A guide to choosing fitted sheets for your bed

Prior to 1959, people only used two flat bedsheets to make their beds, resorting to hospital corners in order to keep the corners of the sheet from untucking. Thanks to Bertha Berman, that sad state of affairs was changed forever. She created and patented a method for sewing the corners of the sheet so that they fit the mattress, and thus the fitted sheet was born. Here are a few details to consider when buying a fitted sheet.

The fabric

This consideration can apply to any sheet, but it is no less important. If you have sensitive skin, then the type of fitted sheet that you buy can determine whether you have a good night's sleep or a bad one. If you have sensitive skin, then sheets made of natural fibre will probably work best, for instance cotton sheets or linen sheets. Cotton sheets come in three varieties: standard grade, which is the kind used for most cotton sheets; Egyptian cotton sheets, which are a higher grade than standard; and pima or supima cotton, which is the highest and softest grade of all cotton sheets. Other types of sheet fabrics are percale bedding, which is made from a blend of cotton and polyester; flannel, which is a napped cotton (though it can be a blend as well); and jersey fabric which is knit and not woven. Modern satin is usually made of polyester whereas the older style of satin was made with silk. For luxurious sheet material, silk is also an option.

Standard mattress

If you have a standard mattress, then a standard fitted sheet will work. The pocket on a standard fitted sheet is 11 inches. The fitted sheet will either be sewn or fitted with elastic at the corners. The method of attaching the elastic varies as well: some will have the elastic exposed while others will have the elastic encased in fabric.

Deep mattress

If you do not have a standard-sized mattress, then you will need to thank another woman: Gisele Jubinville. In 1990, Jubinville created the deep pocket fitted sheets that fit thicker mattresses such as those that are twelve inches or more thick. These also have the elastic that is exposed or encased.