Until recently, the air mattress was rarely used for orthopedic bedding in the home bedding market, however there are some specialist bed types that do utilise multi-pocket air mattresses with independently inflatable sections. These air mattresses allow precise adjustments to different zones of the mattress. They can also be found in hospitals.
In the hospital sector, air mattresses are a commonly used medical instrument that prevent patients with limited mobility from suffering from joint problems and bedsores.
Multiple-zone air mattresses
Multiple-zone air mattresses are definitely in the premium price category and allow independent inflation and pressurization for the different pockets of the mattress. These air beds can be permanent bed alternatives and can have orthopaedic characteristics. They can also be adjusted with relative ease at any time.
As with all beds, quality comes with a price, but some good quality air beds offer many options including additional padding and foam top layers. These beds are well constructed and often have soft railings around their edges.
Temporary and recreational air beds
The other types of air mattress applications are – the inflatable camping mattress and the inflatable home mattress (as a put-up bed). These mattresses are for short term use only and offer no orthopaedic qualities. They provide minimal comfort and support. If however you are looking for temporary stow-away beds for guests, then cheap inflatable air beds are a good solution.
Occasional use air mattress
An air mattress (often referred to as an airbed) is an inflatable mattress that is typically made of plastic, textile-reinforced plastic, or rubber. The support is achieved by means of filling the mattress with compressed air. This may with done with an electric or manual pump.
Air mattresses are often nothing more than portable mattresses that you inflate when required and deflate for storage when not in use. They are a convenient option if you want something that will let you sleep fairly comfortably, but that can easily be rolled up and stored away.
Air mattresses are available in a variety of shapes and sizes which makes it easy to find one that meets any spatial requirement.
Premium range air beds (those with orthopedic benefits), have an inflatable mattress that allows the sleeper to adjust the firmness to their own needs. Each segment of the air mattress is independently inflatable, allowing a sleeper to adjust the level of support provided for their head, lumbar, and foot regions. This is done by altering the air pressure within each segment of the mattress unit – usually with a remote control unit.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) warns that air mattresses are too soft for use with sleeping infants.
