Most air beds will come with the standard sizes common in traditional mattresses, ranging from twin all the way up to king. You should order sheets that match your mattress size. But, if tags have been lost or removed, it may be difficult to determine the standard size of your air mattress (for instance, you might be asking “is that a full or a queen?”). In this case, you can measure your mattress and check for the following sizes.

Twin: 38” x 75”

Full: 54” x 75”

Queen: 60” x 80”

King: 76” x 80”

For more information on choosing a sheet size, check out Ultimate Bed Sheet Sizes Chart.

A fitted sheet adds comfort to your air mattress and helps keep the bedding in place. Most standard sheets will work for an inflatable mattress. However, air mattresses have come a long way since they were first invented and many feature an extra thick or lofty design that can be too tall for traditional sheets. When choosing a fitted sheet, consider one with extra deep pockets to make up for the extra height.

The texture of your mattress can influence how well sheets stay put. If the top of the mattress is flocked, it’s easier to keep bedding in place. In a pinch, you can even use a flat sheet draped across the top instead of a fitted sheet as the textured surface will grip the sheets better.

However, if the air mattress is not flocked, the surface can be a bit slippery, making it difficult to keep bedding in place. In this case, you may want to add sheet suspenders to ensure the fitted sheet stays put. Additional bedding like a mattress pad or topper will add comfort as well as texture to help ensure the bed stays made.

Consider both the feel of your sheets, and how to care for them. Some sheet fabrics are luxurious but difficult to care for. For instance cotton percale sheets create a hotel-like experience, but they may need to be ironed to look and feel their best. Some other fabrics like silk or satin give a luxe feel, but they aren’t always machine washable. This extra care can be worth it, especially if you’ll only be using them every once in a while.

If your sheets will be used regularly, you will want a fabric that is comfortable but also easy to manage. Consider sheets made from microfiber, cotton with a sateen weave, or rayon from bamboo. Other fabrics like Egyptian or Pima cotton may be stiff or wrinkle when new, but will soften over time and offer comfort and easy care. In any case, it’s important to choose sheets that are pill-resistant, machine washable, and wrinkle-resistant. This way, whether you’re making your own bed or welcoming guests, your sheets are always ready to go. For more information on choosing bed sheet materials, check out our post on Bed Sheet Fabrics.

If you live in a cold climate, buy sheets that are warm enough for winter, such as flannel or fleece sheets. This is especially important in cold areas as air mattresses lack insulation, which means you or your guests will naturally sleep cooler. Fleece, flannel, and other warm-rated sheets are also great for camping, ski season, and during winter holidays as they help trap heat, keeping you warmer.

If it’s summertime or you live in a naturally hot climate, consider sheets that are lighter and more breathable, like cotton, linen, or Tencel (AKA lyocell). These sheets promote airflow and can help combat the heat of summer nights or desert locals.

Now that you’ve learned about sheets for air mattresses, get more ideas for hosting guests, with our posts on How to Create a Guest Bedroom and How to Create a Guest Bathroom.