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Best Kids Airbeds UK 2026: Top 5 Picks for Sleepovers

Check whether the airbed inflates using a built-in pump

Fact Checked
Written byRebecca Brown, Baby and Child Sleep Expert
Peer reviewed byRon Burns, Staff Writer and Editor
Updated19 March 2026

The bedroom is one of the most important rooms in the house, where kids spend a third of their time. Choosing the right bed is important to provide comfort and a healthy sleep environment. Airbeds offer an affordable and practical solution for your child’s bedroom. Here are some ways that air beds can help you out with your kid’s sleep:

  • They are soft, flexible and easy to inflate or deflate
  • They are compact and don’t take up too much space
  • They are lightweight so you can easily move them from room to room

An airbed is a type of bed that is made from an air-filled mattress. It's often sold as a "self-inflating" or "airtight" mattress, which means that it inflates automatically with the use of an internal fan. Airbeds are usually marketed for temporary purposes, like guests who stay over and sleepover parties, but they can also be used on a daily basis.

The main advantage to buying an airbed is the affordability. Inexpensive air beds can start at £50 depending on the size you choose. Airbeds are often cheaper than traditional mattresses, but they are also less durable and more difficult to clean than conventional beds.

So what should you look for when purchasing an airbed? Look for these three qualities when selecting your best option:

Comfort

The amount of support provided by the bed (you want it to be supportive, yet soft)

Durability

How often do you plan on using the bed? If you're planning on using it frequently over a long period of time, then durability will matter more to you than if you're only going to use it on occasion

Convenience

Ease of maneuverability and storage (buying a bed with handles makes it easier to move around or put away)

Airbeds are a great choice for kids

Kids need a good night’s sleep to help them grow and stay healthy.1 Research has found that children who don’t get enough sleep are more likely to suffer from obesity and other health problems. This is why it’s important to find the right mattress for your kids.

Why should you buy an airbed?

If you're looking for a practical, comfortable and affordable solution for your child's bedroom for guests to occasionally stay over, airbeds are an excellent option. They are soft, flexible and easy to inflate or deflate. They are compact and don't take up too much space. They are lightweight so you can easily move them from room to room.

Airbeds offer a healthy sleep environment by providing comfort and a sufficient level of support. The right bed is one of the most important aspects of choosing the right bedroom furniture for your child's bedroom. Investing in an airbed will provide comfort and convenience for guests staying in your child's bedroom as well as improve their sleeping habits.

Airbeds are a great choice for kids, because they’re easy to set up and are more comfortable than a sleeping bag. Sleeping on an airbed will provide a more pleasant and comfortable experience for your kids.

But there are so many options to choose from, that it can be difficult to find the perfect bed. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best airbeds for your kids, so you can find the perfect match.

The benefits of buying an airbed are endless - you’ll never want to go back to sleeping on the floor again!

Reasons to buy

  • Very practical for guests and temporary sleeping, they store away easily and you can set up a proper bed surface without dedicating a room to it.
  • Firmness is adjustable, you can add or release air to suit different sleepers, which is handy when multiple people use the same guest bed.
  • Good for short-term flexibility, moving house, camping indoors, kids sleepovers, or when you are waiting for a new mattress to arrive.
  • Decent comfort in the better builds, higher-quality airbeds with internal support beams or a thicker top layer can feel surprisingly stable for a few nights.
  • Budget-friendly compared with buying a spare mattress and frame, especially if the bed will only be used occasionally.

Reasons to avoid

  • Support is not as consistent as a real mattress, air shifts as you move, so some people feel unstable or get lower back ache, especially side sleepers.
  • They can lose air overnight, even good airbeds often need topping up, and small temperature changes in the room can make them feel softer by morning.
  • Noise and movement can be annoying, some squeak, the surface can feel bouncy, and partner movement is often more noticeable than on a proper mattress.

Why you can trust WantMattress We spend hours testing (and/or researching) every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

    References (1)

    1. American family physician (2022). What You Need to Know About Sleep for Your Child. American family physician.

      https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35166516/↩

    * Based on average mattress lifespan and average bed frame lifespan
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