Which Mosquito Net Should You Buy? 5 Types Compared
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Which Mosquito Net Should You Buy? 5 Types Compared
By Aditya, Kolar · Last updated: 1 October 2026 · 7 min read
The short answer: for most Indian homes, a foldable tent-style mosquito net is the easiest choice. It needs no ceiling hooks, sets up in a minute and covers the whole bed. Choose a 3-door net if more than one person gets in and out at night, a canopy net if you have hooks and want a decorative look, and a dedicated baby net for infants.
At Kolar we have been making mosquito nets in Kolkata since 2010. The most common question we get is not “which brand?” but “which type?” This guide compares the five main types side by side so you can pick the right one for your bed, your room and your family.
Mosquito net types at a glance
| Type | Best for | Needs hooks? | Setup | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional hanging net (4-corner) | Homes with ceiling or wall hooks; lowest cost | Yes, 4 points | 5–10 minutes; must be tucked under the mattress | Gaps if not tucked in; hooks may not suit rented flats |
| Foldable tent net (pop-up) | Most bedrooms, rented homes, travel | No, it stands on the bed | About a minute; folds flat for storage | Folding takes practice, so watch the folding video first. Buy the size closest to your mattress: too long or too short both leave gaps |
| 3-door tent net | Couples, parents sharing a bed with children, elderly family members | No | About a minute | Match the size to your mattress exactly; more zips to close, so teach everyone to zip up |
| Canopy net (single hanging point) | A decorative look over a double bed | Yes, 1 point | A few minutes | The net must reach the floor or be tucked in to seal |
| Baby net (crib or bottomless) | Infants and toddlers, including daytime naps | No | Under a minute | Must not have loose cords; keep the mesh away from the baby’s face |
1. Traditional hanging mosquito net
A traditional net is a rectangular box of mesh tied to four hooks above the bed, with the bottom edge tucked under the mattress. It is the oldest design and usually the cheapest.
Choose it if your room already has hooks, you want the largest sleeping space for the money, or you want a net that covers a non-standard bed. Skip it if you rent and can’t drill, or if family members tend to leave the edges untucked. An untucked edge is the most common reason mosquitoes get inside a net.
2. Foldable tent mosquito net
A foldable net has a flexible frame sewn in, so it stands on the mattress like a small tent. There is nothing to hang. In the morning it twists and folds into a flat disc for storage (see how to fold it).
Choose it if you want the simplest daily routine, live in a rented home, or want to carry a net when you travel.
Check two things before you buy. First, measure your mattress and pick the net size closest to it. A net that is too short won’t reach the corners, and one that is too long bunches up and leaves gaps along the edges, so both let mosquitoes in. Second, folding a tent net back into its bag takes practice. Watch our how-to-fold video properly before your first try; most people get it right after a few goes.
3. 3-door mosquito net
A 3-door net is a tent-style net with three zip openings instead of one. Each person can get in and out from their own side without crawling over anyone else.
Choose it if two or three people share the bed, you have young children who get up at night, or an elderly parent needs an easy exit. More doors mean more places for mosquitoes to enter if they are left open, so make zipping up part of the bedtime routine. As with any tent net, measure your mattress first and choose the closest size: a 3-door net that is too long or too short will not seal properly at the base.
4. Canopy mosquito net
A canopy net hangs from a single point above the centre of the bed and falls around it in a cone or dome. It is the most decorative option and is popular for master bedrooms.
Choose it if you have a ceiling hook and want a softer, elegant look. Make sure the fabric reaches the floor or can be tucked under the mattress all the way around. A canopy that stops short leaves a gap.
5. Baby mosquito nets
Baby nets come in two common forms: a small foldable crib net that encloses the baby, and a bottomless net that sits over the baby on any bed or mattress. They are lightweight and quick to move from room to room, which makes them useful for daytime naps.
Daytime protection matters. The World Health Organization notes that the mosquitoes that spread dengue are active during the day, and recommends mosquito nets for anyone sleeping in the daytime. For infants under two months, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises against insect repellents altogether and recommends covering cribs, strollers and carriers with mosquito netting instead. Our parent’s guide to protecting babies from mosquitoes covers this in detail.
How to choose: four questions
- What size is your mattress? Measure the length and width of the mattress, not the bed frame. A net that is too small strains at the seams; one that is too big leaves loose folds that are hard to tuck in. Our short video shows how to choose the right mosquito net size for your bed.
- Can you put hooks in the ceiling or wall? If not, pick a foldable, 3-door or baby net, which stand on their own.
- Who sleeps in the bed? One or two adults: a foldable or traditional net. Parents with small children, or an elderly person: a 3-door net. Infants: a dedicated baby net.
- Will it be used during the day? For daytime naps (important for dengue protection), choose a net that is quick to set up and take down, so it actually gets used.
Common mattress sizes in India
Mattress sizes vary by manufacturer, so always measure yours. These are the most common sizes:
| Bed type | Typical width | Typical length | Net size to look for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single | 54 in (4.5 ft) | 78 in (6.5 ft) | Single |
| Queen / double | 72 in (6 ft) | 78 in (6.5 ft) | Queen |
| King | 78 in (6.5 ft) | 78 in (6.5 ft) | King |
See the exact dimensions of every Kolar net in our mosquito net size guide, or watch our video on choosing the right size.
What to check in the fabric
- Mesh size. Smaller holes keep out more insects but let through slightly less air. In a hot room, look for a net that balances both. Ask the seller for the mesh count if it isn’t listed.
- Fabric weight (GSM). GSM means grams per square metre. A higher GSM usually means a stronger net that resists tearing, at the cost of a little extra weight. Our Supreme On! printed nets, for example, use 30 GSM polyester mesh.
- Material. Polyester is the most common choice: strong, light, quick-drying and easy to wash. Cotton breathes well but is heavier and slower to dry.
- Seams and zips. Run your hand along the seams. Loose stitching and cheap zips are where nets fail first.
Treated or chemical-free?
Some nets are treated with insecticide; others, including Kolar’s nets, are chemical-free. The CDC states that insecticide-treated nets are much more protective than untreated nets, and they are the recommended choice in areas with high malaria risk. Governments in India distribute long-lasting insecticidal nets in high-risk districts for that reason.
A chemical-free net works as a physical barrier. It protects well as long as it fits the bed, is tucked in or zipped shut, and has no holes. Many families choose chemical-free nets for babies’ rooms and for everyday use in towns and cities. If you live in, or are travelling to, a high-malaria area, ask your local health centre about treated nets.
Five mistakes that let mosquitoes in
- Leaving one side untucked or one zip open.
- Buying a net that is shorter or longer than the mattress, so the edges pull away or bunch up and leave gaps.
- Letting the net touch your skin while you sleep. Mosquitoes can bite through mesh that is pressed against you.
- Ignoring small holes. Even a tiny tear lets mosquitoes in; repair it straight away.
- Setting the net up only at night, when daytime naps are just as exposed.
Frequently asked questions
Which type of mosquito net is best for a double bed?
For most double beds, a queen or king size foldable tent net is the easiest option because it needs no hooks and covers the whole mattress. If two or more people share the bed and get up at night, a 3-door net is more convenient.
Are foldable mosquito nets better than traditional nets?
Foldable nets are faster to set up and easier to store, and they suit homes without ceiling hooks. Folding takes a little practice; our how-to-fold video shows the steps. Traditional nets cost less and offer more space but must be tied to hooks and tucked in every night. Both protect well when they are used correctly.
Can mosquitoes bite through a mosquito net?
Mosquitoes can bite through the mesh if your skin is pressed against it. Choose a net large enough that you don’t touch the sides while you sleep.
How often should I wash a mosquito net?
Every few weeks for normal use, or sooner if it gets dusty. Hand-wash gently in cool water with mild detergent and dry it in the shade.
Do I still need a mosquito net if I use a repellent machine?
A net is a physical barrier that works all night without depending on a refill. Many families use both. For infants under two months, the CDC advises against repellents and recommends netting instead.
Find the right Kolar net
Browse foldable mosquito nets, nets for double beds, baby nets and magnetic door nets. Not sure which size you need? Call or WhatsApp us on +91 87775 37914 and we’ll help you choose.
Sources: WHO, Dengue and severe dengue fact sheet; CDC, Mosquito bite prevention; CDC, Insecticide-treated nets.
