Buying the Right Bedding for Tall or Extra Long Mattresses

by: Michael O'Brien

The purchase of a new mattress and foundation brings with it some great advantages. If you have done your homework and spent enough time shopping, the chances are you have picked the right mattress. Now you can look forward to many nights of comfort, support, and rest. If you have chosen a tall or extra long mattress, the extra length may mean that you need to purchase some new bedding. Choosing the right bedding for your tall or extra long mattress is easy if you know what to look for.

In recent years, the design of bed sheets has changed or I should say evolved. When the fitted bottom sheet was first introduced elastic banding would be sewn into the edge seam at the corners. The thin elastic band was enough to keep the sheet in place. Mattresses were thinner and did not have the height of today’s pillow top and plush top mattresses.

Will Your Old Sheets Fit Your Tall Mattress?

Today, most quality fitted bed sheets have elastic banding sewn into the edge seam around the entire perimeter of the sheet. This added elastic helps to hold the bottom sheet in place regardless of the height of the mattress.

If you have previously owned a standard length mattress you no doubt collected some sheet sets. If your old sheets have elastic banding sewn around the perimeter of the sheet, you may be in luck. You may be surprised to find that your old bed sheets will fit your new tall mattress. Having the elastic sewn into the edge seam may provide you with just enough extra room for your tall mattress.

Buying New Tall Mattress Bed Sheets

If you have a batch of older fitted sheets, with the elastic sewn only in the corners, buying some new bed sheets may be the only solution. Still that is a small price to pay for the comfort you will get from your new tall mattress. Finding the right bed sheets for your new tall mattress may take a bit work but the effort will be well worth it. Combining the right bed sheets with the right mattress is a formula for a great night’s sleep.

A popular choice of fabric for new bed sheets is 100 percent cotton. Cotton is soft, durable, easily cleaned and comes in a wide variety of colors. When buying new bed sheets, it is important to remember that not all cotton sheets are equal.

The thread count is very important when it comes to buying new bed sheets. The number of threads per square inch is the measure of the thread count of a woven fabric. The higher the thread count, the softer, and more luxurious the fabric will feel. Avoid sheets that have a thread count of less than 200. A blend of cotton and polyester makes for very durable set of bed sheets. Other great fabric blends include cotton/bamboo and cotton/hemp. Bamboo fiber has a long lasting antimicrobial property that will survive through many washings. Bamboo fabrics have a texture and feel that is very close to that of silk and satin.

Bed sheets, whether for a standard length or tall mattress should have an elastic band sewn around the edge seam. The elastic will hold the sheet securely in place without the shifting and bunching that may occur with other sheets.

In the course of our lives, we all spend many hours in bed trying to get the proper amount of rest. A quality mattress and a good set of be sheets can go a long way towards getting a good night’s sleep.

About the Author

Michael O'Brien is a writer for many popular websites.