Flat Vs Fitted Sheets Guide: The Difference Explained

What is a Fitted Sheet?

Fitted sheets are used to cover the mattress or mattress protector, adding another level of protection and making it easier for you to keep your bed clean.

The fitted sheet should fit over the mattress and sides, and the elasticated edges of the sheet should then hold it in place.

Fitted sheets are available in a variety of sizes to suit all bed and mattress types.

Fitted sheet benefits

Here are some of the main reasons that people use fitted bed sheets.

Mattress protection

A good quality mattress can be expensive, so giving it as much protection as possible is advisable. You can buy additional mattress protectors and toppers to go under your fitted sheet as well.

A fitted sheet can help to protect a mattress from stains, spillages, rips, and tears. On average, you should expect a quality mattress to last around ten years. This is much more likely if it is protected by a fitted sheet.

Easily removed and cleaned

A fitted bedsheet can be taken off a mattress in seconds, allowing the user to change sheets and regularly clean them. Putting a fitted sheet on a mattress is a simple case of hooking the elasticated corners over the mattress's edges.

Comfortable

Fitted sheets can be smoothed down and fit tightly against a mattress to provide a comfortable sleeping surface.

What is a Flat Sheet?

A flat bed sheet or top sheet, as it is also known, is a sheet that sits between a fitted sheet and duvet. It then acts as a layer between the person sleeping's body and the duvet.

Flat sheets are not as commonly used as fitted sheets, and you are more likely to find them in hotels. They are used to offer an extra level of protection to duvets and to make the bed look nicer.

Flat sheet benefits

Here are some of the main reasons people use flat bed sheets.

Protects the skin

A flat bed sheet can protect the skin from allergens and irritants like mites, parasites, and dust.

Protects the duvet cover

Duvets are typically protected by the sheets they are put in, but an extra level of protection from stains or spillages will help to prolong your duvet's life and improve cleanliness.

Flat sheets also keep the duvet cover clean; it's easier to wash and change your flat sheet than it is to change the duvet cover.

Helps with temperature control

Top sheets are also good for those trying to stay cool at night as they can be used without a duvet cover. This is particularly useful for people that sweat a lot during the night.

Can Flat Sheets be Used as Fitted Sheets?

Though this is not the purpose of flat sheets, they can be used instead of fitted sheets if you find yourself in need. To use a flat sheet to protect your mattress, follow these simple steps:

1. Ensure the flat sheet you are using is big enough to drape over the full mattress and can be tucked beneath it.

2. Centre the sheet on the bed with an even amount hanging over each edge of the mattress.

3. Lift the bottom of the mattress and tuck the flat sheet under the entire length of that end of the mattress.

4. Fold and crease the excess fabric at the sides to create a triangle. Tuck the edge beneath the mattress and ensure you fold the corners tightly. These are known as hospital corners.

5. Repeat this process at the top of your bed and ensure the sides are neatly tucked under.

FAQs

How do you fold a fitted sheet?

Because of their elastic corners, folding a fitted sheet can often feel like you are fighting an uphill battle.

The best way to fold a fitted sheet is by ensuring the edges are straight and putting your right hand into one of the corners before folding the side of the sheet down and creating a rectangle.

You will now be able to lay the sheet down, ensuring the elasticated corners are facing upwards. You can then fold the sheet lengthwise into thirds before folding it into a square.

Are flat sheets for sleeping under?

Flat sheets are typically used for sleeping under as an extra layer, and they can be used as a barrier between the body and a duvet cover or used without a duvet on hot nights. They are seen as a great way to protect the duvet from stains and sweat and protect people with sensitive skin from allergens such as dust, mites, and parasites.

A top sheet can also be used in the same way a fitted sheet is. Though the sheets don't benefit from the snug fit achieved by the elastic band in the four corners of the fitted sheet, they can be tucked underneath to provide a smooth sleeping surface.

Why does my fitted sheet come off?

Unlike flat sheets, the elastic corners in fitted bed sheets are used to grip the four corners of the mattress and provide a smooth, soft surface to sleep on. If you find that the corners keep slipping off, it could be that the sheet you have is too small.

A deep mattress or using a mattress topper can cause a regular fitted bed sheet to ping off at the corner as you move during the night, and this will cause the sheet to lose its snug fit and result in its bunching.

Do I need both flat and fitted sheets?

Using fitted bed sheets as well as flat bed sheets would be entirely up to you. Fitted sheets are more essential as they protect the mattress, but using a top sheet is much more down to personal preference.