When it comes to understanding bedding lingo, you may have come across bed linen referred to as “deep pocket sheets” - but what exactly does this term mean, and why is it important for your bedding choices? While sheets with literal pockets might first spring to mind, deep pocket sheets are actually just sheets that fit mattresses that are between 15 and 22 inches wide.
So, what makes deep pocket sheets worthwhile for your bed setup? Let’s take a look.
What Are Deep Pocket Sheets?
As briefly explained above, the term deep pocket sheets doesn’t refer to any literal pockets on the fabric, and instead refers to the depth of the fitted sheet's corners. Generally, standard sheets are designed to fit mattresses approximately 7 to 14 inches in height, however, with the increasing popularity of thicker mattresses, pillow-tops, and mattress toppers, so too comes the need for deeper sheets. Enter deep pocket sheets: these are designed to accommodate these thicker mattresses, generally fitting those that are between 15 and 22 inches in height.
Why Choose Deep Pocket Sheets?
There’s nothing more annoying than sheets that won’t stop furling up around the edges whenever you climb into bed, or seem to pop off during the night if you tend to toss and turn in your sleep. The solution? Bed sheets that actually fit. In short, the primary reason to opt for deep pocket sheets is to ensure a proper fit around a thicker mattress; a sheet that's too small for your mattress will keep popping off the corners, disturbing your ability to achieve high-quality REM sleep, while also leading to faster wear and tear around the elastic edges.
Understanding Mattress Sizes and Sheet Needs
So, are deep pocket sheets necessary for your bed? Like with finding any bedding for your nighttime setup, it all comes down to finding the appropriate size for your bed frame and mattress. For example, if you’re looking to buy a bamboo sheet set for a lovely queen size bed, you’ll need to opt for When selecting deep pocket sheets, it's crucial to know the exact height of your mattress. This measurement includes any mattress toppers or pads you use. A standard mattress typically ranges from 7 to 14 inches in height, but many modern mattresses, especially those with pillow tops or memory foam layers, can be much thicker.
Measuring Your Mattress Correctly
So, if you’re buying a mattress with slightly more depth and want to know if you need deep pocket sheets, all you need to do is measure its height. Here’s how to do this:
- Remove Bedding: First up, remove any sheets, mattress protectors, or toppers from your mattress to ensure an accurate measurement (excluding anything attached to the mattress itself).
- Measure the Height: Then you need to position your measuring tape at the bottom edge of the mattress, extending the tape straight up to the highest point on the mattress, just as you would when measuring any other standing object. If your mattress has a pillow top or extra cushioning, include this in your measurement as well.
- Note the Dimensions: Now, write down the measurement, and buy your sheets accordingly!
Benefits of Deep Pocket Sheets
One of the main benefits of deep pocket sheets is that they offer the best type of snug fit for thicker mattresses with more depth. If you’ve already tried to put a traditional sheet over a thicker mattress without taking into consideration the extra depth, you’ll know that you usually end up with sheets that pop out of place during your sleep, or with the slightest movement. With deep pocket sheets, the extra room ensures that the sheet stays snug and in place.
This is also true for regular sized mattresses that come with pillow tops, memory foam pads, or other additional cushioning; the extra depth of a deep pocket sheet provides enough room for the sheet to stretch over every corner and side of the mattress without slipping off.
Not that the care and maintenance for deep pocket sheets will depend on the material you opt for; you can take a look at our guide on how to wash bamboo sheets for some handy tips and guidance.
The Bottom Line
Ultimately, deep pocket sheets are the most practical solution for those with thicker mattresses, but you should still always measure your mattress before buying a sheet to ensure the right fit.
FAQs
Can deep pocket sheets fit on any mattress?
While deep pocket sheets are best for thicker mattresses, they can technically fit on any mattress. However, if used on a thinner mattress, they might not provide as snug a fit, which could lead to bunching or slipping.
Can I use a mattress topper with deep pocket sheets?
Yes, deep pocket sheets are an excellent choice if you use a mattress topper, as they provide enough room to cover both the topper and the mattress comfortably.
