The Great Outdoors, Minus the Lumpy Ground: A Camper’s Review of the Intex Air Mattress

By
Chief Grayson
August 5, 2025
7
min read

Let’s be honest, camping is a romantic idea until you’re lying on a deflated sleeping pad with a rock digging into your back. The struggle is real when you want to enjoy the starry night but you’re just counting the hours until sunrise so you can escape your uncomfortable sleeping situation. The Intex Mid-Rise Air Mattress Bed with Built-in Pump promises a solution to this classic camping dilemma, offering the comfort of a real bed in the great outdoors. This Dura-Beam Deluxe Comfort Plush queen-sized airbed is designed for luxury and convenience, perfect for camping trips, guests, or as a portable travel bed. I'll share my personal experience of taking this air mattress on a camping trip to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your next adventure. I didn’t expect it to be so useful for a comfortable night’s sleep.

You can find this on Amazon here - www.amazon.com/Intex-Dura

What's in the Box

The air mattress came neatly packed in a durable duffel bag, which was a huge plus for portability. It’s a very smart inclusion. The mattress itself was a bit heavy, which is to be expected for a queen-sized airbed with a built-in pump, but the bag made it easy to carry from the car to the campsite. The material felt thick and durable, and there was no weird plastic smell, which is a common issue with new air mattresses. It felt like a quality product right out of the box, and the built-in pump was a very exciting feature.

Feature Overview

The key features of this Intex air mattress are the built-in electric pump, the Dura-Beam construction, and the plush top surface. The built-in pump is a total game changer for camping, as you don't need to haul an external pump or spend ten minutes huffing and puffing to inflate the bed. You just plug it into an outlet and it does all the work for you. The Dura-Beam technology provides enhanced stability and support, so you don't get that classic "bounce house" feeling every time your partner moves. The top surface is a soft, plush material that feels great to sleep on and helps to keep your sheets from sliding around. It’s a very thoughtful design that makes a huge difference in comfort.

Build Quality & Materials

The mattress is made from a durable PVC material that feels thick and puncture-resistant. The Dura-Beam internal construction is a series of strong polyester fibers that provide a stable sleeping surface. The built-in pump feels solid and works quickly, a real workhorse. I was a bit worried about a leak, but the material held up perfectly against some small twigs and rocks on the ground of the tent, and the seams are all well-sealed. It's clear that this air mattress is built for rugged use, not just for a guest room. The evolution of air mattresses has moved from flimsy plastic rafts to these more durable, structured, and comfortable beds, a trend that this product is a leader in.

General Performance

The usability of this mattress on my camping trip was excellent. The built-in pump inflated the bed in just a few minutes, which was a dream come true after a long day of setting up camp. It’s a total workhorse. The comfort level was on par with a real bed, and I didn’t feel any lumps or bumps from the ground underneath. The Dura-Beam technology worked as promised, and I didn’t feel my partner moving around on the other side of the bed. It stayed inflated all night, and I didn’t have to top it up at all. It truly is a gem. The functionality of the mattress is a perfect fit for anyone who wants a luxurious camping experience.

Pros and Cons

A definite pro is the incredible comfort and the built-in electric pump, which makes inflation and deflation a breeze. The Dura-Beam construction is a huge selling point, as it provides a stable and supportive sleeping surface. The included duffel bag is also a great feature for portability. On the downside, the mattress is a bit heavy, so it's not ideal for backpacking. Also, you need a power source for the pump, which can be an issue if you're camping in a remote area without a car to plug into. This is the truth about how it works.

Who This Is For

This air mattress is perfect for anyone who wants a comfortable and luxurious sleeping experience while camping. It’s a great option for car camping, where you don’t have to worry about carrying a heavy bed over a long distance. It's also an excellent choice for a guest room or for travel, as it is easy to set up and take down. This might not be the right choice for you if you're a serious backpacker who needs a super-lightweight sleeping pad, or if you will be camping far from a power source.

Comparisons

When you compare this Intex air mattress to a more traditional sleeping pad, the difference is night and day. The sleeping pad might be lighter and more compact, but it offers minimal comfort and little to no support. The Intex air mattress is the epitome of comfort, offering a more luxurious and supportive sleeping experience. While a sleeping pad will only go so far for you, the Intex air mattress provides the comfort of home in the middle of nature.

Value for Money

I can confidently say that the value for money is exceptional. The comfort, convenience, and durability of the Intex air mattress far exceed its price point. This is surprisingly good for the price. The fact that it can be used for camping, guests, and travel makes it a very versatile investment. It is a workhorse that saves you from a night of uncomfortable sleep. It will go the extra mile for you and your back.

Quick Takeaways

  • The built-in pump makes inflation and deflation easy.
  • The Dura-Beam technology provides excellent support and stability.
  • It is incredibly comfortable for a great night's sleep.
  • The mattress is a bit heavy, so it's best for car camping.
  • It's a great value for the money and very durable.
  • The plush top surface prevents sheets from sliding off.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Intex Mid-Rise Air Mattress is a fantastic product for anyone who wants to bring the comfort of home with them on their camping trips. Its main strengths are the built-in pump, the supportive Dura-Beam construction, and its exceptional comfort. If you are tired of uncomfortable camping trips and want a more luxurious and reliable sleeping solution, this is absolutely for you. If you are a backpacker or will be camping without a power source, you might want to look elsewhere. Overall, this air mattress has become an indispensable part of my camping gear, and if you’ve used this too, I’d love to know what you think of it.