An air bed is an inflatable mattress which is made with specially designed air chambers, filled through use of an electric pump. It is unique in allowing the user the ability to adjust the firmness or softness according to his preference within a wide range. Most people have seen in stores the cheap air beds which are mostly used for camping. But there are also much better models available which can give excellent comfort for every night use.

When we lie down to sleep, the body needs a sleep surface which will allow all the muscles and joints to relax. In the typical spring mattress used by most people, the coils push up against the body to support it. This design creates pressure points in various places, such as the back, neck, shoulders, and hips. These pressure points over time can lead to a lack of proper alignment of the spine and reduce circulation, helping to cause the typical sleeper to toss and turn an average of 50 to 70 times per night. As the springs deteriorate over time, this situation tends to get worse. Air beds were designed to remedy this problem.

An air mattress allows us to sleep supported on air rather than by metal coils. It is made up of a durable air chamber, filled with air through a powerful air pump operated by a hand held control. The air filled chamber provides a surface that gently conforms to the contours and curves of our body, creating an even support everywhere. There are no pressure points, no restriction of circulation. The spine is able to align itself naturally.

Sleeping on a good airbed helps create comfort to relieve sore muscles, backache, and neck pain. Sleepers report that they toss and turn much less, fall asleep more easily, and as a result wake up feeling better.

An air bed has several good uses in addition to use in the bedroom. Since it can be deflated and then easily moved around and stored, it makes a good guest bed. Owners of RVs find that an RV airbed mattress is ideal in their motor homes, because it is lightweight, portable, and comfortable. It also can be built to a custom size to make sure it fits easily into the available space in the RV.

Bed construction can be either with a single air chamber or dual chambers. Dual chamber is ideal when two people are using the bed. Each person can adjust their own side of the bed independent of the other sleeper using their own control and own air pump. This feature is commonly available in both queen size and king size airbeds.

On top of the bed is a removable pillowtop, easy to air out or clean. Virgin wool is a good choice of pillowtop material, as it absorbs 30 percent of its weight in moisture, thereby acting as a natural air conditioner in summer and a natural insulator in winter. In most models there is also a comfort pad underneath the pillowtop to provide additional support. If desired a special topper such as a memory foam mattress topper can be added.

Usually a quality air mattress is 7 or 8 inches tall and is placed on a foundation to give a bed with normal height. Foam side rails surround the air chambers, giving comfortable seating on the side of the bed. The air pumps are concealed out of sight, within the foam perimeter. Quality air beds will be UL listed to ensure electrical safety.

William Tucker has 7 years experience with the air bed and other bed products helping people find relief from sleep difficulties and back and joint pain. Visit us to find out more about the RV airbed and other mattress products.