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An air bed on its own is just an inflated mattress. What you put on top of it — and inside — transforms it from "camping sleep" into genuinely comfortable sleep. Getting your bedding right is one of the simplest ways to upgrade your camping experience for summer 2026. Here is a complete guide to sheets, sleeping bags, toppers and pillows for air beds.
A fitted sheet serves two purposes: it protects the air bed surface from sweat and dirt, and it makes the bed feel like a proper bed. For flocked-top air beds from Vango, Outwell, Coleman, Hi-Gear and Kampa, a fitted sheet also improves the already good grip between you and the mattress.
Standard single air beds (185 x 70 cm, 20 cm depth) fit a standard single fitted sheet. Double air beds (185 x 130 cm) fit a standard double sheet. Raised beds (40+ cm depth) need deep-pocket fitted sheets — standard ones will pull off the corners overnight. Measure your bed's depth before buying sheets.
Cotton sheets feel luxurious but absorb moisture and take ages to dry if they get damp. Polycotton dries faster and weighs less. Microfibre is the lightest, most packable option and dries almost instantly. For camping, polycotton or microfibre is the practical choice.
The most popular bedding choice for camping air beds. A sleeping bag provides warmth, is self-contained and packs down to a compact size. The question is which style works best on an air bed.
These open out flat and work like a quilt on an air bed. They offer the most room to move and feel closest to sleeping under a duvet. Two rectangular bags can often zip together to create a double. Browse our sleeping bags collection for rectangular options.
Tapered from shoulder to foot, mummy bags trap heat more efficiently but restrict movement. On an air bed, they can feel too restrictive — you are already warm from the bed itself in summer, so the tight fit adds discomfort without much thermal benefit. Best reserved for cooler conditions.
Purpose-built double bags fit double air beds perfectly. They are essentially a large rectangular bag sized for two people. Ideal for couples who want simplicity — one bag, one bed, done.
Many family campers now bring their duvet from home. It sounds bulky, but a lightweight summer duvet rolls up reasonably small and provides unmatched home comfort on a camping air bed. Pair it with a fitted sheet and the tent bedroom feels like a guest room.
The downside: duvets absorb moisture, are hard to dry at camp and take up more boot space than a sleeping bag. For car camping where you have room and plan to sleep at well-equipped sites, they are excellent. For festivals or minimalist camping, stick with sleeping bags.
A thin mattress topper placed on the air bed surface adds cushioning, insulation and a more "real bed" feel. Options include:
Camping pillows fall into three categories: inflatable, compressible and home pillows brought along for the ride. Inflatable pillows pack tiny but feel nothing like a real pillow. Compressible pillows (stuffed with synthetic fill) are a good middle ground. If you have boot space, your actual pillow from home is always the most comfortable option.
If a camp bed is your preferred base, the same bedding principles apply — a fitted sheet and sleeping bag work on any sleeping surface. Need a pump for your air bed? Browse our range for fast and reliable options.
Get your air bed and bedding sorted at UK Camping and Leisure for a summer 2026 camping season where sleep is something you look forward to, not endure.
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