Expanded Queen Bed Sheets

Buying expanded queen bed sheets is easier when you know what to look for in a quality sheet set. Buying bargain sheet sets can save money but may cost more on the long run. Bargain bed sheets will not hold as well and will need to be replaced sooner than a quality set of bed sheets. Bargain bed sheets are often made with lower quality fabrics and may not be sewn with the same care and attention to detail. The expanded queen size is exactly the same as the Olympic queen.

Since the Olympic queen size mattress was first hit the sleep market in 2001, thousands of consumers have come to appreciate the extra sleeping room. Even though the unique size of this mattress failed to gain long term consumer acceptance, the need for quality Olympic sheet sets still exists. Owners of Olympic queen size beds have found that sheet sets are not available at local department stores. Still Olympic queen sheet sets are not as scarce as you might think.

If you are one of the thousands of consumers who purchased an Olympic queen mattress set, you have come to appreciate the spacious comfort. Originally introduced by the Simmons Company, the Olympic queen mattress set was offered as an alternate size. A standard queen size mattress measures 66 inches in width. Next in size is a king mattress which measures seventy eight wide. The Simmons Company no doubt surmised that consumers would appreciate a mattress that was larger than a standard queen but smaller than a king size. At 66 inches in width, the Olympic queen mattress set seemed like a logical solution.

Even though high quality queen bedding is not always available at your local retail store, good fitting, quality sheets are available from specialty bedding stores and the internet. Again, knowing what makes for a quality set of sheets will make your shopping experience easier and more cost effective.

Knowing the wide array of fabrics used for bed sheets is helpful in selecting the right sheets for you. Choosing between cotton, cotton blends and other available fabrics, starts with understanding fabric thread count. A quality set of bed sheets should have a minimum thread of at least 200. Fabric thread count is measured as the number of threads per square inch of fabric. The basic crisscross weave pattern uses two threads called the warp and the weft. The warp thread runs in the direction of the long axis of the fabric. The weft thread runs in the direction of short axis of the fabric. Though some fabrics may use variations of this pattern, all fabrics are woven in the same way.

Less expensive bed sheets will have a thread count lower than 200 threads per square inch of fabric. Bed linens with a thread of 100 will feel flimsy, somewhat coarse and are more likely to pill. Bed sheets and linens with thread counts of 200 or higher will feel much more substantial and softer. Fabrics with higher thread counts are more durable. The thread count of a bargain sheet set may be as low as 100. Bed sheets with a low thread count, regardless of the fabric type, will feel flimsy and coarse. Make sure the sheets you buy are properly labeled with the thread count.

A versatile and durable fabric, cotton is still the most popular choice for bed linens including queen bedding. Cotton and cotton blends will stay comfortable even after repeated washings. In addition to cotton and cotton blend fabrics, there are other great fabrics that will give you all of the comfort of cotton and are environmentally friendly.

Your investment in quality bed linens can be preserved by properly caring for your queen bedding. Always follow the manufacturers instructions found on the fabric care label. The fabric care label will provide instructions on how to properly wash and dry your queen bedding. Cold water washing will help maintain the color and shape of your sheets provided you use the right detergent. Never use chlorine bleach if the fabric care label recommends against it. Machine dry your sheets according to the care instructions.