Can you use a mattress topper on an air mattress? Expert ways to make an air bed more comfortable

Air mattresses are great to sleep on while you wait for your new mattress to arrive, to have for when guests come to stay, or to take with you on your camping trip, or college stay. But they aren't always that comfortable. Most will find that air mattresses are too firm, cold, and noisy. While one night won't cause too much harm, sleeping on an inflatable bed long-term could lead to some serious sleep issues. 

Fortunately, just like a mattress topper can transform a regular mattress, experts say adding one to an air bed can improve your comfort and increase the chances of a better night's sleep. That's because Using a mattress topper on an air mattress will eliminate any squeaking when you turn in the night, make the mattress feel warmer, and be better for your back. 

Certain mattress toppers work better for air beds than others, and there are ways to use one. To find out how to use a mattress topper on an air mattress, plus other ways to make an air mattress more comfortable, we spoke to sleep experts from Emma and Earthfoam. 

As a sleep editor, I've also suggested some of the best mattress toppers for air beds that are light and comfortable enough to not puncture the bed, but to help you sleep soundly. Trying a mattress topper that is essentially a smaller version of the brand's best mattress is also a great way to test whether it will work for you. While you're waiting or still deciding, make your sleep situation better in the meantime. 

Can you put a mattress topper on an air mattress?

Adding a topper to an air mattress will make it more comfortable. In fact, mattress toppers can make the biggest difference to an air mattress, but it depends on the type of topper.

As Karl Shevick, the founder and CEO of Earthfoam says, 'You can use a mattress topper on an air mattress for some added comfort'. 

Theresa Schnorbach, content director and sleep scientist at Emma Mattress agrees that 'mattress toppers are a great option for providing a layer of support to an air mattress. When made from the right material, mattress toppers can keep you fresh and cool throughout the night and give you a comfortable night's sleep by providing another layer on top of your mattress, helping to regulate your body’s temperature and support your spine.' 

Karl Shevick

Karl Shevick is the Founder and CEO of Earthfoam, a sustainable mattress and sleep company. Earthfoam's goal is to offer an honest product that brings sustainability to the forefront without sacrificing function or form.

Theresa Schnorbach

Theresa Schnorbach is a psychologist and sleep scientist specialized in Clinical Psychology and Cognitive Neuropsychology. She has completed a post-graduate training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) with the German Sleep Society (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Schlafforschung und Schlafmedizin (DGSM), endorsed by the European Research Society.

The benefits

Air mattresses can feel quite uncomfortable, especially if you suffer from any kind of back pain or joint aches. They can feel cold to the touch (which is not good during winter) and can be noisy if you're prone to tossing and turning in the night. The good news is that a mattress topper can solve pretty much all of these issues: 

Temperature regulation: Typically made with plastic, air mattresses can feel too cold to the touch. Despite adding a fitted sheet, it's likely for sleepers to still feel cold during the night when the air cools down too. 'A mattress topper can help to insulate the body from the cold surface of the air mattress by acting as a barrier between you and the bed itself.' says Theresa. Most mattress toppers are temperature regulating and will retain and dissipate heat as you need it for a cozier sleep. 

Softness and support: 'A mattress topper can also make an air mattress more comfortable,' explains Theresa. 'For example, if you find the air mattress too firm once fully inflated, a mattress topper can add softness and provide a targeted cushioning for those who require specific support.'  

Noise reduction: Air mattresses are almost always noisy. Filled with air and made of plastic, they rustle and squeak throughout the night. You can expect to be woken up during the night, especially if you're sharing with your partner. By adding a mattress topper, the extra cushioning 'can help reduce noise that air mattresses may produce and prevent any sleep disturbances.' 

The best mattress toppers for air bed

The best mattress toppers for an air bed will be designed with comfort in mind. Thick, memory foam mattress toppers may not be able to stay secure on an air bed due to them being too firm and dense, and instead a thinner cushioning topper should be used. A topper made from shredded foam or even filled with feathers will be soft yet supportive enough to improve comfort levels without damage to the air mattress. They should also have straps to keep it on the bed as ones without are likely to slip off during the night. 

These are my top recommended mattress toppers for air mattresses, tried and tested by the team: 

Expert advice on how to put a topper on an air bed

Adding a mattress topper to an air bed is easier said than done. Since air beds arent as solid or heavy as actual mattresses, keeping a topper on can be tricky, especially if it doesn't have straps to secure it. 

The first essential thing to do is ensure your mattress topper is the same size as your air bed. Any bigger or smaller and you struggle to keep it in place. Once you've chosen the right topper, adding one of the best mattress protectors will hold the topper tight to the bed. Then layer a fitted sheet to keep it even more secure. 

If this isn't enough and you're finding your mattress topper is slipping off the bed and in turn, keeping up at night, you could try some bed sheet suspenders, like these Amazon best-selling sheet straps from Raytour that are sturdy and strong to keep your topper secure. More ways to stop your mattress topper from moving on the air bed is to simply use some double-sided carpet tape or even a slip-resistant mat that would hold it in place.

FAQs

If your air mattress is posing as a temporary solution before you invest in a new mattress, it's certainly worth adding a mattress topper. But if it's more of a go-to for when guests arrive, a sleeper sofa may be a better option. Your guests deserve the best.