Deep or Extra-Deep Pocket Sheets: How Do You Choose?

Deep pocket sheets weren’t something you’d find on the market in the past. However, manufacturers make many mattress types today other than a traditional mattress. Consequently, not all sheets fit all mattresses and if you choose the wrong sheets, they won’t stay on your bed.

 

 21-Inch Extra Deep Pocket Sheet Set in Steel Grey.

What Are Deep Pocket Sheets?

Manufacturers make deep pocket sheets to accommodate a pillow top mattress, Euro top mattress, a mattress with a topper, or the latest tight top deep mattress seen on the market.

Regular sheets typically accommodate mattresses between 7 and 14 inches in depth. If your mattress height exceeds 14 inches, you’ll probably need deep pocket sheets. As the name suggests, they’re deeper than average sheets so they can stretch over the extra height.

 

Measure Your Mattress

The only way to ensure you buy the correct sheets for your bed is to measure the mattress depth. Otherwise, your sheets will not fit properly and they’ll pop off your bed.

Using a ruler or measuring tape, measure the depth of your mattress from the top to the base while slightly pressing down on the top. You want to measure the finished height once the sheets pull the mattress top flush. Write down the measurement.

 Extra Deep Pocket Infographic

Deep or Extra-Deep Pockets 

To complicate matters, deep and extra-deep pocket sheets exist. Generally, most deep pocket sheet sets like these Southshore Basics fit a 15 inch deep mattress, or less.

Don’t assume just because they manufacturers mentions they’re deep pocket they’ll fit a 15 inch deep mattress. Always read the manufacturer’s product listing or package to confirm pocket depth.

Manufacturers make extra- deep pocket sheets too for very deep mattresses. They can range in depth from 16 to 22 inches. For instance, these Extra Deep Pocket Pleated Sheet Sets by Vilano fit a 21 inch mattress, or less. It never hurts to buy sheets slightly deeper than you need as the elastic pulls the fitted sheet taut regardless.

As a rule, it is always advisable to buy sheets that declare their pocket size. Otherwise, the size of a "deep" or "extra deep" sheet set can vary widely. For instance, deep-pocket sheets may be any depth between 13 and 17 inches. Extra-deep sheets may be any depth between 18 and 25 inches. That’s a huge range and if your sheets are far too deep you’ll need to tuck the excess under the mattress.

 Deep Pocket Sheet Set

22-Inch Extra Pocket Cotton Sheet Sets

Don’t Forget Your Bed Size

With all the fuss over pockets, you might forget deep-pocket and extra-deep pocket sheets also come in various sizes. Fortunately, the sheets mentioned above come in twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, and split king sizes and many colors to suit almost any bed and decor. You can also buy 100% cotton 22 inch extra-deep sheets sets in twin, full, queen, king, and California king.

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Whether you want silky, sumptuous cotton or easy care microfiber, choose what suits you and your lifestyle. Choosing sheets wisely ensures you’ll enjoy them for years.