Setting up an air mattress is easy and when done right, an air mattress can give you a good sleep like the traditional bed.
The air mattress can be set on the ground but sometimes you may need the air mattress to be lifted off the ground. There are several ways in which you can lift the air mattress off the ground.
We shall discuss the methods below but first, let’s understand the reasons why you may need to lift the air mattress off the ground.
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Reasons For Lifting Air Mattress Off The Ground
Whereas an air mattress can be set on the ground, lifting it off the ground has immense benefits and some of them include:
1. Protects The Air Mattress
When the mattress is set on the ground, it is likely to be damaged by debris, sharp objects, and rugged rocks.
By lifting the air mattress off the ground you will be protecting it against being pierced and getting deflated.
2. Protection Against Dirt And Dust
When the air mattress is on the ground, it is more likely to get dirty and dust will accumulate on it.
Sleeping on a dirty bed will not be comfortable and lifting the mattress off the ground will ensure it is clean and comfortable to sleep on.
3. It Is Easy To Get In And Out Of Bed
When the air mattress is set on the ground, it becomes harder to get on and off the bed, especially for the elderly and those with other diseases that limit movement.
When the air mattress is lifted off the ground, it becomes easy to get in and out of the bed.
4. Prevents The Mattress From Sliding
An air mattress is made of PVC material or other materials that are likely to slide around when not firmly secured.
When you raise the air mattress, you will be preventing it from moving around.
5. Create More Space
When the air mattress is on the ground, the space beneath it cannot be used for any other purpose.
When the air mattress is raised, you can create space beneath that can be used for storage. This is especially useful where there is limited space like in a camping tent.
6. Comfort and posture
When you raise the air mattress off the ground, it will be placed in a position where it can greatly support your posture and make sleeping more comfortable than when it is laid on the ground.
5 Ways To Raise An Air Mattress Off The Ground
Several ways can be used to lift the air mattress off the ground. Some of the methods may add considerable cost while others may be simple DIY methods that will be less costly but still serve the purpose.
Some of the methods include the use of metallic bed frames, wooden bed frames, box springs, Bunkie boards, and foam sheets.
1. Using A Metallic Bed Frame
The use of metallic bed frames is common since the metal frame is widely available and is versatile to use. Most metallic bed frames can be easily folded and transported occupying a very small space.
The metallic bed frames are available in most establishments stocking camping gear. The frames come in different sizes, and colors and you can get the one that suits your needs.
Depending on your regularity of movement, you need to choose a bed frame that is lightweight if you will be moving often, as heavy metal frames can add significant weight to your camping gear.
Ensure the bed frame has no sharp edges as these sharp edges may perforate the air mattress and cause it to lose air and deflate.
2. Using A Wooden Bed Frame
These bed frames are made of wood and are used to support regular mattresses as well as an air mattress.
The good thing about a wooden bed frame is that it can be customized to suit the air mattress size and you can do it yourself from home.
You need to ensure the bed frame has slats that will support the weight of the air mattress plus the weight of the person sleeping on the air mattress.
Ensure there are no sharp pieces of wood or mail protruding as it can tear holes in the air mattress and cause it to deflate.
One drawback of using a wooden bed frame is that it is bulky and will inconvenience you if you are moving around a lot, but it is ideal for a guest room setup where movement is minimal.
3. Using A Box Spring
A standard box spring will lift the air mattress 8-12 inches off the ground while a low profile box spring will lift the air mattress 3-5 inches off the ground.
Box springs are sturdy and provide the support needed for the air mattress and prevent the mattress from moving around.
The disadvantage of box spring is that they are expensive, are heavy to lift and move around, and do not leave any space beneath the air mattress.
4. Bunkie Board
Bunkie boards are a mattress support system that helps to provide support to the air mattress. Bunkie boards are made of thin materials that are the right weight and are usually 2-3 inches thick.
They can be made of plywood, particle boards, solid wood, or metal sheets. They are lightweight and can be easily moved.
The only disadvantage is that Bunkie boards will not lift the air mattress high, but will profit secure solid support to the mattress that will prevent movement of the mattress.
5. Using Foam Sheets
Foam sheets of different thicknesses can be used to provide a base for the air mattress and help lift it off the ground. Foam is cheap and lightweight and is easy to move around.
The use of foam sheets adds insulation to the air mattress and ensures the mattress does not get too cold on cold nights.
Final Thoughts
An air mattress is convenient and easy to set up, however, they can easily be damaged, and lifting them off the ground is one way of protecting them. The height to which you desire to raise the air mattress will determine what you will use to lift the air mattress off the ground.
