Sleep - Live Life Big

Written by Camila Reed in Sleep last updated August 2023 LiveLifeBig.net may earn a small commission when you use one of the links on this page to purchase. Being overweight comes with its own set of challenges, especially when it comes to buying products online, whether that’s exercise equipment or clothes. But being tall can be as equally frustrating because nothing seems to be constructed to fit you properly, especially beds and in this case air mattresses. Now if you’re tall and fat then chances are your options will be even more limited in the airbed market, but this is not a space to be desperate. We’re here to celebrate our bodies and their size and most importantly we’re here to advise you and find products that are manufactured with your body type and physical needs in mind. I must admit finding high-quality air mattresses that can support my weight wasn’t easy, and now that I had to add height into the equation my research became more difficult. Nonetheless, this journey only made me more aware of what makes an air mattress tall and fat people appropriate and now you can learn about all that as well. But if you’d rather see what air mattresses made the list then you can see our top choices for tall people here: Best Overall For Tall People: Englander Queen Size Air Mattress Runner Up: EZ Inflate Air Mattress Best On A Budget: Elaml Store Queen Air Mattress Best For People Over 6 Feet Tall: Intex Dura-Beam Deluxe Comfort Best For People Over 7 Feet Tall: SLEEPLUX Queen Air Mattress With Headboard Best For Tall Campers: Etekcity Upgraded Camping Air Mattress Best For Tall Hikers: ALPS Mountaineering Vertex Air Bed Best For Everyday Use: King Koil Luxury California King Air Mattress Best Air Mattress with Build in Dual Pump: SoundAsleep CloudNine Series Air Mattress What’s A Good Mattress Size For Someone 6 Feet Tall Or Taller? We all want a good night's sleep. For some, that includes stretching their whole body like a starfish. And, for tall people, this is not always possible. In fact, if you’re tall then chances are you are quite limited to the sleeping position you can acquire because the air mattress might just not be long enough for you. The best length for an air mattress for tall individuals would be 80 inches long. Even if you’re somewhere around 6 feet tall or taller getting a 72 or even a 75-inch air mattress will most likely not be enough. It’s always best to have more wiggle room, especially if you’re a restless sleeper. And if you’re 7 feet tall then I’d look for a 90-inch air mattress like the SLEEPLUX Queen air mattress on our list, to have enough space to comfortably stretch and not feel like your head or feet will go over the edge any minute now. What Should You Look For In An Air Mattress As A Tall Person? An air mattress can come in handy for different reasons, whether you need it for your camping trips, or to let a few friends stay over and even for your own self. But to get the right air bed, especially if you’re tall you need to keep a few criteria in mind that I used to pick our top contenders! Mattress Length I’m a short gal so the only thing I need to worry about when it comes to an air mattress it’s the weight limit. My husband on the other hand has to think about the airbed’s length, and he doesn't want one that's just tall enough because as he tells me there’s nothing more uncomfortable than a mattress that’s just his height. He’s over 6.5 feet tall and for those of you who are even taller than that you need to look for an air mattress that has some wiggle room if you want to have a comfortable sleeping experience. Mattress Height and Thickness Even as a short person, having a double-height mattress makes a big difference in getting in and out of bed. The University of Oulu has found that “people in the tallest quartile had been diagnosed with osteoarthritis of the knee more often than the others.” So, as a tall and fat individual, you definitely need a double-height mattress to help relieve some of that knee discomfort. Thin mattresses are also quite uncomfortable because with the extra pressure from your weight you will end up basically touching the floor right through it. Knowing that all these issues can affect heavy and tall folk, we made sure that most of the mattresses on our list are double-height and thick to make you forget that what stands between you and the floor is air. Good Weight Distribution Weight capacity seems like an obvious factor. After all, as fat folks we need an air mattress that can securely support us. And while it definitely needs to be considered, the way your weight is distributed throughout the whole airbed especially as a tall individual is also important. Nowadays we can rely more on an air mattress’s construction to support our body properly because they’re no longer one big flat balloon filled with air. Instead, they have air coils or air beams, so basically the air is spread out into columns or beams. This provides a lot more support than those with only one air compartment. Usually, the more air coils or beams a mattress has, the greater support your air mattress will provide you with since the distribution will be just right for your weight and height across the whole bed. Easy To Pump This might sound like an over-the-top luxury requirement but trust me a built-in pump is going to change your air mattress experience for the better. Since air mattresses lose air during the day you always need to stay on top of the inflation process and most importantly you need to be careful not over inflate them in case they burst. More so, as a tall person you’ll be pumping a large mattress, and no matter how much extra cash you’re saving it’s just not worth your time, and effort. Knowing that this is an unpleasant process firsthand, the air mattresses on this list have a built-in pump that will get your mattress from flat to fully inflated within just a few minutes. Our Top 9 Air Mattresses For Tall People Let’s face it being tall or having tall friends can make you feel like you have limited choices when it comes to air mattresses. But I don’t want my fellow tall and big folks to feel left out, that’s why I have made this list for you! Best Overall For Tall People: Englander Queen Size Air Mattress On Sale ($129.38 OFF) 12,793 Reviews Englander Cal King Size Air Mattress w/Built in Pump - Luxury Double High Inflatable Bed for Home,... This mattress is 84 inches long making it suitable for people up to 6.6 feet tall with plenty of wiggle room. The 800-pound weight limit of this mattress is perfect for one or two people of all sizes. The 20-inch height will make getting in and out of bed an easy task. Check Today's Price on Amazon This list is full of high-quality mattresses, but when it comes to my number one pick there can't be no other than the Englander. That's because the Englander uses innovative technologies to construct a durable airbed that is reinforced with coil beams, and welded seams that help the king-sized version handle 800 pounds of pressure. Not only does this mean that a heavy person can use this bed on a daily basis, but a tall one for that matter. If you're 7 feet tall you can still comfortably sleep on the bed, but you'll be just the right size without extra room to maneuver. This means that our top pick can still accommodate most tall people, and it can do it in the most comfortable way thanks to the 20-inch height. This is good news for all my folks that have hip problems or experience back and knee soreness. If you remember mattresses from years back then you know about the sticky plastic covers they used to have, well not the Englander. This airbed has a microfiber exterior that not only is resistant to punctures, but it's super comfy and breathable. So, you don't have to worry about sweating or freezing. More so, this material will keep your bedsheets in place no matter how much you toss and turn during your sleep. Which again is great news for all of you cat, dog, and human baby parents! You can check out their other sizes and see the latest price on Amazon by clicking here. What I Love About It: This air mattress has a ton of wonderful features for tall and large folk alike, but I need to give credit to the company's excellent customer service. The 5-year warranty covers most pump issues, bubble development, leakage problems, and punctures that have happened naturally. What I Wish It Had: Don't get me wrong this is a great air mattress, but a dual internal pump would make it even greater. Runner Up: EZ Inflate Air Mattress EZ INFLATE Air Mattress with Built in Pump - Queen Size Double-High Inflatable Mattress with Flocked... The 80-inch length of the mattress is suitable for someone who is 6 and a half feet tall maximum. The 600-pound weight capacity makes this a plus-size friendly mattress. The mattress inflates in just 2 minutes or less with a built-in pump. Check Today's Price on Amazon Another great option if you're tall is the 80-inch long EZ Inflate air mattress. In addition, it has a great weight capacity and can withstand an overweight person. The height, which stands at 16 inches, should also make getting in and out of bed more comfortable for a tall and large person that has to put more pressure on their knees and back on a daily basis. You also won't awkwardly be getting up from the floor. The company uses coil beam technology to make this air mattress sturdy, and it offers proper weight distribution across the whole mattress. This means that this airbed is made for regular use. More so, the built-in pump makes inflating and deflating the mattress a 2-minute business. This pump also lets you precisely control the firmness or softness of your bed, so you can find the perfect sleeping conditions. If you get easily hot, you could use a pair of cooling sheets to keep you cool during the warmer months because the material can trap a lot of warmth at the top. The overall price is also quite friendly for the quality of this air mattress, plus you get a carry bag that you can use to take the air mattress with you on outdoor excursions. You can read some of those 16,000+ 5-star reviews and check out today’s price on Amazon by clicking here. What I Love About It: If you're unsure if you can use this mattress outdoors, then you'll be pleasantly surprised with the triple-layered puncture-resistant PVC material that's also waterproof. What I Wish It Had: This air mattress only comes in two sizes, twin and queen while I'd love to see more variety or at least a king-sized option. Best On A Budget: Elaml Store Queen Air Mattress On Sale ($17.43 OFF) elaml Queen Air Mattress with Built in Pump Comfortable Inflatable Mattress for Camping & Home... This airbed is 90 inches long and suitable for people up to 7.5 feet tall. It has 661 pounds weight limit making it a great mattress option for heavy people. This is also a budget-friendly air mattress. Check Today's Price on Amazon If you're looking for an affordable air mattress that will keep your tall guests happy then this 90-inch long air bed from Elaml is just what you need. First of all this air mattress is easy to install. Thanks to the built-in pump you'll have a whole bed ready in less than 5 minutes, but remember to let it stretch for at least 24 hours before sleeping on it. The bed comes in two sizes, queen and full and they are both sturdy enough to hold a heavy person. The advanced beam air coils are also designed in such a way to give your back maximum support. Instead of wobbling on air, or feeling like you're going to be pushed off the bed by the movements of your partner, you can experience a carefree sleep, because the double-layered material will keep the mattress flat just like a real bed. While you can sleep on the skin-friendly flocking fabric I'd still suggest using fitted sheets. This way you'll keep it clean for longer and you'll have a more bed-like experience. The Elaml brand also offers an 18-month warranty and they are very responsive no matter what issues you might face with their product. Since accidents can happen it's nice to hear that you're being covered! Read more about this air mattress and check out today’s price on Amazon by clicking here. What I Love About It: Aside from the length, the integrated, raised pillow is definitely one of my favorite features. It will keep your back at an incline, which is the most comfortable sleeping position for a heavy person. What I Wish It Had: This is a great mattress for temporary use or guests. While it stays firm throughout the night and doesn't drastically deflate, it's not the best air mattress for a permanent bed solution. Best Air Mattress For People Over 6 Feet Tall: Intex Dura-Beam Deluxe Comfort On Sale ($15.00 OFF) INTEX 64417ED Dura-Beam Deluxe Comfort-Plush High-Rise Air Mattress: Fiber-Tech – Queen Size –... The mattress is 80 inches long and can accommodate a person that's 6 feet tall with plenty of wiggle room. The 600-pound weight capacity is perfect for large folks as well as couples. 22 inches tall, which makes it really easy to get off of when you're tall. Check Today's Price on Amazon For those of you over 6 feet tall and looking for a durable air mattress that can also handle your weight the Intex Dura-Beam is a great option. This air mattress basically checks all the boxes and it can be just as great for your camping endeavors or for using on a daily basis as a comfy bed. I think tall people will definitely appreciate the 22-inch height of this air mattress, and it will also make a difference for those who struggle to bend their knees. While it's not a match to our top airbed on the list when it comes to weight capacity or even length, it's still a durable mattress with enhanced high-strength fibers that will provide you with the right support without dipping. You can inflate the air mattress with an internal electric pump or a manual pump, and compared to other air beds this process takes a bit longer, but we're still talking about 4 minutes. You can learn more about this product by reading the over 22,000+ reviews and don't forget to check out today’s price on Amazon by clicking here. What I Love About It: For the quality, the different sizes and heights this air mattress comes at a very friendly price. What I Wish It Had: You need to be really careful not to over-inflate this air mattress. This is easy enough if you carefully read and follow the instructions to get the optimum result from your bed and avoid slow leaks, or a bubble in the middle. Best Air Mattress For People Over 7 Feet Tall: SLEEPLUX Queen Air Mattress With Headboard On Sale ($15.00 OFF) SleepLux Queen Air Mattress with Headboard | Supersoft Snugable Top, Extra Durable Tough Guard |... Even with a headboard, this 90-inch long mattress is perfect for someone who is 7 feet tall with enough space for someone taller, The 771 weight capacity means that a tall and plus-size person can comfortably and securely sleep on it. The headboard means you don't have to worry about your pillow falling off. Check Today's Price on Amazon The Sleeplux air mattress is definitely tall and fat people inclusive, more so it actually has a headboard that you can lean against, and most importantly it does not take away from the bed's length! But let's talk about structure because this is the type of air mattress that you can rely on when it comes to back support. First of all, the external construction is made out of a tough guard material that enhances the air pressure retention, and it makes your airbed puncture and abrasion-resistant. Even though it's important not to overinflate your air mattress the Sleeplux is resilient against over-inflation. The time of inflation and deflation is also longer than other air mattresses but again I think that 5 minutes is still a reasonable time to wait for a beast of a bed to inflate. The cord is over 66 inches long and once you're done pumping you can store it in a compartment right next to the air pump. While I think using a bedsheet over an air mattress is a must, I can still appreciate the antimicrobial coating of this bed, which protects the bed from bacteria, mold, and mildew. The fuzzy and plush-like surface is also super soft and comfy! Check out all the other styles and sizes as well as today’s price on Amazon by clicking here. What I Love About It: I know this seems like a minor detail but for someone who can't leave their phone alone until the last minute the fact that there is a USB port to charge their phone is just a chef's kiss. What I Wish It Had: While it's great that the air mattress comes with a carry bag, the bag itself is not going to cut it if you intend on using it on a camping trip. Best For Tall Campers: Etekcity Upgraded Camping Air Mattress On Sale ($4.68 OFF) Etekcity Camping Air Mattress, Inflatable Mattress Air Bed Queen Twin with Rechargeable Pump,... The 80-inch long mattress is perfectly suitable for up to 6.6 feet tall campers. The wave beam inner support structure is more durable and can support up to 650 pounds. The bottom is puncture-resistant making it a perfect mattress for outdoor sleeping. Check Today's Price on Amazon If you're looking for an air mattress to take with you on a camping trip then you're most likely seeking a luxurious type of vacation in the wilderness and Etekcity can confidently provide you with it. As you can imagine this air mattress can handle the dirt and grime of camping since it's water-resistant and puncture-resistant. The manufacturer also used the wave beam inner support structures so the mattress can support heavier people or multiple people all at once. I also like the fact that this mattress is not as tall and chunky as most of them on our list, but it still has enough height to keep you elevated away from the ground. While the flocked top does offer extra insulation I still would recommend adding an extra layer between the air mattress and the ground, especially since the temperature will usually drop significantly during the night. The air mattress comes with a wireless rechargeable pump with AC/DC adapters, and it can be fully pumped in in just 90 seconds! This is definitely a feature that a camping mattress has to have. Remember that you can learn more about this product by reading reviews, you can also check out today's price on Amazon by clicking here. What I Love About It: The fact that this air mattress also comes in a Queen size means that it can be perfect for those of you who want to share your large tent with your loved one. What I Wish It Had: Since this mattress is more or less meant for the outdoors I would love it if the company could supply patch kits to extend the longevity of the air mattress. Best For Tall Hikers: ALPS Mountaineering Vertex Air Bed On Sale ($10.00 OFF) Alps Vertex Air Bed The mattress is 80 inches long and can accommodate a hiker that's up to 6.6 feet tall. With a 500-pound weight capacity, this mattress is perfect for heavy hikers. This outdoor airbed is lightweight and comes in a carry bag for easy transportation. Check Today's Price on Amazon What I Love About It: When it comes to hiking you need a good pump and with this air mattress you have three options: wall outlet, car outlet, rechargeable battery. More so, the pump can be used while it's recharging! What I Wish It Had: The level of comfort this air mattress offers won't satisfy everyone, but it's also a matter of preference. While camping can be a family-friendly and laid-back outdoor activity, I also wanted to have an air mattress on this list for more extreme hikers. Most importantly I wanted to take height and weight into consideration, as well as transportability. This air mattress covers all these points, with its 80-inch length and 500-weight capacity it can fit a tall heavy person or a few people if you go for the queen size instead of the twin one. I also love the fact that it's lightweight. With the Queen size weighing less than 5 pounds you can carry this large air mattress within its easy-to-carry bag that it comes with. While the air mattress might seem quite flat, the beam coil system keeps it sturdy and you won't end up dipping in the middle and it won't jiggle as you or your partner move during your sleep. Check out this hiker-must mattress as well as today’s price on Amazon by clicking here. Best For Everyday Use: King Koil Luxury California King Air Mattress On Sale ($20.00 OFF) King Koil Luxury California King Air Mattress with Built-in Pump for Home, Camping & Guests - 20”... This 84-inch mattress can easily fit a large person whose maximum height is 7 feet tall. With a 600-pound weight limit and enhanced airbed technology, this mattress is a great plus-size product. The 20-inch height won't stress your knees as you're going in and out of bed. Check Today's Price on Amazon What I Love About It: It's not easy to find a comfortable air mattress, but King Koil proudly states that they’re one of the only air mattresses endorsed by the International Chiropractors Association. What I Wish It Had: While having large bed options is a wonderful thing, I would also love to see a twin bed option. An air mattress can only be a good option for regular use if it's a high-quality one. In this case, the King Koil is definitely an air mattress royalty. Under its surface, the coil beams are like small columns that run horizontally across the bed, providing you with incredible support regardless of your weight. The bed itself is also very comfortable, as it is flocked both on top and the sides with a soft material which also makes it a more aesthetically pleasing bed. Additionally, it has a built-in pillow that offers a comfortable incline, and if you want to use this air mattress for camping then you don't have to bring a pillow with you. Aside from the size and comfort, the 20-inch height makes this a comfy bed to get in and out of, which will reduce the impact on your knees. The internal pump is easy to use and inflates/deflates the bed in less than 3 minutes, but it doesn't turn off on its own so be careful not to over-inflate this air mattress. Find out more cool features and check today’s price on Amazon by clicking here. Best Air Mattress With Built In Dual Pump: SoundAsleep CloudNine Series Air Mattress SoundAsleep Products SoundAsleep CloudNine Series Air Mattress with Dual Smart Pump Technology Queen... This 78 inches long is suitable for people over 6 feet tall with enough maneuvering room. With a 500-weight capacity, this mattress can handle a heavy person. The dual pump will run silently in the background to keep your mattress inflated all night long. Check Today's Price on Amazon Before I end up talking about the smart pump technology of the SoundAsleep air mattress I want to take a moment to highlight a few other features. If you want to feel like you're sleeping on a cloud then the CloudNine series is just what you want. The I-Beam technology will keep the mattress firm and it will give you the support you and your partner require without dipping at any point. The amazing thing about this airbed is the fact that it has 3 different firmness settings, plush, medium, and firm. So you can adjust your mattress according to your preference something a real bed can't do. Now the SoundAsleep has the typical characteristics of a high-quality air mattress like the waterproof top and multilayered puncture-resistant material, but the pump is what sets this product apart from other air mattresses. If you're afraid you'll wake up on a slowly deflating air mattress then you don't have to worry because the dual pump is designed to quietly and slowly add air to the mattress throughout the night. Basically, once you inflate the air mattress and start using it it will keep the mattress set according to your own firmness preference. As you can imagine this feature makes this air mattress less pocket friendly, but the price is still quite reasonable for what you're getting. Learn more about this mattress, read the five-star reviews, and check out today's price on Amazon by clicking here. What I Love About It: Aside from the obvious perk of having a dual pump, the other perk is having a pump that runs in the background to keep your mattress firm during the whole night! What I Wish It Had: It's the shorter air mattress on our list and it can barely fit a person that's 6.5 feet tall. It also has two sizes Queen and Twin which might not work for couples. But if you're someone below this height then this air mattress is definitely worth checking! Frequently Asked Questions Now that you have found the perfect air mattress that can fit all of you and some more, there might be a few additional questions that may be floating in your head. So, let’s take a look! Can I Use An Air Mattress Instead of A Regular Mattress Even If I'm Tall? Air mattresses can be a great investment for those of you who still want to have a good night’s sleep even if you’re camping somewhere in the wild. But what about using an air mattress regularly as a tall and fat person instead of a “real” bed, could this actually work? A high-quality air mattress can be an alternative option, furthermore, for some, it can be a cost-efficient purchase. If you’re a student, or someone living in an apartment where you have limited space then having an air mattress that you can deflate and inflate whenever you want can be a space saver. But airbeds are not for everyone, and the main reason I wouldn’t suggest using an air mattress long-term is the lack of good support. While the air mattresses on our list are high-quality products that do offer good support they still can't compete with an actual bed. If you’re planning on sleeping on it with your partner then you better be heavy sleepers because the moment one of you moves the other person will be jolted. All in all, air mattresses can work for some people, while for others it’s a guaranteed back soreness and a lack of proper sleep. Will An Air Mattress Cause Back Pain If I’m Tall? For overweight people, back pain is a common condition because our bodies carry more weight and that can affect the spine. Tall people are also at higher risk of low back pain surgery, so if you’re tall and fat then you need to be even more protective of your back. The bed you sleep on can cause or aggravate back and neck pain. According to WebMD, if a mattress is too squishy, it won’t support your spine at your neck or lower back properly. As you can imagine, air mattresses are not known for their proper firmness and support and that’s why they can cause back pain if you’re tall. Of course, sleeping on an air mattress once in a while isn’t a major problem, especially for those of you who are not prone to back pain, but you might experience discomfort after a few nights. How Can I Make My Air Mattress More Comfortable If I’m Tall? Well, the number one thing you need to do is to get a high-quality mattress that is designed for your proportions, meaning it has to have a high weight capacity and it should be long enough to fit you and some more. Since air mattresses are made out of plastic, it’s important that you use good sheets and pillows to make them feel more like a real bed. You can even use a mattress topper, which can make a huge difference to your quality of sleep. Not only is it another layer between you and the bed, but it’s extra support and it will help with temperature regulation so you don't end up too cold or wake up sweaty. If you’re planning on using the air mattress regularly then a mattress stand will act as a barrier between the bed and the cold ground. Do I Have To Pump My Air Mattress Every Day? Air mattresses will leak some air over time and that’s actually a good thing, otherwise, they are at risk of bursting because of overinflation. As you sleep on your mattress you can expect it to lose some air during the night and you’ll have to check your bed regularly in case it's sagging. This means that you will have to re-inflate it regularly. How often that is will depend on the quality of your mattress, the pressure it’s taking on, and how long you’ve had it. If you don’t want to deal with that you can get an air mattress that has a double pump like the SoundAsleep CloudNine air mattress on our list and it will regulate the air coming in and out on its own. How Can I Prolong The Life of My Air Mattress? Depending on the brand, and the quality of your airbed it can last for two years or eight years, and caring for it properly will potentially maximize its life. If you’ve just bought your air mattress, then read the instructions because each brand can be different. Then inflate your bed to the desired firmness without over-inflating it and let it stretch naturally for 48 hours before actually using it. Make sure the temperature of the room the mattress is placed in is regulated and there are no high highs and low lows. Additionally, be sure there are no sharp objects on the ground or around it that can cut and tear the mattress. Don’t use harsh chemicals to clean your mattress either. Instead, use a diluted soap solution and regularly check it for holes and tears that will need to be repaired. If you’re not using the air mattress, store it away instead of letting it slowly deflate and use it only when you need it. Those steps should help you get the most out of your air mattress before moving on to the next one. Closing Thoughts We all want to have the best things in life that fit our bodies and work for our needs, and that means that we have to properly search for them. Like if you’re tall and overweight and you want to get yourself the perfect air mattress, then you need to really look for the one that is right for you. But I’m tired of being faced with such challenges and my tall husband even more so! That’s why I made sure to make my best air mattresses for tall people the perfect guide for all my large folks out there. After all, we need to live life big on all types of surfaces, including air beds!