Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Queen Extra Deep Pocket Sheet – How Do I Know I Need a Deep Pocket Sheet

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

XL Full Mattress Pad – Why Mattress Pad Size Makes a Difference

Of course size matters when choosing a mattress pad to the extent that it must physically go on the bed.  However, it not only needs to fit, but to ensure a great night's sleep, it must fit well.  This means that often times hand me downs and garage sale finds will not work.  Sure, a queen mattress pad with fit on a full mattress, but it will not fit well.  This is especially true of non-standard bed sizes, such as an XL full mattress, which really needs and XL full mattress pad. It is also more economical in the long run, as sheets and mattress pads that fit well last longer.
Non-standard bed sizes really need non-standard sized sheets and mattress pads.  Beds run in sizes commonly known to most as twin, full, king, and queen.   This refers to the width, with twin being the narrowest and king being the widest.  Non-standard bed sizes have a length that is different from the standard. For example, a standard full bed length is 75 inches.  An XL full bed is 80 inches.  A standard sheet will technically go on the bed with some stretching and tugging, but it will not stay.  The wiser thing to do would be to purchase and XL full mattress pad and sheets.
Mattress pads are bulking by nature.  It stands to reason that one that does not fit properly will not lay flat, but rather bunch up in certain areas.  It will also not stay on very well, and the person sleeping in the bed will be fighting with it all night.  This is a major reason that choosing a mattress pad that actually fits is imperative to a good night's sleep.  Sometimes non –standard sizes are necessary, such as in the example of the XL full mattress pad above.   A well-fitting mattress pad and sheets is crucial to getting a good night's sleep.
The last reason why actually having the right size rather than something the just fits is important is longevity.  Mattress pads that do not fit properly are constantly being tugged and pulled and being made to fit something that is was not made for.  This can cause tears and holes way before it is necessary.  A well fitted XL full mattress pad, for example, will last much longer on an XL full bed than any other mattress pad.  The same is true for sheets.   Size really does matter when it comes to sheets and mattress pads.  "Good enough" is just not good enough.
Sleep Well,
Rose

Sunday, March 6, 2011

Queen Sofa Bed Sheets- Why Regular Bed Sheets Just Will Not Do

Queen Sofa Bed Sheets- Why Regular Bed Sheets Just Will Not Do
One place almost everyone scrimps on bed sheets is with a sofa bed.  They typically are not used very often, and therefore most people do not want to spend money on special sheets for them. Since most sofa beds are queen sized, though larger ones do exist, they usually just use a spare set that is used for another queen sized bed in the home.  If necessary, they may purchase a set of standard queen sheets for the sofa.  These do not fit properly, however, due to the fact that a queen sized sofa bed is not exactly the same size as a regular queen sized bed.  Therefore, queen sofa bed sheets should be custom sized.
A standard queen bed is 60" x 80".  While some queen sofa beds are this size, most are 60" x 74" and still considered queen sized.  Also, sofa beds have a much thinner mattress.  Even if the measurements are the same, standard queen sheets will not fit well because they will be too loose, as they are made for a thicker mattress.  Queen sofa bed sheets have more shallow "pockets."  This allows a more snug fit that keeps the fitted sheet in place through the night.  
Of course this is important to a good night's sleep.  No one wants to fight sheets that come off all night.  However, it is an important safety factor as well.  Loose sheets can cause suffocation or strangulation, especially with small children.  Tossing and turning can get the sheets tangled around the legs and it might not be realized even upon waking.  This could cause one to trip and fall when getting out of bed, especially if getting up in the middle of the middle of the night for some reason.  Buying queen sofa bed sheets rather than standard queen sheets for the sofa solves this problem.
Sheets that fit well are always important for all kinds of reasons.  However, when considering these reasons along with the fact that a sleeper sofa is typically used for guests, they become even more pertinent.  Making guests feel welcome and comfortable is a goal for any good hostess.  Having a guest sleep on sheets that do not fit is not conducive to this.  Making sure queen sofa sheetsare available for whenever or whatever reason the sofa may be used for is the best way to avoid any of these concerns.
Sleep Well,
Rose

Queen Sofa Bed Mattress Pad- Going the Extra Mile to Make Guests Feel Welcome

Queen Sofa Bed Mattress Pad- Going the Extra Mile to Make Guests Feel Welcome
Everyone wants their guests to feel welcome and pampered.  Sleeping arrangements have a lot to do with this.  Whether sleeping in a guest bed, a family member's bed, or a sofa bed, they should be comfortable.  No one wants a guest to have a poor night's sleep.  Of course, there is more to it than sleeping arrangements.  Food served, available toiletries, and entertainment all add to the experience of a guest.  The important thing is to make them feel welcome and wanted.  One way to do this is to go the extra mile.  Have what they like to drink available, serve food that they enjoy, and if a mattress pad is needed to make the queen sofa bed comfortable, purchase a queen sofa bed mattress pad to use when someone is sleeping on it.  
It may seem that the extra regular queen sheets that go on junior's bed and any old mattress pad will work.  However, ill-fitting sheets and mattress pads do not contribute to a restful night of sleep. In fact, they can severely impair it.  Sofa beds are generally thinner and a little smaller than their standard counterparts. In fact, a standard queen sized bed is 60 inches by 80 inches.  A sofa bed that is considered to be queen sized is 60 inches by 74 inches.  Since the standard queen sheets and mattress pads are actually larger, they will technically go on the sofa bed.   However, they will be loose fitting and come off easily.  In contrast, a queen sofa bed mattress pad will fit snuggly and stay in place as it is made specifically for a sofa bed.
Purchasing special sheets and a queen sofa bed mattress pad really is not enough however.  Often quality for sofa bed sheets and mattress pads in general are over looked.  They are not used very often, so no one really wants to spend the money on a higher thread count sheet set or a mattress pad at all.  However, consider that the times that these items are used are the times when a host is trying to put her best foot forward.  Preparing a wonderful meal and then offering an uncomfortable place to sleep gives a mixed signal and may hinder repeat visits.  
Going the extra mile to have comfortable place for guests to sleep is a sign of an excellent hostess.  Making guests feel special is hospitality at its finest.  So, if guests are coming soon, get the menu planned, make the grocery list, and be sure to add new queen sofa bed mattress pad and sheets if they are needed.
Sleep Well,
Rose

Olympic Queen Mattress Pad – How a Mattress Pad Can Improve Sleep

Olympic Queen Mattress Pad – How a Mattress Pad Can Improve Sleep
A mattress pad can improve sleep in many ways.  It can make an older mattress more comfortable by making lumps and bumps less noticeable.  A thicker mattress pad can make a firm bed a little softer or a soft mattress a little more firm, depending on preference.  It is very important, however, to make sure that it fits correctly.  This means finding a custom fit for odd size mattresses if necessary. An Olympic queen mattress pad may end up being a better fit.
For example, not all queen size beds are the same.  A standard queen is 60" by 80", while an Olympic queen mattress is 66" by 80".  This is six inches wider, which means that a standard queen mattress pad may stretch to fit somewhat, but an Olympic queen mattress pad will actually give the better fit.  This custom size will fit under all the corners snuggly, preventing bunching and slipping while sleeping on it.  A well-fitting mattress pad stays put with even the most active sleepers.  Some people do not move all night long, but some move all over the bed.  If the mattress pad does not fit well, it can slip off and move all over the mattress, preventing a good night of sleep.
As much as an ill-fitting mattress pad can disrupt sleep, a mattress pad that fits very well can vastly improve sleep and protect the mattress at the same time.  In the example above, the Olympic queen mattress pad is made to fit and Olympic sized queen mattress.  Custom mattress sizes are a little more expensive, so it can be wise to invest in a mattress pad to take some of the pressure off and prevent sagging and to prevent other wear and tear on the mattress.  Of course, it must be a thicker mattress pad to take any pressure off the mattress.
Whether you are in need of an Olympic queen mattress pad or an XL queen mattress pad, finding the right size for the mattress is by far the better than the alternative.  In fact, it may be better to not have a mattress pad at all if the only other option is to have one that does not fit well.  It can be dangerous as well, as small children can get tangled up in mattress pads that come off in the night because they do not fit well.   It is just better to have a mattress pad that fits.
Sleep Well,
Rose

Olympic Queen Fitted Sheet – What to Look for in Quality Sheets

Olympic Queen Fitted Sheet – What to Look for in Quality Sheets
Sheets have many factors that can make them either the bottom of the barrel as far as sheets go, or the top pick in the world of sheets.  These include thread count, pocket depth, and fit.  Some of this depends how well the actual sheet is made, but part of it is also choosing sheets with the right qualities.  For example, sheets are no longer only standard sizes.  This is because beds are no longer standard sizes.  There are wider and longer versions of the queen size bed, for example.  A standard queen sized bed is 60 inches by 80 inches.  There are other versions, however, that are not as large as a king size, but they are larger than the standard king.  These may include customized sheets.  An Olympic queen sized bed is going to require an Olympic queen fitted sheet
The Olympic queen bed is 66 by 80 inches, making it a whole six inches wider than the standard, but the same length.  A standard queen sheet might be able to be made to go on the bed, but the pocket will not tuck under well no matter how deep they are.  This will cause them to come off the bed in the middle of the night, making for a miserable night of sleep.  An Olympic queen fitted sheet is the best bet as it will cover the bed and the edges will tuck under and stay there. The same is true of an Olympic Queen mattress pad.  They are very disruptive to sleep when they do not fit properly. 
 If the bed is a special size, look for sheets specifically made to fit that size bed.  This may require ordering specialized sheets.  Often dorm rooms have non-standard bed, and the college may contract with a company to take orders for.  However, there are numerous places to find them other than those companies.  The Olympic queen fitted sheet mentioned above may not be easy to find in the casual market, it is typically available.
Thread count and pocket depth are also important to finding quality sheets.  If the mattress is thicker than standard, I may be necessary to purchase deep pocket sheets.  Typically, deep pocket depth fits up to sixteen inches thick, while  extra deep pockets fit from sixteen inches to twenty-two inches.  As far as thread count, typically the higher the count, the higher quality the sheets are.  So, it could be possible that the best quality sheet for the situation is a deep pocket Olympic queen fitted sheet with a high thread count.
Sleep Well,
Rose

King Extra Deep Pocket Sheet – Why the Right Fit is Import

King Extra Deep Pocket Sheet – Why the Right Fit is Import
Finding sheets that fit properly are important for a number of reasons.  Sheets that fit well the likelihood of sleeping well increases.  It also helps the sheets to last longer, which saves money because sheets do not have to be purchased as often.  Even though finding sheets that fit well sometimes means purchasing custom sizes, it is almost always worth the extra time, effort, and money.   For example, finding a king extra deep pocket sheet for your king size bed will be worth it if you only have to purchase new sheets every couple of years and you sleep better because the sheets fit better than regular king size sheets.
Sheets that fit well are the most economical option even though it might mean spending more money on the front end.  The extra cost is mitigated by the fact that they will last long.  This is because they do not have to be pulled or stretched as much to make the bed.  Regular king sized deep pocket sheets will fit a thick king sized mattress up to 16”, but for thicket mattresses they will be more snug than they have to be.  This is okay, but repeatedly stretching sheets to capacity will weaken the threads over time, causing tears, holes, and thinning earlier than necessary.  Therefore, it is actually better to spend some extra money on a king extra deep pocket sheet, that will fit mattresses up to 22”, so that it will not have to be stretched as much and will last longer.
Making sure sheets fit well is also important to a good night of sleep.  Sheets that fit well do not slip as often. This reduces the chance of having to fight with sheet in the night, and increases comfort.  A king extra deep pocket sheet will fit under the corners better and provide less chance that they will come off during the night.  It will also take less time when making the bed as the sheet will slip over the mattress more easily.  There are straps that help hold sheet in place also, but if the sheets fit well to begin with, they should not be necessary.
The right fit is important when buying a sheet for many reasons, including sleep quality, cost, and ease.  It might take a little extra time and money to find a custom sized sheet like a king extra deep pocket sheet.  Another consideration could be thread count, as higher thread counts not only increase comfort but also make sheet stronger so they will last longer.
Sleep Well,
Rose

Full XL Sheet Set- How to Find Sheets That Promote a Good Night's Sleep

Full XL Sheet Set- How to Find Sheets That Promote a Good Night's Sleep

There are several factors that can help promote a good night of sleep.  Only one of these is the sheets that are on the bed.  Sheets vary based on sever characteristics, including thread count, size, and fit.  Size and fit are closely related, but they are not exactly the same thing.  Not all mattress sizes are the same either, making it somewhat difficult sometimes to find just the right match.  For example, not all full size beds are the same.  A standard full size mattress is 75" long; there is an XL version that is 80" long.  These are common in college dorms.  For this type of mattress a full XL sheet set will fit better than a regular full sheet set. 

The size of the sheets, such as a full XL sheet set versus a regular full sheet set really does make a difference.  The fit also makes a difference.  This has more to do with the pocket depth.  All sizes of mattresses can have different depths, or thicknesses.  An extra thick mattress is said to be deep.  Deep pocket sheet fit this type of mattress better, without always slipping off and getting tangled in the night.  Of course, this lack of slipping increases the chances of sleeping well as there is less likelihood of fighting the sheets during the night.

Thread count is another characteristic that should be considered when selecting sheets to promote a good night of sleep.  The thread count affects how smooth the sheets are.  A full XL sheet set that has a thread count of 800 is going to feel much smoother than one that has a thread count of 200 or 250.  The difference might not be noticed so much by someone who has never felt sheets with a high thread count, but once they have, the difference is obvious.  Though they tend to cost more, the durability added by the increased number of threads per square inch helps ensure they will last longer.

Considering all of these factors when selecting sheets will help make sure that sweet dreams will come.  Whether it is finding a full XL sheet set or a set of sheets with an 800 thread count and deep pockets, spending the time to find just the right thing will pay off in the end.  It can take a little longer to find specialized sheet sets, but it is worth the extra time in the long run.

Sleep Well,

Rose