I just ordered two foam pool floats. We have wooden chaise lounges, and really need to get some thicker cushions for them (DH can't lounge very often without it hurting his back). In lieu of ordering new cushions this season, I ordered the thick foam floats. When we have gone to Caribbean resorts, they often have their foam floats do double-duty in the water and cushioning the lounge chairs, so we're going to try that for a while. I have done the inflatables, and I still have one that I have in the box that I will use this season. For the inflatable, I like the one that keeps my head propped up so I can read, drink wine, etc, and be not too submerged. This is the inflatable I use (I've even tried a foam armchair, but they don't keep me vertical enough so I returned it) , but an inflatable, well taken care of, really only lasts one season (and the cup holder on this one is too small for using a 12oz can, FYI).
http://www.lesliespool.com/leisure-15185sf-solstice-fashion-lounge/15185sf.htm
I ordered these thick 2.5" foam floats last week, they are supposed to come in on Wednesday. I did end up finding one that was another .25" thicker, but it was ridged instead of smooth and backordered several weeks, so didn't get it.
http://www.wayfair.com/TRC-Recreation-LP-Ultra-Sunsation-Pool-Float-80215-JJJ1006.html (also, I somehow managed to order this through Walmart.com via Wayfair for $20 cheaper, but I can't get it to easily pull up so just posting the Wayfair link).
The best floats I like to have out when we have company, especially the nieces and nephews, are the thick pool noodles. We have lots of those, and the adults like them, too (make a "seat" and float around). The inflatables inevitably get popped within the hour when the kids roughhouse!