Sleep happy with the best air bed for your adventure
An airbed or flock is an inflatable mattress that needs to be blown up with a pump. This differs from self inflating mattresses, which do not require a pump. Outwell air beds are exceptionally comfortable and supportive, making them ideal for holidays and home use.  

We have a wide range of blow up air beds, geared for different adventures. The right air bed for you depends on what you need it for and where you’re going.

Read on to find the perfect inflatable bed for you and your family.

Best air beds for camping with the family
Your camping air bed needs to be easy to carry, quick to set up and ultra comfortable at night. Double inflatable beds are ideal for couples while spacious singles are great for solo parents and kids. All Outwell air camping mattresses are portable and compact. But if you’re travelling by car and parking close to your tent, packsize and weight are less important – so you don’t need to go for an ultra light model. For longer holidays or for those who camp regularly, it’s worth investing in a top end blow up mattress. An air bed with memory foam topper will offer enhanced support and pressure distribution, providing head to toe comfort year after year. It’s also worth taking into consideration the height of the inflatable bed. Taller air mattresses offer greater insulation and make it easier to get out of bed in the mornings. 

We recommend

Double air beds
Wonderland Double Airbed with memory foam topper see more here 
Dreamland Double Airbed with memory foam topper see more here 
Flock Superior Double with built-in pump see more here 

Single air beds
Wonderland Single Airbed with memory foam topper see more here
Dreamland Single Airbed with memory foam topper see more here
Flock Superior Single with built-in pump see more here

Best air beds for weekend breaks
Comfort and convenience are king for shorter trips and touring. You want an air bed that will keep you cosy all night. But you don’t necessarily need a top-of-the-range model, as you’ll only be using it for a few days at a time. If you’re travelling from place to place, you’ll also want an inflatable bed that’s easy to carry.

We recommend

Double air beds
Flock Classic Double Chamber see more here
Flock Excellent King see more here
Flock Excellent Double see more here

Single air beds
Flock Classic Single with pillow and pump see more here
Flock Excellent Single see more here

Best air beds for kids
As every parent knows, a great night’s sleep equals happier kids. So make sure your children have dream-filled nights under the stars with a supportive and comfy inflatable bed. In general, kids sleep better on a firmer mattress and a few extra pumps into the air bed can make a big difference.  It’s normal for inflatable beds to deflate slightly overnight so check the mattress every morning to see if it needs extra inflation. For those with younger children who are still in nappies or potty training, mattress protector sheets are a must. These waterproof sheets will protect the air bed from accidents and are easy to pop in the wash after use. 

We recommend

Dreamland Single Airbed with memory foam topper see more here
Flock Superior Single with built-in pump see more here
Flock Classic Single with pillow and pump see more here

Best air beds for at home
Inflatable air beds are a great choice for guests. They are easy to set up and can be quickly packed away and stored out of sight when not in use. To keep your guests comfortable, you’ll want an air bed that is big, sturdy and supportive. An inflatable mattress with extra height will give a home-bed feel and is easier to get in and out of. This is particularly important for older relatives. We suggest choosing a double or kingsize air bed so you have the option to use it for visiting couples or solo guests. 

We recommend

Flock Superior Double with built-in pump see more here
Flock Excellent King see more here

Best air beds for backpacking
Packsize, weight and comfort are the three things you need to look for when you’re backpacking, trekking or travelling light. This is especially important if you’ll be carrying your kit for long periods. If you’re travelling as a couple, a lightweight airbed double lets you share the load as you can take turns to carry it. Some of our lightest double airbeds weigh just 2.4kg, while our single blow up airbeds weigh as little as 1.4kg.

We recommend

Double air beds
Flow Airbed Double see more here
Reel Airbed Double see more here

Single air beds
Flow Airbed Single see more here
Reel Airbed Single see more here

Best air beds on a budget
New to camping or looking for a bargain? You don’t have to spend much to enjoy a good night’s sleep. Comfortable and practical, these blow up mattresses are easy to inflate and deflate, and will help you enjoy a restful night on the campsite.  

We recommend

Double air beds
Flock Classic Double see more here
Flock Classic King see more here
Flock Classic Double with pillow and pump see more here

Single air beds
Flock Classic Single see more here
Flock Classic Single with pillow and pump see more here

What is the difference between a flock and an airbed?
Both flocks and airbeds are types of inflatable mattress that need to be blown up with either a manual or electric pump. The difference comes from what they’re made of and the texture of the surface material. 

Outwell flock air mattresses
 - ‘Flocked-top’ finish, which has a velvety feel 
 - No need to use sheets
 - Textured to prevent your sleeping bag slipping down the bed
 - Durable PVC base to withstand the rigours of camping life

Outwell airbeds
 - Made from a durable coated polyester blend that is ultra soft next to the skin 
 - No need to use sheets
 - Rippled design prevents your sleeping bag slipping down the bed
 - Extremely lightweight and easy to carry

How to look after your air bed 
Caring for your inflatable mattress is easy. Here’s what you need to do to ensure your air bed lasts for years.

Check the ground at the campsite
Sharp objects and air beds don’t mix. So check the ground is clear from sharp stones, twigs or forgotten tools before you put your air mattress down. This will prevent punctures. Always put a barrier between the air bed and the ground. In the tent, this will be a ground sheet. But if you want to pull your air mat outside to lounge in the sunshine, cover the ground with a blanket or tarpaulin first. This will help keep your inflatable bed clean and puncture-free.

Use mattress protectors
A waterproof mattress protector is ideal if you have young children, as it will protect the soft top surface of your air bed from accidents and spillages. The mattress protector is essentially just a sheet with an absorbent surface and is much easier to clean than an entire air bed. Fitted sheets are also recommended to protect memory foam topped air mattresses.

Don’t leave sharp objects on or under the air bed
In a small space like a tent, it’s very easy for objects to end up in the wrong place. Investing in some tent storage can ensure things like scissors, nail clippers, razors, pen knives and cooking knives are all packed away safely after use. And not accidentally kicked under the mattress.  

Get your inflation spot on 
Over inflating your air bed will put excess pressure on the seams, which could cause a blow out. The same goes for bouncing and jumping on the air bed. Under inflating your air mattress will mean it will sag in the middle and not offer the right support. You need to find the happy place where the air mattress feels firm, is free from creases, and the seams don’t look shiny or stretched.

Keep your air mattress clean
It’s easiest to clean your air bed while it’s inflated. Use a soft brush or your hand to sweep away any loose dirt (if you’re at home, you can vacuum it). Sponge down any dirty marks with water and a few drops of mild detergent. Don’t use harsh chemicals, which could degrade the material. Dry the air bed thoroughly before you pack it away.

Store your air bed correctly
Most blow up beds can be stored deflated and packed away inside carry bags or boxes. Make sure you deflate the air mattress completely before folding it flat or rolling it up. Pack your inflatable bed into a box or carry bag to keep it clean while in storage. Don’t store it in a plastic bag as this can encourage damp and mould. 

Check it for punctures before use
It’s much easier to fix problems at home rather than at the campsite. So before you head off on holiday, check your air camping mat for any signs of leaks or split seams. To do this, simply pump up the air bed and leave it inflated overnight. If it’s heavily deflated in the morning, you have a puncture. Air beds are designed to deflate a little overnight so if it’s only slightly deflated, the chances are it’s ok. 

Leaks can usually be easily, quickly and cheaply fixed with an air bed puncture repair kit. Here’s what you need to do:
Find your air bed’s puncture:
1. Fill a water bottle with water and a couple of drops of mild washing detergent
2. Spray the mixture all over your inflatable mattress
3. Roll the air mat from the bottom up – bubbles will form around the leak
Fix the puncture:
1. Wipe off all the soapy water and let it dry
2. Attach the puncture patch following the instructions on the air bed repair kit 
3. Inflate the air bed to check the leak is covered – if not repeat until the puncture is fully sealed

Air bed essentials
Make sure you have everything you need for a great night’s sleep.

Pumps 
Unless your air bed comes with an in-built pump, you’ll need a manual or electric air bed pump to inflate it. Electric pumps require a power outlet. Outwell manual pumps have a smooth action for effortless inflation. 
Shop air mattress pumps 

Sleeping bags
The perfect partner to your air bed. With a choice of styles, thickness and sizes, you’ll find the best sleeping bags for you and your family to snuggle up in.
Shop sleeping bags 

Pillows
Stay comfy from top to toe with a soft camping pillow and an Outwell air bed. Our camping pillows come in different shapes and styles so you’re sure to find the perfect place to rest your head. 
Shop camping pillows 

Got a question? We’re here to help
Contact our customer service team for support before or after your air bed purchase.