n the outdoor camping and recreational travel space, comfort often takes a backseat to convenience. But one entrepreneur saw an opportunity to improve both. Enter AirBedz — a creatively engineered air mattress for truck beds, designed for campers and road-trippers who love to sleep under the stars, but without sacrificing a good night’s rest.
Invented by Jim Pittman, AirBedz was pitched as a game-changer for the truck-owning, outdoorsy demographic. The product seemed to solve a clear problem: how do you turn a pickup truck into a comfortable camping bed? Pittman’s solution was simple yet innovative — create an inflatable mattress that fills the entire truck bed, including the wheel well gaps.
But despite the smart product and a promising concept, the journey of AirBedz on and after Shark Tank would be anything but smooth.
AirBedz Net Worth
As of 2025, AirBedz, the truck bed air mattress company founded by Jim Pittman, has an estimated net worth ranging between $2.5 million and $5.5 million. This valuation reflects the company’s growth since its appearance on Shark Tank Season 3, where it did not secure a deal.
AirBedz Net Worth Timeline
| Year | Estimated Net Worth | Key Developments |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | ~$1.6 million | Shark Tank appearance; no deal secured. |
| 2022 | ~$2.5 million | Continued product sales and brand presence. |
| 2024 | ~$5.5 million | Expansion of product line and market reach. |
| 2025 | $2.5–$5.5 million | Sustained growth amidst market challenges. |
Despite initial setbacks, including patent disputes, AirBedz has expanded its product offerings under the parent company Pittman Outdoors. The company now sells a variety of outdoor and camping products, including SUV mattresses, rear seat mattresses, truck bed tents, and more.
Jim Pittman’s entrepreneurial journey with AirBedz exemplifies resilience and adaptability, turning a niche product into a thriving business despite early challenges.
Key Takeaways from the AirBedz Shark Tank Story
- AirBedz had a solid product — a truck bed air mattress ideal for campers and outdoor lovers.
- Despite the innovation, Jim Pittman failed to secure a deal on Shark Tank due to valuation issues and lack of aggressive sales.
- The business faced serious legal setbacks after it was discovered that another company, TruckBedz, held the official patent for the product design.
- Pittman’s defensive approach and legal threats hurt public perception and media support, limiting potential growth.
- The Sharks were right to walk away — Barbara Corcoran nearly invested, but dodged a costly bullet.
- TruckBedz emerged victorious and remains the trusted name in the truck bed air mattress market.
- The AirBedz case highlights the importance of patent protection, brand originality, and ethical entrepreneurship.
AirBedz Overview Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Business Name | AirBedz |
| Founder | Jim Pittman |
| Industry | Outdoor Equipment, Camping Gear |
| Product | Truck Bed Air Mattress |
| Featured On | Shark Tank Season 3, Episode 13 |
| Investment Ask | $250,000 for 25% Equity |
| Valuation (Implied) | ~$1 Million (not formally stated on show) |
| Deal Secured? | No – All Sharks opted out |
| Offer Received | Barbara Corcoran: $250,000 for 50% (declined) |
| Post-Show Issues | Patent infringement lawsuit from TruckBedz |
| Current Status | Still active online, but overshadowed by TruckBedz |
| Patent Dispute | Lost – TruckBedz granted U.S. Patent No. 8,316,484 |
AirBedz on Shark Tank – The Pitch That Went Flat
AirBedz appeared on Season 3, Episode 13 of Shark Tank. With confidence in his invention and a bold vision for growth, Jim Pittman entered the tank asking for $250,000 in exchange for 25% equity in his business. This valued AirBedz at around $1 million, although a formal valuation wasn’t explicitly discussed during the show.
How the Sharks Responded:
- Kevin O’Leary (Mr. Wonderful) quickly bowed out, calling the product “too niche” and doubting its scalability.
- Robert Herjavec and Daymond John also passed, citing concerns about market reach and customer acquisition.
- Mark Cuban, ever the straight-shooter, expressed frustration with Pittman’s lack of aggressive sales strategy and famously told him to “get off your ass and sell.”
- Barbara Corcoran made a counteroffer of $250K for 50% of the business, effectively slashing the valuation in half. Pittman declined, holding firm at 25%, and Barbara walked away.
In the end, AirBedz left the tank without a deal, but with a considerable amount of national exposure — both positive and negative.
Why the Sharks Were Skeptical
The Sharks’ reaction to AirBedz wasn’t just about valuation. Several factors contributed to their decision:
- Limited Market Scope: The product primarily appeals to pickup truck owners who also camp — a specific sub-segment of the outdoor gear market.
- High Price Point: While quality was undeniable, the premium pricing limited mass-market appeal.
- Sales and Hustle Concerns: Cuban’s blunt advice hinted at a larger issue — Pittman seemed unprepared to scale the business.
Ironically, the biggest storm was brewing far outside the tank — one that none of the Sharks knew about yet.
AirBedz Post-Shark Tank: Patent Wars and Legal Drama
After the episode aired, Jim Pittman received a surge of attention. However, instead of focusing on fulfilling orders or expanding distribution, Pittman found himself locked in a legal battle over intellectual property. This wasn’t a small dispute — it centered around the very ownership of the AirBedz concept.
The Patent Dispute: TruckBedz vs. AirBedz
It turns out, another company — TruckBedz — had already filed for and received a utility patent (U.S. Patent No. 8,316,484) for a similar truck bed air mattress design.
- TruckBedz filed for their patent in 2006
- The patent was officially granted in November 2012
- The USPTO confirmed TruckBedz as the rightful patent owner
What Was Pittman Accused Of?
TruckBedz accused Jim Pittman of:
- Copying their patented design
- Duplicating their product concept
- Mimicking marketing strategies
- Cloning elements from their website
The phrase “The Original Truck Bed Air Mattress,” once used by Pittman, now sounded ironic — and potentially fraudulent.
Legal Letters and Cease & Desist
TruckBedz issued formal infringement notices against all “AirBedz” and “AirBedz Lite” models. Lawsuits and legal filings followed, creating a costly and time-consuming situation for Pittman.
Meanwhile, the Shark Tank Blog, which initially reported on AirBedz’s product and patent questions, also received threatening legal letters from Pittman’s legal team — prompting them to remove content under pressure, even though site analytics showed little public interest in AirBedz-related stories.
The Fallout: How the Legal Storm Crushed AirBedz’s Momentum
While AirBedz is still listed on some online retail platforms and its website remains live, the brand’s visibility, reputation, and growth potential have been severely damaged.
Declining Consumer Trust
With public knowledge of the patent infringement and legal troubles, customers have been reluctant to support the brand. Forums and reviews reveal a consistent decline in confidence.
Missed Opportunities
Exposure from Shark Tank can often transform struggling businesses into national sensations — but Pittman failed to capitalize on the opportunity. Instead of doubling down on sales and product development, he got embroiled in defensive legal posturing.
Shark Tank Could Have Been a Lifeline
Had Pittman accepted Barbara’s deal, the investment and strategic mentorship might have helped him navigate the looming legal challenges. Ironically, Barbara’s decision not to pursue the deal likely saved her from an expensive mess.
Where Is AirBedz Now in 2025?
As of 2025, AirBedz still has an online presence, but it’s unclear whether the company is thriving, struggling, or simply coasting on old inventory.
- No major updates have been shared publicly by Jim Pittman.
- TruckBedz, on the other hand, is actively promoting its patented products, gaining ground in a market AirBedz once hoped to dominate.
- Legal experts continue to use this case as a cautionary tale about patent law and the importance of proper due diligence.
Entrepreneurial Lessons from the AirBedz Story
The AirBedz saga is more than just a business failure — it’s a masterclass in what not to do as a startup founder. Here are a few key takeaways:
Secure Your Intellectual Property — First.
Before seeking funding or going public, make sure your patents, trademarks, and copyrights are filed, approved, and bulletproof.
Accept Feedback, Don’t Fight It
Pittman’s reaction to criticism and advice — both from the Sharks and from independent bloggers — was overly defensive. Constructive feedback is vital to growth.
Focus on Sales, Not Just Legal Strategy
Cuban’s advice to “get off your ass and sell” wasn’t just bravado. It was a real-world reminder that execution > ideas.
Protect Your Brand Ethically
Imitating another company’s design, branding, or web content may offer short-term gains, but it risks long-term damage and costly lawsuits.
Final Verdict: Is AirBedz Still Worth It?
No, if you’re looking for a legally sound, trusted brand of truck bed mattresses, your better option is TruckBedz — the company that actually owns the patent.
Yes, if you find AirBedz at a steep discount and you’re aware of the backstory, you might still get a product that works well. But supporting a company embroiled in legal and ethical controversies might not sit well with informed consumers.
Conclusion
AirBedz started with promise — a great product idea, a niche market, and the national stage of Shark Tank to propel it forward. But due to poor decisions, legal missteps, and lack of adaptability, the venture fell short of its potential.
As the dust settles, AirBedz serves as a stark reminder: having a good product is not enough. To succeed in today’s competitive landscape, entrepreneurs need integrity, hustle, and clarity on legal ownership.
