Extra deep pocket sheets are those that fit the thicker mattresses. They are growing more and more common. The sheets used to be hard to find, but as the mattresses grow more common, so do the sheets. A queen extra deep pocket sheet fits a mattress that is over 16" thick. Below sixteen inches can usually use a deep pocket sheet. However, due to the fact that most do not measure their sheets or their mattresses, there are some other telltale signs that a deep pocket sheet might be in order. The presence of any of these signs in relation to your current sheets is a red flag.
The first sign is ripped corners. The sheet may seem to fit, but if the corners of the fitted sheet are ripped on a queen bed, a queen extra deep pocket sheetcould definitely be needed. The extra deep corners allow the sheet to slide over and under the corners of the mattress with ease, which keeping them just snug enough. This prevents the stretching that occurs when they do not fit right, thus causing the tearing. This tearing only gets worse as time goes on, and new sheets will have to be purchased. Having the deep pocket sheets in the first place will help make the sheets last longer.
Another sign that a queen extra deep pocket sheet may be needed on a queen bed is the presence of thinning in the sheet. These are patches where the material is warn and thinner than the rest of the sheet. These spots may be only one wash away from becoming a full-fledged hole. They are caused by the same stretching that has to be done to make the standard pocket fitted sheet go over the corners.
There are products designed to make standard pocket sheets fit thicker mattress better. These are really only good for the short term, however. They can be useful to bridge the gap between a new mattress and buying new sheets, but in the long run it is best to go ahead and purchase a queen extra deep pocket sheet set for that new queen bed. They will last longer and be more comfortable since it will not be constantly slipping or bunching through the night. Be aware of the signs, and purchase sheets that fit properly to get the most out of your sheets. Sleep quality and pocket book will be much improved for it.
Sleep Well,
Rose