Also known as a lilo, as air mattress is an inflatable object whose objective is discernable by its name. A lightweight, and a portable device, the air mattress can also be used in water due as a water toy or a flotation device due to its buoyant properties.

This amazing wonder of the new century, the spring air mattress, or better knows as an airbed is an inflatable device, that is made up of plastic, textile-reinforced plastic, rubber, or any mixture of the three which gives it the strength and the rigidity that is expected from a normal wooden bed. When deflated, the air mattress occupies virtually no space at all. This added with the fact that it consists of a lightweight material makes it a perfect choice for camping and other permanent/temporary usage. It can be inflated orally or by using other mechanical means such as the foot-operated air pumps or the electric air pumps. In some cases, chemicals are also used that react with air to inflate this device without putting any effort.

Air mattresses are mostly utilized for three purposes that fully harness its portability, lightweight properties, and reliability. The first and the foremost usage is for camping, then for temporary domestic use, and finally for permanent use. Various design characteristics make different mattresses suitable for certain conditions while unfavorable for others. E.g. some mattresses are more suitable for camping and temporary use whereas others are used as a fixed amenity.

Air mattresses used in connection with camping (sleeping pads) are specifically intended for that purpose as evident from their design. Foam insulation is installed under the air chambers of such pads that provide better comfort and warmth out in the open. Permanent use mattresses see better air chambers constructed for vulcanized rubber wrapped up in canvas or polyurethane. The good thing about these mattresses is that it is hard to tell the difference between a conventional bed and an air mattress apart from the fact that the air mattress comes with a spout(s) for the air inflator. Amazingly, some high grade mattresses also come with a super quiet pump and a remote control that can be used to adjust the firmness of either sides of the bed according to one’s comfort.

In the vicinity of the past few years, a lot of people have witnessed larger air mattresses in the market that were intended for permanent usage. However, when it comes to versatility, temporary air mattresses see a wide range of sizes – from twin to king. The reason for such an imbalance is that the main market for temporary mattresses resides outside the United States which buys it for its cheapness.

All of us at one time or the other in our lives must have encountered that one type of air mattress that is usually seen at pools and beaches. Known as a lilo in the UK, it is known by so many other names such as “pool air mat”, “air mat”, “pool lounge”, or “float(ing) mat(tress). The only thing that resembles between a pool mat and an actual air bed are its look because the pool  mat is not specifically designed to be as durable and does not even stay inflated overnight making it unsuitable for home use.