Make sure to buy one that has an electric air pump. Many come with this built right into the mattress. Blowing up an air mattress yourself is arduous and time consuming. More expensive doesn’t always mean better when it comes to an air mattress. Much of the comfort will come from how you set it up, so don’t feel like you need to spend an arm and a leg. A decent full sized air mattress can be purchased for anywhere from $45 to $75 dollars. [2] X Research source

You can also put the mattress up against some furniture like a couch or a regular bed. Keep the mattress away from drafty windows. Don’t place it too close to a radiator. Not only will this make you too warm at night, too much heat runs the risk of damaging the plastic of the air mattress.

You can also put a blanket or yoga mat under the mattress to help keep it silent and stationary.

You can use pillowcases you have around the house or buy new ones from the store. They should be standard size and relatively sturdy. Consider going to a thrift store if you don’t want to use the pillowcases in your house or buy brand new ones. Ask family and friends if they have any old pillowcases they would like to get rid of. You can also use a twin sized bed sheet. This will require a little extra sewing. [7] X Research source

Repeat this process until all five pillow cases are connected edge to edge. Make sure all the open sides are facing the same way. Make sure you are always sewing on the same side. The side with the stitching will be the bottom, leaving the top looking clean. Always unfold the pillowcase bed after attaching each case. You should only be adding the next case on top of the one preceding. Otherwise you will end up stitching more than two together and ruin your pillowcase bed. [9] X Research source

If you are a little craftier you could also sew large buttons at the openings. Including a zipper would make it even more secure.

Some larger or fluffier pillows might make it difficult to close the ends of the pillow cases. This is fine, just keep it in mind. [11] X Research source

A sleeping pad is a good alternative to a yoga mat. Sleeping pads are foam or inflatable pads big enough to accommodate one person and are often used for camping. They are usually easy to roll up and store. [13] X Research source You can get them at outdoor and wilderness stores or online.

Choose a place away from drafty windows, open doorways, or heaters.