What are inflatable beds and how to choose them?

An inflatable bed has many functions and is purchased for different purposes. A comfortable and spacious sleeping place will come in handy for guests; it can be used in the country, on hikes, to relax on the terrace or while swimming in a pond. The main value of the product lies in its ability to shrink to the size of a small box, which can be stored even in a one-room apartment. In our article we will tell you about the types of products, about caring for them, we will help you understand a large assortment of inflatable beds.

An inflatable bed has its pros and cons. For those who criticize such products too much, we want to remind you that they are not purchased for a constant night's sleep (although there are such models), but for specific cases when you need to quickly organize a sleeping place, then also quickly remove it, or when you need to transport a bed during outings to nature. A banal folding bed can take up the entire trunk, and a deflated and rolled-up mattress is almost invisible. An inflatable bunk has other advantages as well.

• When inflated, the structure is light, but at the same time contains a large surface on which several people can rest at once.
• The pump makes it easy to adjust the degree of hardness of the bed, adapting to the preferences of users.
• Air filling is a good heat insulator, you can sleep on such a mattress right on the ground.
• The product does not collect dust, mites, is easy to clean and dries quickly in the sun.
• Inflatable beds, unlike any other sleeping places, are easy to transport, store and do not occupy a useful area while awake.
• A large selection of models allows you to purchase a product for solving specific problems.
• Inflatable beds can be multi-bed, contain different sizes, belong to the children's or adult category.
• Such products are much cheaper than traditional stationary beds.

As for the shortcomings, they also exist.

• Due to their insecurity, rubber beds are not very durable. They are easily pierced by the claws of pets and any sharp objects. The mattress can be damaged simply by throwing it into the grass, in which there are thorns, glass, dry branches hidden in dense vegetation.
• On hot nights it is stuffy and uncomfortable to sleep on rubber products.
• Many people smell rubber.
• It is especially unpleasant if the bed deflates during sleep. Tourists wake up in a tent from the cold, as they sleep, in fact, on the ground.

An inflatable product is a secondary bed used from time to time under different circumstances. Buying it, many people wonder what is better to buy, a bed or a mattress? What are their differences, and which product is more practical and in demand? Let's figure it out.

All inflatable bunks inside are made of vinyl, a slight difference can only be the surface layer of flock. Many well-known companies are making their own innovative changes in the way of flocking, achieving greater similarity with leather, velor. The products are more comfortable and pleasant to the touch.

The main difference between the products is the height parameters. If we consider, for example, Intex products, the height of their mattresses is 23-25 ​​cm, and the height of the beds is 42-57 cm.

The following differences relate to appearance. The mattress has the usual flat plane, while the bed can contain headboards, sides, assembled from several component parts.

In the deflated form, the products are different in size and weight. The beds are more massive, and they often come with built-in pumps, which adds even more weight.

Unlike mattresses, Intex beds in their frame can contain not ordinary PVC partitions, but special fiber stiffeners (Fiber-Tech), which are distinguished by their elasticity and high strength. Sleeping on such a surface is more comfortable.

The difference in products is especially noticeable when buying a product, the bed costs more. The cost depends on the amount of material used, the complexity of the design, the number of partitions, sections, and the use of Fiber-Tech technology.

So, we draw conclusions.

• The mattresses are lighter, more mobile, convenient to transport, take with you on hikes, to the dacha, to a picnic or to the sea. If guests do not sleep often, and the apartment is small, it is also more practical to purchase a mattress.
• The bed is more suitable as a spare bed for a house or apartment, without the need for transportation. Expensive options can be used for daily sleep, if you cover them with a blanket, you cannot distinguish from a real bed. The height makes it easy to use the products for people in old age or with sore joints, a low mattress is not suitable for these purposes.

Domestic and foreign manufacturers produce a large number of types of these products. It differs in size, purpose, color, constructive additions, shape. Most often there are rectangular beds, but you can also purchase a round, semicircular or oval version. These varieties are needed for special interiors for daily use. The camping bed has the simplest forms.

Some types of products deserve to dwell on them in more detail.

The difference between orthopedic inflatable beds from simple ones lies in the ability of the surface to keep the human body in its usual state, without deflections and other deformations. These are models of large height, containing a special internal structure, allowing, with the help of rigidity and stability, to redistribute the weight of the sleeper, to maintain his spine in a natural position.

To keep the human body in proper condition, one or two cameras are not enough. Each company has its own approaches to creating an orthopedic surface, so there are beds with different internal structures.

• Fully or partially cylindrical partitions are used, as well as stringed stiffeners, this prevents the effect of a hammock on the bed surface.
• The durability of Intex non-deflection mattresses is provided by Dura Beam and Fiber-Tech ribs. Such partitions are twice as strong and stable as ordinary mattresses with PVC ribs.
• A good effect is achieved by models of two-level beds, where the lower tier is responsible for the stability of the structure, and the upper one for the adjustable rigidity of the berth.
• Convenient models with a double type of partitions - longitudinal at the bottom and transverse at the top. Numerous cross braces provide reliable support for the spine.

Beds with boards are most often found in children's versions. The walls protect babies from falling during sleep. Adult models can also have rails to help keep the pillow comfortable and prevent the rest of the bedding from slipping.

The pump is an important element of the inflatable structure. There is no consensus among users about which option is the best - built-in or stand-alone. In fact, it all depends on the place where the bed will be used, if in the conditions of an apartment, undoubtedly, the built-in option will be convenient, and a separate device is suitable for hiking, trips to the country. To make sure of this, consider the types of pumps in more detail.

• Built in. The pump is not removable, it is located in the mattress with a special valve, it is powered by electricity. It is as convenient as possible to use such a bed. In just a few minutes, the sleeping place is ready for use, with the same speed you can deflate to send the product for storage. The built-in device is ideal for home conditions. But for transportation, the mattress is heavy because of the embedded pump. It is impossible to use it outdoors due to the lack of electricity.

• Outer. A convenient type of pump for travel, as it works without an electrical network. They can pump up not only a bed, but also other inflatable products - a pool, toys, swimming facilities. Outdoor devices have different ways of working; you can purchase a manual or foot version. There are models that run on a battery or with auto-priming, from a cigarette lighter in a car.

A practical tool for keeping the pillow in a comfortable position. Products with head restraints are of two types.

1. They contain a small hill on which you can put a pillow on top.
2. The bed is equipped with a real high headboard. The pillow does not cover it, but only rests, which makes it even more secure against slipping.

The most popular transformer models include comfortable sofas with a back, which, when unfolded, turn into a bed. The back at the moment of transformation becomes the headboard.

More compact options are chair beds. They are designed for one person, both assembled and disassembled.

The most spacious and at the same time the simplest can be considered beds with two mattresses folded like a sandwich, one on top of the other. Both sections are connected to each other by four plastic locks.

An inflatable bed with an adjustable backrest allows you to stay in a reclining bed. It is suitable for those who like to read in bed or relax on the beach.

The air-inflated chaise bed is available with a double berth or with a removable back and headrest. The design is ideal for outdoor recreation.

The size of the bed is selected depending on the purpose and the number of users. For example, when choosing a camping option, you need to know the floor area of ​​the tent and the number of tourists. For 3-4 family members, two products are purchased - a single and a double, they are ideally installed in a three-person tent.

On sale you can find 4 categories of beds, differing in size.

1. Single - 70x190 cm, 80x190 cm, 90x190 cm. The cheapest option, convenient for children, hiking, for the beach.
2. One and a half - 100x190 cm; 120x200 cm. One person can comfortably fit. Model width 120 cm will allow you to relax with a small child.
3. Double - 140x190 cm; 150x200 cm, 160x200 cm. Designed for two guests. Conveniently transported.
4. King Size - 180x200 cm. The superior bed can accommodate a family with a child.

As for the height, for inflatable beds it varies from 30 to 76 cm.The model with a built-in pump cannot be less than 40 cm.

You need to understand that the dimensions of the bed affect its weight and cost, as well as the space that it will occupy during storage and transportation.

Having studied customer reviews, we have compiled the top of the best models of domestic inflatable beds, as well as models from Europe and China. All products are reliable and of good quality. For an objective presentation of information, the review notes the positive and negative sides of inflatable products.

The semi-double bed with a built-in electric pump can be inflated and deflated effortlessly in a few minutes. The flocked cover keeps the bedding on the surface, preventing it from slipping. The product of the Relax company is not inferior to other eminent companies in strength and reliability.

INTEX company is the most famous manufacturer of inflatable products; it presents its numerous products in most countries of the world. This model has a budget cost and is available to many buyers. A high-quality velor bed can withstand a weight of up to 135 kg.

Another representative of the famous company - a double bed with dimensions of 202x153x50 cm can withstand a load of up to 270 kg. Thanks to Fiber-Tech technology, the product can be safely classified as orthopedic mattresses. The bed contains a built-in pump, but in nature, where there is no electricity, it is possible to use a simple pump, for this there is a special valve.

Children's model with dimensions 132x75x20 cm contains a bright drawing with cartoon characters - Angry Birds. Made of sturdy vinyl construction, equipped with a built-in pillow. Designed for indoor use. The model is produced with a good design, hypoallergenic, folded almost invisible.

An inflatable bed is not bought spontaneously, they make a purchase when there is a need for it. For example, travel or arrival of guests is planned. In the first case, it is better to choose lower, lighter and more compact options, they are easier to transport and store. The pump in tourism products must be external, without electricity.

The model for guests may well be double, for storage at home, dimensions and weight are not an obstacle, the main thing is to ensure the comfort of vacationers. In this case, a built-in pump would be the best solution.

Having dealt with the functionality and dimensions, pay attention to the internal structure of the inflatable bed. More expensive and stronger options have transverse ribs made of polyester fibers. Models with cylindrical or cup supports are excellently operated.

If you have to use the mattress frequently, it is better to choose orthopedic options. Of course, inflatable products cannot compete with traditional orthopedic mattresses, but they are more useful for healthy sleep than other types of air beds.

A good inflatable bed can hold air for a week. If the product deflates over time, it must be slightly pumped up, if pumping does not help, look for a hole. Pumps for mattresses are used different - hand, foot, electric. It is better to choose a model from the same company as the bed.

The easiest way to inflate and deflate products is with the built-in pumps, for this you just need to use an outlet.Upon completion of work, it is necessary to disconnect the electrical wire from the network. For the installation of external pumps, the beds contain a special valve. Hand and foot options are versatile and practical, although more time consuming.

The process of inflating the bed will be safe if you follow the rules for the operation of inflatable products.

• Do not use a compressor or high pressure pump to inflate.
• Do not use hair dryers, hot air is contraindicated for rubber products.
• Do not use the electric pump for more than 5-6 minutes. If there are several mattresses, you need to take ten-minute breaks, otherwise the device will fail.
• After inflation, the bed should be dense, the air is pumped to 80%. Do not pump, do not test the limits of the product, this may result in delamination of the seams

The rules of care are not complicated at all, but they should be followed in order to extend the operational life of the bed.

• After use, wipe the product with a damp cloth from sand and dust. A mild soap solution can be used, but not harsh chemicals or abrasives.
• The mattress should be deflated only after it is completely dry.
• Do not rush during blowing, active pressure can lead to divergence of the seams.
• It is necessary to protect the product from the claws and teeth of pets.
• Do not allow children to jump on the mattress, it will start to lower from excessive load.
• Store the product in a dry place at freezing temperatures.
• Keep rodents away from your beds.

The main breakdowns of an inflatable bed include punctures and failure of the pump (if it is built-in). The master will help to repair the pump, but you can seal the hole yourself.

If the surface of the mattress is swollen and wrinkled, it means that it has begun to descend and needs to be repaired. You can find a puncture with a liquid soap solution. It is necessary to gradually, in fragments, apply it to the inflated mattress and monitor what is happening. In the place where air bubbles begin to rise in the solution, there is a hole invisible to the eye.

To repair the bed, you will need a special repair kit (glue and patch). If they were not included with the inflatable product, you will need to purchase them from a travel store.

The repair process itself is simple: you need to wash the damaged area, dry it and clean off the fleecy layer for better adhesion. Then grease the hole with glue, install the patch and press down for a while. You can use the bed after a period of time specified in the instructions of the glue.