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Best Air Mattress with Frame

Corey Majeau

If you don’t have space to spare in your home but want to make your overnight guests feel welcome, an air mattress with a frame is the ideal solution. Not only can these portable, easy to store beds be tucked away when you’re not using them, but they take mere minutes to set up and be ready for use, allowing you to quickly make the bed for a surprise visitor.

An air mattress with a frame can be an excellent temporary sleeping option if you’re between moves while you wait for the furniture to arrive, or for camping with the family. A few nights on an elevated comfy bed can make a world of difference for your back health and sleep quality. Supportive and portable, an air bed with a frame is a handy thing to have in any household, so take a look below at our top picks for the best air mattresses with a frame that money can buy.

1. Coleman Camping Cot – Editor's Choice

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  • Sizes: Queen, Twin
  • Material: Steel, vinyl
  • Item weight: 41.9 pounds

2. EZ-Bed Air Mattress with Frame & Rolling Case

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  • Sizes: Queen
  • Material: Powder-coated steel, plastic
  • Item weight: 55 pounds

3. IvationAir Mattress with Frame & Rolling Case

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  • Sizes: Twin, Queen
  • Material: Polyester, polyester blend
  • Item weight: 48.9 pounds

4. Insta-Bed Ez Queen Raised Air Mattress with NeverFlat

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  • Sizes: Queen
  • Material: Metal, PVC
  • Item weight: 25 pounds

5. Classic Brands Hercules Black Heavy Duty Metal 14-Inch Platform Mattress Foundation Bed Frame

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  • Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
  • Material: Steel
  • Item weight: 43 pounds

6. Intex Ultra Plush Inflatable Bed Air Mattress

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  • Sizes: Queen
  • Material: Polyester fibers, FiberTech
  • Item weight: 22.8 pounds

Best Air Mattress with Frame

1. Coleman Camping Cot – Editor's Choice

Highlights

  • Sizes: Queen, Twin
  • Material: Steel, vinyl
  • Item weight: 41.9 pounds

Pros

  • 600 lbs weight capacity
  • Steel frame
  • Leak-proof design
  • Battery-operated pump for portability
  • Side tables
  • Easy to set up

Cons

  • Somewhat heavy
  • Batteries not included

Whether it’s an outdoor adventure you’re planning or you just want to ensure your family or friends feel welcome when staying over, this air mattress with a frame is just the thing. Made with attention to detail, this portable and comfortable air bed with a frame includes a cot with side tables, an air mattress and battery-operated pump. The air bed features a leak-proof design and an inner coil construction for lasting firmness and ensures no sagging even after prolonged use. For an added layer of protection, the inflatable mattress is encased in a sewn-in zippered cover to prevent punctures or other damage.

The durable steel frame that holds the air mattress is sturdy and supportive: its weight capacity is 600 pounds, so most couples and individuals will find that this bed meets their needs. It also has pull-out “side tables” with cup holders for absolute comfort indoors or out in nature.

2. EZ-Bed Air Mattress with Frame & Rolling Case – Runner Up

Highlights

  • Sizes: Queen
  • Material: Powder-coated steel, plastic
  • Item weight: 55 pounds

Pros

  • Built-in pump
  • Self inflates in 2.5 minutes
  • No setup needed
  • Holds 500 lbs of weight
  • Durable PVC mattress
  • Easy to deflate and store
  • Comes with a rolling carry case

Cons

  • Won’t re-inflate itself throughout the night
  • Comes in queen size only

Perfect for guest rooms or for when you need a temporary sleeping option in your own home, this self-inflating mattress with a frame will exceed your expectations. Effortless to set up, this bed comes with a built-in pump: attach it to the nearest power outlet and in 2.5 minutes, the bed will be ready to use. No assembly is needed whatsoever! This proves ideal for when you have a surprise visitor staying over when you need to think quick about a sleeping option for them.

The powder-coated steel frame is sturdy enough to hold up to 500 lbs of weight and wide enough to accommodate a single person or an average couple comfortably. The mattress itself is made out of strong and durable PVC and inflates to create a bed with standard 24-inches in height, comfy for anyone to sleep on. When sleeping on this airbed, it will be difficult to notice any difference from sleeping on a regular mattress!

3. IvationAir Mattress with Frame & Rolling Case – Best Firm

Highlights

  • Sizes: Twin, Queen
  • Material: Polyester, polyester blend
  • Item weight: 48.9 pounds

Pros

  • Automatic assembly under 4 minutes
  • Self-deploying mechanism
  • Adjustable firmness level- plush, medium, firm
  • Puncture-proof PVC mattress
  • Wheeled duffle bag for storage
  • 3 sizes to choose from

Cons

  • Difficult to put back in the carry case

Available in two popular sizes, twin or queen, this versatile airbed with frame will accommodate singles and couples of all shapes and sizes. With a maximum weight capacity of 450 pounds, you can rest assured that your body will be properly supported by both the mattress and sturdy frame. The frame is a lightweight but durable metal, whereas the air mattress is made with a high-quality polyester blend with a puncture-proof polyester top. Flocked for a plush feel, the air mattress contains 48 circular inner air coil chambers for optimal support and comfort.

The self-deploying mechanism makes this air mattress with frame effortless to set up: it takes less than 4 minutes for this bed to fully inflate and assemble, all thanks to the built-in electric pump. For ease of portability and storage, this nifty bed comes with its own wheeled duffel bag. Every little detail is taken care of!

4. Insta-Bed Ez Queen Raised Air Mattress with NeverFlat – Best Self Inflating

Highlights

  • Sizes: Queen
  • Material: Metal, PVC
  • Item weight: 25 pounds

Pros

  • NeverFlat pump controls air levels through the night
  • Two built-in pumps
  • Self-deploying setup
  • Three firmness levels to pick from
  • The suede top keeps sheets in place
  • Auto shut-off
  • 500 lbs capacity

Cons

  • Could be more durable
  • Comes in queen size only

Whether it’s extended family staying over for the holidays or out of state friends or relatives coming to town for a few days, a comfy air mattress with a frame will be a great way to make them feel like they’re at home. This sturdy and plush inflatable bed is a great choice thanks to its versatility. It supports up to 500 lbs of weight and can be used by a single sleeper or a couple. But the best part is the NeverFlat technology, which will make it hard to discern this air mattress from a high-end regular mattress. In addition to the built-in pump that inflates the bed in minutes, it also has a second pump that will maintain optimal levels of air so it won’t deflate overnight.

The NeverFlat pump will automatically sense if the air levels are down and silently pump more air to achieve your customized firmness level – you can choose between medium, plush and firm. Nothing says you’re welcome than a cozy, comfy bed to spend the night in!

5. Classic Brands Hercules Black Heavy Duty Metal 14-Inch Platform Mattress Foundation Bed Frame – Best Sturdy

Highlights

  • Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
  • Material: Steel
  • Item weight: 43 pounds

Pros

  • Heavy-duty steel
  • Up to 2400 lbs weight capacity
  • Comes in all standard dimensions
  • Leg caps to protect the floors
  • 13” clearance for under bed storage

Cons

  • Squeaking may occur
  • You’ll need a barrier layer for the air mattress

OK, so you already have an air mattress laying around somewhere, but you need a sturdy but affordable frame to go with it? This metal platform bed perfectly fits the bill. Available in Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King and California King sizes, it will suit any type of air mattress you own and make sure that you get to enjoy all of the perks of a standard bed without actually having to splurge on one.

Constructed with heavy-duty steel, this frame for an air mattress can hold up to 1200 lbs in Twin size and up to 2400 lbs in King size, so weight is not an issue – however, you’ll need to check the weight capacity of the air mattress itself for accurate information. The best part is, when you can get your hands on a regular mattress, this sturdy frame will be there to hold it. A cost-efficient and simple solution for most sleepers!

6. Intex Ultra Plush Inflatable Bed Air Mattress – Best Plush

Highlights

  • Sizes: Queen
  • Material: Polyester fibers, FiberTech
  • Item weight: 22.8 pounds

Pros

  • Built-in pump for self-inflation
  • Adjustable firmness levels
  • FiberTech material
  • 600 lbs capacity
  • Headboard for comfort

Cons

  • Using a fitted sheet is complicated
  • Comes in queen size only

What about those who want to make their inflatable mattress look and feel more like a bed, but don’t necessarily want a frame to go with it? This airbed with a headboard is the perfect compromise. At 18 inches of height when fully inflated, it’s tall enough to give you the ease of access that a regular bed does, without any metal construction needed. Plus, there’s a built-in headboard for added support and comfort to complete the look of the bed.

Made with revolutionary FiberTech material and featuring a plush suede-like top, this durable air bed will feel comfy to sleep on – it even gives you the option of changing firmness levels with a twist of the knob. The weight capacity of this air bed is 600 lbs, making it a good choice for most people. A great option for anyone who wants a hassle-free inflatable bed!

Can You Put An Air Mattress On A Bed Frame?

Keeping in mind how affordable, portable and comfortable inflatable mattresses can be, it’s no surprise that many sleepers ask whether sleeping on an air mattress full-time is advisable, and if so, can they use it with an existing standard bed frame. Most people will agree that you shouldn’t sleep on an air mattress exclusively, especially if you’re prone to back pain or sore neck and shoulders when you wake up. However, using an air mattress as a temporary sleeping solution, guest bed or camping bed is perfectly fine and can give you the support and comfort you need.

As most people prefer sleeping on a surface that’s sufficiently elevated from the cold ground, the question arises – for the period you’re sleeping on an airbed, can you put it on a regular bed frame instead of a typical mattress? There isn’t a straight answer to this as it will depend on the type of frame you already have, or to be more precise, the bed foundation.

Unlike mattresses that are heavy and have an inner construction, inflatable mattresses are lightweight and can be damaged if poked or scratched by something sharp. For a bed frame to be compatible with an airbed, it would need a mattress foundation that can keep it in place without puncturing it or causing it to sag. This means dense slats that are placed close together, box spring or metal platform beds. You’d need to use something as a barrier between the mattress and bed frame to prevent potential scratches and rupturing of the inflatable mattress, to keep it from sliding around, and as a bonus insulator. This could be blankets or plywood (but keep an eye out for splinters!).

This is why air mattresses that already come with their frame are a great choice. Not only are they more portable and easier to store (frame and all), but they eliminate the extra costs and extra effort needed to use an inflatable mattress with a regular bed frame – and that’s presuming the dimensions match in the first place.

Advantages of Air Mattresses with Frame

Although air mattresses have their cons, the advantages of this 2-in-1 design significantly outweigh any potential downsides. The first thing people appreciate when it comes to inflatable beds with frames is their affordable price. Even the most luxurious air mattresses cost far less than a traditional mattress and can be a great way to stay comfy when the budget is tight. Considering these airbeds already come with frames, you’ve got yourself a seriously cost-efficient design.

Next, there’s portability and ease of storage. This is particularly great for people who want an air mattress with a frame for overnight guests or to take with them when camping. As this occasional usage doesn’t require the bed to always be inflated and propped up, it’s great to know that you can easily deflate the mattress and fold the frame in just a few minutes before storing it under your bed, in the closet, or a carry case. The same goes for traveling: a collapsible, inflatable bed that easily fits in the trunk of your car is a great option to have if you’re an avid camper.

Another great thing about air mattresses with built-in frames is that they’re comfy to sleep on, mostly thanks to their adjustability. You can easily modify the firmness levels of an air mattress by letting some of the air out for a softer bed, or by fully inflating it for a firm surface to sleep on. A fully inflated air mattress is supportive enough for the needs of stomach sleepers and back sleepers, while a slightly softer bed will suit side sleepers more, as it will cradle their curves and relieve pressure from key stress points on the body.

Conclusion

From their affordable price tag to their portability, inflatable mattresses with collapsible frames come with many perks included. For people that are looking for a temporary sleeping solution, a guest room bed, or want to make their camping trips closer to glamping in terms of comfort, an air mattress with a frame will be just the thing.

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