Like anything filled with pressurised air, these mattresses are susceptible to springing a leak . Air beds do tend to lose air naturally and gradually anyway. If you notice a rapid loss, there could be a hole somewhere. But where? Follow these steps to help detect the source of the problem: Blowing up an air bed can require a good few pumps when using a manual foot pump, but most can manage this in a matter of minutes. If you’re needing to pump up large beds, or multiple beds, then an electric air bed pump might be a better option for you. According to Lauren Fountain from the Sleep Foundation, to fix the leak, you’ll need to locate the hole and then clean the area. She goes on to say you then need to “use an adhesive and some plastic or vinyl patches to cover the leak” and “after letting the patch set for several hours, you can test the patch to ensure the mattress is no longer leaking”. Size: You can buy an air bed in various sizes, from a smaller single to a much larger queen. So, when choosing the best air bed for your needs, it’s important to understand who the air bed is for. If you like to have one lying around the house for unexpected guests, it’s always a good idea to go bigger. But if you’re buying an air bed for your camping trips, you should always measure your tent before buying the biggest one on offer. There’s no right or wrong way to camp, just make yourself comfortable. Most people either pair up an air bed or camping bed with a sleeping bag, or even your own sheets, pillows and duvet. If you're needing more space for your bed, why not consider getting a double blow up mattress?Height: A taller mattress is likely to be more comfortable, as it has more air, but, of course, it will be more cumbersome. So, if portability is important, you may want to consider a thinner air bed. Inflation: There are two kinds of air beds: those that have a built-in pump and those that require an external pump. This is something you need to consider when choosing an air bed, as you need to figure out what you’d rather. As you can imagine, a self-inflating air bed is much easier to use on a regular basis - but it’ll also be more expensive. If you're off camping, you'll need some camping equipment to help you along the way - read our buyer's guide to find out more. Inflation time: It’s worth noting how long it takes the air bed to inflate – it’ll usually be a couple of minutes.

Make camping a little more comfortable with an air bed from Halfords. Inflatable mattresses provide a cushion of air for you to sleep on, keeping you sleeping soundly under the stars (or in your tent). Which camping bed do I need? The average air bed can easily last up to 15 years. Often, if you opt for an air bed that has a built-in pump, the pump will fail before the bed will. How to choose the best air bed for you This depends on how much your budget will stretch. There are three main types of pumps: a foot pump, an integrated pump or an electric pump. The majority of the top of the range airbeds come with a rechargeable or mains-operated integrated pump. They will also have a remote control that can inflate and deflate the mattress within a matter of seconds. div>