Always be sure to check the weight limits for your chosen air mattress, as some just will not cope if being used by two people at once. The innovative pump which actually works time and time again is one element of this fantastic product which sets it out from the rest. The bed did well to stand up to the kids jumping on it, however, and I found the large built-in pillow very comfortable.

As convenient and versatile as inflatable beds are, we know the most annoying part about setting one up is the tedious inflation. The instructions point out that like most PVC air beds, you will need to add air to the bed more frequently the first few times you use it as the fabric stretches to its natural shape. While not a necessity, these extras will improve your air bed experience (and it’s always nice when your purchase comes with some extra bits and bobs).

A five-minute bounce from Bethany and William certainly didn’t help matters, but luckily there were no punctures to report. It’s designed with an internal support structure that mimics the slats on a traditional bed to provide unrivalled support and comfort throughout the night. The self-inflating air beds we tried go up to 48cm in height at the pillow end, compared to thinner camping-focused designs that can be just 16cm in height. Much like a pair of new shoes, air beds are at their most comfortable once they’ve been ‘broken in’. As simple as the concept of filling a PVC structure with air is, there are some tips and tricks you can try to ensure you get the most out of your inflatable mattress.

The choice of airbeds for occasional guest use has become a lot more sophisticated in recent years,’ says Jessica Alexander from the National Bed Federation. It's been great fun watching her blow it up every evening, but soon I will let her into the secret that it actually inflates its self if you plug it into the mains.Inside this box is the best night’s sleep you’ll ever have,’ the Active Era confidently promises on the inner fold of its packaging box. The flocked fabric and PVC vinyl that our beds are created from are water repellent and super easy to clean. All the materials that the Active Era Comfort Plus Air Bed is made from are safe for daily use and comfortable for long term use. I asked a group of friends of varying height and age to test each bed, lying on their side and back and sitting up. The bed also did well to retain its firmness in the night, needing only a little topping up after the kids had a play on it.