How to Keep Sheets On Your Bed

Bedsheets are a pleasing addition to the mattress. They beautify and protect. With their many colors, designs, and even textures to choose from, you are free to create your dream bed. But unlike the ones you see in hotels or the movies, they tend to slip or pop off of your mattress. 

Fitted sheets, in particular, can be notorious for this. It’s a bit ironic that you’d ask how to keep bed sheets tight if they’re called fitted. It seems they’re not doing what they’re supposed to do. In this case, you don’t have to pull your hair out. There are a few hacks you can try to make sheets stay in bed.

This guide will walk you through the methods of making bedding stay put. It also has a section that discusses your options for when you’re using an adjustable bed. So, better not get entangled with this sheet problem for long. Let’s get on with it.

What’s Wrong With These Fitted Sheets?

Technically, there’s nothing wrong with fitted sheets. Their rounded, elastic corners are designed to keep them in place. If you have the correct size, you can expect your bedding to stay put. But if you’ve been wondering how to keep bed sheets tight, chances are you’ve come across a fitted sheet that is larger than your mattress. On a personal level, something is wrong with the fitted sheet you’ve got.

This is what we usually experience. If you buy a sheet with the exact measurements as your bed, it should work just fine. After all, it’s a no-brainer. You only need to fit the elastics and tuck the seams underneath. But if you don’t pay attention to the dimensions, you might end up with a not-so-fitted fitted sheet. And now you have to spare time and effort to fix it every morning.

Let’s see what you can do. When the sheet begins to pop off, see what has caused it. Do you move a lot at night? This should not be a problem in this regard. But take it as a sign that you need a better version of fitted sheets. If the issue persists, maybe it’s time to turn to a few hacks. Read on to find out what your options are.

How to Keep Fitted Sheets On Bed

Using Stretchable Straps

Buy at least 2-bed bands at your local handyman store or online. You’ll need just a couple, but the rest are for replacement. Ask assistance from the salesperson. Or you can look for them yourself. They look like large rubber bands that feature a locking mechanism. Measure your bed, so you know which size to get. Some mattress sizes do not fit the standard measurements depending on the brand.

Once you have the bands, start placing one at the top of the mattress. This is the area where you put your head, neck, shoulders, etc. Begin on one side, slipping it below, passing it through the other side, and finally, running it across the surface. Once you’ve made a loop, reach for the locking mechanism and fasten. Do the same for the band at the bottom of the bed.

Now, dress the mattress with your fitted sheet. If you’re wondering about it, yes, the stretchable straps should be under the fitted sheet. This will enable you to fix the bedding in place later. You are also probably thinking if the bands will cause a bump. The answer is no. These bands have a flat surface, so their presence is negligible.

Lastly, find the locking mechanism for the band. It should be on the side panel where you started the loop. There should be a knob that you can put on top of the fitted sheet. Attach it to the rest of the lock until it clicks shut. This component will secure the fitted sheet. After this, lay the remaining sheets on the mattress.

Using Suspenders

There are 2 ways you can do this: purchase suspenders or create your own. 

A suspender is a piece of elastic with metal clips or any locking mechanism at both ends. These clips hold the corners of the fitted sheet in place. Suspenders are usually hidden, as they are attached at the seams of the sheet. You can look for a package of suspenders in your neighborhood hardware store, in a mall, or online.

If you want to try makeshift suspenders, we’ll show you how to do it. This will work if you have stocked up on elastic bands and safety pins. It’s a cheaper way for sure. The bands should be about one inch thick. Cut a long band into 6-inch long bands. 

For each corner of the fitted sheet, you’ll need to dispatch one band. Mark the endpoints of each band, which should be 6 inches apart, with safety pins. Once marked, stretch the corner of the fitted sheet to prevent ruffles or creases. Then, prepare to attach the suspenders. Secure each end with a safety pin.

Instead of safety pins, you can sew the suspenders onto the corner of the sheet. Whatever you pick, the result should keep the sheet from slipping off the bed.

Using Other Methods

Correct Size Sheet

The most efficient way to deal with this matter is to buy the correct sheet size from the get-go. Measure your bed whether or not it is of standard size. Then, look for fitted sheet designs that have the same exact dimensions.

Here’s a quick list for your reference:

• Twin – 39” X 75” 96.5cm X 190.5cm
• Twin XL – 39” X 80” 96.5cm X 203.5cm
• Full – 54” X 75” 134.5cm X 190.5cm
• Queen – 60” X 80” 152.5cm X 203.5cm
• King – 76” X 80” 193cm X 203.5cm
• Cal King – 72” X 84” 183cm X 213.5cm

Of course, you should also consider quality before making a choice.

Read: Mattress Size Chart & Dimensions

Zipping Sheets for the Wee Ones

Here’s something you can anticipate when you have children: sheets getting pulled off constantly. While it’s normal, it is also avoidable. A zipping sheet is your friend on this occasion. This style sports 2 parts, the main one and the zip-off, replaceable one. 

The main part is placed under the mattress. The top part zips off, making it easy for you to change it often. The zipper also allows the sheet to stay in place.

A drawstring sheet would be its counterpart for adults. The gartered corners are placed under the bed to keep the sheet from slipping.

Non-Slip Rug Corners

These are the non-slip, self-adhesive items that you place under your rug corners. Fortunately, you can put them on your mattress corners as well. Just as you would with rugs, attach one gripper each per corner. Then fit your sheet onto the mattress as usual.

You can also use foam as an alternative. To make the foam strips sticky, you can use an adhesive like double-sided tape.

Double-Layer Sheets

Smooth fabrics tend to make sheets pop off more often. You can experience this with silk sheets, for instance. To make the smooth one stay in place, add a rougher sheet beneath it. This will create some friction. You can use something like a flannel sheet for this purpose.

How to Keep Sheets On An Adjustable Bed

Using Special Fitted Sheets 

Fitted sheets can differ in style and quality. As you probably noticed, some do not come as advertised. Either they’re bigger than the standard size or your bed is smaller than the standard size. Sometimes, though, the bed is not the ordinary type. This is the case for adjustable beds.

What do you do if you have one? Well, make sure you will not fall for the trap of regular sheets. These will naturally pop off when the bed is adjusted. You are probably bothered by pain or a condition already, so dealing with a wayward sheet should be the last thing on your mind.

Look specifically for bedding designed for moving beds. Sheets of this kind use a special weaving technique that makes them more durable than their traditional counterparts. This also allows them to fit the bed, whether it’s lifting the upper back support or leg support. 

Common sizes are King, Queen, and Split King.

Read our full review of the Best Adjustable Beds in 2020.

Using Customized Sheets

You can also have sheets created for your bed. This may entail more costs as you’ll likely be paying for the service, as well as the materials sometimes. Also, this option requires that you know your bed’s measurements and the kind of adjustments you need to make.

Some elements that should be present: elastics at the corner, extra-long seams for tucking at the bottom, and a piece of breathable, durable fabric.

Using Straps, Suspenders, and the Like

Just like with standard mattresses, you can secure the sheet on an adjustable bed using stretchy straps, suspenders, and non-slip rug corners. However, this won’t work if your sheet is for standard beds. You might force the material to stretch and snap because of the tension. Finding special or custom-fitted sheets is the place to start.

Once you have the correct sheet, you can follow the steps on how to apply straps, suspenders, or non-slip rug corners. You can also try zipping sheets, which are available in adjustable bed sizes. This design does not pop off and is easy to remove and clean.

Conclusion