The 10 Best Portable Mattresses
This wiki has been updated 27 times since it was first published in December of 2017. Whether you're staying in a friend's tiny apartment, camping in the wild, or entertaining more house guests than there are bedrooms in your home, one of these portable mattresses can provide a near-instant, comfortable sleeping surface. They come in folding or inflatable options that feature integrated pumps for achieving the perfect balance of firmness in both indoor and outdoor environments. When users buy our independently chosen editorial picks, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. SoundAsleep Dream Series
2. Milliard Space Saver Single
3. Better Habitat SleepReady
Editor's Notes
December 11, 2020:
With this update, we've removed the Sable Air Bed and the WonderSleep Classic Series over concerns regarding their long-term durability. But for those who need a classic air mattress for guests or for travel, we kept the SoundAsleep Dream Series and the Intex Dura-Beam Classic. Both have internal pumps, so you won't need to provide your own, and both boast a flocked surface that keeps you from sliding around too much.
If you'd rather an option with a frame, the Coleman Airbed is one to consider. Some sleepers find that it's a bit noisy, though, so if you toss and turn all night, it may not be the best choice.
If you're looking for an option specifically for kids, there's the Hiccapop Toddler Bed, which lives up to its name by offering child-friendly sizing and styling. But you'll need to keep babies away from it, as inflatable mattresses are not safe for infants.
We've kept plenty of foam choices, as well, for those who would prefer a non-inflatable choice. In fact, we added the popular Milliard Space Saver Single, which is not quite as wide as a standard twin. On the one hand, this makes it perfect for cramped quarters and easy storage; on the other, you won't have much room for turning over during the night. If you can't sacrifice this sleeping space, consider instead the Milliard Tri-Fold, the Better Habitat SleepReady, or the Best Choice SKY2760.
September 19, 2019:
While you likely will miss your own bed and familiar mattress while traveling, a quality portable mattress can still provide you with a comfortable night’s rest so that you’ll wake up feeling refreshed. They’re also handy to have around when you have house guests and not enough beds to go around. Our list provides a range of both inflatable selections and foam ones, to suit just about every taste and budget.
The SoundAsleep Dream Series comes on board in this update. Unlike many others that need complete refills or topping off, this model holds its air well after many uses. It provides comfortable back support, and you can control the level of inflation to your liking. It’s easy to inflate and deflate via a dial on its side, and it can be set up (or taken down) in just a few minutes. It’s large enough to sleep two people comfortably.
Another strong choice is the Coleman Airbed, which can support up to an impressive 600 pounds. It consists of an inflatable mattress that sits atop a steel folding cot. It’ll give you a reliable and comfortable sleeping surface that’s elevated from the ground. It comes in handy on lengthy camping trips where sleeping on the ground for several consecutive nights can lead to soreness and exhaustion.
Leaving the list today is the Shrunks Youth Travel Bed, due to issues with availability.
Special Honors
The Hideaway by Hammacher Schlemmer You'll need a fair amount of space to store The Hideaway by Hammacher Schlemmer, since this foldaway bed has a sturdy steel frame along with an integrated headboard. Measuring 48 inches wide, it has high-tension springs that can support up to 275 pounds, as well as a soft and comfortable cotton cover. hammacher.com
Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Travel Set Although the Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Travel Set doesn't have a complete mattress, the included overlay can help you make most designated sleeping surfaces feel like home, especially since it arrives with a handy neck pillow. A removable, washable cover make the set a cinch to care for, but don't expect it to go easy on your wallet. tempurpedic.com
4. Coleman Airbed
5. Leewadee Thai
6. Hiccapop Toddler Bed
7. Milliard Tri-Fold
8. D&D Futon Traditional Japanese
9. Best Choice SKY2760
10. Intex Dura-Beam Classic
Melissa Harr is a language-obsessed writer from Chicagoland who holds both a bachelor of arts and master of arts in English. Although she began as a TEFL teacher, earning several teaching certificates and working in both Russia and Vietnam, she moved into freelance writing to satisfy her passion for the written word. She has published full-length courses and books in the realm of arts & crafts and DIY; in fact, most of her non-working time is spent knitting, cleaning, or committing acts of home improvement. Along with an extensive knowledge of tools, home goods, and crafts and organizational supplies, she has ample experience (okay, an obsession) with travel gear, luggage, and the electronics that make modern life more convenient.