by While some people prefer resting or sleeping at floor-level, others enjoy beds that are raised off the ground. If you feel uncomfortable while lying down on a low-profile air bed, a simple solution is to lift it off the floor. In this article we’ll discuss methods to lift an air bed off the floor.
Methods to lift an air bed off the floor include using metal bed frame, a box spring, plywood, foam, a carpet, a rubber pad, and a mattress topper. Lift the air bed off the ground for easier access, to protect the mattress, or to prevent the air mattress from sliding around.
3 great frames for an airbed
Below are 10 methods to lift an air mattress along with some pros and cons to help you choose the right solution:
1. Metal Bed Frames
While there are lots of ways to lift an air bed, metal bed frames are by far the most popular option because they are readily available from most camping gear and online stores. Metal bed frames are versatile and come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors, and are pretty easy to assemble.
The pros of using a metal bed frame to lift an air bed off the floor include versatility, easy set-up, and value for money. The cons of using metal bed frames are that they have sharp edges, are heavy, and are bulky.
They’re also quite affordable since metal bed frames cost around $100 and you don’t typically have to pay extra for professional installation. Moreover, metal bed frames like these are quite sturdy and durable, so they can last a long time. Another huge benefit of using a metal bed frame is that it not only elevates the air bed but also protects it from damage and dust. In addition, it creates some extra storage space under the bed frame, making this an ideal option for smaller bedrooms and guest rooms.
Although metal bed frames are safe for regular mattresses, if you choose a frame with any sharp points it can damage an air bed. However, you can prevent damage by selecting the right metal frame, without sharp corners or edges. Purchase a metal frame where the support base is solid or the slats are close enough to each other to avoid sagging or deflation, or use a bunkie board like this, to create an even surface for the air mattress to rest on. Read our article that explains what bunkie boards are to learn more about them and their uses.
Heavy and bulky bed frames can be inconvenient for camping because they are hard to carry and take up too much space. However, you can purchase a foldable metal bed frame like this for your air bed, which is easier to carry and store.
You may want to use a metal bed frame for camping to protect your air bed from sharp rocks on uneven ground. Image Source: Amazon 2. Box Spring
If you want to raise your air bed off the floor by 5-9 inches, you can put a box spring under the bed. Along with increasing the height of your air mattress, the box spring will protect it and reduce deflation.
Use a Box spring to lift an air bed 5-9 inches off the floor. They come in different heights and sizes to suit specific individual needs. The disadvantages of using a box spring is that they are expensive and bulky.
Since box springs like these are available in a variety of sizes and height options, you can easily find the one that suits your needs. If you want to lift the air bed off the floor by just a few inches, you can go for a low-profile box spring. If you want to make your air bed higher than that, consider getting a regular box spring instead. In our article explaining how tall a box spring is, we provide 5 tips to help you find a box spring that matches the size of your air bed.
The primary drawback of using a box spring to raise the air mattress off the floor is the price tag. Typically, box springs like this one, cost at least $200-250. However, if you already own one, a box spring would be a great option.
Another disadvantage of box springs is that they are quite heavy and bulky. If you own a small apartment, a box spring may not be the best solution because it will take up too much space and you won’t have room to store it when not in use.
3. DIY Wood Frame
If you are good at woodworking, creating your own wood frame could be a great way to elevate your air bed off the floor. With just a few DIY skills, you can make the perfect custom wood frame for your air mattress.
A DIY wood frame can be customized to suit air bed features and size. DIY wood frames are affordable alternatives to other methods of raising an air bed. Sand and seal the DIY wood frame to prevent damage to the air bed resulting in leaks, punctures, holes, or tears caused by splinters and rough edges.
If you enjoy woodworking, creating your own wood frame may be a great method to raise the air mattress off the floor. Creating your own bed frame means that you can easily customize it based on your air bed size and features. Also, you can paint the frame with chalk paint like this, to match the room.
In addition to various customization options, DIY wood frames are quite affordable. You can create one even if you are on a tight budget. However, DIY wood frame assembly may require extra costs if you hire professionals to make the bed frame for you or if you need to purchase all the tools. Still, this method can be less expensive compared to pre-assembled bed frames.
People often avoid using DIY wood frames for lifting their air beds off the floor because punctures, holes, and tears can be caused by wood splinters. You can prevent this by making the surface as even and smooth as possible with fine grit sandpaper and wood varnish.
Watch this YouTube tutorial by Seb Tech DIY, to learn how to make your own wood frame for your air bed.
If you have DIY skills, you can make a great wooden frame at a reasonable price. Image Source: Simply Futbol 4. Plywood
Plywood is one of the most affordable options to lift your air bed off the floor. If you are looking for a temporary solution and you don’t want to spend too much money, this method is for you.
The pros of using plywood under an air mattress include accessibility, affordability, and extra protection for the air bed. The cons are its slippery surface and low height.
Plywood is available in local home improvement stores and online stores. It comes in multiple sizes and grade options so you can easily find the product that matches your needs and budget. Putting plywood right under your air mattress is the most affordable way to place a barrier between the air mattress and the floor to protect it from damage. However, the surface may sometimes be too slippery and you may have to cover the plywood with this non-slip fabric.
If you want to elevate your air bed and increase its height significantly, plywood will not be the right option for you. Even though it’s affordable and offers extra protection, it doesn’t help raise the height of an air bed, although thick plywood can raise your mattress by 2-3 inches.
Placing a large piece of plywood under your air bed will protect it from dust and possible damage on an uneven floor. Image Source: Amazon.5. Foam
Foam sheets are by far the cheapest method of raising an air bed off the floor. Just like plywood, foam can be used as a temporary solution. For around $20-30, you can get foam padding like this, to put under your air mattress.
The advantages of using foam to raise an air bed off the floor are that it’s affordable, versatile, and easy to move around. The disadvantage of using foam is that it doesn’t always have a non-slip surface and doesn’t elevate the air mattress significantly.
Along with being budget-friendly, foam sheets come in a variety of sizes, thicknesses, and color options. No matter what your bedroom design, you can find the right foam sheet in a suitable color to match the overall appearance of your room.
While plywood might be ideal when you keep an air bed in one place, foam is more portable. If you are using an air mattress for camping, this option could be the best choice because it will also help insulate the air bed against the cold. Read our article for tips and tricks to fix an air bed that is cold, for helpful ways to stay warm when sleeping on an air mattress.
Since some foam sheets are not non-slip, they may not always be convenient to use under air beds. While foam rolls can protect air mattresses, they don’t elevate them off the floor more than a few inches.
6. Use A Rug Or Carpet
If you own a rug or carpet you can put it under your air mattress to protect it from damage. A thick rug or carpet works great as a protective barrier between your air bed and the floor.
A rug or carpet offers extra protection for air beds. Rugs and carpets are conveniently available in various patterns, colors, and sizes. The main drawback of rugs and carpets is that they get dusty quickly and need regular vacuuming.
For those who want to repurpose old rugs, putting them under an air bed is a great solution. You “get rid of” the old carpet and provide a layer of protection for your air mattress. Thick rugs are ideal for protecting air beds from dust, especially while camping because they are easy to roll up and carry. However, rugs often get dirty and dusty, so regular cleaning and vacuuming with a vacuum cleaner like this, is necessary to prevent a dust mite infestation as discussed in this article from ScienceDirect.
Using a rug or carpet protects the bottom of the air mattress. Image Source: Overstock.com. 7. Use A Non-Slip Rubber Pad
Another budget-friendly trick is to put a non-slip rubber mat under your air bed, to lift it off the floor. Although it does not increase the overall height of the bed significantly, the rubber pad can protect the mattress and provide a non-slip surface.
The pros of using a non-slip rubber pad are its versatility, it takes up very little space, and is non-slip. The disadvantage of using a non-slip rubber pad is that it doesn’t provide much elevation.
Although a non-slip rubber pad doesn’t elevate an air bed off the floor, it’s still an excellent way to add a layer between the air bed and the ground. Along with being affordable, rubber pads like these are easy to carry around, making them ideal for camping. As rubber pads are typically made of neoprene they are non-slip, preventing air beds from sliding around.
8. Use A Mattress Topper
Although this technique doesn’t actually elevate an air bed off the floor, it increases the height of the air bed and offers a much more comfortable surface to rest or sleep on.
The benefits of adding a mattress topper on top of an air bed are increased height, an extra layer of comfort and protection of the upper surface of the bed. The drawback of using a mattress topper is that the air bed is not actually lifted off the floor.
If you have already placed plywood, foam, a rubber mat, or a bed frame under the air bed, you can use a mattress topper like this, to make the bed even higher. Along with increasing the overall height of your sleeping surface, a mattress topper will make the bed more comfortable. Read our article on how to make a bed firmer to learn more about how a mattress topper or pad can improve the comfort and support of your mattress. Mattress toppers are especially helpful for those struggling with pain in different parts of the body. This article from Webmd, explains a few ways to manage back pain, in particular.
Since mattress toppers are available in many different sizes, densities, and materials, you can easily find the one that’s right for you. Our guide to mattress topper types could help you make the best choice.
The only issue with mattress toppers is that they do not help elevate the bed off the floor. Even though they increase the height of an air bed, you still need something else to keep your air mattress off the ground and protect the bottom part from damage.
9. Use A Bed Frame, Box Spring, and Rubber Pad
If you want to elevate your air bed off the floor while creating a non-slip surface and increasing its height, you should consider using a combination of a bed frame, box spring, and rubbed pad.
Use a bed frame, box spring, and a non-slip rubber pad together to elevate an air bed off the floor, create extra storage space under the air bed, create a non-slip surface so the bed won’t slide, raise the height of the air bed for easier access, create the impression of a regular bed, and avoid damage to the air bed.
The cons of using a bed frame, box spring, and a non-slip rubber pad like this, together are the higher costs, they are bulky and take up a lot of space, and are not suitable for camping since you’d have to transport all the items with you.
If however, you already have a spare bed frame, box spring, and non-slip rubber mat, consider using them to raise the air bed off the floor while increasing its height and protecting it from damage.
10. Use a Bed Frame and Bed Risers
Using a bed frame and bed risers in tandem is an excellent solution for those thinking about raising the air bed off the floor while creating as much storage space under the bed as possible.
The most important benefit of adding bed risers to a bed frame is that this is an affordable way to increase the height of an air bed. In addition to that, you get extra storage space without spending too much money or effort.
Although a bed frame already gives you under-the-bed storage space, you can increase the capacity by adding bed risers like these, to the bed frame legs. In this article we provide quick bed skirt hacks for ideas on hiding your under-bed storage to make your room look uncluttered.
Raising an air bed off the floor means that it is automatically protected from damage. However, using a bed frame may not be enough for full protection. Therefore, you should consider placing a non-slip pad like this below the air mattress to keep it from sliding. Creating an even surface will prevent the air bed from deflating too quickly.
When it comes to bed risers, some people are concerned about safety issues. Bed risers are safe as long as you select the right one based on your bed frame type. Here is our guide to choosing the right bed riser for your needs.
Bed risers lift the overall height of the bed and create a hidden storage solution. Image Source: Amazon. Summary of Methods to Lift an Air Bed
| Method | Does it Elevate the Mattress? | Does it Protect the Mattress? | Is it Non-Slip? | Example with Price |
| Metal Bed Frame | Yes | Yes | Yes | Puffy Foundation~ $130 |
| Box Spring | Yes | Yes | No | Ghostbed Foundation~ $350 |
| DIY Wood Frame | Yes | Yes | No | Maple Lumber Boards ~$15 |
| Plywood | No | Yes | No | Baltic Birch Plywood~ $85 |
| Foam | No | Yes | No | Neoprene Sponge Foam Sheet~ $20 |
| Rug or Carpet | No | Yes | Yes | LOCHAS Ultra Soft Indoor Modern Area Rug~ $55 |
| Non-Slip Rubber | No | Yes | Yes | Shop Fox W1322 Anti-Vibration Rubber Pad with Non-Slip Surface~ $20 |
| Mattress Topper | No | Yes | No | Puffy topper~ $120 |
| Bed Frame + Bed Risers | Yes | Yes | No | Utopia Bedding Adjustable Heavy Duty Bed Risers~ $25 |
Benefits of Air Mattress Risers
Air mattress risers play an essential role in lifting air beds off the floor and protecting them from damage. While raising an air bed off the ground comes with additional costs, the investment is worth it. Whether you’re using an air bed in your bedroom, in a guest room, or while camping, there are numerous benefits of elevating it off the floor.
Benefits of air mattress risers include elevating an air mattress so that it is easier to get into and out of, additional mattress protection, and keeping an air mattress from sliding.
Benefit 1. Makes it Easier to Get into Bed
Elevating an air bed off the floor increases its height by at least 2-3 inches. Using an air mattress riser like this, can increase the overall height by about 9-inches.
While this is a solution for those who do not enjoy sleeping closer to the ground, it also makes it much easier for individuals to get in and out of bed. It’s especially beneficial for those experiencing severe pain and aches in different parts of the body, including knees, back, shoulders, neck, and spine. For tips on how to get out of bed without hurting your back, read this article from Atlanta Back Clinic.
Benefit 2. Protects Your Air Mattress from Dust and Debris
Another benefit of raising an air bed off the floor is that it protects your mattress. While mattress risers protect the air bed from dust particles and debris, they also minimize the risks of punctures, tears, holes, and leaks. Air beds that are in direct contact with the floor or ground tend to deflate and lose firmness quickly. Elevating an air mattress off the ground will prolong its life expectancy. Whether you use an air bed indoors or inflate it while camping outdoors, putting the mattress directly on the floor makes it more likely to get damaged.
Benefit 3. Keeps An Air Mattress From Sliding
When there is direct contact between an air bed and the floor, there is not enough friction to keep the mattress stable. Therefore, it moves and slides when you get into or sleep on the bed.
As mentioned earlier, some air mattress riser options offer non-slip features, meaning that the air bed will no longer slide around. While preventing an air mattress from sliding will improve the quality of your sleep, it will also protect it from leaks, punctures, and tears.
Key Takeaways
- Metal Bed Frames: Versatile, easy to set up, and value for money; they provide elevation and protection for the air bed while creating extra storage space underneath.
- Box Spring: Raises the air bed by 5-9 inches, protects the mattress and reduces deflation; however, they can be expensive and bulky.
- DIY Wood Frame: Customizable and an affordable alternative, though requires woodworking skills and precautions to prevent air bed damage.
- Plywood: Affordable and accessible, provides a barrier between the air bed and floor, though doesn’t significantly elevate the air bed.
- Foam: Budget-friendly, versatile, and portable, but does not significantly elevate the air bed.
- Using A Rug Or Carpet: Repurposing a rug or carpet can provide a protective layer for the air bed but requires regular cleaning to prevent dust mite infestation.
- Non-Slip Rubber Pad: Provides a non-slip surface and a protective layer for the air bed but does not significantly elevate the air bed.
- Mattress Topper: Increases height and comfort of the air bed, though does not lift the air bed off the floor.
- Combining Bed Frame, Box Spring, and Rubber Pad: Elevates and protects the air bed, increases height, and creates a non-slip surface, though it can be costly and bulky.
- Bed Frame and Bed Risers: Affordable way to increase height of the air bed and create extra storage space underneath, with additional safety measures to consider.