An air mattress, also known as an airbed is an inflatable mattress,

the wide majority of which are usually made of PVC vinyl plastic

although recently developed textile-reinforced urethane plastic or

rubber versions exist. The deflated mattress can be rolled up or

folded and carried or stored relatively easily, making them a popular

choice for camping trips and for temporary bedding at home for guests.

They are inflated either orally by blowing into a valve, or with a

manual foot-powered or more commonly inflated via an electric pump.

Some are even automatically inflating (up to a certain pressure - some

additional inflation is also needed) just by opening the valve.

The three main categories for use of air mattresses are camping,

temporary home use (guests) and full time permanent use (in the

bedroom). Some air mattresses are specifically designed to perform

both functions (camping and guest use) while others are specifically

designed for one purpose alone (permanent use in the home or RV).

Other air mattresses are designed in shapes with wheel well cut outs

specifically intended for use in vehicles such as pickup trucks or

SUV's.

Lightweight, reduced-size and reduced-thickness air mattresses

specifically intended for camping and backpacking are sometimes called

sleeping pads, especially when a layer of foam insulation is added

under the air chambers. Better quality air chambers, that are designed

for permanent use in the home, are constructed of vulcanized rubber,

covered in canvas or of polyurethane. These chamber(s) are then

installed into a cloth shell or tic. Permanent air beds will look

almost like conventional beds with the exception of having a hose (one

air chamber) or hoses (two air chambers) coming out of the head of the

bed. These hoses will be connected to an Air Inflator, with two outlet

valves, that will have a remote control(s) so that each person can

adjust the firmness of their side to ones own exact needs. The

firmness can be adjusted up or down, with the simple push of a button,

on the remote(s).

Some government safety agencies have warned against letting infants

sleep on air mattresses, because they can be too soft and suffocate

smaller children (especially those below the age of 8 months) within

folds or while entrapped between the mattress and the bed case.

Additionally there have been several recent governmental studies and

regulations enacted due to the poisonous nature of the phthalates and

dioxins contained within all PVC vinyl air beds and other soft vinyl

products. The European Union has made similar efforts to prevent the

use of vinyl materials in toys and bedding.

Air beds

Larger, more elaborate air mattresses ("air beds") have come on the

market in recent years that are intended for guest use, or as

permanent beds in the bedroom. Sizes range for temporary air beds

range from twin to king, however few guest bed manufacturers offer

king, as the majority of guest air beds are sold outside of the United

States, where king size mattresses are not standard. Most permanent

air beds can use conventional (standard) sheets and bedding, which are

very easy to find, for purchase. California King or Western King

sheets and bedding may be more difficult to find as this size was

originally conceived for the waterbed industry.

Raised guest or temporary beds are typically raised off the ground to

keep users away from the floor and offer a more traditional mattress

experience. Though 'raised' air beds are off the ground they are not

designed for full time use, as the base of the bed is an air chamber

and not a solid foundation.

Health benefits

Air mattresses can also improve the quality of life (and potentially

provide some measure of relief) for people who suffer with back pain.

[6] Having the ability to adjust the firmness of a mattress to

accommodate different body shapes, sizes, and weights, can be a factor

in the healing process. Additionally, air mattresses manufactured

without the use of materials that may release VOCs or other toxic

compounds from the manufacturing process (which can exacerbate

allergies in children or other sensitive individuals) are available.

As a water toy

The term air mattress may also refer to a certain inflatable swimming

pool or beach toy, which has an air-sac "pillow" and several (usually

four or five) tubes running its length. Also called a "lilo" (UK),

"pool air mat", "air mat", "pool lounge", or "float(ing) mat(tress)",

it is used to recline on the water surface. Although it bears some

resemblance to an air mattress, it is typically not built as strongly

and may not reliably stay inflated all night long, making it

impractical for use as a bed.