Back-to-School Bedding Essentials - From Daycare to Dorm

As summer break starts to wind down and the excitement of a new school year builds, it’s time to ensure that students are equipped with everything they need for success—including quality sleep. From kindergarten to college, having the right bedding is crucial for a comfortable and restful night’s sleep.

AB Lifestyles offers a comprehensive range of bedding essentials designed to meet the needs of students at every stage of their educational journey. We offer six of the most popular mattress sizes—Twin, Twin XL, 3/4 Full, Full, Full XL and Queen—for loft beds, home and RV bunks, Twin-over-Full and Twin-over-Queen bunks, college dorms and more. We also specialize in custom and unique sizes for hard-to-fit mattresses.

What bedding do you need for back to school?

Back-to-school bedding essentials typically include properly fitted sheets, a waterproof mattress protector, a comfortable pillow and, when needed, a mattress topper. For bunk beds, RV bunks and college dorms, always measure the mattress first because sizes and depths can vary.

Quick Guide

• Daycare: Toddler pillow + toddler-sized pillowcase
• Home Bunks: Sheets + protector + easy-to-make bedding
• RV Bunks: Properly fitted sheets for odd-sized bunks + protector + topper if needed
• College Dorm: Twin XL sheets + fully enclosed cover+ topper + pillow

Kindergarten to Elementary School

Sheet Sets: Young children need soft, durable sheet sets that can withstand frequent washing. AB Lifestyles’ twin-sized sheet sets are perfect for kids’ beds and are available in multiple colors and fabrics that make for a calming bedtime. Crafted from high-quality materials, our sheets withstand frequent washing, getting softer and more comfortable with each wash. Our exclusive NoTuck Top Sheet™ ensures little toes stay tucked in at night and makes bed-making easy for even the smallest of tots!

Fitted Bottom Sheets: Fitted bottom sheets are essential for keeping the mattress clean and providing a smooth sleeping surface. Our sheets are designed to stay securely in place, even with the most active sleepers, thanks to our top-quality, durable elastic.

Waterproof Mattress Covers: Accidents are inevitable with little ones. Our waterproof mattress covers protect the mattress from spills and stains, ensuring a longer lifespan and maintaining a hygienic sleeping environment.

Toddler-Sized Travel Pillows: Perfect for daycare naps or family trips, our toddler-sized travel pillows provide comfort and support for little heads. Made from hypoallergenic shredded Serene™ Foam, they ensure a safe and healthy sleep environment.

Middle School to High School

Blankets: As children grow, so do their bedding needs. Cozy blankets in bunk sizes offer warmth and comfort for cooler nights. AB Lifestyles offers Polartec® fleece blankets in two colors and a multitude of sizes. With fitted bottom corners, our blankets will stay put!

Quilted Mattress Pads: Adding an extra layer of comfort, our quilted mattress pads also protect the mattress. They are machine washable and easy to maintain, making them a practical addition to any bedding set.

Pillows: A good pillow is essential for proper neck and spine alignment. Our bed pillows provide the perfect balance of support and comfort, helping growing children get the rest they need for school success.

Bunk Beds: At Home & On the Road

Bunk beds are a great space-saving solution for kids' rooms, guest rooms, cabins, and RVs. Because bunk mattresses come in many sizes—including Twin, Twin XL, 3/4 Full, Full, and other specialty dimensions—be sure to measure the length, width, and depth before ordering bedding.

Well-fitting bedding can also make those hard-to-reach bunks easier to manage. Our NoTuck Top Sheets® stay fitted at the foot of the mattress, while waterproof mattress protectors help guard against spills and everyday messes.

For RV families—including those who homeschool or roadschool along the way—easy-to-manage bedding can help keep small spaces comfortable and organized wherever the next adventure leads.

College Dorm or Apartment

Twin XL Sheet Sets: For college students, twin XL sheet sets are a must-have. These sheets fit the longer twin XL mattresses commonly found in dorm rooms. AB Lifestyles offers a variety of fabrics and colors to match any dorm decor. All of our sheet sets feature our exclusive NoTuck Top Sheet™. Designed to stay put, this innovative top sheet simplifies bed-making even for loft or bunk beds and ensures a neat and tidy appearance.

Covered Serene Foam Mattress Toppers: Dorm mattresses can be notoriously uncomfortable. Our Serene™ foam mattress toppers add an extra 2 inch layer of hypoallergenic cushioning, transforming even the hardest dorm mattress into a comfortable sleep surface.

Quilted Mattress Pads: For added comfort and protection, quilted mattress pads are a great addition to any dorm bed. They are easy to clean and help extend the life of the mattress.

Waterproof Mattress Covers: Maintaining a clean and healthy sleep environment is essential in a dorm. Our waterproof mattress covers protect against spills and stains, offering durability and ease of care.

Mattresses: For students moving into off-campus apartments, investing in a quality mattress is key. AB Lifestyles offers 8 inch mattresses in memory foam or hybrid options designed for comfort and durability, ensuring students are well-rested and ready for their studies.

Pillows: The right pillow can make all the difference in getting a good night’s sleep. Our selection of bed pillows offers the perfect balance of support and comfort, helping students wake up refreshed and ready to take on the day.

Frequently Asked Questions About Back-to-School Bedding

What bedding do I need for a college dorm?
Most college students will need a fitted sheet or sheet set, pillow and pillowcases, mattress protector, and blanket or bedspread. A mattress topper can also add extra comfort to a firm dorm mattress. Always check your college’s housing information for mattress dimensions before purchasing bedding.

What size sheets do college dorm beds use?
Many college dorm beds use Twin XL mattresses, which are typically longer than standard Twin mattresses. However, mattress sizes and depths can vary by school, so confirm the dimensions with your college before ordering.

What size sheets do I need for a bunk bed?
Bunk mattresses come in several sizes, including Twin, Twin XL, 3/4 Full, Full, and specialty sizes. RV bunk mattresses can vary even more. For the best fit, measure the mattress length, width, and depth rather than relying on the bed's listed size.

How can I make a bunk bed easier to make?
Bedding that stays in place can make a big difference in tight bunk spaces. A NoTuck® Top Sheet stays fitted at the foot of the mattress, reducing the amount of tucking required, while fitted blankets and bedspreads can also help simplify bed-making.

Do RV bunk beds use standard-size bedding?
Not always. RV bunk mattresses may be shorter, narrower, thinner, or otherwise different from standard household mattresses. Measure your RV bunk before ordering to make sure your bedding fits properly.

Should I use a mattress protector on a bunk or dorm mattress?
A waterproof mattress protector can help protect the mattress from spills, accidents, moisture, and everyday wear. It's especially useful for children's bunk beds, RV bunks, and college dorm mattresses.

More frequently asked questions

Why Choose AB Lifestyles?

Back-to-school looks different for every family. Whether you're preparing a child's bunk room, helping a college student move into a dorm, or roadschooling from your RV, AB Lifestyles offers American-made bedding designed for unique beds and hard-to-find mattress sizes.

From home bunks to RV bunks and Twin XL dorm beds, we'll help you find bedding that fits—so everyone can start the day well rested.

Prepare for the upcoming school year with confidence, knowing that AB Lifestyles has you covered with the best bedding essentials for kindergarten to college