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Each individual person has a completely unique body shape and a different idea of exactly what comfort means. Additionally, our personal idea of comfort can change over time due to weight gain or loss, pregnancy, illness, and stress. Because of this, it does not make sense that everyone will be comfortable on the same mattress in the same position night after night. Luckily, every aspect of sleep can now be customized by using adjustable air mattresses, like a sleep number bed, with adjustable beds.

First, let’s take a look at the benefits offered by adjustable air mattresses. These beds have air chambers contained inside the mattress which are controlled by an air pump and hand controls. The chambers can be adjusted to the desired pressure, providing a firm or soft bed at the touch of a button. Queen and king mattresses are even available with dual camber designs, which allow each side to be controlled independently. This is perfect for couples who do not agree on mattress firmness, as neither person is forced to compromise their sleep.

Quality air mattresses can last twice as long as traditional beds, since the air chambers do not compress and lose their shape overtime like springs and coils do. As long as the air chambers utilize a high gauge vulcanized latex rubber, 20 mil or thicker, and are well sealed, they should last for up to 20 years or longer. For optimal comfort, the chambers should be five to six inches thick and have a baffled design for even air flow. Many air mattresses will come with 20 year warranties, so they are built to last. Not all air mattresses are compatible with adjustable beds, so do check with the retailer.

One other great feature of the air beds is that you can customize the sleeping surface. If you prefer the feel of a traditional mattress, then you can go with a high or low profile fiber fill pillow top. Memory foam pillow tops are a natural partner to the air mattresses and enhance the pressure free comfort and gentle support of the air bed. Recently, latex tops are also gaining popularity. The all natural latex foam is great, as it provides a cooler sleep and is virtually allergen free. For longevity, it is best to select either memory foam or latex foam surfaces, as they will keep their shape and last longer than fiber pillow tops.

The adjustable beds take the adjustability of air mattresses to a whole new level. Not only can you adjust the feel of the bed, but also the shape. Since our bodies are not flat, sleeping on a completely flat surface can be linked to back pain, leg pain, and more. With adjustable beds, more ergonomic positions can be achieved. Individuals with poor circulation often report marked improvement in discomfort by slightly elevating the legs, and back pain can be alleviated through a zero gravity position in which the legs are raised to a 45 degree angle and the head is slightly elevated. This takes the strain of support off of the lower back, allowing the muscles to truly relax.

Have you seen the infomercials proclaiming the benefits and exciting innovation of the sleep number bed, only to be disappointed by the high price tag? Well what you may not realize is that there are many other brands of air mattresses like sleep number beds available online for a fraction of the price. Many of these beds posses features comparable to if not better than the major brand and can be located by a doing a little online research.

Before you start shopping, you should be familiar with the basic components and functions of air mattresses. These are much more sophisticated than your average blow up air mattress used for guests and camping. The adjustable nature of the mattresses comes from the ability to adjust the air pressure of a chamber beneath the sleeper. This is done using a hand control attached to an electronic pump, which is placed behind or underneath the bed. Keep in mind that your bed will need to have an outlet nearby for the pump to connect to.

As for the mattress itself, most will have a similar design. Usually, the top part of the mattress will zip off to reveal the air chambers below. There should be some type of moisture barrier between the top of the mattress and the chambers to prevent mold and mildew from forming. Atop the chambers, there may be a sheet of foam for added protection as well. The air chambers themselves should be about six inches or so in height and should be composed of at least 24 gauge rubber for optimal safety. Galvanized rubber will typically prove to be the most durable material. Look for air chambers which have a baffled design. This will keep the air flow even and provide a more comfortable surface.

Each air mattress manufacturer will use their own type of barrier system to keep the air chambers in place. Sleep number beds use design which places a foam bar in the center when two chambers are used. There are many reports of this feeling like a bar down the center of the bed, so if you are looking for a dual chamber air mattress, you may want to avoid designs like this. Other companies utilize a design in which two slings keep the chambers in place and side by side for a more seamless feel.

Other features you should check for include hand controls and safety. Any decent air mattress will include hand controls which can be either hardwired or wireless. While wireless remotes may seem more convenient, keep in mind that if you lose or cannot find your remote, than you cannot adjust your bed. The control should have a digital, backlit design so that it can be easily adjusted at night. Make sure the air pump is listed with UL and/or ETL for safety. Quality mattresses will also be equipped with a feature which allows the bed to retain its air if the power goes out. Also, remember that with platform beds and adjustable beds, you will not need a foundation or boxspring.