Inflatable mattresses for swimming: varieties and selection rules

When relaxing on the beach, near a pond or pool, adults and children will definitely need some additional products. Among a large number of different things on vacation, it is worth highlighting a bathing mattress, which is capable of performing several functions at once, in addition, it can be used by adults and children.

Air mattresses stand out for their usefulness and versatility while relaxing outside the home, as they can be used directly in the water. Besides, mattresses will be a great alternative to bedding or a deck chair, in some cases they can replace a bed in the house and beyond.

Inflatable products have their own individual characteristics, therefore, it must meet a number of operational characteristics.

• First of all, this concerns the direct purpose - the use of products in water. In light of which, all products of this line will have waterproof and water-repellent properties.Thanks to these qualities, a swimming mattress of any size or shape is able to withstand prolonged contact with water.
• Today, the manufacturer classifies products based on the ability of the material to withstand loads. So, on sale there are products designed for the weight of children and adolescents, for one person, as well as mattresses that can be operated by several people at once. There are large options designed for 6 or more people.
• The configuration features of air mattresses for swimming are not designed for the product to be used for sleeping. This allows them to stand out from the range of air beds designed for night rest.
• Typically, the configuration of swim mattresses is a cellular product, divided into sections, with valves for separate inflation. This feature increases the safety of mattresses on the water, because even if one part is damaged, the rest will remain filled with air, which will keep the vacationer afloat for some time.

Like any other product, beach air mattresses have their individual positive and negative qualities. The advantages include the following.

• Due to the characteristics of the raw materials used for the manufacture of such products, when deflated, they take up a minimum of space. Therefore, it will be convenient to store mattresses in your home after use, as well as transport with you to the sea, the beach in a bag, suitcase, trunk. Even unusual models with a roof, a grid or in the form of animals when folded will take up a minimum of space.
• In addition to compactness, all inflatable products will have a minimum weight in a ready-to-use state or in an assembled state. This allows you to carry it to the pool, beach, home or car, even for women and children.
• Water stability is their main advantage, regardless of size. Even cool in shape and huge mattresses are made in such a way that they perfectly maintain balance on the surface of the water, without turning over even with active use and movement of a person on it. This feature is inherent in products due to the correct placement of air cells over the entire area. It is believed that a swimming mattress is safer than a circle.
• As a rule, mattresses are made from durable raw materials that are resistant to most mechanical damage.
• It will be possible to inflate a beach mattress not only with mechanical, but also with manual application. As for children's options in the form of unicorns, flamingos, mattress chairs or boats, an adult can inflate such products with his mouth. There is also a self-inflating mattress, which will have a higher cost.
• Products in this category are presented in a wide range of models, colors and designs. Thanks to this feature, each vacationer, based on age and personal taste preferences, will be able to choose the most suitable option for themselves. For adults, mattresses are presented in a classic form, as for children's products, the choice will be simply huge - it can be an ice cream mattress, round mattresses in the form of a watermelon, pizza, products can imitate a raft, pineapple, various cartoon characters, animals, etc. .

However, the product is not without some drawbacks.

• The disadvantages of swimming products include their short service life. As a rule, with active use, the mattress will last no more than 4-5 seasons.
• Despite the fact that the products of this category are also presented in the children's subgroup, the mattress is still not intended for active fun. When jumping, the pressure inside it will increase, the mattress will burst.
• Such products can easily deteriorate upon contact with pets - the product will not withstand claws or teeth.

Classification of swimming mattresses is based on the size, configuration and age category of products.

So, on sale you can find:

• mattresses designed for use by one person;
• double or more.

As for the design, the products may have:

• standard horizontal position;
• with a raised headboard, armrests;
• in the form of a mattress-chair, etc.

Also, bathing mattresses are divided into children's and adult categories.

Products of this group are made of high quality polyvinyl chloride. Flock or velor can be used as an additional material from which the main surface in contact with the human body is made. Also on sale are products made of synthetic material that looks like a film. Such products are considered low quality, so it is not recommended to purchase them.

Mattresses with a flock face will be more expensive than conventional options, however, this additional feature will extend its service life, in addition, the raw materials will prevent slipping during use of the mattress in water.

Also on sale are products made of high-strength vinyl compounds with reinforcement. This category of products is intended for active sharing, as it is able to withstand a high load from human body weight.

Swimming mattresses for adults usually have impressive dimensions and most often come with a pump. Among this category are:

• single;
• one and a half;
• double;
• multiple options.

As a rule, the shape of such products will be rectangular, sometimes you can find large square air mattresses. The vinyl used for manufacturing stands out for its high strength and resistance to mechanical damage from stones, sand, etc. The height of products can vary from 20 to 50 centimeters with a length of 1.5 to 2.5 meters.

Children's inflatable beach mattresses stand out for their modest size, they are usually made from a thinner polymer. This category of products can have a different shape - from standard geometric shapes to unusual variations that imitate flora and fauna, furniture, vegetables, products, etc. The sizes of products will start from one meter or more.

To purchase a really high-quality and easy-to-use product for swimming, in the selection process, the following nuances should be taken into account.

• For large mattresses, it is best to opt for products with a nozzle in the kit. There are models with a built-in device, which eliminates its loss during transportation or storage on vacation and at home.
• Before buying, you should make sure that the mattress will be light and stable. Such features will help to avoid dangerous situations on the water.
• It is more correct to consider products made from durable raw materials. It is best to ask in advance for what purpose the mattress you like is intended, since some options can be multifunctional, which will save you on buying several necessary things at once on vacation.
• Products from trusted manufacturers should be sold together with a case. Such a moment will extend the life of the mattress, as well as facilitate its storage and transportation.
• Before buying, it is worth trying out the surface of the mattress. Regardless of what shape it will have, the front side in contact with the body should be smooth and pleasant to the touch. This is especially true for children's products and places at the joints.
• It is recommended to pre-inflate the mattress and try it out, conduct a small test - if you lean it against the wall with some part, then a good product should not sag.
• It is worth refusing to buy products that will have a too pungent smell of rubber, as well as leave traces of dyes on the skin after contact. Such products may be unsafe for human health.

In order for the mattress to last more than one season after purchase, it should be used correctly. The following recommendations will help prolong its service life.

• Regardless of the method of filling the product with air, it is not recommended to pump it too much. You can determine that there is already enough air inside by looking at the folds on the surface of the mattress - they will become almost invisible. Such a move will save the seams and joints from excess load, which will exclude the risk of premature rupture of raw materials from excessive pressure.
• It is necessary to control the density of fixation of the trigger valve at the mattress. It should be tightly closed, but without excessive indentation. In addition, this hole should be protected from the ingress of foreign objects that can damage the product from the inside or become an obstacle in the entrance itself when pumping.
• Mattresses should not be subjected to sudden changes in temperature, as this can adversely affect the integrity of even the highest quality raw materials. On the beach under the scorching rays of the sun in a dry form, it is recommended to cover it, in the water it will be enough to sometimes moisten the heated surface with water.

For information on how to choose the right air mattress for swimming, see the following video.