Can You Put an Air Mattress on a Bed Frame? Here’s the Answer!

This article will supply you with tips on comfortably putting your air mattress on a bed frame or finding alternatives.
By
Romeo Vitelli
Romeo Vitelli
Expert Writer
Received his doctorate in Psychology in 1987, spent fifteen years as a staff psychologist in Millbrook Correctional Centre. In 2003 went into full-time private practice. read more
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Last updated: August 24, 2023
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If you don’t have a regular bed, you can always use an air mattress. As the name suggests, air mattresses are plastic or rubber mattresses that can be inflated with air from an air mattress pump.

This makes them inflatable and portable, as you can easily fold them and put them away when they are not in use. They are lightweight, classy, comfortable, safe, and easy to use. The downside to these mattresses is that they are prone to tears and punctures.

For this reason, if you have cats and do not want to see your mattress punctured, you should opt for the best cat-proof air mattresses. Fitness experts claim air mattresses are ideal for stretching your muscles, relaxing, and calming your nerves. Medical professionals also suggest that air mattresses help to prevent pressure build-ups and enhance blood circulation. As you can see, you benefit a lot when you use them.

No doubt, inflating and deflating this mattress can be unsettling. So, it won’t come as a surprise if you are already considering putting your air mattress on a standard bed frame. This sounds like a genius idea, but it isn’t. Let’s show you why.

Why Putting an Air Mattress on a Bed Frame Is a Bad Idea?

If you are wondering why we said putting an air mattress Trusted Source Your camping equipment's history - CNN.com The first air mattress was invented in 1889 by the Pneumatic Mattress & Cushion Company in Reading, Massachusetts. Surprisingly, the design of the mattress has remained virtually unchanged over the last 120 years, closely resembling the standard air mattress used for lounging in the swimming pool today. edition.cnn.com on a bed frame is a bad idea, here’s a quick answer: Air mattresses are designed specifically for floor sleeping. According to expert reviews, an air mattress should be comfortable. With regards to this, Dream Series is the best on the market, as it comes with ComfortCoil technology.

Also, based on customer reviews, the ideal air mattress should be easy to inflate and store. And Ivation EZ-Bed fits the bill, thanks to its three levels of comfort setting. That being said, below, you will find a more detailed explanation on why you shouldn’t go down this road:

  • Slats
  • Sliding
  • Mattress Height
  • Risk of Tearing Down the Mattress

Slats

Can You Put an Air Mattress on a Bed Frame? Here's the Answer!

Most bed frames on the market come with slats. You will likely find a space of 3 to 5 inches between these slats, which provides support to memory or hybrid foam mattresses. However, these slats are not designed to support air mattresses, as it makes them uneven and uncomfortable.

Sliding

This is another reason bed frames and air mattresses are not a good fit. In most cases, bed frames are made of either wood or polished metal. This is why there is a high possibility that any air mattress you place on it will slide, leading to you falling off at night when you sleep. We do not advise that you place your air mattress on a bed frame.

Mattress Height

The height of most air mattresses falls between 20 to 22 inches, while the standard height of a bed frame is around 22 to 25 inches. This implies that if you decide to place your air mattress on a bed frame, you will likely end up with a bed too elevated for an average human being.

Risk of Tearing Down the Mattress

Can You Put an Air Mattress on a Bed Frame? Here's the Answer!

It is a well-known fact that bed frames have sharp edges and slatted designs. The presence of these features in a bed frame means one thing — it isn’t good for your air mattress. Placing your air mattress on these frames increases the possibility of punctures or tears. And you certainly don’t want to find holes in your air mattress.

For this reason, we advise that you use a suitable frame for your air mattress. We will show you what to look out for when choosing the best air mattress platform in a bit.

Tips On Putting an Air Mattress on A Bed Frame

In an ideal setting, a bed frame shouldn’t be used to support an air mattress. But how about we bend the rules and show you how you can make it work. That would be great, right? Below are a few effective tips you need to consider if you wish to place an air mattress on a bed frame.

Use Velcro Tape

Velcro Tapes will definitely come in handy if you plan on putting your air mattress on a bed frame. However, just any Velcro tape won’t cut it. You need the strongest and most reliable option on the market.

These tapes will help in keeping your mattress in one place while also serving as protection from punctures.

Glue one end of the tape to the underneath of your air mattress and stick the other end to your bed frame or any of the alternatives we will share with you soon enough.

Put The Bed Frame Against the Wall

Putting the frame of your bed against the wall is an excellent option to consider. Nevertheless, you can also decide to place the bed frame in the corner of your room. Whichever way you choose works just fine because they reduce the chances of your mattress moving around the bed frame. This makes it possible for you to sleep comfortably.

Choose a Platform Made for an Air Mattress

If you get the ideal platform for your air mattress, you can be sure it will last you for a long time. Without a doubt, there are different platforms for mattresses on the market. However, when it comes to air mattresses, the only platforms to consider are those fitted with mesh support systems. Also, they must not have sharp edges. So, if the mattress platform ticks both boxes, you should go for it.

What to Use with an Air Mattress Instead of the Frame

You know what? If you wish to raise your air mattress above the floor, you don’t need a bed frame to get the job done. Yes, you don’t! There are other suitable options available to you that can provide you with the comfort and convenience you desire. They include:

  • Wood Pallets
  • Plywood
  • Rug
  • Bunkie Board
  • Box Spring

Wood Pallets

Can You Put an Air Mattress on a Bed Frame? Here's the Answer!

This is one of the best alternatives to consider when you want to raise your air mattress off the floor. Here is why:

  • They are easy to customize: Wood pallets are easily adjustable, meaning that you can adjust the height of your wood pallets frame until it is suitable for you. Also, you can place air mattresses of different heights on wood pallets. It is an excellent fit.
  • They are affordable: If you decide to buy wood pallets, you can rest assured that they are pocket-friendly. Put simply, you won’t need to go overboard with your spending.
  • They are stable: Normally, a few pallets stacked together can conveniently support a weighty hybrid mattress with sleepers. Hence, handling a lightweight and inflatable mattress should be a piece of cake.

Additionally, we recommend that you use a thick fabric or mattress topper above the wood pallets before your place your air mattress. This will prevent the wood from puncturing your mattress.

Plywood

Can You Put an Air Mattress on a Bed Frame? Here's the Answer!

You can also use plywood. However, it can only elevate your air mattress 2 inches above the ground. So, if you just want a little elevation, this is a great option to consider. That being said, we recommend that you use a waterproof fabric like Tarp to wrap the plywood, as it helps to prevent it from absorbing moisture in the air. This reduces the possibility of bending or timber rot.

Rug

Can You Put an Air Mattress on a Bed Frame? Here's the Answer!

It is worth noting that using a rug won’t elevate your mattress from the ground. What it does is simply serve as protection for your air mattress bottom and prevent it from sliding. To make this option work, all you have to do is cut the rug to perfectly fit your mattress. Once you pull this off, you are good to go.

Bunkie Board

Can You Put an Air Mattress on a Bed Frame? Here's the Answer!

Bunkie boards come with a 1-inch or 2-inch slatted surface, which is ideal for creating a leveled surface for standard mattresses. Nonetheless, you can use them to elevate your air mattress from the floor, as it has broad slats with tiny spaces that help in weight distribution.

Note that bunkie boards are mainly suitable for twin and twin XL mattresses. Therefore, it is best that you use them for air mattresses with similar measurements.

Box Spring

Can You Put an Air Mattress on a Bed Frame? Here's the Answer!

Box springs are ideal for low mattresses. They come with flat surfaces and are solid enough to support weighty mattresses. So, if your air mattress isn’t too high, don’t you worry, a box spring will support your air mattress conveniently.

Final Thoughts

In an ideal setting, you shouldn’t place an air mattress Trusted Source As Air Mattresses Get More Cheaper, A Reminder They Are Not Safe For Infants : Shots - Health News : NPR Inflatable beds are increasingly popular, and their soft, impermeable surfaces, increase risk of sudden infant death. But they are often the only bed that a family can afford. www.npr.org on a bed frame. However, thanks to our easy-to-follow step-by-step guide, you can defy the odds and convert your air mattress into a regular bed.

We also provided you with excellent alternatives you could decide to use for your air mattress instead of a bed frame. Hence, you are spoilt for choice when it comes to making the transition from lying your air mattress on the floor to raising your air mattress off the floor. Now that you know if you can put an air mattress on a bed frame, it is time for you to make your call and choose any of the solutions we have shared that suits you best.

References

1.
Your camping equipment
The first air mattress was invented in 1889 by the Pneumatic Mattress & Cushion Company in Reading, Massachusetts. Surprisingly, the design of the mattress has remained virtually unchanged over the last 120 years, closely resembling the standard air mattress used for lounging in the swimming pool today.
2.
As Air Mattresses Get More Cheaper, A Reminder They Are Not Safe For Infants : Shots - Health News : NPR
Inflatable beds are increasingly popular, and their soft, impermeable surfaces, increase risk of sudden infant death. But they are often the only bed that a family can afford.
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