How Long Do Air Mattresses Last? (All You Need To Know)

Have you considered purchasing an air mattress for camping, for when guests stay over, or even to use on your own bed?

Then you may be wondering, how long do air mattresses last? You have come to the right place.

Air mattresses are inflatable mattresses that are pumped up with air.

But how long do air mattresses last? On average air mattresses usually last for around 5 years, though this can depend on the quality of the mattress, how often it is used, and how it is cared for. Air mattresses deflate over time, suffer from punctures and leaks, and need to be regularly maintained and pumped back up.

Read on for the truth on why air mattresses have a short lifespan, how to care for an air mattress, and how to make an air mattress more comfortable to sleep on.

What is An Air Mattress?

An air mattress is an inflatable mattress that is filled with air. Air mattresses are usually used as a temporary place to sleep, such as while camping or sleeping over somewhere for a couple of nights.

Air mattresses are made from reinforced plastic materials such as rubber or PVC so that they can be regularly blown up and deflated.

Air mattresses either come with a manual or electric pump to pump them up, yet some models come with a built-in pump which makes them easier to inflate.

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How Long Do Air Mattresses Last?

Air mattresses have a relatively short life span of around 5 years. Though this is with occasional use and when they are taken good care of.

Over time air mattresses gain punctures or leaks and they cannot retain air as well, deflating over time.

Do Air Mattresses Have a Shorter Lifespan Than Other Mattresses?

Mattresses are not cheap, but this is because they can last for up to 10 years or more when they are properly taken care of.

Each time they are purchased it is an investment. Air mattresses cost less than other kinds of mattresses, and so may be seen as a cheaper alternative, but this is because they do not last as long.

Air mattresses, along with innerspring mattresses, have the shortest lifespan of around 5 years. Memory foam and pillow top mattresses last around up to 8 years.

Latex mattresses have the longest lifespan, lasting up to 10 or 15 years.

What Are the Disadvantages of Sleeping on an Air Mattress?

Air mattresses are often just a temporary sleeping solution and are not designed for regular or everyday use due to the fact that they do not last very long, they do not offer proper support, and they are not very comfortable.

Air mattresses do not offer the support and pressure relief that other mattresses do and therefore your back is not supported properly.

Regularly sleeping on an air mattress can cause back pain and stiffness.

This lack of support also means that if you are sharing an air mattress with someone else, there is a lot of motion transfer. If either of you moves the air will move inside the mattress and disrupt the other person.

As air mattresses are made of plastic materials they can be uncomfortable to sleep on due to poor temperature regulation.

The material does not breathe well and therefore can become hot and sweaty during the night. The material also takes on coldness during the winter and is hard to warm up.

Air mattresses require a lot more maintenance than other mattress types. They need to be pumped regularly, and any leaks must be patched.

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How Do You Make An Air Mattress More Comfortable?

Using quality sheets or a mattress topper on an air mattress can make a huge difference to comfort, as it stops your skin from having contact with synthetic materials.

It will feel softer and more like a regular mattress. An extra layer of cushioning will also give you extra support.

How Do You Care for an Air Mattress?

There are various ways to prolong the lifespan of an air mattress.

To begin with, purchasing an air mattress of higher quality material will mean that it lasts longer, will not need to be repatched as often, and will not need to be replaced as quickly.

Choose an air mattress with better air retention, so that it does not deflate, and one with better materials such as a foam layer or suede cover for added comfort.

Cleaning your mattress regularly can help prolong its lifespan. Cleaning any food crumbs, liquid, dust, or dirt off your mattress prevents any build-up of mold or bacteria that can break down the material.

Use a sheet or cover to keep it clean for longer and protect it from the elements.

Check for sharp objects on the floor before inflating or placing the air mattress, as they can cause holes.

Do not allow pets with claws on the mattress as they may puncture it. Each time you use the air mattress check it for holes and leaks and immediately patch any that you can hear or see. Have a patch kit at the ready for any emergencies.

Be careful not to overinflate the mattress when pumping it, as this can put the material under strain and it is more easily punctured and could even pop under pressure.

Between each use, the air mattress should be completely deflated and stored in a box or bag with its pump and patch kit. Store it in a cool, dry location, and not in any direct sunlight.

When Should You Replace an Air Mattress?

Mattresses should be replaced every few years as they will no longer provide the support and comfort needed for a good night’s sleep.

If an air mattress has a hole or leak that cannot be fixed and it will not hold the air in any longer, it should be replaced.

Or if the air mattress is sagging or deflating after being pumped, then it is time to replace it.

References

https://www.sleepfoundation.org/mattress-information/how-long-should-a-mattress-last