I have an old mattress that is only about nine inches high.  Fitted
sheets made nowadays don't fit (they're much too big and loose) and I've
almost given up on finding fitted sheets that fit my mattress.  Where
can I purchase new fitted sheets (preferably good quality) sized the
way they were at least ten years ago?

I'd prefer to be able to shop for them in person in New York City but
will settle for a reliable internet site with a good selection and a
good return policy.

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Request for Question Clarification by pinkfreud-ga on 28 Mar 2004 16:54 PST

Is this a twin-sized or double-sized mattress?

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Clarification of Question by nyuser-ga on 28 Mar 2004 17:05 PST

Thanks for asking, pinkfreud. It's a double (also called "full").

I'm not having any luck finding fitted sheets that are sized for older
mattresses. I have the same problem (my king-sized mattress is more
than 25 years old), and the best fix I've found is this:

http://store.yahoo.com/harrietcarter/sheetstraps.html

These little gizmos attach to the sheets much as old-style garters did
(if you're old enough to remember those). They help the sheets to fit
snugly, but the elastic gives out after a year or so, at which time
you need to buy new "sheet garters."

I haven't given up on the search for shallow sheets, but if no one can
find any, you might consider the strap solution. It's also good for
putting fitted sheets on a hide-a-bed mattress.

I also have a thinner, full-sized mattress (9.25 inches) that is
required for my European style high bed frame. Last December, I found
well fitted sheets at (surprise) Target. They are Westpoint Stevens
100% Egyptian Cotton, 300 count. I'm very pleased with them -- they
feel heavenly, almost like silk, and fit very snugly, despite deep
pockets. Unfortunately, I tossed out the packaging, so only have the
information from the tags. They come in a variety of neutral shades,
and have 1/4 inch wide matching embroidered piping at the top foldover
seam. All components (full sheets, flat sheets, pillowcases) are sold
individually rather than in sets.

---larre

All of Westpoint Stevens' bedding products can be viewed on their website here:

http://www.westpointstevens.com/products/default.php?type=category&catid=1

Can't see which ones might be the ones larre has, though.

I would guess that the sheets might be (are likely) a Target specific
product, manufactured to Target's own specifications, or maybe even
packaged as a Target brand. I didn't point to a Westpoint brand
because I was unable to find an exact match, nor is the sheet
currently available from Target's online store. I purchased the sheets
at a California Target store.

---l

Thanks to all for the comments.

Pinkfreud (and others): Glad to see I have fellow sufferers.  There
are probably so many of us around that some company could do well
filling our need.  If only they knew :^(.  Isn't there somewhere on
the Web where we could "talk" to Canon, etc. and let them know we're
out here? Think I heard of such a site but can't remember the name.

I've tried the "sheet garters" and other types (some work by
friction); Bed, Bath and Beyond sells various types.  I've never been
satisfied with them.  I like the sheet good and tight and that way the
garters pull out every day or so; the friction ones worked
surprisingly well but broke into pieces after a month or two.  That's
why I'm still looking.  If I can't find the sheets, I may pay a lot to
the tailor at my local dry cleaners to alter larger fitted sheets,
though I doubt that he will get the size exactly right on the first
try and it seems like a big headache to have him do it over till he
gets it right.

-------------------

Larre: Haven't measured lately (my computer access is not at home) but
9.25" seems just about right.  The ones you bought in California sound
great, but you say they "...fit very snugly, despite deep pockets."  I
don't understand how that works.  The deep pockets are exactly the
problem for me; they're what makes sheets fit loosely.  Could you
explain?  I'm going to find Target's website and look around.  Don't
think there's a Target in my vicinity but I'm sure they do business
over the web, too.

-------------------

aht: Thanks for the link.  So far I don't see what I'm looking for. 
Maybe I'll email them and ask.

-------------------

P.S. to all: I've always turned my mattress over whenever I change the
sheets.  What do folks with today's mattresses do?  You'd think they'd
have to call in the Incredible Hulk to do the job.  Guess they just
don't turn them any more. That way they doubtless don't last as long
and the mattress companies make more buck$$.  Capitalism, hmm... ;^).