 | Functional but Quirky
rating: 4
I purchased this bed based on Aerobed's excellent reputation for air mattresses. Almost all of their other air beds actually plug into the wall all night, which is how they stay firm all night long. This bed is intended for situations where you might not have electricity - say, when camping - though the instructions tell you that the bed should "only be used inside." I suppose a tent counts as inside, right?
The pros of this bed: Stayed more firm overnight than any other camping air mattress I have used (Coleman, and a no-name). Bed was clearly made of quality, thick plastic. Air valve had a little thingy to block air from rushing out when you open it. Battery-powered pump was pretty strong, and also would suck air out of the bed when you want to take the bed down. Flashflight was weak, but serviceable. Came with two patches.
The cons: The pump ONLY WORKS when horizontal. If you're setting your camp up in the dark and putting the batteries in the pump for the first time, make sure to put the pump in the horizontal position before turning it on, or it won't turn on. The first night we had to use our friends' pump, which was subpar and only pumped our bed up halfway. This bed was also a little expensive.
Tips: Fill up the bed halfway and let it sit. Then finish pumping it up. This prevents leaks. Keep your pump horizontal, or it won't work.
Verdict: I'm glad I made the investment in a slightly nicer air mattress. This thing should last longer than two or three uses. There's nothing worse than a slowly deflating mattress... and hopefully I won't have that issue with this baby.
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