How Much Weight Can an Air Mattress Hold?

The Connection Between Air Mattress Weight Limit and Size

So, as I’ve already said, the average weight capacity of an inflatable bed is around 300 lbs.

But here’s the deal:

That’s great only for a single sleeper.

Of course, there are larger air mattresses designed to accommodate two sleepers, but this would mean that 300 lbs are a combined weight, such as if two 150-lbs individuals shared the bed.

If you and your partner are small sleepers, that might work. But if two average-weight sleepers (say, а 190-lbs man and a 140-lbs woman) try to sleep on that airbed, it may not support them properly and might even get damaged.

That’s why if you’re looking for an airbed for two people, opt for a weight limit of 400 or 500 lbs at the least. Fortunately, many high-quality inflatable mattresses made of heavy-duty materials can offer you that weight limit, so it shouldn’t be a problem to find one.

Here are the general guidelines to refer to:

• Twin size: 300 lbs for a single sleeper;
• Full size: 400-450 lbs for 1 or 2 sleepers;
• Queen size: 500-600 lbs for 2 sleepers.
  

“Thicker PVC or vinyl is more resistant to stress, which allows these materials to withstand larger weight for a longer time.”

Does Construction Matter?

Another important thing that will impact the air mattress weight capacity is its construction. 

Because if you think that there’s always just a giant air bubble under your body, you’re dead wrong.

Many air mattresses today feature one of the following support systems:

• Air coils. This is the most common support system. It consists of inflatable pillars of the same diameter that are evenly distributed inside the mattress. 
• Air beams. Somewhat similar to the previous design, air beams are thin ribs that lie across the mattress to enhance its supportive properties. 
• Chambers. Some mattresses are divided into two independent chambers, each having its own valves. The chambers may have coils or beams inside, but what they do is add a supportive rib in the center of the mattress, which allows for more even weight distribution.

Each of these increases the supportive properties of your inflatable mattress by creating a rigid carcass that can compensate for the large weight without causing the mattress to collapse under your body.

Keep in mind that air mattresses that can hold more weight typically use thicker materials and have sturdier construction. As a result, they are heavier and aren’t that compact when deflated. This can be an issue if you are looking for an airbed suitable for camping, especially if you are going to carry your stuff to a longer distance.

Also, if you want an airbed with higher weight capacity, be sure to check high-profile models. The more air there is inside the mattress, the more weight it can support.

Do you take into consideration weight capacity when choosing an airbed? What is the weight limit you expect your mattress to have? Share your answers below!