It’s a frustrating experience. You’re deep in sleep, relishing in some much-needed Zzzs. As you switch sleeping positions, the bed sheets snap off the bed and wake you up from your slumber.
If you’re wondering how to keep sheets on a bed, don’t fret. We know several solutions that will help you keep your sheet in place so you can get some deep, rejuvenating sleep.
How To Keep Sheets On A Bed
Let’s dive right in. Here are some easy and inexpensive ways to keep sheets on your bed.
Use Suspenders To Keep Sheets In Place
Suspenders aren’t just for pants – they can also secure fitted sheets to mattresses. They’re easy to use, and best of all, won’t break the bank.
Some suspenders connect the sheets to the mattress, box spring, or slats. This variety creates a triangle shape on each corner of the mattress. You can also purchase suspenders that stretch across the corners of the mattress to create an X shape.
Both options work well and last several years. Generally, they cost around $10 for a set, so it’s more cost-effective than purchasing new sheets.
Place Stretchy Bands Around Your Mattress
If you don’t want to deal with clips and straps, order a set of stretchy bands. These loop-shaped products fit around the outside of your mattress and keep sheets secure.
Some companies go a step beyond and include locking mechanisms. This could work well for folks who worry the bands will snap off during the night.
Stretchy bands cost about the same as sheet suspenders, and many people find they are easier to use.
Place A Rougher Sheet Under Your Fitted Sheet
Silk and satin sheets often slip off beds because they have a smooth and slick texture. To fix this problem, place a rough sheet underneath your fitted sheet – flannel and cotton work especially well. This will give your sheets something to cling to, so they’re less likely to fly off the bed during the night.
RELATED: Best Material for Bed Sheets
Add A Mattress Topper
Mattress toppers also help keep silky sheets in place because they create extra friction. Simply place the topper around your mattress and put the fitted sheet over it. Many models, such as the ViscoSoft memory foam topper, have adjustable straps that secure them to the top of the mattress.
Mattress toppers cost more than suspenders and crisp sheets, but they are great options for people who also need to add some softness to their bed. The Saatva mattress topper, for example, creates excellent pressure relief and can extend the lifespan of your current mattress.
DIY Options To Keep Sheets On A Bed
Don’t have time to run to the store? Luckily, there are many ways you can secure sheets to your mattress using common household items.
Sew Handles Into The Corners
If you’re crafty, you can sew strips of material on the corners of a flat sheet to create a handle. After each piece is fully secured, hook the handles around the corners of the mattress. Now they should stay in place!
Use Double-Sided Sticky Tape
For the best results, place double-sided sticky tape all around the mattress and attach the sheet. This method works well if you’re in a bind, and it’s an inexpensive short-term solution. However, double-sided tape can leave residue on the sheet and mattress.
Attach Sheets With Safety Pins
If you have some safety pins lying around, you can easily solve the problem. Simply pin the sheets to the mattress to keep them in place. Important note – this option may not work well for people who toss and turn during the night because it could cause the sheets to tear.
Use Binder Clips
Binder clips work wonders! Just clip your fitted sheet to the edges of your mattress and they should stay in place all night long. Binder clips cost less than purchasing a new set of sheets, but they may not be the best long-term solution. And if you’re concerned about aesthetics, you’ll want to hide the binder clips with a comforter or top sheet.
Create Your Own Mattress Suspenders
This method only requires two materials: a spool of one-inch thick elastic and eight safety pins. First, cut off six inches of elastic. Then, stretch the corners of the sheet and measure six inches from both sides of the sheet. Mark this distance using safety pins. After that, pin the edges of each elastic where you placed the marker.
Repeat for each corner, and soon you’ll have a fitted sheet that stays put all night long. Creating your own mattress suspenders requires a bit more effort, but it should work as a long-term solution.
Why Your Sheets Slip Off Your Bed
Wondering why this problem occurs in the first place? Let’s look at the common reasons.
The Sheets Are Too Small
From twin to California king, there are so many different mattress sizes. If your bed sheets keep flying off the bed, it’s possible you ordered the wrong size.
Luckily, this is an easy problem to fix. Simply strip the sheets off the bed and look for the mattress size label. Can’t find it? No worries. You can also use a measuring tape to determine the dimensions. For more in-depth information, check out our breakdown of all of the different mattress sizes and dimensions.
The Sheets Don’t Grip To Your Bed
Silk and satin sheets feel smooth and luxurious, but they don’t always stay on the bed. If you tend to switch sleeping positions throughout the night, you may prefer cotton sheets or bamboo sheets. These materials don’t feel as slick, and they tend to stay put.
If you don’t want to part with your lovely silk or satin sheets, try adding a mattress topper or mattress protector. These products create friction and prevent smooth sheets from sliding off the bed.
The Sheets Are Worn Out
Bed sheets can get worn out, so we recommend replacing them every two to three years. Over time, the elastic inside fitted sheets tear and stretch, which causes them to slip off the mattress. If you notice this happening, it might be time to replace them. Check out our list of the best sheets for some great options.
What To Look For When Shopping For Sheets That Stay On a Bed
Maybe you’ve tried all of our tips and tricks and decided that it’s not worth saving your old sheets. Before you pull out your wallet, consider these key things:
Deep Pockets
Fitted sheets with deep pockets will stay secure throughout the night. Before purchasing a new set, make sure you know the depth of your mattress. If you end up with a fitted sheet that’s too shallow, you might need to purchase a set of mattress suspenders.
Strong Elastic
If you can, stretch the elastic in the fitted sheet before buying it. That way, you can make sure they’re durable.
Ordering your sheets online? Rest assured that all of the sheets that Mattress Clarity recommends, such as the Brooklyn Bedding and Nolah sheets, contain strong elastic that won’t stretch out quickly.
Crisp Feel
Crisp sheets create more friction, so they’re less likely to slide off the bed during the night. Tuft & Needle and American Blossom both create high-quality, crisp-feeling sheets.
If you still prefer the feeling of soft sheets, opt for Puffy’s bamboo sheets. This bedding set gets softer with time, but it doesn’t feel slick or slippery.
Zippered Sheets
Zippered sheets work well for babies and toddlers who often kick off their sheets and become tangled in them during the night. But you can find zippered sheets in larger sizes as well! It’s important to note, though, that many zippered sheets sold on Amazon cost much more than traditional bedding sets.
FAQs
Still have questions about how to keep sheets on a bed? Check out our FAQ section below!
Why won't my fitted sheets stay on my bed?
There are many reasons why your fitted sheets fling off your bed during the night. They might contain worn out elastic or they might be too shallow for your mattress. Oftentimes, silk and satin sheets slip off the bed because they don’t create enough friction. It’s important to understand the reason why your sheets fly off the bed before you search for a solution.
How do I keep my sheets from coming off my bed?
Luckily, you don’t have to deal with slippery sheets forever. There are many ways to keep them in place. Mattress suspenders, for example, attach fitted sheets to the mattress and keep them in place. Don’t want to run to the store? You can also secure your sheets using household items like binder clips and safety pins.
How do you keep sheets on an air mattress?
Most air mattresses have a slick texture, making it difficult to secure sheets to them. To solve this problem, purchase a stretchy band. This product looks like a giant rubber band, and it’s designed to fit around the edges of the mattress to keep the sheets in place.
How do you keep sheets on an adjustable bed?
For the best results, purchase fitted sheets that have deep pockets. This will keep them secure to the mattress, even while you adjust its height. Mattress suspenders also help secure fitted sheets to adjustable beds.