Choose foam or inflatable construction
Compare storage, setup and the limits printed in the instructions.
Decide where it will go between uses
Foam retains its footprint when stored. An inflatable packs smaller but needs time to inflate and dry. Measure both the available storage and the setup surface.
Look for a published load limit
Some inflatable listings give an explicit load limit. Follow the instructions for the exact model; a number from a similarly named product does not apply.
Separate the covers from the core
A removable washable cover does not make the foam or valves machine washable. Read each component’s instructions and dry it fully before putting the cover back on.