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.
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