The Complete Deep Bedding Guide

Modern mattresses are deeper, softer and more layered than ever before — and standard bedding often struggles to keep up. From pillow top mattresses and memory foam layers to mattress toppers and adjustable beds, many people now find that ordinary fitted sheets and protectors simply don’t fit properly.

That’s where deep bedding comes in.

This guide explains everything you need to know about deep fitted sheets, deep mattress protectors and deep valance sheets, including how to measure your mattress correctly, when you need extra depth, and how to create a better-fitting, more comfortable bed.

Why Are Mattresses Getting Deeper?

Over the last decade, mattresses have changed dramatically. Many modern beds now include:

• Memory foam comfort layers
• Pillow top finishes
• Integrated toppers
• Cooling gel layers
• Luxury sprung support systems
• Additional mattress toppers for comfort

As a result, standard fitted sheets designed for older, shallower mattresses often pull tight, ride up at the corners or pop off during the night.

Deep bedding is designed specifically to accommodate these thicker mattresses comfortably and securely.

Deep Fitted Sheets

Deep fitted sheets are specially made with larger corner pockets to fit deeper mattresses properly. Unlike standard sheets that can strain at the corners, deep fitted sheets are designed to wrap securely underneath the mattress for a smoother, more secure fit.

What Depth Mattress Needs a Deep Fitted Sheet?

As a general guide:

• Up to 25cm mattress depth = Standard fitted sheet
• 30cm to 40cm mattress depth = Deep fitted sheet
• 40cm to 60cm mattress depth = Extra deep fitted sheet

If you use a mattress topper, you should include this in your overall mattress depth measurement.

Benefits of Deep Fitted Sheets

• Stay securely on the mattress
• Reduce corner lifting and bunching
• Create a smoother, tidier bed
• Fit modern luxury mattresses properly
• Work well with mattress toppers
• Provide a more comfortable night’s sleep

Choosing the Right Fabric

Different fabrics create different sleeping experiences:

• Easy Care Polycotton: Practical, durable and low maintenance
• 100% Cotton: Naturally breathable and soft
• Egyptian Cotton: Luxuriously smooth with a premium feel
• Bamboo Cotton: Temperature regulating and moisture wicking
• Brushed Cotton: Cosy warmth for colder months

Read more in our guide: Deep Fitted Sheets: Bamboo vs Cotton vs Polycotton

Deep Mattress Protectors

A mattress protector should fit just as well as your fitted sheet. If the protector is too shallow, it can pull against your bedding, cause movement during the night, and create an uncomfortable sleeping surface.

Deep mattress protectors are designed to fit securely over thicker mattresses and toppers while protecting your mattress from spills, moisture, dust and everyday wear.

Why Deep Protectors Matter

• Prevent protectors slipping off corners
• Help fitted sheets stay in place
• Protect expensive mattresses
• Accommodate toppers and pillow tops
• Improve overall bed comfort

Waterproof vs Quilted Protectors

There are several types of deep mattress protectors available:

• Waterproof Protectors: Ideal for protecting against spills and accidents while remaining breathable
• Quilted Protectors: Add an extra comfort layer and softness
• TENCEL™ Protectors: Breathable, moisture-wicking and temperature regulating

Read more here: Deep Mattress Protectors: Why Fit Matters More Than You Think

Deep Valance Sheets

Valance sheets combine a fitted sheet with an attached fabric frill that hangs around the sides of the bed base. As mattresses have become deeper, many traditional valance sheets no longer fit properly.

Deep valance sheets are designed with extra depth to fit modern mattresses while maintaining the correct frill drop around the bed.

Why Standard Valance Sheets Often Fail

• Mattresses sit too high above the base
• Topper depth reduces the available fabric
• The frill hangs too short
• The fitted section pulls tight
• Corners lift during use

Choosing the correct depth and frill drop creates a neater, more luxurious appearance.

Made to Measure Deep Valance Sheets

For unusual bed sizes or very deep mattresses, made to measure valance sheets can provide the best fit. This is especially useful for:

• Adjustable beds
• Extra deep mattresses
• Large toppers
• Emperor and specialist sizes
• Higher bed bases

Read more here: Why Your Valance Sheet Doesn’t Fit (And How Deep Options Fix It)

How to Measure Your Mattress Depth

To measure correctly:

1. Remove existing bedding
2. Measure from the bottom edge of the mattress to the highest point
3. Include any mattress topper in the measurement
4. Add around 13cm (5 inches) extra for a secure tuck under fit

Accurate measuring is the key to fitted sheets and protectors that stay comfortably in place.

Deep Bedding for Specialist Beds

Deep bedding is especially useful for:

• Adjustable beds
• Pillow top mattresses
• Memory foam mattresses
• Hotel-style deep mattresses
• Emperor and Caesar beds
• IKEA and European bed sizes
• Beds with thick toppers

Why Properly Fitted Bedding Matters

Well-fitted bedding doesn’t just improve how your bed looks — it improves comfort too. Deep fitted bedding helps reduce movement, prevents bunching, and creates a smoother sleep surface that feels more luxurious and supportive.

Investing in the correct bedding depth can completely change how your bed feels night after night.

Explore More Deep Bedding Guides

• Why Extra Deep Fitted Sheets Matter – And How to Measure Your Mattress Properly
• blog-2/What Mattress Depth Needs an Extra Deep Fitted Sheet?
• blog-2/Why Mattresses Are Getting Deeper (and How to Get the Perfect Fit)
• blog-2/Why Choose Deep Bed Sheets & Protectors: Are They Really Worth It?
• blog-2/Deep Mattress Protectors: Why Fit Matters More Than You Think
• blog-2/Deep Fitted Sheets: Fabric Guide – Bamboo vs Cotton vs Polycotton
• blog-2/Why Your Valance Sheet Doesn’t Fit (And How Deep Options Fix It)