The 8 Best Inflatable Loungers
Editor's Notes
July 28, 2020:
Before we get into some of the reasons certain models made our list, we would be remiss if we didn't offer a quick safety tip. Unless otherwise stated, inflatable loungers shouldn't be used in water. Because of the design and closure system, there is greater risk of these deflating as compared to traditional pool floats, and if that were to happen while you were on the water, they can present a drowning risk.
In selecting our inflatable loungers, we looked for tough materials, since users may drag these onto beaches, camping sites, and other areas where sharp objects can hide. We also prioritized features that make them portable, and which improve the outdoor lounging experience, even when the luxuries of the indoors are far away.
With portability and convenience in mind, we like the CleverMade Chill because it comes with a travel pouch that one can wear like a backpack and has an integrated bottle opener, so you'll never be caught with no way to uncap that precious beer in the great outdoors. The Mockins Air Sofa also stood out, thanks to its three storage pockets, which are great for keeping relaxation essentials like magazines and sunglasses nearby. Just right for a couple, the Intex Ultra Daybed caught our eye, with its large surface area and two cupholders.
In terms of comfort, we like the Segoal 2020 Camping Couch because of its ergonomic design, and the Intex Rockin' because of its curved shape, as well as the fact that it can double as a pool float. The Intex Rockin' also has two separate air chambers to minimize the chances it goes totally flat on you.
On the durability front, we appreciated the rubber stripping along the opening of the Anxin Blow Up Sofa, and the robust construction of the Chillbo Shwaggins Couch. The Legit Camping Air Lounger lost its place because it proves difficult to inflate. Unfortunately, the Hauxin Waterproof also struggles to inflate properly, so it, too, lost its spot.
July 18, 2019:
Identifying the best inflatable loungers was a difficult task considering the number of companies selling the product and the similarities between them all. Despite this, we feel we were up to the task. When it comes to the more traditional models, like the Chillbo Shwaggins 2.0, Huaxin Waterproof, Wekapo Air Sofa, TSGarden Super Comfy, and Legit Camping Air Lounger, durability was a top priority. With some of the other styles, particularly the Intex Ultra, we were a little more lenient in that regard because it comes for a low price and we feel that its design lends itself well to indoor use where there is less chance of damaging it.
In addition to durability, we tried to focus on including models that had some standout features. For example, the Chillbo Shwaggins 2.0 comes in a bunch of cool colors and patterns that aren't seen in many others, the Huaxin Waterproof keeps your head propped up higher than most, and the TSGarden Super Comfy has an impressive 600-pound weight capacity.
If you are looking for something that work just as well as an air mattress for guests as it does for lounging by the pool or at the beach, the Intex Ultra Daybed is your best bet. It is very spacious and has a soft flecked top that you won't stick to if you sweat a bit.
The CleverMade AirChair, Naria Blow Up Chair, and Intex Ultra are more akin to chairs than full on loungers, though that doesn't in any way mean they are uncomfortable. In fact, if you are looking for something to watch TV, your kid's soccer game, read a book, or provide an unexpected guest with a seating area, these are some of the best options.
Times You'll Want An Inflatable Lounger
Inflatable loungers can bring the feeling of one's living room to a park for outdoor movie screenings.
People with an inflatable lounger are usually the envy of others in a lot of outdoor recreational areas. Having one at a public pool can give the user an elevated place to float in the water, away from the splashing children. Because inflatable loungers sit so high up, they also give parents a better vantage point from which to keep an eye on their children at busy pools and prevent any devastating water accidents.
A day at the lake can be much more comfortable with an inflatable lounger, too. There usually aren't lounge chairs at natural recreation areas like lakes. Solid lounge chairs are too heavy and bulky to bring along. Inflatable loungers can shrink down to the size of a baseball, and inflate into a full-size seat that offers a total reclining position.
Campers can combine a thermal sleeping bag with an inflatable lounger for the ultimate comfortable sleeping experience. Laying on a sleeping bag on the floor makes one susceptible to insect bites, and may put them on top of rocks and sticks. An inflatable lounger lifts the sleeper away from those hazards. While an inflatable mattress does the same thing, it cannot double as a couch or recliner the way a lounger can. Campers can set up their inflatable lounger around a campfire or the barbecue area, whereas they normally leave inflatable mattresses in their tents.
Inflatable loungers don't usually require air pumps either. The user can simply wave them in the wind, and they will inflate. This, too, makes them much easier to move from one area to the next than an inflatable mattress. Inflatable loungers can bring the feeling of one's living room to a park for outdoor movie screenings. Because they're elevated, they can also help the users see over the other movie goers in case they are stuck in the back row.
How To Pick Out Your Inflatable Lounger
People who love to screen movies outdoors on their projector should purchase an inflatable lounger that recreates the living room experience as best as possible. Some have cupholders and even leg rests. Many are also shaped like reclining chairs, which can be good for those with back pain. Those bringing their inflatable lounger to concerts and other crowded events should purchase one in a bright color so they can easily spot it. Couples will appreciate an extra wide one with a headrest because it feels like a luxury inflatable bed.
Those who are purchasing an inflatable lounger for sunbathing should make sure it's made from soft materials so it's comfortable to lay on in a bathing suit.
If one is purchasing an inflatable lounger to keep poolside, they should look for models with a non-slip bottom since the patio around pools can often be very slick. Loungers that will be used at a lot of barbecues should be made from flame-retardant materials. Look for one that inflates quickly so you don't need to spend much time setting up your relaxing area. Since inflatable loungers are typically used outdoors, make sure they're made from puncture-resistant materials so they aren't ripped by sticks and sharp objects on the floor.
Those who are purchasing an inflatable lounger for sunbathing should make sure it's made from soft materials so it's comfortable to lay on in a bathing suit. Many also have pockets for things like cell phones and wallets. Those can be very helpful when one is swimming and doesn't want to leave a purse unattended. People who already need to carry a lot of gear should make sure their inflatable lounger is lightweight when deflated.
Surprising Uses For Inflatable Loungers
Most people do not buy their first home until their mid to late thirties. Before that, people tend to rent homes, and move more frequently. Purchasing expensive furniture for a home one may not stay in for long can be a waste of money. The expensive couch a person buys for one home may not fit in or match the decor of their next house. Most individuals want some solid furniture, of course, but buying a few inflatable loungers can help people save money when they aren't ready to invest in pricier recliners and couches.
Purchasing expensive furniture for a home one may not stay in for long can be a waste of money.
People who host creative conferences and events, like writers workshops, may not like the stiff, sterile look of regular conference room chairs. Purchasing dozens of sofas to bring into a rented conference room is not cost efficient, or easy to do. But inflating a dozen loungers for a writer's group can create the perfect relaxed, artistic ambiance for very little money. People who often have a lot of guests over but don't want to clutter their home with extra furniture can keep inflatable loungers on hand. They can simply inflate them when friends come over, and put them away when they leave.
The average size of a college dorm room is 114 square feet. Students need space-saving items like lap desks and under-bed shoe storage. Inflatable loungers can help them add a relaxing place to sit to the common areas of their dorm. When they're done using them, they can deflate them and easily fit them under their bed.