Built in pump or hand pump, and how high do you want to sit?
Before you compare anything else, answer two questions and the rest falls into place. First, how do you want to inflate it? A bed with a built in pump is ready at the press of a button, and the listings here give 3 to 4.75 minutes, while a cheaper airbed needs a separate hand or USB pump, which is fine for occasional use but slower and one more thing to keep track of. For one sleeper the INTEX Twin Ultra Plush Raised Airbed is our pick, a 42cm twin with a built in electric pump. For a queen, the INTEX Queen Dura-Beam Classic Downy Airbed is the budget choice with a hand pump at 22cm, while the iDOO Queen Air Bed has 40 internal air coils and a built in pump that inflates or deflates in 3 to 4 minutes. Second, how high do you want to sit? A low single height bed at around 22cm is closer to the floor, while a raised deck at 42 to 46cm sits near the height of a real bed and is easier to climb in and out of, which can matter for older guests.
The honest reality of this whole category is that all six beds here sit between 4.2 and 4.4 stars, and that is not a knock on any one model, because any airbed can develop a slow leak over time, because that is simply the nature of an inflatable PVC product. The material also stretches over the first two or three nights, which feels like deflation but is not a fault. So the smart move is to look after the valve and seams, keep sharp objects away, and accept the odd top up as part of the deal. Get the pump and height right for how you will actually use the bed and you will be happy.
The six picks below map onto those two axes: the two INTEX beds with a hand or USB pump sit lower than the built in pump beds, while the others add a built in pump and a taller deck. INTEX appears three times, at different sizes and heights, and Bestway once. Match the maker to whether this is an occasional guest bed, a camping mattress or a near-permanent spare, and you will not overspend. If the bed is for a tent rather than a spare room, a self inflating camping mattress is the better tool, and if guests come often enough that you are inflating something every month, a sofa bed is the permanent answer. Whichever you choose, a mattress protector is worth it, because an airbed top is wiped clean rather than washed.
| Pick | Best for | Height and pump | Inflation time | Price band | Rating |
|---|
| INTEX Queen Dura-Beam Classic Downy Airbed | Entry level queen | 22cm single height, hand pump included, Fiber-Tech beams | Hand pump | Under $60 | 4.2 from 11,970 ratings |
| INTEX Twin Dura-Beam Prestige Mid-Rise Airbed | A single you can inflate anywhere | Mid-Rise deck, hand held USB powered QuickFill USB150 pump | About 4.25 minutes | Under $60 | 4.3 from 1,641 ratings |
| Bestway Queen Air Bed with Built in Pump | A built in pump queen | 46cm raised, built in 220V to 240V AC mains pump, 295kg capacity | 3 minutes listed | Under $90 | 4.4 from 539 ratings |
| INTEX Twin Ultra Plush Raised Airbed | Our pick for one sleeper, and guests who struggle off the floor | 42cm raised, built in 220 to 240V pump, dual layer top | Under 5 minutes | Under $130 | 4.4 from 1,129 ratings |
| CHILLSUN Queen Air Mattress with Built in Pump | A raised queen | 46cm raised, built in pump, internal coil beams | 3 minutes in the title | Under $110 | 4.2 from 953 ratings |
| iDOO Queen Air Bed with Built in Pump | A coil queen that packs small | 40 internal air coils, built in pump, 295kg, packs to 40 x 33 x 19cm | 3 to 4 minutes | Under $130 | 4.3 from 7,727 ratings |
How we picked these air mattresses
Last checked: 15 October 2026
We compared the six air mattresses on height, pump, inflation time and rating. Every specification on this page comes from two saved sources for each one: the Amazon Australia listing and the maker specifications stated in that listing's product information. Ratings and stock move, so check the live listing before you buy.
INTEX Queen Classic Downy Airbed
If you just want a queen guest bed without paying for extras, this is the entry point, and its 11,970 ratings give it a long track record. It is the entry level queen here, and the Fiber-Tech beam construction packs in thousands of polyester fibres so the deck stays even and supportive rather than sagging into a dip in the middle.
The velvety top is soft underfoot and wipes clean between guests, and the included hand pump means you do not need a power point to set it up. The trade offs at this price are honest ones: inflation is by hand rather than a button, and at 22cm it is a lower single height bed that sits closer to the floor than the raised picks. Like every airbed the material stretches over the first few nights and a slow leak is always possible, so inflate it again as needed and treat the valve gently.
INTEX Twin Prestige Mid Rise Airbed
The INTEX Mid-Rise is the pick if you want a single bed you can inflate almost anywhere. Instead of a mains pump it comes with a hand held, USB powered QuickFill USB150 pump with an approximate inflation time of 4.25 minutes, which makes it as handy for camping trips as it is for the spare room.
The Mid-Rise deck has bottom ring stability, and the Fiber-Tech beam construction keeps the surface even through the night. The honest notes are that it is a twin single rather than a queen, so it sleeps one person, and the USB pump is a hand held unit rather than a built in mains pump. As with any airbed the material stretches over the first two or three nights, so expect to top it up a little as it settles in.
Bestway Queen Air Bed with Built in Pump
The Bestway is a step up from the hand pump beds, because the built in 220V to 240V AC pump does the work for you, and the listing says it fully inflates the queen in 3 minutes, with no separate pump to find or wear out your arm. At 203 x 152 x 46cm it is a two person spare bed, and the 46cm deck lifts you clear of a cold or hard floor.
The listing gives a 295kg capacity in its product information, so it suits two adults, and it has a quick deflate valve for packing down. The honest caveats are that the review base is smaller at 539 ratings, so there is less long term feedback than the 11,970 ratings on the INTEX Queen Classic Downy, and a built in mains pump means you need a power point within reach, which is fine indoors but worth planning for at a campsite. Like any airbed, expect the odd top up and look after the valve.
Best overall: INTEX Twin Ultra Plush Raised Airbed
The INTEX Twin Ultra Plush Raised Airbed is our pick for one sleeper, and the one for a guest who struggles to get up off the floor, because at 42cm it sits close to the height of a real bed and the built in 220 to 240V pump has an approximate inflation time of 4.75 minutes with nothing extra to find. The dual layer air pocket system and velvety top, with sides that resist punctures and abrasions, make it a step closer to a proper mattress.
The Dura-Beam edge construction is designed to withstand the weight of the sleeper without sagging, and the horizontally positioned Dura-Beams add lumbar support. It is rated 4.4 from 1,129 ratings. The honest trade offs are that it is a twin single rather than a queen, so it sleeps one, and the pump needs a power point, so top it up as the material stretches over the first 2 to 3 nights.
CHILLSUN Queen Air Mattress with Built in Pump
The CHILLSUN is a tall, raised queen with a built in pump that its title says inflates the bed in 3 minutes. The 46cm deck puts it at proper bed height, so it is easy to climb in and out of.
Internal coil beam construction gives it solid support, the multi layer flocked top is listed as waterproof and odour proof, and the puncture resistant PVC with a non slip base keeps it stable on the floor. It is rated 4.2 from 953 ratings. The honest caveats are that the listing does not state how the pump is powered, and like any airbed it may need a top up to stay firm.
iDOO Queen Air Bed with Built in Pump
The iDOO is the coil queen in this guide. Its 40 internal air coils keep the deck flat and firm, and the listing says it will not tilt or flip if you sit on its edge or corner, while the built in pump inflates or deflates in 3 to 4 minutes and lets you reach a firmer or softer feel with the switch of a button.
The multi layer, puncture resistant waterproof top resists leaks and instability, it has a 295kg weight capacity, and it packs down to 40 x 33 x 19cm with an anti slip base, so it travels and stores easily. It is rated 4.3 from 7,727 ratings. The honest caveats are that at 38cm it sits lower than the Ultra Plush, Bestway and CHILLSUN beds, the listing does not state how the pump is powered, and the PVC stretches with temperature changes overnight, so the listing suggests 10 to 15 seconds of air each day if you use it for more than one night.
How to choose the right air mattress
Start with how you will use it. If this is an occasional guest bed pulled out a few times a year, a hand pump model like the INTEX Classic Downy covers it, and a built in pump bed would mostly add cost you rarely use. If it is a spare bed that goes up and down weekly, the convenience of a built in pump earns its keep, because pressing a button beats pumping by hand.
Height is the other deciding factor, and it is about who will sleep on it. A low single height bed at around 22cm is fine for kids and able bodied adults, but older guests and anyone with dodgy knees may prefer a raised deck at 42 to 46cm that sits near the height of a real bed. Size follows the same logic: a twin sleeps one and a queen sleeps two. Think about your most common scenario and choose the bed that suits it.
What the key specs mean
Pump type and height are the two details to compare first. Pump type tells you the routine: a built in pump is press and wait, while a hand or USB pump is more portable but slower. The Ultra Plush and Bestway list 220 to 240V mains pumps, so they need a power point, while the CHILLSUN and iDOO listings do not state how the pump is powered. Height tells you how easy the bed is to get in and out of: a raised deck is near bed height, a single height one is closer to the floor.
Support structure is the next thing to weigh. INTEX uses Fiber-Tech beam construction, with thousands of polyester fibres holding the surface even, while the CHILLSUN uses internal coil beams and the iDOO lists 40 internal air coils, both to keep the deck from sagging or tilting. A flocked or velvety top adds comfort, and the weight capacity, where stated, tells you how many adults it will hold. Read pump type, height, support structure and capacity together and any product page starts to make sense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Built in pump or external pump: which is better?
It depends on how often you will use the bed and where. A built in pump, as on the Ultra Plush and the Bestway, is ready in a few minutes at the press of a button, which suits a spare bed that goes up and down often, and both list 220 to 240V mains pumps, so they need a power point nearby. The CHILLSUN and iDOO also list built in pumps, but their listings do not state how the pump is powered. An external hand pump, like the one included with the budget INTEX queen, needs no power and suits occasional use or camping away from power, but it is slower and more effort. A USB pump, as on the INTEX Mid-Rise, sits in between: portable and powered over USB. For a spare bed that is inflated often, choose a built in pump; for occasional or off grid use, a hand or USB pump is fine.
Why do air mattresses lose air overnight?
Mostly because of the bed stretching and temperature, not always a leak. When you first inflate a new airbed the PVC stretches over the first two or three nights, which feels like deflation but is normal, so you just inflate it again and it settles. On top of that, air contracts as the room cools overnight, so a bed that felt firm at bedtime can feel softer by morning even with no hole at all. Genuine slow leaks do happen too, usually at the valve or a seam, because any inflatable product can develop one over time. The honest takeaway is to expect to top it up now and then, keep sharp objects well away, and look after the valve.
Single height or raised height: which should I get?
It comes down to who is sleeping on it. A low single height bed at around 22cm, like the budget INTEX queen, is fine for children and able bodied adults. A raised bed, like the Bestway or CHILLSUN at 46cm or the INTEX Ultra Plush at 42cm, sits near the height of a real bed, which makes it easier to climb in and out of and is kinder to older guests and anyone with sore knees or a bad back. A raised deck also lifts you further off a cold floor, which is welcome for camping. If your guests are mostly older, a raised deck is worth choosing; for occasional young guests, a single height bed is enough.
How long does an air mattress last?
It depends on how it is used, so no single lifespan fits every bed. What matters most is how often you inflate it, what surface it sits on and how you treat the valve, since any airbed can eventually develop a slow leak because it is an inflatable product. Keeping sharp objects away, not overinflating, and avoiding rough or gritty floors all protect the PVC and the seams. It is sensible to see an airbed as a guest or camping solution rather than a permanent everyday mattress. Treat the valve and seams gently and store it clean and dry.
Can I use an air mattress for camping?
Yes, five of the six listings here say they suit camping or outdoor use as well as indoor use, while the INTEX Ultra Plush listing does not mention camping. The key things for camping are height and pump type: a raised deck like the Bestway or CHILLSUN lifts you clear of cold, hard or damp ground, which helps comfort and warmth. Pump type matters more outdoors, because a mains pump such as the Bestway needs a power point and so suits powered sites or a setup near the car, while a hand or USB pump like the QuickFill on the INTEX Mid-Rise works away from power. Keep the bed off sharp sticks and gravel with a groundsheet, and you have a comfortable camp bed.
What size air mattress do I need?
Match it to how many people will sleep on it and the space you have. A twin, like the two INTEX twin beds here, sleeps one adult comfortably, which suits a single guest or a child. A queen, like the INTEX Classic Downy, Bestway, CHILLSUN or iDOO, sleeps two and suits couples or a busier guest room, at the cost of more floor space when inflated. Think about your most common guest scenario rather than the rare exception, and choose the size that matches it.
Are INTEX and Bestway air mattresses any good?
Both brands are on this list and rated well. The three INTEX beds here are rated 4.2 to 4.4 from 1,129 to 11,970 ratings, and the Bestway Queen is rated 4.4 from 539 ratings, a smaller base. INTEX appears three times in this guide, at different sizes and heights. They are not premium mattress makers, so do not expect a hotel bed, but for guest and camping use they offer Fiber-Tech or Tritech construction, a range of heights and pumps, and listing details you can compare. If you want a coil design, look at the iDOO, which lists 40 internal air coils.
How do you find a hole in an air mattress?
Inflate it hard, then work the surface in sections. Listen first with the room quiet, because a hiss often points to the valve or a seam rather than the middle of the deck. If you hear nothing, mix dish soap into water, wipe it over the seams and the valve with a sponge and watch for bubbles. Wet your forearm and pass it slowly over the top, since moving air is easier to feel than to hear. Mark the spot with a pen before the surface dries.
How do you patch a hole in an air mattress?
Deflate the bed and clean the area the way your model's instructions say, because the flocked velvety top will not hold glue. The CHILLSUN listing says to avoid chemicals, harsh detergents and solvents during cleaning, so do not use rubbing alcohol on that model. Scuff the flocking off around the hole with fine sandpaper, then apply the vinyl patch and glue from a repair kit, or a bicycle tube patch. Weight it flat for the time the glue states before you reinflate. A split seam or a failed valve is not worth patching, so check the warranty instead.
How do you deflate and pack an air mattress?
Open the valve fully and let the bulk of the air out on its own, then fold the bed lengthways from the end furthest from the valve and kneel along it to push the last of the air through. The Bestway lists a quick deflate valve, and the CHILLSUN and iDOO listings say their built in pumps deflate as well as inflate, so those two can do most of the work for you. Fold rather than roll, keep the folds in the same place each time, and store it somewhere dry and away from anything sharp.
Where can you buy an air mattress in Australia?
The six picks in this guide are all listed on Amazon Australia, with the buy button on each card. Check the pump voltage before you buy, since a built in mains pump needs a power point.
