Reviewed by Marcus Knapman, BSc (Hons) Computing ·
Researched from 100+ Amazon customer reviews
· How we review
Ten quid for an air mattress feels almost suspiciously cheap. Either Bestway has cracked the code on budget camping gear, or this single air bed is destined for the bargain bin of disappointment. I've spent considerable time digging through the specs and user feedback to find out which camp this inflatable falls into. The short answer? For a tenner, you're getting exactly what you pay for – but that might be more than you'd expect. This isn't going to replace your memory foam mattress at home, but as a basic camping companion or emergency guest bed, the Bestway Single has some surprisingly decent features tucked into its budget price tag.
The headline dimensions tell the story: 1.85m x 76cm x 22cm when inflated. That's just over 6 feet long and 30 inches wide – proper single bed territory, not some cramped camping afterthought. The 22cm thickness is where things get interesting. Most budget air beds barely scrape 15cm, leaving you feeling every pebble and root beneath your tent floor.
Bestway has gone with traditional coil beam construction rather than the flat panel design you'll find on cheaper alternatives. The spec sheet shows these internal coils are designed to provide "contoured support" and respond to body movement. Sounds fancy for a budget mattress, but the proof is in how it performs under a real person.
Here's where this budget air bed shows some thought. The flocked surface isn't just marketing speak – it's a velvet-like coating that prevents that horrible slippery plastic feeling you get with basic vinyl air beds. I've seen this feature on mattresses costing three times as much, so finding it at this price point is genuinely noteworthy.
The flocked coating also helps with temperature regulation. Bare vinyl feels clammy in warm weather and cold as a fish in cooler conditions. This textured surface provides a barrier that makes sleeping more comfortable across different seasons.
The two-way interlocking quick release valve sounds impressive until you realise you'll still need a pump. Bestway doesn't include one, which means you're either blowing this up by mouth (not recommended given the size) or investing in a separate electric or manual pump. Factor that into your total cost.
Deflation is reportedly quick thanks to the valve design, and the mattress packs down to a manageable size for car camping. Don't expect ultralight backpacking dimensions, but for festivals, car boot camping, or storing in a cupboard for unexpected guests, it's perfectly reasonable.
The elephant in the room is longevity. At £10, something has to give, and it's likely to be the vinyl construction over time. Bestway includes a repair patch in the box, which tells you everything you need to know about expected durability. Sharp objects, pet claws, and rough surfaces are this mattress's natural enemies.
The coil beam construction should help distribute weight more evenly than flat designs, potentially reducing stress points that lead to failures. But let's be realistic – this isn't a buy-it-for-life purchase. It's a budget solution for occasional use.
Festival camping is where this mattress finds its sweet spot. You want something comfortable enough for a decent night's sleep but cheap enough that losing it to a tent thief or puncture won't ruin your weekend. The flocked surface means you won't slide off in your sleeping bag, and the coil construction should handle a weekend of use without major issues.
For occasional guests, it's hard to argue with the value proposition. Store it in a cupboard, inflate when needed, and don't worry too much about longevity. At this price, even getting a year of occasional use represents decent value.
The Bestway Single Air Bed delivers surprising value for £10. It's perfect for festival camping, occasional guests, or anyone needing a backup sleeping solution without breaking the bank. Just don't expect it to last forever, and budget for a pump if you don't have one.
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