ConsFirst / Air mattresses

Serta

Serta Raised Air Mattress with NeverFlat Pump: the downsides first

We may earn a commission when you buy through our links. It never changes what we report. Learn more

#2 of 7
$$$Raised (built-in pump)Score 4.0/5
19%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-11)3,704 ratings (1-star 15%, 2-star 4%); listing may pool queen and twin.

Wirecutter's top pick and Good Housekeeping's best for everyday use: a second pump tops up the air all night, it was the only mattress Wirecutter tested that never deflated, and testers rated it the most comfortable. But it's hard to fully deflate and bulky to pack, it smells strongly at first, some testers found the plastic noisy, and Amazon owners still report leaks over time.

Top complaints

  • Hard to fully deflate and pack away

    Wirecutter's testers found air still trapped after deflating and had to hold the knob on Deflate for an extra 30 seconds or so; it's heavier than other built-in-pump models. A Good Housekeeping tester called folding it into the bag a bit of a two-person job.

    Source: Wirecutter, Good Housekeeping
  • Some owners still report leaks

    Amazon's summary says durability is mixed, with some saying it doesn't last, and several customers mention leakage.

    Source: Amazon.com product page (Customers say)
  • Strong smell at first, and noisy plastic for some

    Wirecutter noted a harsh off-gassing smell on unboxing that faded to a slight odor by the second or third use. Some Good Housekeeping consumer testers found the bed noisy, especially when sharing it.

    Source: Wirecutter, Good Housekeeping

What owners love

  • Didn't deflate overnight in testing

    It was the only model in Wirecutter's test that never deflated: five testers from 120 to over 300 lb woke up to a full mattress. Good Housekeeping says the always-on second pump keeps it fully inflated through the night.

    Source: Wirecutter, Good Housekeeping
  • The most comfortable in two tests

    Wirecutter's testers voted it the most comfortable, with a thick flocked top that hides the coils; Good Housekeeping calls it one of the most comfortable air mattresses it has tried.

    Source: Wirecutter, Good Housekeeping
  • Easy auto-shutoff pump and a 2-year warranty

    Pick one of three firmness settings and it stops by itself: under two minutes at Wirecutter, just under 2.5 minutes for a queen at Good Housekeeping. It also did well in Good Housekeeping's puncture tests and has a two-year limited warranty.

    Source: Wirecutter, Good Housekeeping
Good for
  • Guests who must not wake up on the floor
  • Comfort closest to a real bed
  • Choosing a firmness (three presets)

Scores (tap for why)

What experts say

  • Wirecutter: Top pick (updated 2026-07-29): most comfortable and zero measured overnight deflation; hard to fully deflate, initial odor, pricier.
  • Good Housekeeping: Best for everyday use (2026-08-19): stays inflated all night and did well in puncture tests; some testers found it noisy.
  • Popular Mechanics: Best dual pump (updated 2024-07-25): no sagging, but needs to stay plugged in all night.
Check price on AmazonWe don't list prices — they change daily. Paid link.

If that catch is a deal-breaker

Highly ranked air mattresses whose biggest complaint is something else.

#1 in air mattressesSoundAsleep Dream Series Air Mattress

One of the most popular air mattresses: Good Housekeeping's and Popular Mechanics' best overall, and CNN's runner-up for its comfortable, bed-like feel and easy auto-shutoff pump. But owners are split on whether it holds air, a Wirecutter staffer's twin leaked on first use, and Wirecutter dropped it after a PVC smell barely faded in 21 days.

Its catch: some owners say it slowly loses air#3 in air mattressesKing Koil Luxury Air Mattress with Built-in Pump

CNN's best air mattress and Good Housekeeping's best with a built-in pump: the fastest to inflate and deflate, with a raised pillow and a 20-inch height that make it feel like a real bed. But Wirecutter dropped it as uncomfortably bouncy and smaller than a true queen, Good Housekeeping hit customer-service problems, and Amazon owners are split on whether it holds air.

Its catch: mixed reports on holding air#4 in air mattressesEnerPlex Air Mattress with Built-in Pump

CNN's fastest-inflating mattress (1 minute 21 seconds), with supportive coil beams, a non-skid bottom and a two-year warranty. But it has only one expert test, the 18-inch height is less easy to get out of than taller rivals, and Amazon owners are split on air retention, with some saying the pump didn't work at all.

Its catch: loses air overnight for some

Head-to-head

See all 7 air mattresses ranked →