7 of the best air mattresses for when you need an instant bed

In a perfect world you’ll have a big, comfy bed ready for every overnight guest. But most of us don’t have that kind of space (and money), so our visiting out-of-towners will have to settle for a spot on the good ol’ sofa. A good air mattress, however, can change your hosting game. Many air mattress models today offer the perks of a comfy, full-size instant bed with features like pillow-top layers, while still offering the convenience of easy, compact storage.

But how do you choose an air mattress that will impress sleepover friends and vacationing family? First, consider size. Air mattresses follow the same sizing rules as traditional mattresses, but variations in firmness based on their level of inflation can make them feel smaller, according to the National Sleep Foundation. If you typically host more than one guest at a time (and if you have enough space both in the room and in your storage closet), it’s a good idea to go with a full or queen size, instead of a twin.  Read more...