Can You Put A Blow-Up Mattress On A Bed Frame? (Find Out Now!)

Tiffany Nichols
by Tiffany Nichols

Home is what you make it. So, make it cozy. And don’t be afraid to be creative about your sleeping arrangements. But learn how to use an air mattress, so you don’t destroy your property. Then find out if you can put one on a standard bed frame.

You can’t put an air mattress on top of a bed frame because it could pop. Standard frames can’t secure the bottom of a mattress filled with air. So, you have to use a box spring or piece of plywood to prevent sinking.

What Can I Put My Air Mattress On?

If you can’t put your air mattress on a standard bed frame, what else are you supposed to do? An inflatable mattress can be comfortable, but securing it to a base makes it better. Meanwhile, air mattresses can take up less space than regular beds. And that means they’re perfect for small spaces.

Maintain your convenient sleeping arrangements with a few simple tricks. First, try placing a plywood sheet under the air mattress to support its weight. Or put your bed on top of a box spring for the same effect. However, your air mattress could slip and slide either way. So, be sure to tie it down.

DID YOU KNOW: You can sleep soundly on an air mattress even if it’s not on a bed frame.

How Do You Secure an Air Mattress to a Bed Frame?

You can stop your stuff from scooting around if you use Velcro to keep it in place. Velcro strips with adhesive backings can help prevent slipping and sliding. Plus, they’re relatively easy to install and inexpensive to buy. Also, slipping and sliding can puncture your air mattress. And Velcro strips help stop that from happening.

Use glue or double-sided tape if your Velcro strips don’t have an adhesive backing. Meanwhile, be sure to add strips in crucial areas where you distribute your weight the most. Then, attach the other side of the strip to your plywood underlay, box spring, or bed frame to keep it in place.

TIP: Be careful when removing adhesives from your air mattress because you could damage the material.

Can I Use an Air Mattress Like a Regular Bed?

Air mattresses are a common alternative to traditional beds. That means you don’t have to spring for a full spread just to get a good night’s sleep. So, your inflatable bed can be a terrific option for everyday enjoyment.

Inflatable furniture is also easier to maintain and less expensive than traditional pieces. You can also customize the firmness or softness to agree with your posture. And if you need flexibility with your layout, air mattresses can give you that. Simply deflate them or push them out of the way to create more space in your bedroom.

Can You Make an Air Mattress Look Like a Regular Bed?

You can trick the senses into thinking your blow-up mattress is a traditional bed. Here are four tricks to help you get started:

#1. Use a Large Enough Bedspread

Choose bedding that helps hide the corners and bottom of your mattress. For the best results, pick a bedspread that’s one size larger than what you need. Then, install the sheets and pillows to scale.

#2. Add a Topper for Softness

Some air beds have cushioned tops, but that’s not always the case. So, find one you like from the store and add it later. Mattress toppers not only add height but also make your oasis cozier.

#3. Pick the Best Pillows

Throw pillows are expensive, but they can add dimension to your space. And they can also help make your blow-up bed more comfortable. Not to mention, different pillow shapes can make your bedroom more visually appealing.

#4. Push It Up Against the Wall

Use the wall in your bedroom to create a false backing for your blow-up mattress. Then, mount a headboard to the wall to complete the look. That way, you can enjoy a traditional aesthetic even when you rearrange the space.

Try other ideas if you can think of them. Just be sure not to scratch or pop your inflatable furniture because you can’t reinflate them with holes. And check for warranty information to determine if the manufacturer covers damages.

How Do You Make an Air Mattress Feel Like a Real Bed?

You can make your blow-up bed feel more like a traditional mattress in three easy ways:

  • Put a pillow-top mattress cover on it to increase the softness.
  • Deflate some of the air to make the bed less stiff.
  • Sandwich it in between two other pieces of furniture to help hold the shape.

If everything else fails and your back hurts after sleeping on an air mattress, try strategically using your pillows. Place one between your knees and another behind your back to maintain good posture while you snooze.

Instead of an air mattress, choose memory foam, a sofa bed, a trundle mattress, or a hammock. You might be more comfortable on one of those.
An air mattress can hurt your back if you sleep on it incorrectly. Plus, you can worsen an existing injury because blow-up beds don’t offer as much support as traditional mattresses.
Tiffany Nichols
Tiffany Nichols

Tiffany Nichols specializes in aesthetics, design, marketing, and manufacturing. She's a copywriter and editor for several home renovation companies in the U.S. and works alongside some of the biggest names in the industry. Her hobbies include architecture, art, mental health, and fashion.

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