How to Keep Sheets on an Adjustable Bed: 5 Tips

August 28, 2024 | Casper Editorial Team

Fact checked by Jonathan Eilenberg, CPE

There are plenty of ways to keep sheets on an adjustable bed, such as using deep-pocketed fitted sheets, sheet fasteners, sheet suspenders, elastic corner bands, and adjustable top sheets. 


As rewarding as having an adjustable bed (or adjustable base) can be, the bunching, lumping, or slipping of your bed sheets can disrupt a good night’s sleep.

Adjustable beds offer unmatched comfort — particularly for people who deal with nighttime pain — but their range can make it a challenge to keep sheets in place. From specially designed fitted sheets to sheet suspenders that would make your grandpa jealous, the good news is there are plenty of strategies to help you get the fit you’re dreaming of.

Making the bed doesn’t have to be complicated, but it may take a few extra supplies and some trial and error. Below, we take a look at 5 tricks for how to keep sheets on an adjustable bed to help you and your linens stay snug as a bug.

Tip #1 Use Deep-Pocketed Fitted Sheets

One easy way to make sure your sheets stick is to use a fitted sheet with deep pockets, typically between 8 and 18 inches.1 

Deep pocket sheets have slightly more fabric than your usual ones, which means they’ll give you plenty of coverage for the unique mobility of an adjustable bed. They’re also great if you have a thicker mattress or lots of bedding accessories to keep you cozy as can be.

Before you buy, you’ll want to consider:

  • Elasticity – More elasticity in your fitted sheets will be more forgiving for your adjustable bed’s movements. They’ll also ensure your sheets stay taut.
  • Fabric – In addition to elastic, it can help to pick out a deep-pocketed fitted sheet made of a forgiving material. Cotton blends or jersey sheets can offer some extra stretch potential, which will flex and flow with your adjustable bed’s movements.
  • Your mattress accessories – If you use types of mattress toppers that reduce friction or other accessories that add bulk, keep this in mind when searching for the proper size.

Tip #2 Use Sheet Fasteners

Sheet fasteners, sheet straps, sheet grippers…whatever you call them, they’re a worthy investment if you have an adjustable bed (or if you move a lot when you sleep).2 These grip the corners of your fitted sheets to keep them secure. To use them, you’ll want to:

  1. Attach a fastener to each corner of your fitted sheet.
  1. Adjust the tension until your sheet is secure and taut on all corners.

While you likely won’t need to adjust your sheets as often, you may need to check your fasteners regularly to minimize slippage. Be sure to check the tension periodically, and tighten where necessary.

(P.S. Sheet fasteners are also a solid solution if you have extra accessories (e.g. mattress toppers and mattress pads) to your bed.)

Tip #3 Try Sheet Suspenders

Sheet suspenders are like sheet fasteners, but they’re a little more secure (and a bit more traditional). These criss-cross beneath your mattress, which means they’ll cover a wider surface area to yield an even more stable hold.

To use them, you’ll want to:

  1. Lift up your mattress (you may need to recruit an extra pair of hands).
  1. Put the suspenders below the mattress, attaching them at the corners of your fitted sheet.
  1. Adjust the suspenders so that they cross evenly beneath your mattress.
  1. Adjust the tension at the corners until the suspenders are secure.

Like sheet fasteners, you’ll get minimal slippage if you check, adjust, and tighten them regularly. Laundry day is a great opportunity to help them and your fitted sheets stay put.

Tip #4 Use Elastic Corner Bands

A simple, adaptable solution, elastic corner bands are a slightly less aggressive fix that can add some extra security to your bedding. These are slipped on the corners of your bed; you won’t need to lift your mattress to use them.

When looking for corner bands, keep an eye out for high-quality options that offer both durability and elasticity. Higher quality elastic bands are less likely to lose their stretch over time, which means you’ll minimize costs and effort without compromising on sheet security.

Tip #5 Invest In Adjustable Bed Sheets

Keeping your fitted sheet in place is one thing. Throw in an adjustable bed sheet, and you’ll really be in business.

Adjustable top sheets are designed to flex with your customizable bed, and they’ll stay put even if you switch your bed frame position often.

Top Benefits of an Adjustable Bed

Are adjustable bed frames worth it? Setting up an adjustable bed for maximum comfort can take a little elbow grease, but the extra care you put into it is worth it. 

Adjustable beds offer myriad benefits, including (though not limited to)3:

  • Enhanced comfort – The main reason why people invest in an adjustable bed? They’re incredibly comfortable. The customizability of adjustable bases means that every person using one can create their own comfort — whether that means propping up your head, elevating your legs, or adjusting your position depending on how you’re lounging.3
  • Protection from pain – Many people opt for adjustable beds to find relief from pain while sleeping. Sufferers of joint pain can adjust their legs or head to scale back pressure on their lower back, neck, or other body parts.3 Check out our blog to learn more about the best and worst sleeping positions for lower back pain.
  • Improved sleep quality – Because adjustable beds can be modified to your body’s needs, you may notice fewer sleep interruptions from tossing and turning to get cozy. Translation? Better quality — and potentially more — sleep.3
  • Reduced snoring (potentially) – Sleep apnea, and the snoring that can accompany it, affects nearly 40 million adult Americans.4 For mild sleep apnea, adjusting your sleep position is widely considered to be a helpful antidote.5 Adjustable beds let you change your sleep position mechanically, usually by propping up your head. As a result, you may notice fewer breathing issues, sleep interruptions, and potentially less snoring.3 Read more about the worst and best sleeping position for sleep apnea.
  • Sore muscle relief – Adjustable beds help relieve pressure in the joints and muscles.3 Many also come with massage features, which may help improve overall comfort and reduce stress on the body.
  • Better circulation – Blood flow tends to stagnate in supine positions, which can even lead to swelling and fluid retention in the lower half of your body. Adjustable beds can help give circulation a boost, which may help those with circulation problems or edema find relief.3
  • Digestive relief – It’s common to deal with heartburn before and during resting hours, especially if you’ve had a big meal before bedtime. By elevating your head, adjustable beds may help improve upper digestive discomfort (which can result in better digestion overall).3 Learn more about how to stop acid reflux at night.
  • Easy in, easy out – If you’re an older adult or struggle with mobility, adjustable beds can help give you a degree more independence.1 Many people find it easier to mount and dismount the bed by adjusting the position to be upright, which can add even more safety for those in their golden years.

Split king mattress adjustable bed frames offer even more options for couples. A split king mattress size is essentially a standard king bed, but split down the middle, creating two separate twin XL mattresses. With a split king adjustable bed frame, each sleeper can choose their own position, without being limited by what their partner needs to stay comfortable.

Getting the Most Out of Your Adjustable Bed

You can reap maximum benefits from your adjustable bed when you complement customizability with healthy sleep habits. The following suggestions are backed by science to help you get the highest quality sleep possible.

Set Up a Sleep Routine

Building a consistent, sustainable sleep routine does wonders for getting your best rest each night.6

Ideally, you’ll wake up and wind down at the same time each day.6 This can help stabilize your body’s internal clock, and it may make it easier to fall asleep and wake up naturally.6 If you nap, it’s best to limit your time to an hour or 45 minutes, as sleeping longer can interfere with your nightly rest.6 Discover how to fix your circadian rhythm in our blog.

Create a Cozy Sleep Environment

In addition to routine, your environment cues your body to wake up and wind down. It may help to reserve your bedroom for only those activities associated with rest — i.e., avoid working from bed, for instance, or taking calls from your bedroom.

You can make your bedroom feel like a sleep-ready cocoon by:

  • Choosing comfortable bedding – From the pillows you choose to the sheets you use, it’s worth the investment to select bedding that’s breathable, soothing, and conducive to sleep.
  • Controlling the climate – Sleep experts say that 65 degrees Fahrenheit is the ideal temperature when it comes to getting high-quality sleep.7 Using air conditioners, fans, and breathable, cooling bedding can help you maintain this temperature range.
  • Limiting light – Outside light can mess with circadian rhythms. Depending on the world outside your bedroom, you might consider introducing blackout curtains to your windows. These help block out ambient light to create a sleep-friendly environment. Alternatively, you might use a sleep mask to keep your eyes covered.

Find Your Favorite Ways to Unwind

More and more research suggests that exposure to screens before bedtime can compromise sleep quality. Blue light (the kind emitted by phones, tablets, and the rest) can impair melatonin production — a hormone that helps us get to sleep.8

Instead of scrolling, it’s worthwhile finding analog activities you enjoy that also help you get drowsy. You might try:

  • Reading a book
  • Journaling
  • Stretching or gentle yoga
  • Listening to a guided meditation
  • Taking a warm bath before bed
  • Talking to your partner (pillow talk)
  • Cuddling with your partner

Customize Your Sleep Routine with Casper

Once you’ve whipped your sheets into shape, you can look forward to the ultimate comforts adjustable bed frames promise. But sleepers, be warned: adjustable bed frames built by Casper are so comfortable, you may not want to leave.

From modes like anti-snore to Zero Gravity, your sleep experience can be personalized to fit you and your bedmate’s unique needs — however you like to relax. Find out what makes Casper bed frames unique by taking a peek at our dream beds today.

Sources: 

  1. Caring. What Kind of Sheets Do You Use on an Adjustable Bed? https://www.caring.com/senior-products/best-adjustable-beds/what-kind-of-sheets-do-you-use-on-an-adjustable-bed/ 
  2. Sleepopolis. Best Sheet Fasteners. https://sleepopolis.com/reviews/best-sheet-fasteners/ 
  3. Sleep Junkie. 8 Benefits of an Adjustable Bed. https://www.sleepjunkie.com/adjustable-bed-benefits/
  4. National Council on Aging. Sleep Apnea Statistics and Facts You Should Know. https://www.ncoa.org/adviser/sleep/sleep-apnea-statistics
  5.  Mayo Clinic. Sleep apnea. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sleep-apnea/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20377636
  6. Cleveland Clinic. Sleep. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/12148-sleep-basics 
  7. Very Well Health. Finding the Best Temperature for Your Sleep Needs. https://www.verywellhealth.com/best-temperature-for-sleep-8601415 
  8. Sleep Foundation. Blue Light: What It Is and How It Affects Sleep. https://www.sleepfoundation.org/bedroom-environment/blue-light