Designing a custom inflatable: shaping YOUR looner fantasy
A custom-designed inflatable — or something close to it — is a powerful way to give real shape to your looner fantasy. It’s kind of magic✨ The owner of Guilty Pressure (and writer of the blog you’re reading right now) recently went through this process and decided to document the experience.
Read on to find out more.
Quick disclaimer:
The woman shown in the GIF below is not real — the inflatable is.
The version shown is also the wrong size; in real life, it measures 3 meters tall which is HUGE🤤
Guilty Pressure is never responsible for costs incurred by incorrectly placed custom orders with third parties 🤷♂️
it started here…👀
The first step was patience, hehe I don’t have a lot tbh 🤷♂️ but this was worth it!
I waited until one of the manufacturers offered free worldwide shipping.
Since I don’t have official permission to name manufacturers, I won’t mention names — but in my case, the promotion saved me €35–45.
Keep in mind:
A custom order is always expensive because it involves bespoke work!
Because of that, I personally would not recommend
softening or rubberizing
a custom inflatable.
There’s a real risk of damaging or destroying it — although, if you’re a popper, you might not mind 😜
Size, space, riding potential🤔
I love large inflatables, and that passion shows clearly in the studio’s work over the years.
Inflatables that are big enough for two or even three models
(duo riding is *so* hot)
are also incredible to ride on solo.
That said; space matters.
I chose a size of 3 meters, because it fits almost anywhere.
Barely… but it works 😉
Shape & design choices
The final shape is a crossover between:
- a ride roll (basic geometry)
- a Guilty Pressure pillow (softness & finish)
- and a whale (rideability and balance)
The result is a giant inflatable bone with a large seating area — roomy enough for up to three people.
(In real life, this thing is a lot bigger 🔥)
The valve placement makes it perfect for some very hot
riding while inflating
too by the way which is no coincidence…🤤
Visually and physically, it combines:
- the black color and rideability of a 3m whale from IW
- with the softness of a slightly rubberized ride roll /
Guilty Pressure pillow 🖤
Summarizin the checklist BEFORE ordering
Before ordering, I clearly defined:
- Color
- Softness (measured in PA)
- Material thickness (very important!)
- Valve size
- Finish (shiny vs matte — I chose shiny 👀)
- Extra UV protection
Clarity at this stage prevents disappointment later. Be as clear as possible to avoid any mistakes and triple check the pro forma invoice(s).
Delivery and build quality
After roughly 4 weeks, the inflatable was finished and delivered.
Packaging was excellent — it even came with its own transport bag 📦
A nice detail:
The seams aren’t pinched shut, but rolled flat, which significantly improves the riding experience. The smell though, is not the classic Intex-like smell but more kind of ‘sweet’-ish🍬 I like candy, so I’m good😜
Final verdict
After several test sessions, one thing became very clear: this was worth every single penny🫰
Even with additional customs charges (clearance, import tariffs, VAT) of around €60, the quality, feel, and experience justified the cost.
The idea that an inflatable can be made entirely to your own specifications is incredibly exciting.
Hopefully, this blog inspires you to explore custom designs yourself — and that it brings you as much joy as it brought me ✨🎈
Have a squeaky week everyone!