This is an example of how old air mattresses look like back when technology wasn’t as sophisticated.

Back then, air mattresses were two sided and inscriptions were written on it. But these may also be used in the water or as a sofa cushion just like today.

Via Design Spotter

What do you cover your air mattress with? I haven’t really had the chance to sleep on one. Some air mattresses have surfaces that are slippery enough. I would imagine that if you use a silky cotton sheet, it may get slippery and you would have to get up the bed every now to fix this. A fleece cover seems to be the better choice. It’s also cozier and warmer matched up against an air mattress’ surface. And despite numerous washing, it remains soft and snuggly as ever.

The fleece mattress cover at Kohl’s is currently on sale at 22.50-$35.10.

Some air mattresses available in the market today are fairly compatible with sofa beds. Ask any weekend visitors around and they would all chime that a sofa bed alone tend to be very uncomfortable.

Using an air mattress on a sofa bed is simple — you only have to put it on top of the mattress frame and inflate, which should only take less than three minutes. Cover these air mattresses on sofa beds with standard sheets. And then you’ll have a really homey environment, especially for your weekend visitors or overnight guests.

Your guests can in turn adjust the mattress to their comfort level, as most air mattresses today have knobs and features that allow that.

Photo: Kaboodle Air Mattress

Not all regular bed sheets fit into an air mattress as they have the tendency to stay out of place. A specially designed air mattress sheet may be needed and most stores don’t carry anaything for those.

Cozy Town Linens though offer specialty air mattress sheets made from 200 thread count poly cotton blend. Made in the USA, they fit into air mattresses 15″ deep, you wouldn’t have to worry about discomfort from sheets that stay out place.

The air mattress sheets are priced between $60 to $90.

Infectious diseases and viruses are apparently posing a big problem in two hospitals in the UK, due to mattress decontamination. Local authorities have acknowledge this and are taking immediate action.

“The Healthcare Commission have an important role to play in ensuring high standards and we welcomed and cooperated fully with their inspection of both Ashford and St. Peter’s Hospitals on 5th and 6th June,” says Ashford and St. Peter’s Chief Executive, Paul Bentley. “Whilst the initial feedback we received from the visit was positive we were concerned to learn on the afternoon of 13th June that an improvement notice was to be issued in respect of a special pressure relieving ‘air’ mattress decontamination room and a risk assessment on a bench top steriliser, at Ashford Hospital. Acknowledging these observations we have already taken action to start to resolve these issues including the immediate closure on the evening of 13th June of the small decontamination room.”

Ashford and St. Peter’s is a 534 bed hospital service with 66 beds on the Ashford Hospital site. Ordinary mattresses used for the majority of patients are cleaned on the wards and are not affected by the improvement notice. The small mattress decontamination room at Ashford Hospital, mentioned in the improvement notice, was used to hand clean two or three special pressure relieving ‘air’ mattresses per week. Due to the nature of services at Ashford Hospital the turnover on these special pressure relieving ‘air’ mattresses is small and does not impact on the delivery of clinical services.

Mattress decontamination at St. Peter’s Hospital is entirely separate and is not identified in the improvement notice. Patient services at both Ashford and St. Peter’s have not been affected by the closure of the small decontamination facility at Ashford.

Via Medical Today