4 Ways to Keep Sheets on an Adjustable Bed

When choosing ways to keep sheets on an adjustable bed, focus first on fit for your body and sleep needs rather than marketing claims. Compare materials, support, comfort or firmness, temperature regulation, durability, care requirements, trial or return terms, and total cost. The best option is the one that solves the specific problem you are shopping for while remaining comfortable and practical over time.

A mattress paired with an adjustable bed base—known as an adjustable bed—can go a long way toward improving your sleep experience.

More than just offering a more comfortable way to watch TV or read in bed, adjustable beds can help reduce back pain, relieve snoring, prevent acid reflux, and ease restless legs syndrome. 

One common issue, however, is that fitted sheets may slip off the mattress when you use the adjustable base functionality. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to prevent that from happening.

How to keep sheets on an adjustable bed

Keeping sheets from slipping off an adjustable bed isn’t as hard as it seems. It starts with choosing the right sheets, learning the right technique to put them on, and possibly getting extra help from a few common accessories.

Decision checklist

Assess your mattress depth: Choose deep-pocket fitted sheets (13 to 17 inches) for standard mattresses, or extra deep-pocket sheets (17 to 25 inches) for thicker mattresses to prevent popping.

Try the raising bed technique: Elevate the head of the bed completely before securing the top and bottom of the sheet, then flatten it to automatically pull the fabric smooth.

Add sheet fasteners: Clip criss-cross suspenders under each corner of the mattress and tighten them if your sheets continue to slip.

Install elastic corner bands: Wrap heavy-duty elastic bands (at least 1.5 inches wide) under all four corners for a permanent solution that requires no re-tightening.

1. Use fitted sheets with deep pockets

The best sheets for a mattress that’s paired with an adjustable bed base are fitted sheets with deep pockets. 

All fitted sheets have an elastic around their perimeter to help the sheet hold on to the mattress.

However, deep-pocketed fitted sheets have deeper pockets (typically 13 to 17 inches) and are more suitable for mattresses paired with an adjustable base. That’s because adjustable mattresses move a lot, increasing the chances of the sheets slipping off. 

Depending on the thickness of your mattress, you might even want to consider fitted sheets with extra deep pockets (17 to 25 inches thick).

Who it helps: Sleepers with thicker mattresses or standard adjustable bases who want a clean, tailor-fit look without buying extra accessories.

2. Use the right technique

Here’s the best way to put your fitted sheets onto a mattress paired with an adjustable bed base:

1. First, using your remote, raise the head of the bed as high as it will go.
2. Find the short end of your fitted sheet and secure it around the head of the bed.
3. Pull the lower end of the sheet and secure it around the foot of the bed.
4. Using your remote, adjust the bed back into the flat position. This will lower the head of the bed and automatically pull the sides of your sheet smoothing it out.
5. Who it helps: Anyone looking for an immediate, zero-cost solution using their bed’s built-in remote functions to eliminate sheet struggle.

3. Invest in sheet fasteners

Sheet fasteners (also called sheet suspenders) are elastic bands with clips on them (much like clothing suspenders) that can be used to help hold your sheets in place if all else fails. 

You’ll need a sheet fastener for each of the four corners of the bed. Simply clip the fasteners to the sheet and across each corner of your mattress in a criss-cross pattern, then tighten them to make sure they’re snug against the mattress. 

You might need to check them once in a while and re-tighten them as needed.

Who it helps: Active sleepers or those dealing with persistent, stubborn sheet slippage that standard elastic corners cannot hold down.

4. Use high-quality elastic corner bands

Another way to keep your sheets in place is to use high-quality elastic bands that wrap around and sit underneath each of the four corners of the mattress. 

Some fitted sheets arrive with those. If yours don’t, it’s easy enough to make them yourself. Make sure to use high-quality elastic bands at least 1.5 inches wide as these are less likely to stretch and lose durability over time. 

The good news is, once they’re there, you don’t need to worry about tightening or adjusting them.

Who it helps: Low-maintenance homeowners who prefer a hassle-free, set-it-and-forget-it solution that requires no periodic readjusting.

Improve your sleep by pairing your mattress with an adjustable bed base

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Saatva Classic Innerspring Mattress Shop Now

Our flagship luxury mattress is expertly engineered with coil-on-coil construction for durability, a layer of memory foam for enhanced back support, and a cushiony Euro pillow top for extra comfort.

Contour5 Mattress Shop Now

Luxurious body-hugging feel and pressure relief with 3” of ultra-premium, high-density 5-lb memory foam.

Zenhaven Latex Mattress Shop Now

Natural latex responds to every curve for pressure-free support and responsive comfort. Natural latex is supple, resilient, and durable, for the ultimate in elevated sleep. (It’s naturally hypoallergenic too.)

Latex Hybrid Mattress Shop Now

This hybrid mattress combines the pressure-free support of natural latex with the classic innerspring feel. Handcrafted with pure materials for the ultimate in cool and healthy sleep.

Solaire Adjustable Firmness Mattress Shop Now

Featuring precise 50 firmness settings on each side of the bed for personal customization. Natural latex and gel-infused memory foam layers provide luxurious comfort and support.

Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress Shop Now

This memory foam hybrid mattress features the perfect balance of body-contouring and responsive feel. Enjoy the innovative cooling system, which prevents overheating.

Adjustable Base Plus Shop Now

With weightless, Zero Gravity support, the Saatva Adjustable Base Plus allows you to set your ideal position for sleeping—and living—with one touch of the remote.

FAQs 

How do you get fitted sheets to stay on an adjustable bed?

There are several easy ways to make sure your fitted sheets stay on an adjustable bed. First of all, make sure to get the right sheets for your mattress (deep-pocket fitted sheets are best for adjustable beds) and use the proper technique to put them on. Second, to secure them further you can use sheet fasteners or high-quality elastic bands.

How do I stop my sheets from bunching up on an adjustable bed?

To stop your sheets from bunching up on an adjustable bed, you can use sheet fasteners (also called sheet suspenders) or high-quality elastic bands sewn onto the corners of the mattress. Additionally, make sure you’re using the right sheet size and the proper technique to put the sheets onto the mattress.

What type of sheets are best for adjustable beds to prevent slipping?

To make sure your sheets don’t slip off your adjustable bed, opt for fitted sheets with deep pockets or even extra-deep pockets (depending on the thickness of your mattress). A fitted sheet with a deep enough pocket will not slip off your mattress even as it changes positions often.

What is the most important thing to consider before buying?

Start with the problem you need the product to solve, then compare support, comfort, materials, durability, care requirements, and return or trial terms. Avoid choosing on a single marketing feature alone.

Find the best adjustable bed and sheets for you at Saatva

We offer a wide range of mattresses that are compatible with our Adjustable Base Plus. This includes our Solaire adjustable firmness mattress, which is available in split king and split top sizes (the latter comes with custom-fit sheets). 

Additionally, we sell a wide range of deep pocket sheets made from high-quality materials like cotton, linen, and flannel that will make sure slipped bunched-up sheets are never one of your problems.