A mattress assembly is described that permits the placement of a fitted sheet without lifting the mattress assembly. The mattress assembly includes a mattress substrate configured to rest on a surface or bed frame (i.e. box spring), and one or more notches configured to form recesses that accommodate a human hand and retain a fitted sheet. In some embodiments, the notches are located at the corners of the mattress substrate. In other embodiments, the notches can be continuous, forming a groove around the perimeter of the mattress substrate.