How To Buy The Best Bedsheets For Your Mattress Type
The quality and type of mattress you have can mean all the difference between a good night’s sleep and a restless one. The type of sheets you have, too, can affect your comfort level. And even after waking up refreshed, it’s frustrating to wake up with bedsheets that have popped off the corners.
We all know that sheets come in twin, full, queen, and king. But these terms aren’t always a one-size-fits-all. Choosing the right sheets depends on the type of mattress you have. Mattress toppers can make a difference too.
Even if you know which size to get, there’s figuring out the best sheet material. It can get overwhelming.
Read on to find out more about how to buy the best bedsheets for your mattress type.
Measuring Your Bed
Before you select a standard sheet size, you need to get out a measuring tape and get the exact measurements of your bed.
Most sheet measurements include just the surface–the width and height. But if you have a deep mattress or thick toppers, finding the best bedsheets means including the depth.
A typical twin bed measures 38 inches wide and 75 inches long. A twin XL mattress has the same width as a standard twin but is 80 inches long. Many college dorm rooms have twin XL mattresses. However, these mattresses can be thinner, so a standard twin mattress might fit anyway. Many colleges will have mattress measurements available on their website.
Linenspa 8 Inch Memory Foam and Innerspring Hybrid Mattress – Twin XLZinus Memory Foam 8 Inch Green Tea Mattress, Twin XL
Tuft & Needle Twin XL Mattress, Bed in a Box, T&N Adaptive Foam, Sleeps Cooler with More Pressure Relief & Support Than Memory Foam, Certi-PUR & Oeko-Tex 100 Certified, 10-Year Warranty, Made in USA
Classic Brands Individually Wrapped Coils Innerspring Pillow Top 10-Inch Mattress for Added Comfort and Support, Twin XL
When picking out the best bedsheets for a twin, make sure the fitted sheet is 39 by 75 inches (or 80 inches for an XL). The flat sheet should measure 66 by 90 inches, which will work for either type of twin mattress.
AmazonBasics Microfiber Sheet Set – Twin Extra-Long, Dark GreySolid White 300 Thread Count Twin Extra Long size Sheet Set 100 % Cotton 3pc Bed Sheet set (Deep Pocket)Twin XL By sheetsnthings
A full or double bed measures 54 by 75 inches. If you’re a tall person, you’ll either need to sleep on a diagonal or move up to a queen. The fitted sheet for a full mattress should also be 54 by 75 inches. The flat sheet measures 81 by 96 inches.
A queen is not only wider than a full but also longer. Standard queen beds are 60 inches wide by 80 inches long. Flat sheets for a queen measure the same. The flat sheets measure 90 by 102 inches.
Many people believe that a king bed is the same as two twin beds put together. In fact, it’s the same as two twin XL beds. That makes them a popular choice for a split king adjustable bed where each person gets the mattress they want, but they can be paired to move together or separately.
A king bed is 76 inches wide by 80 inches long. Fitted sheets are 78 by 80 inches, and the flat sheet is 108 by 102 inches.
Some people prefer beds that are a bit longer. In that case, a California king is a wise choice. They measure 72 by 84 inches. It’s not as wide, but a few inches longer than a standard king. This is important to know when buying bed sheets. Regular king sheets won’t fit on a California king mattress.
Mattress Height
As mentioned, the height or depth of a mattress can also make a difference when picking out the best type of bedsheet. If a mattress is extra tall, or if you have a thick topper, then you might want to go up a size for the fitted sheet.
Most boxed mattresses are 7 to 10 inches in height. But some can be as much as 16 to 22 inches high. If you have a mattress that’s more than 12 inches, then you need to find a fitted sheet with deep pockets or sheets that are stretchy (like Purple’s sheets which fit mattresses from 9 inches up to 14 inches in height).
Pocket depth varies too. So be sure to get a sheet with the appropriate pocket depth. It’s always better to err on the larger side. Otherwise, your sheets will slip off the mattress.
Best Sheet Material
Most experts agree that cotton is the best fabric for bedsheets, but it depends on how you sleep.
There are many other options out there that claim to be extra soft. But if they’re made of synthetic material, including polyester, rayon, and microfiber and they can be good for athletes or anyone who sweats a lot because they’re super absorbent.
Synthetic material is durable, is often stain-resistant, is sometimes wrinkle-free, and claims to be softer. However, it doesn’t breathe, and that can be not good for your skin and also the environment.
Tencel is a great option that’s better for the environment. It’s made from fibers of eucalyptus trees which are renewable. Bamboo can be good or bad for the environment, depending on how it’s made. Plus, it’s softer than most cotton sheets.
Brielle Tencel Sateen Sheet Set, WhiteBrookside TENCEL Sheet Set – Luxurious Feel – Great for Sensitive Skin – Sateen Weave – Eco Friendly
Linenwalas Todays Deal Bamboo Sheets – 100% Organic Softest Moisture Wicking Deep Pocket Bedding | Silk Like Soft, Wrinkle Free Cooling Luxury Hotel Bed Sheet Set
Eucalyptus Origins Tencel Lyocell Sheet Set
The most luxurious sheets we know of are better than a 4-star hotel. They’re made in England, and they’re 600 thread count and can fit up to 19-inch tall beds. They’re the BRAND OF SHEETS THE QUEEN OF ENGLAND SLEEPS ON and bear the royal seal. They’ve been manufactured by the same company since 1861. These are the sheets we sleep on. They’re a pure luxury and make you feel like royalty. Check them out here.
If you want to save money, go for a cotton blend, but be sure that the sheets are mostly cotton, at least 70%.
When buying cotton, the type of cotton you choose is a matter of preference and budget. Egyptian cotton is the highest quality sheet material, followed by Pima cotton.
CHATEAU HOME COLLECTION 800-Thread-Count Egyptian Cotton Deep Pocket Sateen Weave Queen Sheet Set, WhiteThread Spread Hotel Collection 600 Thread Count Egyptian Cotton Sateen 4 Piece Sheet Set White
Pinzon 400-Thread-Count Egyptian Cotton Sateen Hemstitch Sheet Set – Light Gray
Organic cotton sheets are free of chemicals. If you don’t buy organic cotton, then be sure to wash your sheets before using them.
Cotton Sheet Options
Cotton sheets go by various names–percale, sateen, linen, flannel, and jersey. They all have different assets.
For instance, flannel sheets are a good choice for the winter. They tend to stay warm because of their thickness. The quality of flannel sheets depends on the ounces of material per square yard instead of thread count. A good flannel sheet will have four or more ounces.
Jersey knit is also a good winter sheet option. But be sure to check the fine print. Some jersey cotton sheets are not 100% cotton, and some are. They tend to be affordable but don’t always last as long as flannel.
For summer, many people prefer linen sheets. Although they don’t come with high thread counts, they are breathable and absorb moisture, which is great for warm summer nights.
For any time of the year, either percale or sateen cotton sheets are great. Percale sheets have a tight weave and are soft and durable. Sateen sheets have special threading that gives them a luxurious satin quality.
Rajlinen Ultra Soft Cozy 100% Percale Cotton 4 PCs Bed Sheet Set – 400 Thread Count 15 inch Deep Pocket – Extremely Smooth Stronger Durable Quality Bedding (White Solid)Royal’s Solid White 250-Thread-Count 4pc Queen Bed Sheet Set 100% Cotton, Superior Percale Weave, Crispy Soft, Deep Pocket, 100% Cotton
Pinzon 300 Thread Count Organic Cotton Sheet Set – Queen, White
Thread Count
Many people are under the impression that the higher the thread count, the better the quality. Thread count, when indicated, means the number of threads per square inch. A higher thread count is denser, making the fabric heavier and more durable.
But that doesn’t mean softer. Sure, you want to get at least a 200-thread count, but more than 800 is overkill.
What’s more important than thread count when choosing the best bedsheets is the quality of the fiber.
Best Bedsheets to Buy
To sum up, the best bedsheets to buy are 100% Egyptian cotton organic percale sheets with a thread count of at least 200 and the right pocket size to fit your bed. But you have some flexibility regarding what kind of cotton and knit, fiber or weave.
It’s a good idea to have a breathable sheet for the summer and thicker sheets to keep you warm in the winter.
Finally, be sure to have a few sets of sheets that you love so that you can change your sheets every week. Once a week is ideal, but every two weeks is fine. If you aren’t habitually changing your sheets that often, here’s why you should.
For more articles about creating the perfect bed, visit our blog.
