A low profile Air Mattress could be put on a regular bed frame, however, they’re usually incompatible with a regular bed frame unless you are comfortable with DIY. It’s advisable to find another solution, or you may cause damage to your airbed.
Air mattresses are very popular these days.
Their users claim they’re convenient for multiple reasons. Firstly, they’re easy to blow up and deflate. They don’t take up a lot of space when you’re not using them. Meanwhile, they’re great for short-term use, like camping or for overnight guests.
However, many people use an inflatable bed as a long-term sleeping option. It makes sense because they’re a lot cheaper than regular mattresses. An airbed is appealing if you’re on the move or have a tight budget. But can you put an air mattress on a bed frame?
Check out this guide so you can discover how to make the most of your air mattress!
Can You Put An Air Mattress on A Bed Frame?
Perhaps you rent an unfurnished apartment, or maybe you prefer not to invest a lot of money in a standard mattress. If so, an air mattress may be a good option for you.
However, it’s important to use your airbed in the best way to prolong its lifespan. As they’re inflatable, they’re also vulnerable to damage over the years. One mistake you should avoid making is putting it on a standard bed frame. In short, they don’t work well together.
Manufacturers design air mattresses to lay flat on the floor. You can even use them outdoors for camping. They have durable flat bottoms that don’t require the extra support that a standard bed frame provides.
Furthermore, you could risk your health by putting an airbed on a bed frame.
Most beds have metal or wood slats. These don’t provide much friction, so it’s very easy for an airbed to slide off. There’s a good chance you could wake up in the middle of the night and find yourself on the floor! Also, they could damage your air mattress.
Airbeds are much lighter than standard mattresses. The pressure from your body pressing down into the airbed against the slats can cause damage. It’s certainly not a good idea if you plan to use your air mattress regularly.
It’s best to place your mattress on a smooth, even surface to avoid the chances of tearing or pulling seams.
Best Frame Alternatives for An Air Mattress
Perhaps you don’t have enough space in your room, so you must place your mattress on the frame. While it’s advisable to lay an air mattress on the floor, there are alternative options.
Check these out now.
Mattress Topper
Most people use mattress toppers to prevent back pain.
As counterintuitive as it may seem, you can place your topper underneath your air mattress. This works as a protective layer between the airbed and the mattress slats.
Ideally, your mattress topper should be at least the same size as the airbed. It should also be able to handle the weight of the air mattress without sinking or warping under your added weight. The density is important so that you have a comfortable night’s sleep!
Plywood Slats
Another option is to use plywood to fill in the empty spaces between the slats. In theory, this will provide a flat surface for the air mattress to rest upon.
The plywood should be the same thickness as the bedframe’s slats, or it won’t be effective. This may require some DIY skills. Bear in mind that this option will only work with wooden slats.
After you create the flat surface with the additional plywood, cover the bed frame with plastic sheeting. This will prevent any splinters from the plywood from prodding and poking your air mattress. It’s a simple way to prevent punctures and infuriating air leaks.
Builid your own – DIY
Building your own DIY air mattress frame is a simple and cost-effective way to keep your Air Mattress off the floor.
Below is a video tutorial that shows how to build an air mattress frame using wood. The video goes through the process step-by-step and provides detailed instructions on how to cut and assemble the wood to create a sturdy and stable frame for your air mattress.
Rug
Perhaps you don’t want to use a bed frame. But maybe the floor isn’t the best option either.
A regular rug can work as a useful protective surface between the ground and your air mattress. Once again, it should be at least the same size for maximum effectiveness. It’s also advisable to vacuum regularly. Otherwise, unwanted debris could build up and damage the airbed.
Box Spring
A box spring is a type of base that gives additional support to your mattress.
If you don’t want to interfere with the frame slats, this is a good option. Simply place the box spring on top of the bed frame, then put the mattress on the box spring.
Many people use box springs for regular mattresses because they prevent them from sinking. This provides your back with more support when you’re sleeping. It also increases the longevity of the mattress.
They are a useful solution for airbeds because it means you can use them as a standard mattress.
Should You Sleep on An Airbed Every Night?
Airbeds are a useful alternative to standard mattresses because they are easy to stow. But is it a good idea to sleep on one frequently?
Let’s look at the reasons why it’s not the best plan to use one every night.
Back Support
Regular mattresses offer significant back support when you lie on them.
Many of them use memory foam to provide the most comfortable night’s sleep. However, air mattresses don’t offer the same solidity. They are much lighter, and this can be risky over time.
It’s perfectly fine to sleep on an airbed occasionally. But if you use one too frequently, you may experience back pains and restless sleep.
Temperature Regulation
Typically, air mattresses utilize cheaper, synthetic materials than their standard equivalents.
The upside is that you can save money. But they may not regulate your temperature correctly. This is an issue because it can affect the quality of your night’s sleep. Typically, synthetic materials like PVC and vinyl are less breathable.
Your air mattress may retain heat on a hot summer night. In the worst case, you’ll have an uncomfortable, sweaty night. Colder temperatures will produce the opposite effect.
To sum up, they’re designed for convenience, not ultimate comfort.
Deterioration
Another issue is that your airbed will deteriorate as time passes by.
Manufacturers design them for irregular use. They don’t expect customers to use their airbeds every night. If you use it regularly, you increase the risk of leaking or damage. At the very least, you’ll need to inflate it more often.
In contrast, a premium mattress can last for a lifetime.
If you can afford to buy a standard mattress, it’s advisable. You may save money in the long term because you won’t need to replace it as quickly. Air mattresses are convenient, but they’re not a long-term solution.
How to Maintain Your Airbed
There are a few steps you can take to increase the longevity of your air mattress.
Check out these ideas below.
Weight Distribution
You should be conscious of your air mattress’s maximum weight, capacity, and occupancy.
Even if you weigh less than half of the limit, this doesn’t mean a single mattress is suitable for two people. Of course, this isn’t an issue with twin or queen beds because they have the structural balance for two people.
Nor should you sit on the edge of your air mattress. This can create lumps to rise in the airbed and also damage the seams. You should only use it for sleeping.
Regular Deflation
Sure, this may seem irritating, but it will reduce the risk of damage.
If you deflate your air mattress regularly, you can blow it back up to the correct capacity. Meanwhile, it’s much safer to stow and store it away instead of leaving it up. Accidents can always happen.
Try not to simply abandon it in the attic or a cupboard with other items. We recommend placing it in a sturdy bag or box so that nothing can fall on it. It’s still possible to tear a deflated air mattress so avoid that risk.
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