Tempurpedic with memory foam mattress

What Sheets Are Best for Memory Foam Mattresses

Choosing the right sheets for a memory foam mattress involves more than just picking a pretty pattern. You need the proper pocket depth to fit an 8–12-inch foam core, breathable fibers to help regulate temperature, a balanced thread count for both softness and airflow, and a weave that stands up to nightly use. In this guide, we’ll break down each of these factors so you can confidently select sheets that complement your memory foam mattress.

What to Consider When Choosing Sheets for a Memory Foam Mattress

Before shopping, keep these four core criteria in mind:

1. Fit & Pocket Depth – Most memory foam mattresses range from 8 to 12 inches thick. Look for “deep-pocket” sheets labeled around 14-16" inches so they won’t bunch up.
2. Fabric Type – Breathability and moisture-wicking matter most. We offer cotton sateen, percale, and bamboo sateen—each with its own feel and temperature control.
3. Thread Count – While a higher thread count can feel more luxurious, extremely dense weaves can trap heat. Aim for 200-300 on percale or 400–1000 on sateen to balance softness with airflow.
4. Weave Style – Percale, cotton sateen, and bamboo sateen each have trade-offs: percale is crisp and cool; sateen (cotton or bamboo) is smooth and slightly warmer.

Use these guidelines as a checklist whenever you browse fitted sheets, flat sheets, and pillowcases.

1. Sheets That Won’t Slip

Because memory foam mattresses are thicker than standard innerspring beds, you need fitted sheets with enough depth so corners stay tucked all night. Our sheets are designed to accommodate 8–12-inch mattress heights without coming loose:

• Recommended Pocket Depth: We offer fitted sheets with 12-14-16 inch deep pockets. That means whether your memory foam mattress is 8 inches or up to 12 inches thick (including any added topper), the sheet will stay securely in place.
• Elastic All Around: Our fitted sheets feature elastic edging all the way around the hem, not just at the corners. This ensures the sheet hugs the mattress snugly, preventing sagging or slipping.
• Strong Corner Seams: Reinforced stitching at each corner keeps the pocket from tearing or stretching out over time, even after repeated washes.

2. High-Quality Fabric Options

Since memory foam conforms closely to your body, it can trap heat. Choosing a fabric that breathes well and wicks moisture is essential. Here’s how our three main offerings compare:

Cotton Percale

• Feel: Crisp, matte finish, and cool-to-the-touch.
• Breathability: Excellent airflow, making it ideal for hot sleepers or warmer climates.
• Care: Percale softens slightly with each wash but retains its lightweight, airy quality.

Cotton Sateen

• Feel: Smooth, silky sheen with a gentle drape.
• Warmth: Slightly warmer than percale; if you tend to sleep at a moderate temperature, cotton sateen feels luxuriously soft without overheating.
• Durability: Dense weave resists pilling and shrinks less over time compared to many cheaper sateens.

Bamboo Sateen

• Feel: Ultra-silky, almost fluid drape with a subtle sheen.
• Temperature Regulation: Naturally moisture-wicking and breathable; bamboo’s hollow fibers help dissipate heat, making it a strong choice if you sleep hot.
• Eco-Friendly: Bamboo grows quickly with minimal pesticides, offering a more sustainable option.

3. Thread Count

Thread count measures how many threads are woven into one square inch of fabric. While it often correlates with softness and density, higher isn’t always better on a memory foam mattress if breathability suffers. Here’s our recommendation:

Percale (Crisp, Breathable)

• Ideal Range: 200–300 thread count.
• Why: At this range, percale maintains that classic crisp feel and allows ample airflow—perfect for offsetting foam’s natural heat retention.

Cotton Sateen (Silky, Still Naturally Cool)

• Ideal Range: 400–1000 thread count.
• Why: A 400–1000 thread-count cotton sateen offers a smooth, lustrous surface without becoming overly dense.

Bamboo Sateen (Silky, Temperature-Regulating)

• Ideal Range: 300 thread count.
• Why: Bamboo fibers naturally wick moisture and breathe well. A 300 thread-count bamboo sateen delivers a soft, drapey feel while avoiding the density that drives heat buildup.

What to Skip:

Avoid microfiber / synthetics on memory foam mattresses. They often feel plush initially but trap more heat against the foam surface.

4. Durable Weave

The weave determines how threads interlock, affecting both appearance and longevity. Here’s what to expect from each of our offerings:

Percale Weave

• Structure: One-over, one-under grid pattern.
• Appearance & Feel: Matte, crisp, and lightweight. Ideal for hot nights or if you prefer a “fresh-out-of-the-laundry” feel.
• Durability: Percale tends to soften slightly over time but resists pilling and washes well.

Sateen Weave (Cotton & Bamboo)

• Structure: One-under, three-over (or one-under, four-over) pattern, with more threads visible on the surface.
• Appearance & Feel: Smooth, lustrous sheen with a subtle drape. Feels almost silky, without synthetic fibers.
• Trade-off: Because threads float longer on the surface, sateen can pill slightly faster than percale. Cotton sateen holds up well if cared for properly (gentle wash, low heat dry). Bamboo sateen can occasionally lose a bit of sheen after many washes but remains exceptionally soft.

Putting It All Together

When you shop on our site, filter for these attributes:

1. Pocket Depth: 14-16 inches to fit most 8–12-inch memory foam mattresses securely.
2. Fabric: Choose among cotton percale, cotton sateen, or bamboo sateen based on your preferred feel and temperature needs.
3. Thread Count Range:
   • Percale: 200–300
   • Cotton Sateen: 400–1000
   • Bamboo Sateen: 300
4. Weave Choice:
   • Percale if you sleep hot or live in a warm climate.
   • Cotton Sateen if you want a smooth, almost silky feel without overheating.
   • Bamboo Sateen if you need natural moisture control and a gift-like drape.

For example, our 16-Inch Deep-Pocket 400-Thread-Count Cotton Percale Sheet Set fits memory foam mattresses up to 12 inches thick and stays crisp wash after wash—ideal if you run warm or prefer a cool, airy feel. If you prefer a silkier finish but still want some breathability, our 16-Inch Deep-Pocket 600-Thread-Count Cotton Sateen Set delivers that gentle sheen and softness. And for those who need maximum moisture-wicking, our 16-Inch Deep-Pocket 300-Thread-Count Bamboo Sateen Set combines bamboo’s natural coolness with a fluid, drapey hand.

Conclusion

A memory foam mattress offers exceptional contouring comfort—but only if you pair it with sheets that fit well, breathe well, and stand up to nightly use. Focus on a 14-16 inch pocket depth to prevent slipping on your 8–12-inch mattress, choose one of our three natural-fiber weaves (cotton percale, cotton sateen, or bamboo sateen), pick a balanced thread count to avoid trapping heat, and select a weave that matches your comfort preferences. By keeping these four factors in mind, you’ll end up with sheets that not only look great but also enhance the cooling, supportive feel of your memory foam mattress.

If you want to learn more, why not check out these articles below: 

• What Sheets Work Best for Adjustable Beds
• Best Sheets for Pillow Top Mattresses
• What Is a Bath Sheet?
• What Is the Size of a Bath Sheet?
• Best Bath Sheets
• Bath Sheet vs Bath Towel Cm
• What Size Sheets Fit a Sofa Bed?
• What Sheets Fit a Futon?
• What Are Top Sheets
• Do Sheets Go Over Mattress Toppers?
• Do I Need a Top Sheet?
• How to Put on a Top Sheet
• What Size Is a Queen Fitted Sheet?
• What Size Sheets Fit a Queen Pillow Top Mattress
• Will a Queen Sheet Fit a Full XL Bed?