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Inflatable Beds in Comparison with the Alternatives

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No other bed is as flexible as an inflatable bed, and these beds are also comfortable and affordable. The competitors to inflatable beds are standard mattresses, camping air mattresses, and futons and sleeper sofas, but none of these “competitors” can truly compete with the flexibility of an inflatable bed.

The advantages of an inflatable bed over a standard mattress are the cost and the flexibility. While standard mattresses can cost a thousand dollars, inflatable beds rarely cost more than two hundred dollars. In addition, you can use an inflatable bed one day and store it the next; with a standard mattress, you have to have it out every day. On the other hand, inflatable mattresses are generally not as comfortable as standard mattresses, especially over the long term. Inflatable beds also fail to lend a permanent or “homey” atmosphere to a room.

Many people take inflatable beds camping, but other campers simply use a camping air mattress. A camping air mattress is basically an inflated air pad for a sleeping bag and is less than three inches tall. Inflatable beds, on the other hand, are similar to normal mattresses (seven to twelve inches tall) and are much more luxurious than are camping air mattresses. Of course, inflatable beds are also significantly more expensive than are camping air mattresses.

Finally, if you want to use your inflatable bed for a houseguest, you may also want to consider a futon or a sleeper sofa. Unlike a futon or a sleeper sofa, inflatable beds cannot do double duty as a couch during the day. In addition, inflatable beds do not have foam or cotton padding, so they may be less comfortable than are futons and sleeper sofas. On the other hand, inflatable beds can be several hundred dollars cheaper than futons or sleeper sofas, and you do not have to commit to a permanent piece of furniture.

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