Airbeds
Jul 28, 2011 12:19 AM
Joined: Apr 15, 2011
Points: 163
Still investigating options, now I'm looking at airbeds. Not interested in the high-priced hyped brand (you know the one I mean) but looking at some of the other brands. Does anyone have any experience or advice about airbeds? Looking around the net a bit, some site(s) suggest they have a high satisfaction rating, above spring mattresses and about equal to latex. Some of them come with latex and other foam layers. I'd be interested if anyone has anything to share about their experience with airbeds, or knowledge about what to look for, avoid, or general advice. Companies, brands, features to look for or avoid - I'd be interested in any information. I have checked the archives. Looks like some pros and cons, like everything else. So I'd appreciate some fresh perspectives, if anyone has any to offer.

Thanks in advance! Really appreciate this forum and all the contributors to it.

Willy
 

Re: Airbeds
Reply #1 Jul 28, 2011 9:40 AM
Joined: Jul 25, 2011
Points: 3
Well, the first thing about any mattress is that nobody can tell you which one is right for you. That having been said, my biggest problem with air beds is how easily they are damaged, in the same way a water bed is easily damaged. They are very difficult to repair.
Re: Airbeds
Reply #2 Jul 28, 2011 10:59 AM
Joined: Apr 15, 2011
Points: 163
RHdelaney wrote:

Well, the first thing about any mattress is that nobody can tell you which one is right for you. That having been said, my biggest problem with air beds is how easily they are damaged, in the same way a water bed is easily damaged. They are very difficult to repair.


Thank, RH. I'm not asking "which one is right" for me. That general comment, while true, applies to every mattress out there. I've hung around this forum long enough to realize that! I'm not asking folks to tell me that.  As to repairs, some airbeds can be repaired, as opposed to mattresses that soften or sag. So to me, this is not a conclusive factor and may be a plus.  I would be interested in any statistics or experiences with failure rates - how soon and how often - however, particularly from folks with direct experience or knowledge of particular brands.

Thanks!

Willy

Re: Airbeds
Reply #3 Aug 1, 2011 1:09 PM
Joined: Dec 17, 2009
Points: 850
weewillywinky wrote:

 


Thank, RH. I'm not asking "which one is right" for me. That general comment, while true, applies to every mattress out there. I've hung around this forum long enough to realize that! I'm not asking folks to tell me that.  As to repairs, some airbeds can be repaired, as opposed to mattresses that soften or sag. So to me, this is not a conclusive factor and may be a plus.  I would be interested in any statistics or experiences with failure rates - how soon and how often - however, particularly from folks with direct experience or knowledge of particular brands.

Thanks!

Willy


As with any mattress, you have to look at the upholstery being used.  Part of the reason I don't sell airbeds is that I have never seen one that doesn't use a significant amount of polyurethane in the construction. I sincerely doubt the durability long term because of this factor.

Re: Airbeds
Reply #4 Aug 1, 2011 8:14 PM
Joined: Apr 15, 2011
Points: 163
budgy wrote:

 


As with any mattress, you have to look at the upholstery being used.  Part of the reason I don't sell airbeds is that I have never seen one that doesn't use a significant amount of polyurethane in the construction. I sincerely doubt the durability long term because of this factor.


Thanks, Budgy. When you say upholstery, do you mean the toppers? I have seen some with the airbladders constructed of rubber (latex) and canvas, and they claim they work better and last longer. What I would like to see is somewhere I could just buy a quality air bladder, then put my own toppers on it. I'm not interested in PU foam layers on top or underneath. Some of them I guess use PU foam around the edges, too. I haven't seen any other options for siding, unless you have a hardside waterbed frame, which I don't.

Re: Airbeds
Reply #5 Aug 1, 2011 11:08 PM
Joined: Dec 17, 2009
Points: 850
weewillywinky wrote:

 


Thanks, Budgy. When you say upholstery, do you mean the toppers? I have seen some with the airbladders constructed of rubber (latex) and canvas, and they claim they work better and last longer. What I would like to see is somewhere I could just buy a quality air bladder, then put my own toppers on it. I'm not interested in PU foam layers on top or underneath. Some of them I guess use PU foam around the edges, too. I haven't seen any other options for siding, unless you have a hardside waterbed frame, which I don't.


Yeah the upholstery on top of the air bladders themselves. Its basically the same stuff we see on mass produced coil beds that most people seem to be unhappy with...because of this I gasp at the cost of the beds, the air bladders and pumps combined should not cost more than a quality spring system...they should cost less.

Re: Airbeds
Reply #6 Aug 1, 2011 11:44 PM
Joined: Apr 15, 2011
Points: 163
budgy wrote:

 


Yeah the upholstery on top of the air bladders themselves. Its basically the same stuff we see on mass produced coil beds that most people seem to be unhappy with...because of this I gasp at the cost of the beds, the air bladders and pumps combined should not cost more than a quality spring system...they should cost less.

Thanks (again!), Budgy! Right, they should cost less. That makes sense. I have seen some air mattresses that are pretty cheap, but it seems most of them don't last worth a darn. I don't know how the pricey brand is able to apparently hold out for some time, but I'm thinking because it is covered by those layers of synthetic foam. I don't want synthetic foams, although I could live with an edge made of foam. Just don't want to sleep on it. I really wish the industry would move toward component sales. That way we all could mix and match, get exactly what we want for each layer, choose the quality we want, the materials we want, and not have to pay for things built in that we don't want and have to remove or replace. Wishful thinking probably won't get me anywhere.
 

Re: Airbeds
Reply #7 Aug 2, 2011 10:43 AM
Joined: Dec 17, 2009
Points: 850
weewillywinky wrote:

 

Thanks (again!), Budgy! Right, they should cost less. That makes sense. I have seen some air mattresses that are pretty cheap, but it seems most of them don't last worth a darn. I don't know how the pricey brand is able to apparently hold out for some time, but I'm thinking because it is covered by those layers of synthetic foam. I don't want synthetic foams, although I could live with an edge made of foam. Just don't want to sleep on it. I really wish the industry would move toward component sales. That way we all could mix and match, get exactly what we want for each layer, choose the quality we want, the materials we want, and not have to pay for things built in that we don't want and have to remove or replace. Wishful thinking probably won't get me anywhere.
 


Yeah, I have come to the sad realization that this isn't going to happen in North America for a long time if ever.  Mass retailers and manufacturers do not have an invested interest in being transparent with their products, that would lower profit margains too much.

Re: Airbeds
Reply #8 Aug 2, 2011 11:43 AM
Joined: Aug 2, 2011
Points: 1
Well, I bought too airbeds. Both were Intex, and I liked them alot. My kids jumped on it all day long, but it was usable for 6 months. So for quality and durability I suggest you buy an Intex.

 

Now, what you want with an Airbed is durability and comfort. Also, the ability to store easily is important. Putting air into it is another problem. Doing it manually really drains your muscles.

So for the third bed, I decided on getting the Intex Raised Downy Queen Airbed. And I like it. The fact that it has a dual chamber makes it much more comfortable. The built in pump is also amazing, with in five minutes( max 10) it gets filed. The sides do help with fitting a cover. This is important because you wash the cover, making it perfect for guests.

One thing I didn't like was the mattress not staying very firm after some usage, but that doesn't make the bed uncomfortable really.

This message was modified Sep 15, 2011 by a moderator
Re: Airbeds
Reply #9 Sep 14, 2011 9:21 PM
Joined: Sep 12, 2011
Points: 12
I own a King Boyd Nightair and have had it for 12 years. I am looking to replace it with a Latex bed.

 

I would not recommend an airbed based on the problems I've had with the bladders leaking air. My bladders (3 per side) on my King are extremely difficult to patch. They are made from some vulcanized rubber with fabric on the outside. The leaks are frequently on the corner seams and I can't seem to find anything that will hold.

The pillow top has really bad body impressions in it. Since the top cover zips off, I removed one layer of convoluted foam and that helped some. Then I added some foam to try to raise up the flattened out areas and it did help some too. Now it doesn't have the cushy feel that a pillow top has and we need to air one side up every day and the other side every couple of days.

If you must get an airbed, I would recommend getting one without a lot of padding on top and get yourself a cuddlebed or latex topper or something like that. This could be replaced when it breaks down.

Hope this helps.

This message was modified Nov 2, 2011 by tyeske
Re: Airbeds
Reply #10 Jul 16, 2012 3:28 AM
Joined: Jul 13, 2012
Points: 12
tyeske wrote:

I own a King Boyd Nightair and have had it for 12 years. I am looking to replace it with a Latex bed.

 

 

I would not recommend an airbed based on the problems I've had with the bladders leaking air. My bladders (3 per side) on my King are extremely difficult to patch. They are made from some vulcanized rubber with fabric on the outside. The leaks are frequently on the corner seams and I can't seem to find anything that will hold.

The pillow top has really bad body impressions in it. Since the top cover zips off, I removed one layer of convoluted foam and that helped some. Then I added some foam to try to raise up the flattened out areas and it did help some too. Now it doesn't have the cushy feel that a pillow top has and we need to air one side up every day and the other side every couple of days.

If you must get an airbed, I would recommend getting one without a lot of padding on top and get yourself a cuddlebed or latex topper or something like that. This could be replaced when it breaks down.

Hope this helps.

 

I learn a lot from your experience with King Boyd Nightair.To be honest ,i was planning on buying a new one of this brand myself.After i read your post,i resolve to change my mind due to our house condition and the mattress  features.

Thanks a lot.



Re: Airbeds
Reply #11 Aug 2, 2012 2:43 PM
Joined: Aug 2, 2012
Points: 8
Air beds consist of a base, an air chamber (or two), and a few padding layers on top. Luxury Support Medallion has latex and memory foam, combining the best of all words for a great night's sleep. it is designed to provide a portable sleeping option on a raised air bed platform. It is also a great choice for camping or use outdoors.

Alex

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