When looking for an air mattress, Coleman and Intex are two of the most well-known brands on the market. But which is better for your needs – camping or home use?
Both offer affordable and convenient temporary sleeping solutions, but there are some key differences between Coleman and Intex air beds to consider before deciding which brand is best for you.
Let’s dive in!
Head To Head Overview
Before analyzing each brand in detail, here’s a snapshot look at how some of the most popular Coleman and Intex models stack up across essential categories:
| Feature | Coleman SupportRest Double High Air Bed | Intex Dura-Beam Series Airbed |
| Type | Outdoor camping | Indoor home use |
| Construction | Coil system + cushioning | Fiber-tech beams + vinyl |
| Height | 18 inches | 18 inches |
| Weight Capacity | 600 pounds | 600 pounds |
| Inflation Option | Battery pump (included) | Manual |
| Approx. Inflation Time | Under 5 minutes | 10+ minutes |
| Weight | Roughly 19 pounds | 12.5 pounds |
| Warranty | 1 year limited | 90 days |
You can already observe some clear distinctions even between two similarly specced models. But let’s analyze those differences in more detail…
Key Advantages of Coleman Air Mattresses
Known for making rugged outdoor gear built to last, Coleman uses specialized materials and construction methods for their air beds meant for camping use. Here are the standout benefits Coleman offers over Intex:
- Durable and Leak Resistant
One perennial issue cheaper air mattresses struggle with is leaks.
But Coleman not only uses thicker puncture-guard vinyl, they also have models with coil construction encased in heavy fabrics.
By sandwiching the inflatable coils between padding layers, tears or holes don’t deflate the whole bed.
They additionally double seal critical points using welding technology rather than basic glues. This prevents leaky seams over years of setups. Together this adds up to durable air beds less prone to deflation issues – critical when you’re miles from the nearest bed store!
- Provide Better Support and Comfort
While many discount air mattresses simply offer a basic inflatable surface to sleep on, Coleman adds thoughtful features for better rest. Models like the SupportRest incorporate internal coil systems borrowed from traditional mattresses. This provides contouring and support like a real bed would.
Cushioned fabric layers on top further increase softness and pressure relief. So you avoid that unpleasant firm balloon sensation cheaper options have. For wilderness overnighters, car camping, or overnight guests, it feels close to a real mattress. No sore spots or manipulated joints so you wake up refreshed.
- Designed With Portability in Mind
From puncture protection to battery-powered pumps, Coleman makes their air beds for easy transport out into nature.
They utilize lightweight fabrics and materials while still retaining durability so the beds themselves don’t weigh excessively.
And those included external pumps mean you can fully inflate their queen size in under 5 minutes in most cases. Try doing that huffing and puffing yourself into a valve stem after a long mountain hike! By using or bringing backup batteries, you also skip fussing with AC power sources out in the sticks.
- Accommodate More Sleepers Without Sagging
A tent sleeper after a long day expects their temporary air mattress won’t bottom out like a cheap pool float. That’s why Coleman uses thicker, reinforced materials and construction in their air beds meant for camping.
Most of their models safely support anywhere from 300 up to 600 pounds. Enough for multiple larger adults even in smaller floor plans like tents.
So people can spread out comfortably over the full surface without it warping down. And the internal support additions prevent the dreaded middle sag spot after hours of sleep as well. This again leads to superior rest quality since your body stays aligned.
- Lengthy 1 Year Limited Warranty
Materials can occasionally come from factories defective.
Zippers break, pumps fail mechanically, leaks sprout prematurely.
Faults happen with any mass-produced product.
That’s why a strong manufacturer will stand behind their air beds when issues arise unexpectedly.
Rather than the industry standard 90 days, Coleman offers an extensive 1 year limited warranty on their air mattresses. So if you run into trouble because of workmanship or material flaws in that first year, you’ve got coverage to get replacements parts or new units.
This brings great peace of mind for premium investments.
Where Intex Air Mattress Shine?
Don’t count Intex completely out though. As a strictly indoor-focused air mattress brand, they optimize well for in-home uses with the following attributes:
- Very Light and Compact When Deflated
Thanks to a simplified beam construction and thin vinyl materials, Intex manages to make air mattresses lighter than traditional camping brands. Even king sizes weigh under 20 pounds inflated.
So it’s easy for one person to carry them up stairs, transport between rooms, take camping nearby, or store compactly deflated.
- Inflate Right on Existing Bed Frames
Rather than special inflatable bed frames, Intex makes their air mattresses to match standard home bed dimensions. So twin, queen, etc. sizes fit neatly onto metal frames or existing box springs.
This makes converting guest rooms or kid spaces easy without eating up more floor space. For basementRec rooms, fold-out sofa replacement, or vacation homes, it’s wonderfully convenient.
- Require No Electricity or Batteries
Since Intex beds stay put inside home environments, they are made for manual inflation without powered pumps. Simply open the valves and start blowing in air yourself. While it takes more human effort and time, you have zero operating costs ongoing.
And no concerns over dead pump batteries failing while out in the wilderness either.
- Very Affordable Pricing
Here’s where Intex dominates completely – rock bottom pricing.
While still providing fundamental bed features like graduated inflation tiers and storage bags, Intex focuses heavily on costs.
Making air mattresses priced competitively with basic pool floats.
So those needing temporary spare beds can afford quality models for $50 rather than budgeting hundreds. Especially handy for unpredictable housing needs.
Let’s move onto answering some of the most common questions shoppers have next.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The Coleman SupportRest Double High remains the leading air mattress for camping and outdoor use under $100. With coils for comfort and support, included battery pump, and durable leak-resistant design, it provides excellent rest even miles from home.
All air mattresses can start to sag a bit overnight as air cools and seeps out microscopically. But Colemans should support sleepers well thanks to reinforced layers and coils providing structure. Make sure to fully inflate, including the firmness dial. And check for leaks causing gradual sagging.
Make sure Intex air beds are completely dry before tightly rolling up and storing long term. Place in climate controlled environments like wardrobes and sealed bins to prevent vinyl dry rot or mold in humid areas.
The most common reason Intex and other cheaper air mattresses require frequent re-inflating is tiny leak points forming along seams and creases. Find leaks by dabbing soapy water along welds until bubbles appear and promptly patch holes using included repair kits or aftermarket sealants for more reliable fixes.
To soften an Intex air bed’s firm sleeping surface, try adding a 1-2 inch memory foam, egg crate, or down alternative mattress topper on top. This provides cushioning more like a real bed for better contouring support. Just make sure total weight stays within limits.
Both external and integrated electric pumps have pros and cons. External versions inflate beds faster and can be replaced easier if damaged. But built-ins prevent losing accessories and make storage simpler. So choose based on usage – external pumps better suit camping while built-ins work for semi-permanent guest bed setups.
No matter your exact air mattress needs, keeping these key contrasts between Coleman and Intex models in mind help you select the perfect pick.
Final Thoughts
Coleman and Intex both make quality air mattresses at reasonable price points. Intex offers cheaper lightweight options better suited for occasional home use.
For camping and outdoor durability though, Coleman models really shine with reliable construction, quicker inflation, more padding, and better support. Just be prepared to spend a little more upfront.
Focus on the key pros vs cons highlighted here based on your main intended use case. And consider sizing, inflation options, and weight capacity needs as well before deciding between Coleman and Intex for your best night’s rest off the ground.
Checking reviews of specific air bed models can further set expectations.
