I'm stuck with a not-so-great air mattress that I initially got when I moved in, and honestly, regular mattresses are outside my budget right now. I'm curious if I could turn my air mattress into something more like a memory foam or even an innerspring mattress using it as a base. I've tried looking for solutions online, but most of the advice seems to focus on preventing deflation rather than transforming it. Any tips on how I might approach this?
4 Answers
Check local places like Goodwill for inexpensive mattresses! Or you can try local buy-nothing groups—they sometimes give away free mattresses. Just check for any pet hair or bugs before picking up, and make sure to wrap them in plastic before use.
I’d suggest not trying to DIY an air mattress into a 'real' bed. All DIY efforts might end up costing more than it would to just buy a cheap second-hand mattress. I'd think about taking up odd jobs to save up or keep an eye on local listings; you might be surprised at what's available!
Honestly, an air mattress will never quite match up to a real mattress. I used to sleep on one for about six months, and while it was okay at first, it really took a toll on my body over time. It’s best to use your air mattress for occasional guests or camping, rather than as your main bed.
You might think about a cheap memory foam topper for your air mattress instead; it can really boost comfort. Plus, you can use that topper for years, even when you eventually buy a new bed. Also, I'd recommend looking into futons—they're often cheaper, easy to store, and can even double as a couch!
Does it have to be memory foam? I feel like any decent foam topper would be way better than just the air bed or sleeping on the floor.
What if I used it as a shell and filled it with either memory foam or springs? Would that work?