Buying guide for best Intex air mattress
If you want to offer your overnight guests something better than your couch — or worse, the floor — then an air mattress is a worthy investment. Intex has been a trusted air mattress maker for decades and remains a leading brand in the air mattress market. Intex air mattresses are durable, affordable at a number of price ranges, and come in different styles. They’re also easy to stow away as needed.
Before you add an Intex air mattress or two to your cart, you’ll want to keep a few factors in mind. First, what will you be using the air mattress for? An Intex camping mattress and a temporary mattress each have different features. You should also think about the inflating function, size, weight capacity, and height, among other qualities.
Regardless of your top criteria, a solid buying guide can help you make the best decision for your needs.
How to buy the best Intex air mattress
Air mattress origins
Believe it or not, air mattresses have been around since the late 1880s. Like today’s air mattresses, they were made from rubber and designed to be used on steamships. These air mattresses not only inflated and deflated easily to save space but could also double as a flotation device in an emergency.
Today’s Intex air mattresses aren’t that different from the original ones. They’re primarily made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic, though there are a few exceptions.
PVC vs. TPU
Most Intex air mattresses consist of PVC plastic, though there are more being made from Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU).
PVC plastic is fairly cheap to produce. It’s also waterproof and can last a long time. The most affordable Intex air mattresses are PVC-made. Some people have concerns about the toxicity of PVCs, but if you’re only using the air mattress for the occasional guest, this shouldn’t present too much of a concern.
Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) is a newer material for air mattresses. TPU has fewer phthalates than PVC, so it won’t release odors into the air. TPU air mattresses are also lightweight and more durable than PVC. However, they tend to be more expensive.
Size
Intex air mattress sizes are no different from regular air mattress sizes and are available in four sizes.
A twin-size Intex air mattress is 38 by 75 inches. It’s best suited for single guests or children.
A full-size Intex air mattress measures 54 by 75 inches. Full mattresses are a solid option for one person or two moderately-sized adults. Keep in mind that larger air mattresses need to be inflated more frequently.
A queen-size Intex air mattress measures 60 by 80 inches and can comfortably fit two people, or even two people and a small child.
A king-size Intex air mattress is 76 by 80 inches. This is the largest size available for Intex air mattresses and most others.
Height
When it comes to air mattresses, height matters. A taller air mattress is more comfortable, while a lower one is easier to pack up when needed. On the low-profile end, Intex air mattresses have a 10- to 13-inch height. Low-profile air mattresses are a good choice for camping, children, and anyone who plans to use an Intex air mattress short-term and doesn’t care too much about back support.
A higher-profile Intex air mattress starts around 15 inches in height. High-profile air mattresses come a lot closer to mimicking the feel of a real bed — they’re more comfortable, provide more body support, and are ideal for anyone who doesn’t want to stoop low to get into bed.
Weight capacity
Intex air mattress weight capacity directly correlates to the size of the air mattress. As you might guess, a twin-size air mattress holds the smallest weight capacity, often capping out at 300 pounds. High-powered or deluxe models may hold up to 600 pounds and cost more accordingly.
A standard Intex full-size mattress usually caps out at 400 to 600 pounds. Most queen-size and king-size air mattresses hold up to 600 pounds.
Keep weight capacities in mind when you’re making sleeping arrangements for guests. Certain air mattresses may hold you and another person, you and possibly two others, or you alone.
Camping air mattresses
Camping air mattresses are low to the ground and include a manual pump, considering campers may not have much (if any) access to electricity. Some camping Intex air mattresses also come equipped with a small patch kit. If you plan to move between multiple campsites or frequently camp, it’s a good idea to look for lightweight air mattresses for ease of carrying.
DID YOU KNOW?
Many Intex air mattresses — especially taller ones — include a layer of flocking on top for added comfort and breathability. The fabric is also helpful for keeping sheets from slipping off.
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What features do Intex air mattresses have?
Pump function
There are two kinds of pump functions for Intex air mattresses: manual and built-in. Quite a few camping Intex air mattresses have a manual pump, which is usually a simple hand pump that’s connected to an airhole on the mattress.
Built-in air pumps are found on most other Intex air mattresses and are much more convenient than their manual counterparts. When the air mattress is plugged into an outlet, all you have to do is locate the power button near the head of the mattress. Switch it on, then turn the dial to inflate. When it’s time to deflate, simply turn the dial to the deflate function until all the air is gone.
Storage
Chances are high that you won’t be using the Intex air mattress all the time, so convenient storage options are important. For the most part, Intex air mattresses include a fabric sack to hold the rolled-up, deflated air mattress when it’s not in use.
You can up the “comfort factor” of an Intex air mattress by adding a two-inch mattress topper. Secure it by layering a fitted sheet over the mattress.
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How much do Intex air mattresses cost?
Inexpensive
For $12 to $30, you can find air mattresses of multiple sizes. Most of them are low-profile ones designed for camping. Expect a height no taller than 10 inches and the inclusion of a manual hand pump. Most of these Intex mattresses are made from PVC plastic.
Mid-range
If your budget has a bit more wiggle room, the $30 to $100 range opens your options considerably. On the lower end, there’s no shortage of taller Intex twin-size air mattresses with a built-in dial. You can find full, queen, and king sizes in this range, most of which are temporary, non-camping mattresses. There are more TPU mattresses in this range as well.
Expensive
If you’re looking to invest in something large and luxurious, for $100+, there are Intex air mattresses with all the basics, in addition to high-end features like a built-in headboard and a dial with adjustable firmness settings.
STAFF TIP
Inflating an air mattress over a soft covering like a rug (or sleeping bag) is useful for both keeping the Intex air mattress in place and adding insulation in cool temps.
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Tips
- Air mattresses need maintenance, too. Especially if you’re using one frequently, clean your Intex air mattress by wiping it down with a damp washcloth and mild soap. The key word is “damp,” not wet. You can also spot clean with a rag and a bit of rubbing alcohol. The mattress should be completely dry before you put it back in storage.
- Inflate it just right. You don’t want to over inflate or under inflate your air mattress. If it’s under, the sleeper may feel unsupported and start to sink over the course of the night. An overinflated mattress can cause a rupture. A happy medium is inflating the mattress just under full capacity, around 90%.
- Stop the slide. Inflate your Intex air mattress on a rug or carpet to keep it from sliding while in use.
FAQ
Q. Can Intex air mattresses be used long-term?
A. It’s possible, but not necessarily recommended. Air mattresses lack the body support, temperature regulation, and overall comfort found in conventional mattresses. It probably isn’t the best idea to use an air mattress for more than a few weeks at a time, if that much.
Q. Can I recycle my Intex air mattress?
A. It depends on the plastic. PVC plastic can be recycled. You should cut the air mattress open with scissors, then roll it up in a compact manner. Take the Intex air mattress to your local recycling center — they’ll be able to tell you if it’s recyclable or not. If it can’t be recycled, consider keeping it on hand to patch up holes in other plastic items (like an inflatable pool, for example).
Q. Is an Intex air mattress bad for my back?
A. Over time, yes. Most air mattresses are designed for short-term use. They don’t offer enough back support and can cause your spine to move out of alignment.
