Disaster Shelter Bedding and Accommodation Supplies Buying Guide

When a disaster displaces people, the first 72 hours determine whether a shelter feels safe or unbearable. This guide covers 10 product categories — blankets, sleeping bags, poncho liners, bedding sets, inflatable pillows, folding beds, foam mattresses, inflatable mattresses, mosquito nets and compressed towels — with real specifications, site-by-site selection and a 500-person camp configuration. Match the products to your shelter type, climate and occupant profile before ordering.

10 Product Types with Real Specifications

1. Emergency Relief Blankets

Open coverage or an extra bed layer. The most issued item in any shelter operation. Choose by material, GSM and size based on climate and user profile.

View emergency relief blanket category

2. Emergency Sleeping Bags

Enclosed personal sleep for individual issue where a portable sleep enclosure is required. Better than a blanket in cold or damp shelters.

View emergency sleeping bag category

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3. Emergency Poncho Liners

Wearable or open-flat coverage where one item must support more than one use position — as a poncho, blanket or ground sheet.

View emergency poncho liner category

4. Emergency Bedding Sets

Use only where mattresses and inserts already exist. Count by usable bed space, not by total occupants.

View emergency bedding set category

5. Emergency Inflatable Pillows

Compact head support for individual issue where small packed volume is a priority.

View emergency inflatable pillow category

6. Emergency Folding Beds

Raised, storable bed spaces where floor clearance and repeated deployment matter. Standard item for gym/school shelters and field hospitals.

View emergency folding bed category

7. Emergency Foam Mattresses

Non-inflatable support for direct placement and simple setup without pumps or valves. The most common mattress type in long-term shelters.

View emergency foam mattress category

Related Emergency Relief Products

Shelter bedding is often procured alongside these categories:

• Emergency tents — shelter structure
• Emergency survival gear — first aid, lighting, tools
• Fire safety equipment — extinguishers, alarms, escape tools
• Emergency lighting — shelter illumination

8. Emergency Inflatable Mattresses

Inflatable support where smaller packed volume justifies inflation, inspection and repacking work. Better for short-term deployment where storage space is limited.

View emergency inflatable mattress category

9. Emergency Mosquito Nets

A barrier around one sleep position where the bed layout provides suitable hanging points. Essential in tropical and subtropical shelters.

View emergency mosquito net category

10. Emergency Compressed Towels

A compact hygiene item counted per person or per hygiene pack and multiplied by the planned issue rounds.

View emergency compressed towel category

Quick Comparison: 10 Shelter Bedding Products

Product	Issue Unit	Key Spec	Weight	Best For
Relief Blanket	Per person	200-500 GSM, 150-200cm	0.5-1.5kg	All shelters, universal baseline
Sleeping Bag	Per person	150-350g/m² fill, 190×75cm	1.0-2.5kg	Cold shelters, individual sleep
Poncho Liner	Per person	200-300 GSM fleece, 150×200cm	0.4-0.8kg	Multi-use, mobile populations
Bedding Set	Per bed	3-4 piece, 0.9-1.5m bed	0.8-1.5kg	Existing beds, transitional shelters
Inflatable Pillow	Per person	44×27×8cm, PVC flocked	80-150g	All shelters, compact packing
Folding Bed	Per bed space	185×70×35cm, 150kg load	5.5-13kg	Gym/school shelters, field hospitals
Foam Mattress	Per bed space	5-10cm thick, 22-30 kg/m³	1.5-3.5kg	Long-term shelters, floor sleeping
Inflatable Mattress	Per bed space	185×70×18cm, PVC	2.0-3.5kg	Short-term, limited storage
Mosquito Net	Per bed space	156 mesh, 190×90×158cm	150-300g	Tropical/subtropical shelters
Compressed Towel	Per hygiene pack	20-80g, expands 20-60cm	20-80g each	All shelters, hygiene distribution

✅ For bulk procurement of emergency frame tents, visit wholesale tent Emergency Frame Tents for Bulk Procurement to compare tent specifications, structural configurations, and deployment needs.

Select by Shelter Type

Tent Camp (Emergency / Humanitarian)

• Sleep surface: Foam mattress (5cm) or inflatable mattress on ground cloth
• Coverage: Blanket (300 GSM) + sleeping bag in cold climates
• Pillow: Inflatable pillow (compact for transport)
• Mosquito net: Essential in tropical zones; hang from tent poles
• Hygiene: Compressed towels in hygiene kits (1 per person per week)
• Avoid: Folding beds (too heavy for tent camp logistics), bedding sets (no existing beds)

Gym / School / Community Hall (Mass Shelter)

• Sleep surface: Folding beds (raised, easy to deploy/storage) or foam mattresses on floor

• Coverage: Blanket per person + sleeping bag for winter
• Pillow: Inflatable pillow or foam pillow
• Mosquito net: Only if hall has no screens and endemic area
• Hygiene: Compressed towels + shared bathing supplies
• Key point: Measure floor space before ordering — each person needs 2.5-3.5 m² including aisle

Transitional Shelter (Room with Existing Beds)

• Sleep surface: Check existing mattresses — replace only if damaged or unsuitable
• Bedding: Bedding set per bed (sheet + duvet cover + pillowcase)

• Coverage: Blanket or duvet insert per bed
• Pillow: Pillow insert if existing pillows are missing
• Mosquito net: If windows lack screens
• Key point: Count by usable beds, not by occupants — one bed may serve two children

Field Hospital / Medical Shelter

• Sleep surface: Folding beds (raised for patient care) or medical-grade foam mattresses
• Bedding: Hospital-grade bedding sets, washable, sanitizable
• Pillow: Medical-grade pillow with waterproof cover
• Hygiene: Sterile compressed towels for patient care
• Key point: Specify flame-retardant and water-resistant materials for medical use

Blanket Warmth: Material Comparison

Warmth is not controlled by GSM alone. Compare fiber, construction and finish together:

Key point: For most shelter operations, 300 GSM polyester flannel or Raschel is the best balance of warmth, durability and cost. Reserve wool blends for cold-climate operations and aluminum foil blankets for first-response emergency kits.

Sample Configuration: 500-Person Tent Camp

Example bulk order for a 500-person tent camp in a moderate climate (tropical/subtropical, 15-30°C):

• Blankets (300 GSM, 150×200cm): 550 units (1 per person + 10% spare)
• Sleeping bags (150g/m² fill, 190×75cm): 250 units (for cold nights / vulnerable groups)
• Foam mattresses (5cm, 190×70cm): 500 units (1 per person)
• Inflatable pillows: 550 units (1 per person + 10% spare)

• Mosquito nets (single, 190×90×158cm): 500 units (1 per sleep space)
• Compressed towels (30g, 24×30cm): 3500 pieces (7 per person for 1 month, weekly rotation)
• Poncho liners (200 GSM): 100 units (for mobile responders / outreach teams)
• Folding beds: 20 units (for medical tent / vulnerable individuals)

All items packed in labeled cartons by category for easy distribution. Carton-level labeling includes product name, quantity, size and weight.

Key Procurement Points to Confirm

1. Count by issue unit: Blankets per person, bedding sets per bed, towels per hygiene pack — keep them on separate order lines, not one combined total.
2. Verify GSM and piece weight separately: A 300 GSM blanket in 150×200cm weighs ~900g; the same GSM in 180×220cm weighs ~1188g. Both are valid, but they are different SKUs.

1. Confirm mattress recovery after compression: Foam mattresses vacuum-compressed for shipping should recover to full thickness within 24-48 hours. Test a sample before accepting bulk delivery.
2. Check folding bed load rating: Standard is 150kg static. For bariatric users or medical use, specify 200kg+ reinforced frames.
3. Specify mosquito net hanging points: Confirm the shelter has anchor points for nets; if not, include hanging kits (hooks, cords, adhesive pads) in the order.

1. Confirm compressed towel expansion: Test a sample — 30g towel should expand to 24×30cm within 10 seconds. Under-weight towels will not expand fully.
2. Validate sleeping bag temperature claims: Ask for the test method (EN 13537 or equivalent). A "winter sleeping bag" label without a test standard is not a specification.
3. Plan carton-level labeling: Each carton should show product name, quantity, size, gross/net weight and destination site code. This prevents sorting errors at distribution points.

✅ For projects sourcing sleeping bags in volume, explore bulk sleeping bags Emergency Sleeping Bag Selection for Bulk Procurement to compare insulation levels, constructions, and field-use options.

Sample Policy

Samples are available for evaluation before bulk orders. Here is how the sample process works:

Standard samples: Blankets, towels, mosquito nets and pillows are typically available from stock and can ship within 3-5 working days.
Custom samples: Sleeping bags with specific fill weight, folding beds with custom dimensions, or mattresses with custom density require 7-15 working days for production.
Sample evaluation: Check material, dimensions, weight, stitching, zippers/valves and packaging against your specification sheet.
Sample confirmation: The approved sample becomes the reference standard for bulk production quality. Keep one sealed sample for incoming inspection comparison.
Contact us with your product list and quantities to arrange sample shipment.

Storage and Maintenance in Shelters

• Blankets and sleeping bags: Store dry, off the ground, in well-ventilated areas. Rotate stock every 6 months in humid climates. Check for mold, mildew and insect damage monthly.
• Foam mattresses: Keep covers zipped. Spot-clean with mild detergent. Allow to fully dry before storage. Replace if foam crumbles or develops permanent indentation.
• Inflatable mattresses and pillows: Check inflation daily. Deflate and dry before long-term storage. Use ground cloth to prevent punctures. Keep repair patches on site.

• Folding beds: Wipe frame with damp cloth. Check joints and rivets monthly. Lubricate moving parts annually. Replace if frame bends or fabric tears.
• Mosquito nets: Wash with mild soap in cool water. Do not bleach. Air dry completely before storage. Check for holes monthly — repair with iron-on patches or replace.
• Compressed towels: Store in sealed containers away from moisture. Once opened, use immediately — they will absorb moisture from the air.

Certifications and Testing

We can help arrange third-party test reports based on your project requirements. Common standards include:

Textiles: GB 18401-2010 (China national textile safety), OEKO-TEX Standard 100, ISO 105 (color fastness)
Folding beds: MZ/T 015.1-2010 (China civil affairs standard), EN 13153 (folding beds)
Mosquito nets: FZ/T 62014-2015, WHOPES (for insecticide-treated nets)
Sleeping bags: EN 13537 (temperature rating), ISO 11092 (thermal resistance)
Flame retardancy: CFR 1633 (US), EN ISO 12952 (EU), GB 20286 (China)

Testing scope, sampling method, laboratory and report format are confirmed per project. Contact us with your destination market and required standards for a testing plan.

✅ For temporary-accommodation projects requiring portable beds, visit camp beds wholesale Emergency Folding Beds for Temporary Accommodation Procurement to review bulk procurement, transport, and rapid-deployment options for folding beds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Count each product by its own issue unit: blankets by person, bedding sets by usable bed, towels by hygiene pack, nets by sleep space. Add a 5-10% reserve for loss, damage and late arrivals. Do not combine different products into one "kit total" — each has its own replenishment cycle.

For moderate climates (10-25°C), 200-300 GSM polyester flannel is standard. For cold climates (below 10°C), choose 300-450 GSM Raschel or wool blend. For tropical shelters (above 25°C), 150-200 GSM is sufficient. Always consider nighttime temperatures, not daytime averages.

Foam mattresses are better for long-term shelters (1+ month): no pump needed, silent, durable, low maintenance. Inflatable mattresses are better for short-term deployment (under 2 weeks): compact for transport, adjustable firmness. Inflatables require daily pressure checks and are prone to punctures on rough ground.

Standard folding beds have a 600D oxford cloth surface that is functional but not comfortable for multi-night use. Add a 5cm foam mattress or a thick blanket for sleep comfort beyond 2-3 nights. In medical shelters, always add a mattress for patient care.

One net per sleep space (bed or mattress). For a family tent with 4 sleep spaces, order 4 single nets or 2 double nets. Confirm the tent has hanging points — if not, include a hanging kit with hooks and cords.

Standard compressed towels are designed for single use. Cotton versions can be washed and reused 2-3 times if handled carefully, but they lose softness and lint increases. For hygiene kits, plan for single-use and order enough for the service period.

A sleeping bag is an enclosed system with filling (150-350g/m²), zipper and hood — it provides insulation. A blanket liner (poncho liner) is a flat or poncho-shaped fleece item without filling — it adds warmth when used inside a sleeping bag or alone in mild weather. They serve different purposes and are not interchangeable.

Standard 22-25 kg/m³ foam mattresses last 6-12 months in daily shelter use. High-density (30+ kg/m³) mattresses last 12-24 months. Signs of replacement: permanent indentation over 2cm, crumbling edges, or covers that cannot be cleaned. Rotate mattresses between users monthly to extend life.

For a gym/school shelter in cold weather: folding beds or foam mattresses (raised off cold floor), 300+ GSM blankets, sleeping bags for vulnerable individuals, inflatable pillows, and compressed towels. Gym floors are concrete and cold — raised beds or thick mattresses are essential. Add 10% spare blankets for visitors and staff.

Technically yes, but it complicates quality control, shipping and after-sales. We recommend sourcing all bedding items from one supplier to ensure consistent quality, coordinated packing and single-point accountability. If you must split, specify identical labeling and carton standards across suppliers.

Order child-size sleeping bags (170×65cm) and smaller blankets for children under 12. Infants need firm, flat sleep surfaces — avoid soft pillows and thick blankets that pose suffocation risk. Specify infant-safe bedding (firm mattress, fitted sheet, light blanket) for cradle areas. Always check local childcare regulations.

Standard items (300 GSM polyester flannel, standard colors): 7-15 working days. Custom colors, embroidery or special packaging: 15-25 working days. Large orders over 10,000 pieces may require 20-30 working days. Final lead time is confirmed in the contract after specification and sample approval.

Blankets and sleeping bags compress well — use vacuum compression to maximize container volume. Foam mattresses are already vacuum-compressed. Folding beds stack 4 per carton. Keep each SKU in separate cartons with clear labels (product, quantity, size, weight, destination). Do not mix SKUs in one carton unless the receiving team can re-sort.

Most shelter bedding is designed for use inside tents or buildings. PVC coated blankets and waterproof sleeping bags can tolerate brief outdoor exposure, but standard polyester items will absorb water and lose warmth. For outdoor deployment, specify waterproof outer layers and ground sheets.

For US government orders: CFR 1633 (mattresses) and CPAI-84 (tents/bedding). For EU orders: EN ISO 12952 (bedding) and EN 13773 (curtains/draperies). For China domestic: GB 20286. Specify the standard in your order — flame retardant treatment is an add-on process, not standard on all items.

Check carton labels against packing list first. Then open 5-10% of cartons per SKU and verify: dimensions (measure 3 pieces), weight (weigh 5 pieces), material (feel and check label), stitching (pull seams), zippers/valves (test function), and color (compare to approved sample). Record discrepancies and notify supplier before distribution.

Yes. Woven labels, printed care labels, hang tags and carton printing are available for orders above minimum quantities (typically 500 pieces per SKU). Provide your artwork in AI or PDF format. Allow 5-7 extra working days for custom label production. Donor logos and project codes are common for humanitarian orders.

LLIN (Long-Lasting Insecticidal Net) is pre-treated with insecticide (deltamethrin or permethrin) that lasts 3-5 years of washing. Standard nets are untreated and require regular re-treatment. LLINs cost more but are recommended for malaria-endemic areas. Check WHOPES certification for aid agency procurement.

Plan 1 compressed towel per person per week for basic hygiene. For 500 people × 12 weeks = 6000 towels. Add 10% reserve = 6600 towels. For facilities with showers, increase to 2 per person per week. Specify 30g face towels for general use, 50-80g bath towels if showers are available.

Send: product list with quantities, shelter type and climate, occupant profile (adults/children/medical), required standards/certifications, destination country, target delivery date, and any custom requirements (labels, packaging, colors). The more detail you provide, the more accurate the quote and the fewer surprises during production.

Ready to Specify Your Shelter Bedding Order?
Send us your shelter type, occupant count, climate and product list. We will recommend the right product mix, confirm specifications and provide a project quotation.

YRF Textile · Disaster Shelter Bedding Guide · Tel/WhatsApp: +86 13702995607 · Email: info@yrftextile.com · China