How to Measure Deep Pocket Mattress

Mattresses that are thicker than 13 inches in depth are considered deep mattresses. The term deep pocket refers to the corners of the mattress sheets. The pocket is what goes over each corner and wraps under the mattress to hold the sheets in place. A deep pocket mattress can be up to 16 inches thick, and an extra deep pocket mattress can be up to 22 inches thick. It is important to measure the proper thickness to ensure that you purchase proper bed sheets.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Measuring tape

1. Go to one corner of the mattress, and place the end of the measuring tape at the bottom of the mattress where the mattress meets the box spring. Slide the metal tip of the measuring tape between the mattress and box spring.

2. Hold the measuring tape so that the handle and reel part of the tape is above the mattress. The tape itself should run vertically up from the bottom to the top on the mattress.

3. Look at the measurement mark right at the top of the mattress; this will give you the thickness of the mattress. If you have a plush or pillow top mattress, make sure the measurement mark you look at meets the top of the cushioning of the pillow top.

4. Write down the measurement, and take it to a home or bedding store. If the measurement is between 14 to 16 inches in depth, look for "deep pocket sheets."
   Look for "extra deep pocket fitted sheets" if your mattress is 17 to 22 inches in depth.

Tips & Warnings

• If the measurement comes out to just above the largest depth measurement for a set of sheets, go to the next size up in depth. For example if your mattress is 16.7 inches thick, purchase extra deep pocket sheets to ensure the sheets reach under the corners of the mattress.

References

• Deep Pocket Sheets Information