How Do I Choose the Best Hospital Sheets?

The best hospital sheets will be the correct size, fit into your budget, and have a high thread count for optimum comfort. Hospital sheets are available in a wide variety of colors and styles, and, typically, in sizes from regular to extra long. They are available through catalogs and online retailers as well as some specialty brick and mortar stores.

Before you start shopping for hospital sheets, you need to measure your hospital bed. Measure the length and width as well as the depth of the mattress. Make a note of your measurements so that you can refer to them while you are shopping.

Next, decide what color and thread count you would prefer. Typically, a thread count of 300 to 500 is most comfortable, but it really depends on personal preference. Individuals who have always slept on sheets with a lower thread count may find that 250 feels luxurious. To find out what suits you, feel sheets with different counts.

Color is, of course, purely a personal decision. You may want a color that blends with the room's decor or other bedding. Alternatively, white is an excellent choice as stains can be bleached away. Whatever your preference, note it along with your measurements.

Once you have determined the size of bed along with your preferences, decide how much money you are willing to spend. Often, higher thread counts are more expensive, so you may have to settle for a lower thread count to meet your budget. Alternatively, you can choose a jersey or flannel set, either of which will be very soft. Keep in mind that higher thread count sheets do last longer than lower thread count sheets. In many cases, you will save yourself money in the long run if you purchase higher quality sheets, even if they are more expensive.

There are some features you should look for in whatever sheets your choose. First, a fitted sheet needs to have generous elastic at the corners to ensure that it will stay put even when the patient is moving on the bed. If the hospital bed is adjustable, it helps to choose a fitted sheet made from a stretchy material. A bed in a bag system, which includes fitted and flat sheets as well as a pillow case, can save you time and sometimes money while shopping. If you need extra sheets or pillow cases, however, you may prefer to purchase your sheets separately.