Why It Might Be Time To
Upgrade To An Adjustable Air Bed

Headshot - Serena Scheide

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Air-Pedic Air Chambers

On average, we spend one-third of our lives asleep, so it is no wonder why it is so important to choose that perfect mattress. With many companies promising very different things, the overwhelming choices can stack up and lead to a very stressful experience. Here at ASL Reviews, we understand that choosing a dream mattress can start to feel like a nightmare. This is even more apparent when you and your partner prefer something completely different. It makes the whole process somewhat troublesome.

In this article, we want to discuss one option that may be unfamiliar to some people, the Airbed. So, let’s find out if upgrading to an adjustable air mattress is right for you!

What is an Adjustable airbed?

When most of us think of an airbed you probably have fond memories of camping. Rolling out a mat and pumping air into a thin layer of vinyl or rubber that would barely keep you off the ground.

Airbeds have come a long way since then. Now, adjustable air beds are becoming a staple of luxury sleep. One of the most recognizable brands in the adjustable air bed space is Sleep Number. Sleep Number, formerly Select Comfort, paved the way for a plethora of other brands providing a luxury sleep experience.

Using a system of air bladders that connect to pumps, air beds inflate and deflate to provide support and relieve pressure when and where you need it. Combining popular elements such as memory foam, today’s air beds allow for dual adjustability, providing a truly customized experience. Some mattresses, like Sleep Number, offer sleep tracking, while others, like Air-Pedic have multiple air chambers offering zoned support, adapting to your sleep needs. However, not all air beds are created equal! Keep reading to find out what you should look for when choosing your new mattress.

But what if my partner has different needs?

This is where adjustable air beds excel most! Adjustable Air Mattresses allow for dual adjustability, meaning both partners can control how firm or soft their side of the bed is. No more flipping a coin to decide who gets the bed of their dreams, you can both set your side of the bed to fit your individual needs, improving sleep quality.

Couple in bed

Are all airbeds the same?

Yes and no. Adjustable air beds all work similarly, by letting air into or out of the air chambers. This, in effect, allows you to control how soft or firm the mattress is. Some brands utilize only one air chamber, while other brands, like the Air-Pedic mattress, use multiple air chambers to give you even more control. Need a little extra relief in your shoulders? With extra air chambers you can dial down the pressure in a specific region to provide pressure relief or increase support as you see fit.

All air beds will come with a device to control the air fill. Some, like Air-Pedic, focus on a simple, easy to use remote. While others, like the Sleep Number smart beds can be adjusted through a mobile app and utilize smart technology to map your pressure points, making automatic, real time adjustments. While the concept is the same, many companies have added additional features to try and improve on potential downfalls or flaws.

mattress review of the ReST mattress by Jason Coleman

You mentioned downfalls, what are these?

While we highly recommend adjustable air beds, we do recognize that, like most things, there are some downfalls. Firstly, they are an expensive investment. If you are shopping for a new mattress on a tight budget, then an adjustable air bed won’t be the right fit for you. That being said, if you have the money to splurge, many air beds are modular in construction, increasing the lifespan of your mattress and therefore making it a wiser investment over a longer period of time.

Secondly, pay attention to the air chambers! A single air chamber, for example, can create a hammocking effect, leading to midsection sagging and pain over time. Multiple air chambers, on the other hand, can help alleviate this problem but, in turn, overwhelm you with lots of options, at least until you discover your perfect setting!

The main thing to remember here is, once you get through the initial learning curve, an adjustable air mattress opens up a world of possibilities not found in traditional memory foam or innerspring/hybrid mattresses.

Being so expensive, are Adjustable Airbeds worth it?

Purchasing an adjustable air bed is a step into a whole other world of sleep. Dual adjustability is not the only advantage. So is the ability to adjust your mattress over time. An air bed bridges an important gap in purchasing a mattress and that is customization.

As we age, gain or lose weight, change our activity levels and more our needs change. As your body changes, having a mattress that can change with you can be invaluable. This makes the initial investment start to really pay off. In fact, once you try an air bed, you may never wish to go back to a traditional mattress again! Check out our mattress deals and coupons for exclusive discounts on leading brands.

Can I use an Adjustable base with An Air bed?

Yes! Adjustable bases are compatible with adjustable air beds and can really take your sleep experience to the next level. In fact, adjustable air beds are compatible with most types of bases, with the exception of wide slatted metal frames. With an adjustable air bed you want to avoid slats placed more than 3″ inches apart. But, if we are being really honest, we don’t really recommend slatted frames for any mattress type.

If you are really looking to ramp up your bedroom space, an adjustable base is certainly a must-have! Offering another layer of customization, adjustable bases allow you to sit up in bed for reading and watching TV, or relax and take the pressure off in a zero gravity position. They generally come with some other pretty cool features like under bed lighting and built in USB ports.

Puffy Adjustable Base in bedroom

Is An Adjustable Air Mattress Right For You?

Ultimately, only you know what is best for you. Our goal is to arm you with the information you need to make the right choice. Everyone is different, and things like body type, weight, sleep positions, and even budget all mean that the perfect mattress differs for each of us.

When getting started we recommend starting with a budget and working from there. Most, if not all, bed companies usually offer a generous sleep trial, allowing you to try your new mattress in a risk-free environment. Compare popular air beds or head over to our top picks for luxury air beds to find your perfect match. Lastly, to browse mattresses by price, sleep position, preferences and more, check out our full list of mattress reviews.