Whether you need a full eight hours, only require a little shuteye, are an early riser, or a night owl, sleep is an inevitable part of your day-to-day life. So it only makes sense that you would want your slumber to be as clean and comfortable as possible. That's where fitted sheets come in! Beyond your mattress, there are several individual linens that make up a cozy bed, ranging from the duvet to pillow cases, however, the question is what are fitted sheets? In this guide we'll delve deeper into these bedding layers and explain what they do and why you need them, so keep reading to find out if they are a necessity for your home or simply a personal preference.

What Are Fitted Sheets?

What are fitted sheets? Some might refer to them as bottom sheets because they fit directly over the mattress for you to sleep on. They are often used in conjunction with flat sheets, and while the two seem similar, they do, in fact, serve different purposes.

Fitted Sheets: These are designed with four corner compartments that fit over the edges of your mattress. These pockets typically have elastic sewn into them, allowing the sheets to stretch over and snugly wrap around the mattress. The elastic also helps to prevent the sheets from coming off in the night.

Flat Sheets: These flat sheets have no corners sewn into them. They usually come as part of a sheet and pillowcase set and are designed to lay on top of you (typically beneath a comforter or covers). In a pinch, a flat sheet can be used in place of a fitted sheet. Read our guide What Is a Top Sheet? (& Do You Actually Need One?) to learn more.

Tip!

If you want to learn more about sheets, their lifespan, and thread count, read Your Guide to the Best Sheets for Sleepers of All Kinds, Bed Sheet Thread Count: What You Should Know, and How Long Do Sheets Last? Your Bed Sheet Quality Timeline.

What Do Fitted Sheets Do?

The type of bedding you purchase and the way you use it all comes down to individual preference. While it's entirely possible to use flat sheets as an alternative to fitted sheets, most people prefer to use bottom sheets, and here is why:

• When you sleep, you naturally sweat and shed skin. Fitted sheets serve as a barrier to protect your mattress from that dirt, extending the life of your investment.
• They also help to prevent tears and rips from forming on your mattress, especially when paired with mattress protectors.
• Fitted sheets can easily be removed and washed regularly, helping keep your bed sanitary (without the need to clean the mattress itself).
• Their elastic corners make fitted sheets a slip-resistant option for protecting your mattress – much more convenient than using top sheets for the job.
• They provide an even, wrinkle-free surface for a comfortable night's sleep.
• Fitted sheets are also a better alternative to sleeping on a bare mattress, giving your bed a more sleek appearance too.

How to Choose a Fitted Sheet

When it comes to flat sheets, some prefer to select a size larger than their mattress, often tucking it beneath the sides for a snug fit. Unfortunately you can't do the same with fitted sheets – if the sheets are too small, they won't fit over the mattress, too large and they will pull off the sides.
Incorrectly size fitted sheets will also create folds and make an uncomfortable sleeping surface.
Fitted sheets have the same width and length standard mattresses (twin, full, queen, or king).
They also have a pocket depth measurement for the thickness of the mattress (9" – 14" and 15" – 18").
If you have a mattress topper or any extra layers on your mattress, you'll need to take those into account when measuring (opt for a deeper size for a good fit).

Hopefully we have answered your question "what are fitted sheets?" and you can now decide if they are a bedding item you would like to invest in.

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