11 Facts About the Air Bed

Air beds have become popular because of their affordability and convenience. They are especially great for camping because they are lightweight and easy to store.  At home, you can use them as a pop-up bed for your guests or even as a permanent mattress, perfect for city living. It is no surprise that more people are ditching their foam mattresses and switching to air beds.

Before you join the trend, here are a few facts about air beds that you should know.

1. The air bed is an ancient invention 

Although they are vastly different from the ancient prototype, air bed designs have 

existed for a long time. The earliest depiction can be traced back to a military manual written by Konrad Keyser in the 14^thCentury. 

2. It is an alternative to hair-stuffed bed 

The first modern air mattress was invented in 1989  by Pneumatic Mattress and Cushion Company in Massachusetts, United States. It was initially created as an alternative to stuffed mattresses which often used chicken feathers and animal hair. Ships prefer air mattresses because they’re easier to store and inflate, compared to regular mattresses. They also serve a dual purpose as an emergency raft given their buoyancy.

3. Yes, it floats

Air mattresses are naturally buoyant. They’re usually made of waterproof rubber-like material similar to rafts which trap the air inside. 

4. It remains virtually unchanged from the initial design

Despite the advancement in technology and the century that passed since its creation, newer models of air mattresses still closely resemble the initial designs. The difference is that manufacturers today are able to create models with built-in inflators. Instead of using rubbers, they prefer using polyvinyl chloride or texture-reinforced plastic. 

5. There’s a weight limit to its capacity

Air beds are great at providing support to prevent back and body pain. However, they impose a weight limit on occupants. Single air beds can support weights up to 300 lbs,whilst queen beds can support 500 to 600 lbs. It’s not advisable for those on the heavier side to sleep on air mattresses because such weight can make the air bed deflate and tear more quickly than regular spring mattresses. 

6. It takes a longer time to deflate than inflate it

Blowing air into a mattress is faster than letting it out. Because the air trapped inside the mattress only has one exit, it takes more time. Don’t rush it by folding the edge of the mattress and forcing the air out. It could cause the seams to stretch and break. 

7. More than one is a crowd

Compared to foam mattresses, air beds are prone to motion transfer. That means every time you move, the person on the same bed can feel the movement, too. So, if you’re someone who fidgets a lot in your sleep, sharing an air bed may not be a good idea. 

8. You’re never truly alone in bed

People practically sweat continuously and shed skin cells as they sleep which makes the bed a breeding ground for dust mites. Dust mites are microscopic organisms that thrive on moist and dark environments which can multiply within the air sockets on the mattress. There could be anywhere from 100,000 to 10 million mites in a single bed. That’s about 10 percent of a pillow’s entire weight. 

Don’t be too alarmed, though, because dust mites are non-parasitic and harmless, unless you’re allergic. If you are, you may experience common symptoms such as sneezing and a runny nose. 

9. Making your bed makes dust mites worse

When you make the bed and cover the mattress with a duvet or blanket, the dust mites can thrive more. It is best to leave the bed unmade or at least fold the blanket away and expose the mattress to open air. It also helps to remove moisture from the sheets to dehydrate the dust mites. 

10. The size changes depending on the room temperature 

Have you ever thought that your air bed seems deflated in the middle of the night? Don’t worry, it’s probably just an effect of the cold air. Low temperature causes the air inside air beds to compress and become condensed, making it appear deflated. Once the temperature rises, the air will expand, and it would look fuller again. 

11. Full is not always best

You may be tempted to inflate your air bed to its maximum capacity, so it won’t start losing shape as you sleep. However, blowing too much air can cause extreme stress on the seams and it may eventually rupture.  Remember to fill your air bed not more than 90% of its capacity. This allows it to have some wiggle room and prevents strain from building up on the edges.

Air beds are convenient, very portable, and require little maintenance. Unlike regular mattresses, air beds allow you to have control on how soft or firm the bed is to fit your comfort level.  At the same time, you won’t have to worry about dragging a bed around when you move because it can easily be deflated and stored in a bag.

Whether you’re going on a camping trip or simply looking for a budget and storage-friendly bed, air beds are a great investment.To find the best models, visit OutbaxCamping today.