Quick Answer: Bloom air mattresses are eco-friendly inflatable beds built with plant-based PVC alternatives and lower VOC materials, suitable for camping, guest rooms, and portable use. They offer similar comfort and firmness adjustability to conventional air mattresses at comparable price points, with the added benefit of reduced chemical off-gassing.
In This Guide
Reading Time: 7 minutes
Bloom air mattresses have become a topic of interest for Canadians shopping for portable sleeping options that do not carry the environmental and health concerns of standard PVC inflatable beds. Whether for a camping trip in Ontario's provincial parks, an occasional guest room setup, or a practical temporary solution during a move, the idea of an eco-friendly air mattress is appealing.
This review examines what makes Bloom air mattresses distinct, how the materials hold up, and where they make sense versus where a conventional foam mattress is the better long-term choice.
What Is a Bloom Air Mattress
Bloom is a brand focused on sustainable consumer goods including inflatable sleep products. Their air mattresses are made with formulations that reduce reliance on traditional PVC, a petroleum-derived plastic that off-gasses volatile organic compounds (VOCs) when new. Bloom uses plant-based material blends and reduced-additive compounds to lower this off-gassing.
Like conventional air mattresses, Bloom models use internal coil-beam or I-beam construction to distribute weight evenly and prevent the hammock effect common in older inflatable designs. Most models include an integrated electric pump and are available in twin, queen, and king sizes.
What Is PVC Off-Gassing?
Standard PVC air mattresses release phthalates and other plasticizers when new. These compounds create the distinctive "new plastic" smell. Health Canada's indoor air quality guidelines recommend minimizing phthalate exposure in sleeping environments, particularly for children. Eco-formulated mattresses like Bloom reduce this risk by replacing or reducing these plasticizer additives.1
Eco Materials in Air Mattresses: Why They Matter
The primary material in most air mattresses is polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Standard PVC requires plasticizers (typically phthalates) to remain flexible. A study published in Environmental Health Perspectives found that sleeping in an enclosed space with a new PVC mattress increased urinary phthalate metabolite levels measurably over a 6-hour period.2
Bloom and similar eco-focused brands address this through several approaches:
- Plant-based polyols: Derived from castor oil or soy rather than petroleum, these reduce the fossil fuel content of the material structure.
- Reduced phthalate formulations: Using alternative plasticizers or reduced-plasticizer blends that meet REACH and California Prop 65 standards.
- Recycled content: Some Bloom models incorporate recycled polymers in packaging and secondary materials.
Best Use Cases for a Bloom Air Mattress
Camping and Outdoor Use
For car camping and cabin trips, a Bloom air mattress provides a comfortable sleeping surface that packs down flat for transport. The eco material focus matters less outdoors (no enclosed space for VOC accumulation) but the plant-based construction still benefits consumers who prefer lower-chemical products.
Key specs to check for outdoor use: puncture resistance (look for multi-layer construction), pump type (internal electric pumps require power; manual or battery pumps are better for remote sites), and packed size.
Guest Room Use
For occasional guests, an eco air mattress is a space-saving alternative to a permanent bed. Raised models (18 to 22 inches high) are easier for adults to get in and out of and feel more like a traditional bed. Adding a fitted sheet and a bedroom mattress topper significantly improves the surface feel for multi-night stays.
Temporary Relocation and Moving
During a home move, an air mattress bridges the gap between moving day and furniture delivery. For a 1 to 2 week use case, eco materials matter most because the mattress is used in an enclosed bedroom environment every night.
How Bloom Compares to Conventional Air Mattresses
| Feature | Bloom | Standard PVC Air Mattress |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Plant-based/reduced PVC | Standard PVC |
| Off-gassing | Lower VOC | Higher initial VOC |
| Internal Structure | Coil beam | I-beam or coil beam |
| Pump | Built-in electric | Varies |
| Price Range (CAD) | $90-$180 | $50-$200 |
| Durability | Comparable | Varies by brand |
Limitations of Any Air Mattress
An air mattress, eco-friendly or otherwise, is not a replacement for a proper mattress for nightly long-term use. The primary limitations are:
Where Air Mattresses Fall Short
- Pressure relief: No air mattress provides the targeted zonal pressure relief of quality memory foam or pocketed coil mattresses. Back and hip pain is more likely over extended use.
- Temperature regulation: Air mattresses do not have multi-layer comfort systems that regulate body temperature. They tend to sleep cold or clammy depending on bedding.
- Spinal support: Air mattresses can lose pressure overnight, resulting in an uneven sleeping surface that stresses the lumbar spine.
If you are using an air mattress for more than 2 weeks, consider whether a new mattress within budget might serve you better. Visit our guide to beds without box spring frames for space-efficient setups when moving or furnishing a smaller space. At Mattress Miracle in Brantford, we have been helping families find practical, durable sleep solutions since 1997.
The best cool memory foam mattresses use gel infusion, graphite, copper, or open-cell construction to counteract traditional memory foam’s heat retention problem. Mattress Miracle at 441½ West Street in Brantford carries memory foam and hybrid mattresses that address heat concerns through different cooling technologies. Dorothy recommends testing cooling mattresses in person, as the effectiveness varies significantly between brands. Call (519) 770-0001 for cooling mattress comparisons.
Shop: Browse All Mattresses
Find Your Perfect Mattress at Mattress Miracle
We are a family-owned mattress store in Brantford, helping our community sleep better since 1997. Come try mattresses in person and get honest, no-pressure advice.
441 1/2 West Street, Brantford, Ontario
Call 519-770-0001Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Bloom air mattress?
Bloom air mattresses are inflatable beds made with eco-conscious materials, including plant-based or reduced-PVC compounds, designed for camping, guest use, and portable sleeping. Bloom emphasizes lower chemical off-gassing and sustainable sourcing compared to conventional PVC air mattresses.
Are Bloom air mattresses durable?
Bloom air mattresses use reinforced multi-layer construction and coil-beam internal structures, offering comparable durability to standard air mattresses in the $80 to $150 price range. Avoid sharp surfaces and over-inflation to maximize lifespan.
How do Bloom air mattresses compare to regular air mattresses?
Bloom air mattresses compare favourably for eco-conscious buyers. They typically have lower VOC content than standard PVC mattresses, which can off-gas significantly in enclosed spaces. Comfort and firmness adjustability are similar to other brands in the same price tier.
Can a Bloom air mattress be used indoors as a guest bed?
Yes. Bloom air mattresses with built-in pumps and raised profiles (18 to 22 inches) are suitable for guest bedroom use. A fitted sheet and topper can improve comfort for extended stays.
Are eco air mattresses safe for children?
Standard air mattresses are not recommended for infants or toddlers under 18 months due to suffocation risk on soft surfaces. For older children, an eco air mattress with low VOC content reduces chemical exposure, which Health Canada recommends prioritising in children's sleeping environments.
Sources
- Health Canada. (2022). Indoor Air Quality, Volatile Organic Compounds. canada.ca/health-canada
- Hartmann PC, et al. (2004). Phthalate emission from PVC materials used in homes. Environmental Health Perspectives, 112(14), 1412-1417. doi.org/10.1289/ehp.7048
- European Chemicals Agency. (2023). REACH Regulation and Phthalate Restrictions. echa.europa.eu
- Radwan A, et al. (2015). Effect of different mattress designs on sleep quality and pain. Sleep Health, 1(4), 257-267. doi.org/10.1016/j.sleh.2015.08.001
Visit Our Brantford Showroom
We are located at 441½ West Street in downtown Brantford. Free parking available. Our team does not work on commission, so you get honest advice based on your needs.
Mattress Miracle, 441½ West Street, Brantford, ON, (519) 770-0001
Hours: Monday–Wednesday 10am–6pm, Thursday–Friday 10am–7pm, Saturday 10am–5pm, Sunday 12pm–4pm.
If your air mattress is becoming a long-term solution, come in and let us show you what a proper mattress can do for your sleep. We carry options at a range of price points and can help you find the right fit.