattress with a low weight capacity. Read our comprehensive guide on air mattress weight limits to learn more about the various weight capacities.

The factors that make this air bed’s price lower are its height and size.

The price of a typical twin-size air mattress ranges between $25 and $120 depending on its weight capacity and other features. A twin-size air bed with a 300-pound weight capacity is generally between $45 to $75 while a twin-size air bed with a capacity of 335-550 pounds costs between $85 and $120. A twin air bed like this, can support a maximum weight of 300 pounds and costs $100.

For a full-size air bed like this one, the price range starts at $30 and goes up to $240, depending on the weight capacity. A full-size air bed with a 300-pound weight capacity runs between $55 and $100, while the price can reach $240 for a full-size air bed with a 650-pound weight capacity.

The price for a queen-size air bed usually falls between $45 and $320. Like other sizes, the price depends on the weight capacity. The price range for queen-size air beds with a 265-pound weight capacity is between $70 and $100. For queen-size air beds with a 300-pound weight capacity, the price starts from about $90 and goes up to about $130. Queen size air beds with more than a 300-pound weight capacity will have a heftier price tag, as with a queen-size Coleman air bed like this one that can support 600 pounds, which costs $150.

King-size air beds range between $130 and $350. The price for King-size air beds with a 300-pound weight capacity ranges between $130 and $145. A king-size air bed with a 600-pound weight capacity can climb to $350.

Size of the Mattress	Weight Capacity	Price	Example from Amazon
Twin	300 Lbs	~$75	Twin Air Mattress
Full	650 Lbs	~$240	Brookstone Innovations Perfect Air Bed
Queen	300 Lbs	~$130	Englander Queen Size Air Mattress
King	300 Lbs	~$160	Englander Cal King Size Air Mattress

For more detailed information, be sure to take a look at our complete guide to air bed costs as well. You might also find interest in learning how long do air beds last. But, if you’re still undecided, be sure to check out our comparison of the air bed vs. sleep number for more information too.

Do Specialty Air Beds Cost More?

The price of an air bed varies depending on many factors beyond the mattress’ weight capacity and size. In general, the price range for a regular air bed is between $35 and $145. Specialty features will increase the price.

Specialty air beds cost between $85 and $380 and are more expensive than normal air beds because they contain extra height (thickness), superior air chamber designs, a higher weight limit, a built-in air pump, and are easier to use.

Specially Designed Heavy-Duty Air Beds

Heavy-duty air beds designed to hold 400 pounds or more like this one, come at different price points. Usually, prices range somewhere between $85 and $380. Other special features can add on to the price of a heavy-duty air bed. If you are looking for an air bed that can support heavier weights then read our article on choosing an air bed that can hold over 400 pounds.

The design of heavy-duty air beds can also make them more expensive. Lower-cost air beds usually come with just one air chamber. In heavy-duty air beds, you can choose ones that come with multiple air chambers like this one, that can offer better weight distribution of heavier weights. This affects the durability of the air bed as well as the comfort it offers, so the price of a heavy-duty air bed with multiple air chambers will be higher.

Features like extra height and extra weight bearing capacity are the reasons that this air bed costs more.

Double-Tall Air Bed

One feature that people who want a heavy-duty air bed will also often look for is extra height. They may also need the bed to be longer (XL sizes) to be suitable for tall individuals. Heavy-duty air beds are available in 12, 18, and 24-inch heights (thickness). The higher the bed, the more expensive it is. The thickest types are often referred to as double-tall air beds, like this one.

Of course, air beds that are not rated as heavy-duty are commonly available in double-tall thicknesses. The height of the air bed will affect it’s comfort level—the higher the air bed is, the more comfortable it is, and the easier it is to get into and out of bed. If you want to find out how to raise an air bed, then read our article on how to lift an air bed for camping. Double-tall air beds are usually more expensive than air beds of a single height. The price range for double-tall air beds is between $55 to $130.

How much is an air bed? This Englander queen size double tall air bed has a weight limit of 600 lbs and costs 130 dollars.

Air Beds With Built-In Pumps

If you want the convenience of one-step inflation then you definitely want an air bed with a built-in pump like this one. Fortunately, all but the least expensive air beds often come with this feature. Built-in pumps don’t generally increase the price too much. The price range of air beds with built-in pumps is between $45 and $130. Air beds with built-in pumps are definitely easier and more convenient to use. If you want to find out more about how to inflate an air bed, then read our step-by-step guide.

According to Englander, their air mattresses can inflate and deflate in half the time of other leading brands, making them super convenient and easy to use.

Air Beds For Camping

If you want an air bed for camping, then you are likely to look for some special features that are not usually available in regular air beds. The price for a camping air bed can range between $45 and $165. For camping, you want an air bed that is comfortable and well-insulated. A higher air bed is more comfortable because it offers more cushioning, but this adds to the price. A camping air bed needs to be high enough off the ground so that the uneven surface isn’t felt through the air mattress.

The level of insulation is an important factor for camping. Campers sleep in the open air, exposing themselves to the cold weather and ground. This article from the Journal of Reinforced Plastics and Composites explains the effects of cooling on thermoplastic products and why it is a good material for insulation. Look for an air bed that is made of thermoplastic polyurethane, like this one. The height of the air bed also affects the insulation against the cold. For tips and tricks to warm up a cold air bed read our article on how to fix an air bed that is cold.

This Intex air bed will provide ample cushioning for camping on uneven terrain.

Backpacking Air Beds

Backpacking air beds are often quite different from regular air beds as they are not made from the same material, namely PVC. This doesn’t necessarily make them more expensive. The price of a backpacking air bed ranges from $20 to $100. Some backpacking air beds, like this one, are self-inflating which makes them easier to use. All you need to do is to open the air nozzle, and it’ll start to inflate. Serenelife air mattresses like these are waterproof, lightweight, and extremely durable so they’re great for backpacking, as is outlined in this user manual.

Higher-priced backpacking air beds like this Apollo Air air mattress, have special features that make them more convenient for camping, like being very easy to inflate without a pump, having a slightly higher R-value, and super portability for carrying. The R-value is a measure of the thermal resistance, and hence how quickly the sleeping bag will heat up and cool down. Here is a video user guide for the Apollo Air air mattress.

This air mattress is self-inflating, lightweight, waterproof, and rolls up into a compact carry bag for extra portability, making it perfect for backpacking.

You might also find interest in learning what air beds are used in hospitals. Make sure to check out our related article to find out!

How Much Do Air Bed Accessories Cost?

If you have or are thinking of getting an air bed, you may need to get some accessories to use with the bed to make your experience more comfortable.

The accessories for an air mattress can cost anywhere from $10 to $40. These include an electric or manual air pump, sheets, and a groundcover tarp to protect the underside of the air mattress.

If your air bed does not come with an air pump, you’ll definitely need one like this. You will also want to consider getting an insulating topper like this one because air beds provide very poor temperature regulation. The connection between body temperature and sleep is very important as discussed in the article about using a mattress topper on an air mattress. This article will also provide you tips and tricks that will help you choose the right topper for your needs. You might also need to get some sheets like these and blankets like these for your specific air mattress, as well as a ground cover tarp like this. All these accessories will add to the cost.

Here is a Summary of How Much Air Bed Accessories Can Cost:

Air Bed Accessories	Purpose	Price Range	Example from Amazon
Exterior Air Pump	Helps inflate the air mattress if it doesn’t include a built-in pump	~$10 to ~$40	Electric Air Pump
Lightweight/Specialty Sheets & Blankets	Air mattresses have a poor thermal resistance (even if they have a high R-value). You need sheets and blankets to stay warm if you don’t have a sleeping bag.	~$15 to ~$35	Bedecor Bed Sheets for Air Bed Mattress
Tarp	Used as a groundcover when camping	~$15 to ~$40	Tarp Cover Blue

What Is the Best Air Mattress for Me?

Choosing an air mattress is easy if you keep your particular needs in mind. Air mattresses that are used in tents need to be lower than air beds that are used in guest rooms, because of limited space when camping.

To choose an air mattress, first determine the number of users who will sleep on it and their weights. Then determine if the air mattress needs to be portable for camping or if it’s a gust room air mattress. Finally, determine the height of the air mattress. A single high air mattress will be suitable for a tent, and a double tall air mattress is suitable for a guest room.

If you plan on using an air bed for extended periods of time, then we recommend reading our article that provides tips and tricks for air bed long-term use.

Here is a comparison of mattresses, their sizes, accessories that you may need, and what you can expect to pay for them:

What Am I LooKing for in an Air Mattress?	Size Recommendation	Any Special Accessories Needed?	Price Range	Example from Amazon
Guest Room Air Bed	Full	Sheets External Pump if needed	~$10 to $40 ~$10 to $40	Bedecor Air Mattress Sheets Electric Air Pump
Camping Air Bed	Twin	Tarp Blanket	~$15 to $40 ~$20 to $100	Tarp Cover ing Blanket
Car Camping Air Bed	Twin	Blanket	~$20 to $100	Mexican Blanket
Backpacking Air Bed	Twin	Blanket	~$20 to $100	Mexican Blanket
One Person (less than 150 lbs.)	Twin	Sheets External pump if needed	~$10 to $40 ~$10 to $40	Bedecor Fitted Air Mattress Sheet Electric Air Pump
Two People (more than 150 lbs.)	Queen	Sheets External pump if needed	~$10 to $40 ~$10 to $40	Bedecor Fitted Air Mattress Sheet Electric Air Pump

If you’ve recently purchased an air bed and find that it’s not working out, be sure to take a look at our step-by-step guide on how to return an air bed for some helpful information.

Key Takeaways

Price Range Based on Size and Features

Air beds are priced variably based on their size and features. A twin-size air bed ranges from $25 to $120, full-size from $30 to $240, queen-size from $45 to $320, and king-size from $130 to $350. Higher-priced air beds often come with additional features like built-in pumps, greater depth, and better surface materials.

Specialty Air Beds

Specialty air beds, designed for specific needs such as heavy-duty use or camping, are priced between $85 and $380. They offer higher weight capacities, multiple air chambers for better weight distribution, and extra height for more comfort, making them a worthy investment for those with particular requirements.

Additional Costs for Accessories

Accessories for air beds, including external pumps, sheets, and groundcover tarps, can add an additional cost ranging from $10 to $40 per item. Ensuring a comfortable and convenient air bed setup might require these extra investments, especially if the air bed does not come with a built-in pump.

Camping and Backpacking Air Beds

Air beds designed for camping and backpacking have a price range of $20 to $165, providing options like self-inflation, higher insulation, and lightweight design for outdoor enthusiasts. These specially designed beds cater to the unique needs of campers and backpackers, offering a blend of comfort and portability.

Considerations for the Best Choice

When choosing an air bed, considering the intended use, the number of sleepers, their weight, and the bed’s portability can guide towards making an informed decision. Whether it’s for indoor guest use or outdoor camping, identifying personal needs and matching them with the right air bed features within a budget is crucial for a satisfying purchase.

How Much Is an Air Bed? – Air Bed Price Guide