What Is the ‘Potato Bed’ Trend, and Can It Help You Sleep?

If your TikTok feed has recently been filled with pillow-packed beds and people curling up into homemade cocoons, you’re not alone. Enter the TikTok ‘potato bed’: a comfort-led trend built around the idea of feeling wrapped, supported and deeply snug. As temperatures drop and cosy cravings rise, it’s easy to see the appeal.

In this article, we explain what the ‘potato bed’ trend is, how to recreate it, and whether it actually supports better sleep or is just another bedtime buzz.

The viral ‘potato bed’ trend involves layering blankets, duvets and throws inside a fitted sheet to create a thick, padded sleep surface that feels soft, supportive and cocoon-like. By building up the edges of the sheet, sleepers create a gentle ‘wall’ of comfort, before climbing in and sinking down, a bit like being wrapped in an oversized sleeping bag.

The trend took off on TikTok, where users shared videos of their impressively layered setups and the comforting sink-in effect. Named for its resemblance to a snugly wrapped jacket potato, the ‘potato bed’ has quickly become a popular go-to for a cosy winter sleep space.

Curious what a ‘potato bed’ looks like? Watch the video below to see how this trend took over social media.

Want to try the ‘potato bed’ trend for yourself? Here’s how to make one in your own bedroom:

Step 1: Start with a fitted sheet, but don’t put it on your mattress the normal way. Instead, lay it flat on your bed so the corners are turned inwards.

Step 2: Grab some spare pillows, rolled blankets, or duvets and use them to stuff the edges of the fitted sheet. Position them around the perimeter of the sheet to create a border.

Step 3: Pull the edges of the fitted sheet up and over these rolled items. The elastic edges should hold them in place, creating raised walls all around your bed.

Step 4: Adjust the stuffing until you’ve got a good wall height. You want it high enough to feel enclosed, but not so high you can’t actually get in and out of bed. Around pillow height usually works well.

Step 5: Now for the filling. Add blankets, duvets, and soft layers inside your newly created nest. This is where you can go a bit wild with the layers. Some people use three or four blankets to create that proper cushioned, sink-in feeling.

Step 6: Add your regular duvet or top blanket as the final layer inside the nest. You can tuck it in at the sides if you want that proper wrapped-up feeling.

Step 7: Throw in extra pillows for comfort and, if needed, reinforce the walls.

Step 8: Test it out. Climb into your ‘potato bed’ and see how it feels. You might need to adjust the wall stuffing or add more blankets inside, depending on your preferences.

For a visual step-by-step of how to make a ‘potato bed’, watch this viral TikTok tutorial by @hidearsherrie:

The answer isn’t a simple yes or no. For some, the cocooned feeling can be deeply calming. Being surrounded by layers may create a sense of comfort and security, similar to the effect of a weighted blanket, which some people find soothing at bedtime. Extra warmth can also help you relax, particularly in cooler bedrooms.

However, sleep quality relies on balance. Your body needs to cool slightly overnight, and too many layers may cause overheating or restless sleep. There’s also the question of movement. Heavy or bulky bedding can make it harder to shift position naturally, causing you to wake up in the night. Therefore, finding the right setup for you is key.

Discover the optimal sleep temperature and how to create an environment that supports better rest on the Sleep Matters Club.

While the ‘potato bed’ trend looks undeniably cosy, it can come with a few drawbacks. The biggest issue is temperature control. Good sleep relies on your body cooling down overnight, and multiple heavy layers can trap heat, leading to overheating and disrupted rest. And if you share a bed, differing warmth preferences can quickly become an issue, while the reduced space in the ‘potato bed’ setup could be uncomfortable for those who like to spread out. This can cause movement to feel restricted, making it harder to change position naturally during the night.

There’s also the question of support. Your mattress is designed to work with your body, responding to your weight and sleeping position to keep your spine aligned. Piling several thick layers on top creates a barrier between you and that support, which can lessen the benefits you’d normally get from your mattress. If you’ve invested in a quality mattress, it’s worth making sure you can actually feel it doing its job.

Extra bedding may also increase dust and allergens, which isn’t ideal for sensitive sleepers. Plus, having to change and wash an extensive amount of bedding regularly can become time-consuming and impractical.

If you love the cosy appeal of the ‘potato bed’ but want better sleep, there are simpler alternatives. Start by making your bed more comfortable by checking that your mattress is still in good condition, that you have the right pillow for your sleep position, and that you’re using a season-appropriate duvet rather than multiple heavy layers. A mattress topper or a soft throw can add comfort without overheating.

Good sleep hygiene matters just as much, too. From keeping your bedroom cool to winding down properly before bed, make sure your body and your environment are set up for rest.

For more tips, read our guide on how to sleep better at night.

Ultimately, the ‘potato bed’ trend highlights our growing desire for comfort, calm and better sleep. While it may look inviting on social media, true rest comes from a sleep setup that supports your body all night long, not just when you first climb in. Whether you’re drawn to the idea of feeling cocooned or simply want to make your bed more inviting, focusing on breathable bedding, the right temperature and good sleep habits will always serve you better in the long run.