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The regular cleaning and care tasks in the bedroom include changing the bed linen for the duvet and the pillow as well as changing the sheet on the mattress. The sheet does not always go smoothly and there may be a problem with the protective sheet.

In the sleep magazine we have dealt extensively with the correct way to open bedsheets and in this article we give you not only instructions, but also many other tips and tricks for everything to do with sheets.

What is a bed sheet?

The bed sheet – also known as a bed sheet – is a part of the bed linen that is used to protect the mattress. The bed sheet is a cloth made of fabric. It is rectangular in shape and larger than the mattress so that the sheet can cover the upper lying side as well as the lower side surfaces of the mattress.

Special feature: cap sheet

There is a special version of the classic bed sheet, especially for use in hotels, hospitals and nursing homes – the so-called cap sheet or sheet with a cap. The sheet has a sewn-on cap that can simply be pulled over the head area of ​​the mattress. Then the remaining part of the sheet can be pulled down tightly and tucked under the foot end of the mattress (see also: How to open a bed sheet like in a hotel – Hospital Corners ).

In addition to the simple sheets are also called for some time fitted sheets and fitted sheets or has fitted sheet. This special shape of the sheet is characterized by a sewn-in elastic band or a sewn-on ring rubber as well as corner seams. Fitted sheets can be pulled over the mattress more comfortably thanks to the rubber, have a tight fit and a wrinkle-free appearance. Incidentally, the fitted sheet was invented in 1978 by Mario Marques from Portugal, who became a millionaire thanks to the rapidly growing popularity of his invention.

Types of fitted sheets

There are different types of fitted sheets, the differences being how the elastic is made on the sheet:

Fitted
sheets with four elastic bands in the corner areas With such sheets, only the corners are stretched over the mattress using separate elastic bands. The areas between the corners on the short and long sides of the bed have no rubber and are simply pushed under the mattress. This version is also called a fixed bed sheet or fixed bed sheet. Such sheets can be mangled like conventional sheets and can be opened as quickly as a fitted sheet. However, depending on the quality and fit, there is also the risk of the sheet slipping and the associated folds.

Fitted sheet with all-round elastic band
The hem of the fitted sheet is provided with a rubber band or elastic band. On the underside of the mattress, this rubber pulls the sheet taut everywhere (corners and sides). The overall tension of the bed sheet depends on the quality of the rubber and the quality of workmanship.

Fitted
sheets with drawstring Sheets with a drawstring or tunneled elastic are the highest quality type of fitted sheet. The elastic is fixed in a circumferential tunnel hem, so that it cannot slip and the sheet is optimally stretched in the end and is absolutely wrinkle-free.

Conventional sheets and fitted sheets come in many different designs. They differ from one another in terms of size, material and color.

How often should you change the sheets?

In general, there is a recommendation that the bed linen should be changed every 14 days. This applies not only to the covers of the duvet and pillows, but also to the sheets.

If you tend to sweat heavily, it is better to change bed linen and sheets on a weekly basis.

During long periods of heat in summer with sweaty nights, it can be time to change sheets and bedclothes after just a few days of use.

Why use a normal sheet instead of a fitted sheet?

As already briefly indicated, fitted sheets are characterized by their sewn-in elastic band, which makes it much easier to open the sheet and securely fixes the sheet on the mattress. Nevertheless, bedsheets in simple designs are still used today – e.g. B. in hotels.

Wherever the sheets have to be changed frequently, the classic sheets without elastic usually prove to be more advantageous. The more elaborate pulling up that goes along with these sheets is usually not a problem, because it is done by professional, trained staff who have mastered the movements inside out. On the other hand, the sheets can be removed very quickly. In addition, due to their rectangular shape, the simple sheets can be easily ironed or smoothed by machine using a hot ironer, which is not possible with fitted sheets – or only with significantly more effort. Normal sheets can also be folded and stored perfectly and neatly.

Another advantage of high-quality bed sheets, in addition to their ease of care, is their great durability and the associated long durability. Frequent washing of fitted sheets often leads to wear and tear on the rubbers. – Germs can then settle more easily in the attacked rubber, which can lead to hygienic problems.