The Best Sheets for Special Mattress Types

When choosing best sheets for special mattress types, 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.

Gone are the days when you only had a few standard mattress sizes to choose from when shopping for a new bed. Nowadays you have even more options, like split kings and split tops, which offer you a much more customizable sleep experience, especially if you share a bed with a partner. You also can choose a mattress that’s thicker than the typical 10- to 14-inch bed, thanks to the addition of comfort and support layers made of memory foam and latex and cushioning pillow tops.

But with this dizzying array of options comes the challenge of choosing the right sheets. If you have (or are thinking about getting) one of these special mattress types, a regular ol’ sheet set may not fit properly on your bed. Here’s what you need to know about buying sheets for special mattress types.

Here is a short decision guide for choosing sheets for special mattress types:

Quick decision guide: Sheets for special mattress types

When buying sheets for non-standard mattresses, focus on fit and comfort over marketing claims. Use this guide to identify the right option for your bed setup.

1. Identify your mattress setup

• Split king (two twin xl mattresses side by side)
  • The challenge: Standard king sheets won’t allow individual movement on adjustable bases.
    • What to buy: A split king sheet set (includes two twin xl fitted sheets, one king flat sheet, and two pillowcases).
• Split-top or split-head (single mattress split about thirty-four inches at the top)
  • The challenge: Standard fitted sheets prevent independent head adjustment, while separate fitted sheets won’t work on the connected lower half.
    • What to buy: Split-top or split-head sheets (fitted sheet features a split down the top about thirty-four inches).
• Extra-deep mattress (thicker than fourteen inches)
  • The challenge: Standard sheets (seven to fourteen inches deep) pull up at the corners and won’t tuck underneath.
    • What to buy:
    • Deep pocket: For fifteen-inch mattresses.
      • Extra-deep pocket: For sixteen to twenty-two inch mattresses.
      • Sizing tip: Select sheets one to two inches deeper than your total mattress height for a secure fit.

2. Evaluate key features

• Comfort and materials: Pick breathable fabrics suited to your sleep temperature needs.
• Durability and care: Look for easy-to-wash fabrics that maintain shape over time.
• Trials and policies: Verify return terms and sleep trials in case the fit needs adjusting.

Sheets for a split king mattress

A split king mattress has the same dimensions as a standard king (76 by 80 inches), but as the name suggests, it’s split into two halves. A split king mattress is a good choice for couples who want to share a bed but have different comfort preferences—say you like a softer feel, but your partner prefers their bed a little firmer. This arrangement also eliminates any issues with motion transfer. If one of you tosses and turns at night, the other can still sleep soundly on their own mattress. And it allows couples who use an adjustable base to customize each side of the bed individually.

Who it helps

• Couples with different mattress firmness preferences who want to share a bed.
• Sleepers who are easily disturbed by a partner tossing and turning at night.
• Partners using an adjustable bed base who want independent position adjustments.

Sheet shopping tips: A split king bed is essentially two twin XL mattresses (38 by 80 inches each) that have been placed next to each other. Even though a split king is technically the same dimensions as a standard king, regular king-size sheets won’t fit. Instead, you’ll need to look for a split king bedding set, which comes with two twin XL-size fitted sheets, one top sheet to cover the whole bed, and two pillowcases.

Related: What you need to know before buying new sheets

Sheets for a split-top mattress

Unlike a split king mattress, which is actually two separate mattresses, a split top mattress (also called a “split head” mattress) is a single mattress with only the top half of the mattress split in two. Split-top mattresses are available in queen and king sizes. This type of mattress is perfect for couples who want the option to adjust their head positions separately but be able to cuddle without the dividing line between them that makes each sleeper feel like they’re invading a neighboring country’s territory.
Who it helps

Sleepers who want the benefits of a split bed while keeping a single continuous mattress base.

Couples using an adjustable bed who want independent head recline settings.

Partners who want to avoid a full center gap so they can still cuddle comfortably.

Sheet shopping tips: The challenge, of course, is that no conventional sheets will fit. Using a single queen- or king-size fitted sheet would defeat the purpose of having a split top mattress since then you wouldn’t be able to adjust your head position individually. And because this mattress isn’t completely split down the middle, you also can’t use a separate fitted sheet on each side of the bed.

Even though split-top mattresses are relatively new to the market, they are gaining in popularity, so special split-top sheet sets are becoming more readily available. You may find these sheet sets labeled “split head sheets,” “split top sheets,” or “adjustable bed sheets.” They include a fitted sheet that is split approximately 34 inches down from the top of the sheet, one top sheet to cover the whole bed, and two pillowcases. In addition to sheets, you can also find mattress covers, pads, and toppers designed for split-top mattresses. (Learn about the best time to buy sheets.)

Wrap yourself in cozy comfort with these Saatva sheets

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Sheets for an extra-deep mattress

A standard mattress height is between 10 and 14 inches. If your mattress is thicker than that, it’s because it contains additional layers of comfort and support that might help you get a better night’s sleep. Some people also like extra-deep mattresses for stylistic reasons. (Here’s how to measure mattress height to determine what sheet depth you need.)

Who it helps

• People who own thick mattresses with extra plush comfort layers or pillow tops.
• Sleepers using thick mattress toppers that add extra height to their bed.
• Anyone struggling with standard sheets popping off the corners during the night.

Sheet shopping tips: Sheet manufacturers typically list the depth of the sheets on the packaging. Regular sheets range from 7 to 14 inches deep, deep-pocket sheets are 15 inches deep, and extra-deep sheets are between 16 and 22 inches. Occasionally you’ll see the terms “standard,” “deep,” and “extra deep” used instead of actual measurements. For the best look and performance, a fitted sheet should cover the sides of the mattress completely and tuck underneath it. For that reason, it’s best to choose sheets that are 1 to 2 inches deeper than your mattress.

FAQs

What happens if I use standard sheets on a split king mattress?

Standard king fitted sheets will bind the two mattresses together. This prevents you from adjusting each side independently on an adjustable base and negates the benefits of motion isolation.

Can I use two separate fitted sheets on a split-top mattress?

No, because a split-top mattress is only divided at the upper portion while remaining joined at the bottom. Separate fitted sheets will not stay secured over the unified lower half of the mattress.

How do I know what pocket depth to buy for my mattress?

Measure your mattress height from top to bottom, including any toppers or pads. Choose a sheet pocket depth that is one to two inches deeper than your total mattress height so the corners can tuck securely underneath.

Learn more about bed sheet sizes and how to find the right sheets for you.