Bed Essentials

Despite the name, mink blankets contain no real mink: they're made from ultra-soft microfibre fabric designed to mimic the plush, silky feel of mink fur. The name is a trade term for a thick, double-sided blanket known for its warmth and weight. They're popular in Australia for winter use and as an easy-care, machine-washable alternative to wool or down. Browse our printed mink blanket range to see the styles available.

Standard fitted sheets fit mattresses up to around 30–35 cm deep. If your mattress is thicker, due to a pillow top, mattress topper, or deeper profile. You'll need an extra-deep or 50 cm+ fitted sheet to stop it popping off the corners. Measuring your mattress height before buying is the simplest approach. Our bed linen sizing guide lists the sheet depths available and explains how they match standard and deep mattresses.

A mega queen (also called super queen) is a non-standard Australian mattress size that sits between a standard queen and a king. Exact dimensions vary between manufacturers, but standard queen-size sheets won't fit. If you have a mega or super queen mattress, you'll need sheets specifically made for that size. Our guide to super queen sheets explains what to look for and how to get the right fit.

U-shaped (also called boomerang) and V-shaped pillowcases are designed to fit specialty support pillows rather than standard rectangular ones. U-shaped cases wrap around a curved boomerang pillow, commonly used during pregnancy or for back and neck support. V-shaped cases fit the triangular V-pillow. For help finding the right style, our pillowcase buying guide covers all pillow shapes and case types.

Yes, when a split king or queen adjustable bed raises or articulates, regular sheets bunch and pull away from the mattress. Fitted sheets with deep pockets and strong elastic help, but the best solution is a split king sheet set, where each half has its own independent set of sheets. This allows each side to move freely without disturbing the other. Our guide to split king bed sheets has the full breakdown.

Mulberry silk is the highest-grade silk available, produced by silkworms fed exclusively on mulberry leaves. As a pillowcase material it's valued for two practical reasons: it's naturally smooth, which reduces friction on skin and hair during sleep, and it doesn't absorb moisture from skin the way cotton does. For people with sensitive skin, fine hair, or those prone to sleep creases, the difference is noticeable. Our guide to silk pillowcase benefits covers what to expect.