How to Buy an Air Mattress. Whether you need a comfortable place to sleep
while camping or a temporary sleeping area for overnight guests, an air mattress offers
a convenient solution. You will need Internet access and research. Step 1. Determine how you will use the air mattress
and use a computer to research the available options. If the air mattress will be your primary bed,
you'll want a good quality, name-brand raised mattress; for the occasional camping trip,
a regular low-lying air mattress should suffice. Check the weight rating of the air mattress. Never exceed the recommended weight limit
as the mattress may burst. Step 2. Decide whether you want or need a raised bed,
which inflates to the height of a normal bed. Such a height may be prohibitive if you're
camping in a tent, but may be ideal for overnight guests. High-quality air mattresses will feature a
flocking material on top for added comfort. Some even come with their own mattress pad
and storage bag. Step 3. Consider a twin- or full-size bed for single
guests, or a full- or queen-size for two sleepers. Some air mattresses can be stacked on top
of each other to create a raised twin, then disassembled to form a low-lying king bed. Step 4. Consider the cost of the air mattress. A good quality twin mattress may cost around
$50 while a raised queen may cost several hundred. Check online and visit a few stores to compare
prices. Step 5. Research how the mattress is inflated. A built-in electric pump is best for heavy
use. Other mattresses come with a separate pump. Did you know Mattresses during the Renaissance
were stuffed with pea shucks, straw, or feathers, and covered with velvet or silk fabric.