A vacuum cleaner canister assembly supported on a cushion of air. A generally concentric series of ridges and channels surround a domed pocket in the base of the canister assembly. Air discharged into the pocket escapes under the ridges and flows into the channels so as to be distributed about the base of the assembly. The pocket is located generally beneath the center of mass and on the centerline of the assembly. A collection chamber also accumulates collected particulate so as to be located generally proximate the center of mass. An inlet tube at the front of the assembly is angled downwardly towards the floor to reduce the load on the canister assembly from the weight of the hose.