Do i need to worry about my macbook air overheating?

MBA is a notebook, not a laptop. The aluminum body is part of the heat dissipation system, and the fan exhaust is at the hinge. It is designed to be used on a hard/flat surface.

That being said, if you use it on beadsheets or your lap it is *supposed* to shutdown before heat builds up to dangerous levels, but there is not need to make the situation worse.

Your MBA also has built-in fans to keep it cool but they cannot do their job if you block the vents. Placing it on a quilt would block the vents. Putting it on your legs with room for it to breath would not necesssarily block the vents, depending on what you are wearing and how you hold it in your lap. You should feel it getting warm if it starts to overheat. So take caution to leave breathing room at the rear-bottom of the MBA and you will not be in danger of causing it to overheat.

Ashlee7148

while sitting on your lap

Your MacBook Air is a notebook, not a laptop

When you’re using your MacBook or charging the battery, it's normal for the bottom of the case to get warm. For prolonged use, place your Macbook on a flat, stable surface. Do not place your Macbook on your lap or other body surface for extended periods of time. Prolonged body contact can cause discomfort and potentially a burn. The bottom of the Macbook case functions as a cooling surface that transfers heat from inside the computer to the cooler air outside. The bottom of the case is raised slightly to allow airflow, which keeps the unit within normal operating temperatures. In addition, warm air is vented from the slots in the back of the case. This is why your Macbook is a notebook and not a laptop, additionally the monitors on Macbook notebooks do not lay flat as in the case of many laptops. Again, use a lapdesk if you want or plan on using your Macbook on your lap.

Lap desk for use with your notebook on the bed, your lap, or couch. Also very useful for removing wrist strain