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Last week, in our popular section “Ask SMHQ“, we received two queries regarding the usage of air mattresses. We decided to take them up and share our findings with all our viewers.
One of the readers asked about sleeping on an air mattress permanently or for the long term and how to make an air mattress more comfortable.
In this blog post, we are sharing some insights on whether there are any dangers of sleeping on an air mattress or whether a sleeping on an air mattress is bad for you?
We reviewed some of the best air mattresses. We also collected data and feedback from past customers who have been using air mattresses on a longer-term basis.
To begin with, let me highlight the biggest takeaway
“An air mattress is not an ideal replacement for any conventional mattress or bed.”
Susan – for SMHQ
The meaning of sleeping on an air mattress permanently or on a long-term basis can vary from individual to individual. In our research, we concluded that a long-term duration can be anywhere from one month to 6 months.
Most of the people with healthy backs or no recent history of backache or any related problems did not report any discomfort when they slept daily on an air mattress for a month.
However, the feedback was different when it was used for more than a month. The air mattress brands have innovated and improved in the last few years. There are a plethora of good feature-rich options to choose the right air mattress for you.
Two Factors that can lead to Sleeping on Air Mattress Bad for you
We have some interesting observations to share with you if you are planning anywhere from 3 months to 6 months. There are two main issues with an air mattress with a conventional mattress.
- Air mattresses can be cold to sleep on. So you have to consider insulating the air mattress to stay warm.
- Cheap air mattresses can be lacking in appropriate back support.
In our research, we found a buying pattern. Almost 62% of the customers did not research thoroughly as they “believed” all air mattresses are more or less the same. Since they were looking for a cheaper mattress, an air mattress perfectly fitted this most important criterion.
Customers picked up an air mattress on some friend’s recommendations without considering if it will support their back.
Dangers of sleeping on an air mattress?
Do you know most of the air mattress brands consider constant long-term usage like 3 months as overuse and won’t cover it in the warranty?
When you begin to use the air mattress daily, you will start noticing wear and tear. The mattress may begin to deflate or may require patching the hole sooner or later.
People with a history of back pain, don’t experiment and avoid it, especially the cheaper options ( ~$50 ). These cheaper inflatable mattresses are for those occasional guests who decided to sleep over in your college dorm for a night.
If you are planning to sleep on an air mattress permanently then make sure you are ready to shell out more. A cheaper mattress is not worth the money.
Repairing an air mattress is tedious and expensive. The budget-friendly cheaper mattresses are prone to leaks. You cannot keep on buying air mattress patch kits or keep repairing/replacing air pumps.
Planning to Sleep on Air Mattress Permanently? Look for these!
Here are a few things you need to keep in mind.
- Thick PVC
- Adjustable firmness
- NeverFlat Technology or an air mattress that does not deflate easily.
- Air mattress with plush top, mattress topper, or pillow top for comfort.
- Sturdy inner construction or design to support your back.
- Lastly, avoid cheaper options.
Final Thoughts
An air mattress is not a viable option if you are planning to use it daily for many months to come. Buy a good futon or affordable innerspring mattress.
If you need a mattress for 3-4 months and you are on a budget. Surely a good air mattress can cover you without losing comfort. A cheaper air mattress even with good reviews on Amazon may have been rated after a few occasional usages and not as a permanent alternative.