When purchasing sheets, one of the most important things to consider is thread count, and fitted sheets are no exception. A good rule of thumb is that any thread count under 200 will neither last nor feel good against the skin. These inexpensive sheets will wear through quickly, become rough, and pill after just a few washings. Counts of 300 and above are ideal, and the higher the thread count, the softer and more durable a sheet will be. If fitted sheets tend to wear more quickly than the rest of the sheet set in your house, consider investing in a higher thread count fitted sheet. This will cut the number of times the sheet will need to be replaced, and ensure that it will hold up well against frequent washings. Always wash sheets in lukewarm water, and allow them to dry naturally whenever possible. This will help keep colors true and cut down on signs of wear.

Sheets are typically sold in one of two ways. They can be purchased as part of a set or are sold as open stock. This means that a fitted sheet can be purchased singly, without matching flat sheets or shams. While some customers are resistant to this type of packaging, it will allow purchasers the opportunity to find fitted sheets that will be a better fit for a mattress. For those with a pillow-top mattress, deep fitted sheets are essential to ensure full coverage. If you are someone who uses a feather bed or other mattress pad, extra deep sheets will allow enough room to completely envelope the mattress and pad. Thinner mattresses, like those that use coils for support, should do well with traditional fitted sheets and may even need mattress garters to keep a fitted sheet in place.

Most bedding manufacturers offer sheet sets in almost every size, fabric, and pattern imaginable. Department stores, bedding specialty stores and online retailers now offer bigger selections than ever before, so it is simple to find the right sheet set for your bed. While comforters and flat sheets may be purchased in a size larger than the bed on which they will be used, fitted sheets must be an exact fit. If you have a queen-sized bed, only a queen fitted sheet will do. Anyone who has recently purchased a different model mattress but did not update his or her sheets should do so. Even beds in the same basic size range (twin, queen, king) may require pockets of different depths to remain on throughout the night.

The exception to the rule of specialty sheets are fitted crib sheets. Crib mattresses come in standard sizes, so any set should fit any crib. It is important though to find sheets that will remain affixed firmly to the mattress and remain soft after multiple washings for the comfort and safety of your baby. Crib sheets may not be available at all department stores, but are sold at most major retailers of children’s furniture and clothing.

Spending a little extra on fitted sheets will translate to increased durability and extra overnight comfort.