Considering we spend a third of our lives slumbering away in our beds, don't we deserve the very best bedding products? Comfortable, cozy, quality constructed materials, like soft fleece, durable wool, lofty down, and crisp Egyptian cotton may cost a bit more, but they are worth every penny when you slide into your bed at the end of each day.
Here are the basics of everything you need to know about purchasing high-quality, luxury bedding you're entitled to.
Comforter vs. Duvet – What is the difference between a comforter and a duvet?
Is a Duvet right for your bedroom?
Organic vs. Non-Organic Bedding – What is the difference?
What is Inside a Pillow?
What is the difference between high and low quality sheets?
Sheets and pillowcases serve to protect our mattresses and pillows from dust, dirt, and body oils. Sheets sets, consisting of one flat, one fitted, and two pillowcases (one for twin), come in the same sizes as mattresses: California King, King, Queen, Full, and Twin.
High-quality sheets can last for years, so the additional expense is well-justified. The number of threads per square inch, or the thread count, determines a well-made sheet. Sheets with a thread count of 300 or more are durable yet soft. They do not shrink, as cheaper, lower thread count sheets are prone to do. Quality sheets are made from many different materials, and is largely a matter of choice.
Combed cotton sheets are very soft and light. Percale sheets, which can be either 100% cotton or a cotton/polyester blend, are smooth, with a closely-woven fabric. Percale sheets are cool and crisp to the touch. Flannel sheets are the best sheets for colder seasons. They are warm and cozy, and may be a blend of cotton, wool, or synthetic fabrics. Rather than thread count, flannel is measured by the ounce. Good quality flannel sheets will weigh four ounces or more per yard. Pima sheets and Supima sheets are made from high quality cotton, with long fibers that give a luxurious, long-lasting feel. These sheets actually get softer with age and repeated washings. Egyptian cotton sheets are the ultimate in luxury. Made from the highest quality, with extra-long cotton fibers that are grown along the Nile River, these sheets are incredibly silky soft and durable.
Synthetic fabric sheets are durable, and can mimic suede or silky satins, but they don't breathe as well as natural fibers. They do wash and dry easily, however, and resist wrinkles.
Heavily dyed printed sheets can make the fabric feel a bit rough initially, but they will soften after a few washings. Buy snug-fitting sheets in the right size for your mattress. There is nothing more disruptive to a night of sleep then waking up with the sheet riding up from the foot of the bed. Quality fitted sheets should have elastic all around the sheet, not just on the corners, to prevent them from slipping off.
A quality, comfortable mattress can last a long time if properly cared for, and mattress pads play an important role in the longevity of your mattress. The price of a quality mattress should be viewed as an investment, and that investment needs to be protected. Not only do the pads protect the mattress from dirt , dust, and "accidents," they enhance a night of sleep with their added comfortable padding. Cotton mattress pads are thin, quilted pads that protect your mattress and naturally help to keep dust mites at bay. Lamb's wool/alpaca mattress pads add extra snuggly comfort and temperature regulation, providing warmth in the winter, and cooling in the summer. Naturally hypoallergenic, the natural fibers wick away moisture, prohibiting mold and mildew growth, and repelling dust mites, making them perfect for allergy sufferers.
Latex mattress pads are very durable, and can provide a significant amount of support. Latex can made from both synthetic and natural materials, and is also hypoallergenic. Because of the foundational support they provide, they can be pricey, but are, of course, worth it.
Foam mattress pads are lightweight, but they don't "breathe," so they may not be the choice if you tend to get hot while you sleep. They are relatively inexpensive. Down mattress pads have the ability to bounce back to their original shape and create the comfort of a perfect, restful nest.
Ben may be partially right, but no matter how tired you are, and how fine your linens, if you don't have a good pillow, you aren't going to get the restorative sleep you need to be at your best. In addition to being made of quality materials, a good pillow will meet the needs of the sleeper. How do you sleep? On your back, side, or your tummy? A good pillow needs to provide support for your neck and head, but also not impede breathing, which can induce sleep apnea, causing a person to wake up feeling anything but well-rested.
Feathers, foam, and synthetic fibers are common, but which are best? Natural down feather-filled pillows are usually the most expensive, but they are also the most comfortable. Synthetic-filled pillows are good hypoallergenic, machine washable choices. While foam can be very supportive, it doesn't breathe, and can cause night sweats. No one wants a hot head!
A good quality pillow will retain its fluffiness factor, night after night. Fresh air can't travel through a flat, lifeless pillow. When your pillow becomes lumpy, or is able to be "folded," it's definitely time for a new pillow.
Just like sheets, the higher the thread count in the cover fabric, the better the construction. Comforters, blankets, quilts, and duvets, oh my!
The choices are endless, and a lot of it basically boils down to personal preference. Some people like the feel of heavy blankets enveloping them, weighing them down. Others prefer lighter coverings. Of course, seasons come into play as well. Most people have different bedding and linens for winter and fall than they do for warmer weather. Quality bedding can go a long way in reducing energy costs if they keep you cool or warm when they are supposed to.
Down, or down-alternatives, have the primary advantage of creating warmth without additional bulky weight. Synthetic fills are less pricey, and better suited for allergy sufferers, but authentic down is best at regulating body temperatures. Down needs to have a high fill power, which means it has more down per ounce, increasing the loft, or "fluffiness factor." A fill power of 600 or more is an excellent place to start. A down comforter that is properly cared for will last for years and years.
Quilts are generally made of natural materials, like cotton. They are lightly padded, with three thin layers: the top, the filling, and the bottom. They are typically available in many colors, patterns, and designs. Their filling may be cotton, wool, polyester, or down. Two or more quilts are frequently paired to create an additional layer of warmth as well as create a decorative coordinating design pattern.
Duvet covers are one of the most useful bedding products. They are extremely versatile. Not only do they serve as a protective envelope for an expensive comforter, protecting it much like a pillow case protects a pillow, but they allow for easily changing the interior design of a bedroom. Some are reversible, with coordinating patterns or colors. When it comes time to redecorate, frequently only a new duvet is needed, rather than a new comforter. While duvets the French word for down, duvet covers may be made out of virtually any material, but machine washable ones are ideal. Most comforters are not easily cleaned. The additional expense of a duvet is worth it when considering the enormous protection it offers your other bedding.
It's all about the layering. Blankets generally provide the first layer of warmth, resting above the flat sheet, but under your comforter or quilt. Occasionally, a blanket alone is all that is necessary for hot summer nights. Blankets somehow seem to have the added bonus of providing an extra sense of security. Maybe it harkens back to childhood, but no matter how hot it can be on some sultry summer evenings, it's rare we sleep without at least a light cover protecting us. Regardless of season, blankets are manufactured in many materials: Lightweight cotton weaves, super-soft silk, European cotton fleece, wool or wool blends, German flannels, and of course, electric blankets to really keep the cold at bay.
Pillow shams are decorative, all-encompassing cases for pillows. While they aren't normally used for sleeping on per se, they add an additional decorative element to your overall style, and are useful for other activities while in bed aside from sleeping. Reading and watching television, for example, are more enjoyable if you're propped up, and pillow sham pillows fill that need. The same can be said for decorative toss pillows and bolster rolls. Bed skirts and dust ruffles, while similar, are different in how they are constructed. A bed skirt is a ruffle attached to a flat piece of material that goes over the box spring, with the weight of the mattress keeping it in place, while a dust ruffle just goes around the circumference of the base of the bed.
It is frequently attached by elastic or velcro. While not entirely necessary, a bed skirt or dust ruffle does add to the overall look, and kind of completes the bed package. It also helps to prevent dust bunnies from collecting, particularly on hardwood floors. A bed skirt also conveniently disguises any items that you may want to hide out of sight under the bed frame.
A sheet set, pillow shams, bed skirt, and a quilt or comforter can be purchased in a convenient so-called "bed-in-a-bag" package that include all the key ingredients needed to make the bed. While they eliminate the need to coordinate these purchases separately, the bedding is typically of a very low quality. They are relatively inexpensive, but are really only suitable in summer homes or guest bedrooms, where they are infrequently used.
Use our bedding glossary to help understand complicated bedding terms.
Absorbency: How well the item in question absorbs water. You want a towel to have a high absorbency or a raincoat to have a low absorbency.
Antibacterial: A fabric or other item coated in a germ-killing treatment. Antibacterial bedding is ideal for those with allergies or who are prone to illness. Also useful for hypochondriacs.
Baffle Box: In a comforter, walls of fabric are sewn in a grid horizontally and vertically. This keeps your comforter fluffier and sturdy, so it won't break down and bunch up over time.
Bamboo: A type of plant commonly found near pandas. Pulp of the bamboo plant can be turned into a fabric that is both light and durable, making for excellent blankets.
Bath Mat: A rug with a rubber bottom used in the bathroom. The rubber keeps it from slipping out from under you when you exit the shower, and the fabric keeps you from dripping water all over the floor.
Bath Sheet: A towel, but larger.
Bath Towel: A towel. Larger than a hand towel, smaller than a bath sheet, you'll find them in every home and every store.
Batik: A type of dyeing process that involves preventing the dye from reaching parts of the fabric. Batik patterns can be quite interesting. The process is ancient, and as such is quite time consuming, making it ideal for art and less ideal for mass production.
Batting: The filler or liner inside quilts. Batting is what makes a quilt soft and warm.
Bed Frame: The thing that holds up your mattress and box spring, if you have such a thing. Bed frames range from cheap folding metal grids to elegant four-poster frames hung with drapes and designed for maximum opulence.
Bed Riser: Anyone who gets out of bed. Alternatively, anything used to prop a bed up higher off the floor.
Bed Set: A set of fabric pieces that form a complete set of bedding. On the low end this is a flat sheet, a fitted sheet and a pillow case or two. For larger sets, blankets, pillows and even bed skirts can be tossed in.
Bed Scarf: A bedding decoration that drapes across the foot of a comforter for added elegance, if not comfort.
Bedding: Everything you put on a bed. Pillows, blankets, sheets and all the other accessories are bedding.
Bed Skirt: A skirt for your bed. Generally this decorative sheet will be found anywhere someone wants to hide what's under their bed. For those who use that space as storage but are concerned with appearances, it can be invaluable.
Bedspread: Pretty much the same thing as a bed skirt, only it rests on top of the mattress like a comforter and still reaches the floor. More decorative but less convenient.
Blend: A piece of fabric made out of two or more types of fiber. A polyester and cotton mixture would be a cotton-poly blend, for example.
Box Spring: A mattress-shaped, mattress-sized box full of springs that is placed under the mattress for added support and foundation.
Box Stitch: A way to sew a comforter in a way that has a similar effect to a baffle box, without the added fabric or height of the resulting comforter.
Broadcloth: A type of cloth that is woven loosely and then milled tighter to create a smooth feel. This makes it ideal for quilts, which the English discovered in the 1500's or earlier.
Calendering: An interesting process where a fabric is run through rollers under a high temperature and pressure, which creates a smooth and shined look. This look is destroyed the first time the cloth is washed, and wears off over time.
Canopy: On four-poster beds, the fabric that hangs above the bed suspended on the posts. Ideal for a touch of elegance and virtually required for any princess.
Canvas: A cotton fabric usually used for rough but durable applications, like painting or durable clothing.
Chamber: In a baffle box quilt, each box is a chamber. These chambers are filled with, appropriately enough, fill.
Channel Stitch: A type of stitching pattern where long chambers are created with long horizontal sewing. Only one direction of stitching is used, unlike in a box stitch.
Chenille: A cotton fabric characterized by its fuzziness.
Chevron: A pattern made out of regular repeating Vs or zigzags. Used in everything from fabrics to hardwood floors.
Closed Construction: Any type of comforter where the fill is stitched in place, like with box stitch or baffle box.
Coil: A spring is a coil of wire designed to resist changing shape. In bedding, a coil is a single spring in a mattress or box spring. A mattress with more coils has a higher Coil Count, and different mattresses can have different Coil Configurations.
Colorfastness: Fastness in this instance is used to mean resistance to age or fading. Colorfastness then is the fade resistance of a dyed color. If you want your fabric to remain bright and colorful for years to come, you want one with high colorfastness.
Comforter: a type of blanket for your bed that is essentially a large flat pillow or series of small pillows, depending on whether or not it is baffle boxed. It's smaller than a bedspread and designed to sit over your sheets. It doesn't hang to the floor unless yours is too big for your bed.
Cotton: A fabric made from the fiber of the cotton plant. It is soft and absorbent, known for its use in just about any piece of clothing or bedding for centuries and its questionable role in slavery.
Convoluted Foam: The technical name for those foam pads that look like egg cartons and sit on top of the mattress for extra padding.
Coverlet: A comforter, but smaller and lighter. Generally designed for warmer times of year when a full comforter is far from comfortable.
Decorative Pillow: A pillow meant for decoration more than use. Put it aside when you go to bed and put it back in the bed when you make it in the morning.
Down: Tiny, soft feathers individually harvested from the softest and most adorable of juvenile birds. Makes an excellent fill for comfortable pillows and very warm comforters.
Drapes: Curtains or window panels. They hang from a curtain rod in front of windows to give you darkness and privacy.
Dust Ruffle: Another name for a bed skirt, because it is useful for hiding dust under your bed when you sweep.
Duvet: Like a huge pillow case for your comforter. It can be tied closed or buttoned or zipped up, depending on the style. It is protective and allows you to change up your comforter without buying a new one.
Egyptian Cotton: The softest and most relaxing of cotton styles. By comparison, other grades of cotton may as well be burlap.
Embroidery: Using densely sewn threads to add a pattern to a piece of fabric. Can be done tediously by hand or quickly with a computer-controlled machine.
Feather Bed: A mattress topper filled with down or feathers. Generally it will be luxuriously soft with the occasionally stabbing feather working its way out of the mattress.
Fill: Filling or stuffing for various forms of bedding. Quilts and comforters have fill inside them to add body and insulation. Pillows need fill or they're nothing but sacks.
Fill Power: The density of a fill material. More fill power means a denser, warmer fill.
Firmness: How soft or not soft a mattress is. A firm mattress will be more resistant to weight.
Fitted Sheet: An annoying sheet with elastic at the corners. It is designed both to fit snugly around a mattress and to annoy anyone trying to fold one.
Flannel: A fabric known for being soft and warm, it is excellent for lumberjacks, Canadians and anyone wanting to keep warm during the winter.
Flat Sheet: A sensible, non-elastic sheet stuck between a fitted sheet and any blankets you choose to use.
Foot board: Part of the bed frame that sits at your feet when you're laying in bed.
Hand Towel: A towel that is too small for body use. It is ideal for drying hands after washing them or drying dishes.
Headboard: The opposite of a foot board. Headboards are usually much larger and more decorative than foot boards. Some even contain storage space for bedside necessities.
Herringbone: A pattern of zigzags or chevrons found everywhere from fabric to flooring.
Hypoallergenic: Not to be confused with antibacterial, a hypoallergenic material is a fabric that is free of common allergens.
Jersey Knit: The type of cotton weave often used for T-shirts. It is soft and warm when used for sheets, making it ideal for cooler climates.
Linens: The general term for fabrics used for bedding. Sheets, pillowcases, quilts, comforters and anything else on your bed is part of your bed linens.
Loft: The height of a comforter, generally. More filling means a fluffier, more lofty comforter. Baffle box comforters are the loftiest of all.
Mattress: The large, rectangular part of the bed you sleep on. Most of the time it is a thick fabric and frame wrapped around an interior construction of coiled springs. In some cases, it can be made of soft, pliable foam.
Memory Foam: A type of foam developed by NASA and now available for you to sleep on every day. Memory foam is a unique material that wraps and contours itself to your body, while springing back to a flat surface when pressure is removed.
Neckroll: Like a bed scarf, only designed for the neck area of the bed. Typically used by interior decorators to coordinate colors and patterns in their design.
Pile: A technical term used in the textiles industry. It refers to a density of feeling of the fibers of a particular fabric. Most often used to indicate the thickness of the weave of a rug.
Pilling: A fabric pill is a tiny round nub of fiber that has accumulated in one spot after wear or washing.
Pillow: Like a tiny mattress for your head, only it doesn't have springs inside it. Instead, it can be filled with foam or down or cotton filler. So, really, not much like a mattress at all.
Pillowcase: A fabric sack with one open end that is sized to fit a pillow. A pillowcase lets you keep your pillow from getting dirty. It's also useful for changing the color or pattern of your bed without buying new pillows.
Pima Cotton: A type of Egyptian Cotton created in America, meaning it is luxurious but not quite the same as the original.
Polyester: An artificial fiber known for durability and resistance to shrinkage or wrinkling. As a trade-off, it doesn't breathe well.
Quilt: A favorite bed cover of grandmothers around the world. A quilt is made of a layer of fill between two layers of fabric, stitched into a creative pattern with interesting fabrics.
Rayon: A natural fiber used in fabric that is created from wood. Not to be confused with paper.
Sleep Set: Everything you need to sleep. A bed frame, headboard, foot board, foundation, box spring and mattress at the very least.
Square Pillow: A pillow that is a square.
Synthetic: The opposite of natural, a material that was created by man rather than found in nature.
Thread Count: How many threads are in a square inch of a fabric. Higher thread counts are beneficial in a number of ways, such as a greater strength and a softer feel.
Tieback: The cord that allows you to tie drapes away from the window.
Towel Set: A set of towels. A wash cloth, a hand towel and a bath towel is the standard small set, but larger sets can contain more than one of each.
Tweed: A wool fabric that is known for being rough and unfinished, typically made from thick colored yarn.
Velvet: A soft fabric with one soft side and one plain side. Typically used for the lining of anything luxurious.
Velveteen: An imitation velvet that serves the purpose but lacks a certain je ne sais quoi.
Washcloth: A small, square towel used for washing your face and other parts of your body. Holds water and soap quite well.
Window Panels: Another term for drapes or curtains.
There is no other experience quite like snuggling up with a warm, fluffy blanket. Whether you are curled up on the couch with a book and your favorite throw or huddled under the covers in bed on a cold winter night, there is nothing more cozy and comforting as being wrapped up in a favorite blanket. To help you find the perfect fit, we've prepared this handy blanket buying guide to go over the most important factors you should consider while shopping for your perfect match.
It is very important that your new blanket is the right size. If it will be used on a bed, make sure to carefully measure the mattress to get the right dimensions. Although most blankets are labeled to correspond with different bed sizes such as twin and queen, you should still take down the measurements to be sure. There's nothing worse than having your feet stick out of the end of the blanket or not go all the way across the bed because your sense of size was off! If you will be using a blanket as a throw, bigger is usually better. It's nice to have plenty of fabric to wrap up in.
The price of a blanket will depend on various factors, with the two biggest being size and material type. One way of getting a good price is to buy your blanket during the off season. Blankets often go on sale after winter is over.
Blankets come in a dazzling array of various materials. The prospect of figuring out which to choose for your next blanket can seem quite overwhelming at first. However, just remember that the most important thing is that the blanket you choose should feel warm and cozy to you. Also take into consideration any allergies you may have as well as any special requirements for cleaning and maintaining specific fabrics. Here are some of the most important factors to consider for each of the major blanket fabric types.
Cashmere – The ultimate in softness and luxury. These blankets are made from the undercoat fibers of cashmere goats. Cashmere does tend to be pricey, but very, very soft. Chenille: another soft, plush material that is great for baby blankets and luxury throws. Chenille is made by placing short yarn pieces twisted together around a yarn core. The result is a very soft texture. Chenille blankets and throws should either be washed by hand or in a washing machine set to the gentle or delicate cycle with cold water and a mild detergent. Chenille yarn tufts can come loose if handled too roughly.
Cotton: among the most versatile and comfortable fabrics. Cotton is one of the most popular fabrics for blankets. A cotton blanket has a comfortable weight, is soft, easy to care for, moderate in price and available in a wide variety of colors and designs.
Down: perfect for a cold winter night. Down blankets are filled with duck or goose down. They are lightweight but very warm. The fill power on a down blanket measures the density of the down. The higher the fill power number, the warmer the blanket will be. Down usually needs to be dry cleaned, although some down blankets are machine washable. For those with allergies, there are also blankets made with down alternatives that are still very warm and lightweight.
Electric: for quick heat set just the way you want it. Electric blankets are moderately priced and lightweight. The big advantage is you can turn on the blanket a few minutes before going to bed at your desired temperature and have everything warm and cozy just waiting for you. Many electric blankets also come with controls for two people so that the temperature for each side of the bed can be set separately. Some electric blankets now come with conductive tape for heating instead of wires.
Polar Fleece and Synthetic Fiber Blankets: warm, easy to care for and lightweight. These blankets are perfect to keep in the car for outdoor events.
Wool: warm and durable but not the softest material in the world. They also usually need to be dry cleaned. However, they are a classic source of warmth that will last for many, many years.
It's easy to get caught up in all the different fabrics that blankets come in, but don't forget about color and design. Blankets are all about comfort, and choosing your favorite color can really put the finishing touches on finding the perfect blanket to cuddle up with on a cold winter night.
Unless you are going for a real funky look, you are going to want a comforter that fits your bed. Do not just assume buying a king or queen-size comforter is going to fit your king or queen-size bed. It's time to get the measuring tape out and see just how many inches you need to cover.
Less expensive comforters will often have packaging that says it will fit any bed that it is listed for. However, that does not mean it won't be too big or small. Too small will affect just how warm you stay at night, especially if you tend to toss and turn. Too large a comforter, however, can drag on the floor and bring a messy look to your bedroom.
More expensive comforters will list the exact size on the wrapping. No matter what your budget is, it's a good idea to get familiar with your tape measure. If you are on a tight budget, do not be afraid to ask a sales associate if you can make an exact measurement.
Cheap comforters are usually not as warm as their more expensive peers. This is because they are made of flimsier material and do not have as much filling. If you live in an area that doesn't get too cold at night, you could very well be happy with a cheap comforter. Be aware there are different qualities of down. Down is what fills most comforters and also what makes them so soft. Cheaper comforters have a cheaper quality of down, and they are often mixed with feathers. The most expensive comforters are usually filled with pure goose down that is hypoallergenic.
There are also comforters that are filled with polyester, wool or silk. Wool is extremely warm but it is costly, and it can cause irritation to people with sensitive skin. Polyester batting is less expensive, but some folks feel as if these comforters don't breathe. Comforters filled with silk are not as common and are not ideal for when warmth is a factor.
If you are on a tight budget, purchase a comforter with a lower quality of down filling. One of the pros of a less expensive comforter is that it can be easily washed. The material it is made of won't require special dry cleaning, which will save you money even after your purchase. However, if you buy a cheap comforter, make sure you wash it on the gentle or delicate cycle. This will help the material last longer. If you like to change up your room on a regular basis, buying a cheap comforter is a good idea. It won't be as painful when you decide it's time to redo the look of your bedroom. It also makes sense to buy a less expensive comforter when buying for a child's room. One of the cons of buying a cheap comforter is that it won't be as soft as a more expensive one. For some folks, this does not present a problem. If you have sensitive skin, however, it might make more sense to go for a midrange or higher priced comforter.
The most expensive comforters will usually let you know why they are priced so high as soon as you open the packaging. These comforters tend to be very soft and made of luxurious material. They also tend to have box construction, which is sewing that keeps the filling from moving to one side or the other. Expensive comforters require special cleaning, so keep this in consideration before splurging. Folks who have purchased an expensive comforter on sale have found themselves dismayed when they realize how costly it's going to be to keep it clean. So keep this in mind if you buy a luxury comforter while on a shoestring budget.
If you're the type who loves nothing more than to crawl into your comfortable bed, complete with crisp, fresh-smelling sheets and a heavy, snuggle-worthy comforter, then YOU are the person I wrote this article for.
When it comes to finding just the right comforter for your bed, lots of factors come into play, including your bed size, different material types and textures, your personal tastes regarding colors and designs, and the overall decorative theme of your bedroom. By following the tips below, you're sure to find the comforter that will make you loathe to leave your bed every morning.
Since beds come in different sizes, the most standard of which are twin, double, queen, king, and California King, finding just the right comforter for you might prove to be tricky. While comforters are made for all bed sizes, they often vary in how much material will end up hanging off the foot and sides of the bed just perfectly as opposed to dragging the floor, which is something you probably don't want. It's best to measure your bed and pay close attention to the size on the outside of the comforter packaging. If a comforter is advertised to fit a "Full/Queen" bed, it may actually be too small/short if you have a queen bed. A king-sized comforter may be too short if you own a California King bed. If you're the type of person who wants to be able to pull the comforter up to your chest without your feet being uncovered, try the next size up and see if that works for you. If not, return the comforter and try again.
Comforters are just as varied as the sheets and blankets you purchase for your bed. The most coveted comforters consist of down filling, which offers extra heaviness and warmth on those cold winter nights. However, it's usually not a good idea to purchase a heavy comforter if you live in Florida. Down comforters usually require a bit of extra care and attention than comforters that are filled with polyester or other material. In order to protect a down comforter, it's often recommended that you purchase a duvet to cover the comforter. This will add heaviness and warmth and also protect against spills and stains.
Comforters are usually made with silk, satin, or polyester. If you love the idea of a lavish comforter, then by all means try out the silk or satin varieties. If you're on a more restricted budget, polyester comforters can be just as nice.
Comforter colors and designs are quite varied. If you already know exactly what you want, then head on over to your favorite online or brick-and-mortar store to purchase it. Otherwise, a bit of comparison shopping may be in order. If you love pink but your favorite store doesn't carry the right shade you're looking for, the next one might. Also, when browsing the various colors and designs available, keep your particular bedroom's decorative theme in mind. The last thing you want to do is purchase a bright orange comforter if your bedroom is decorated in pastel pink.
It's the question that's perplexed the greatest of minds in the scientific community: Is it a duvet or comforter?
Duvet is French for down. It's a type of bedding that's used as a blanket. It has a flat bag that's traditionally filled with soft down feathers. They can also be filled with polyester, wool, silk and assorted artificial fibers. Duvet covers are open at one end, where it can be tied, buttoned or zipped close.
A comforter is a fluffy, thick blanket that's often made from sheets of fabric. They are commonly dyed and usually decorated in a bright fashion. Comforters are utilized during colder climates, though many use them as bedspreads. They come in sizes that match twin, full, queen and king and come in a number of thicknesses.
If you're looking to stay warm, a comforter is the better choice. Outside of overall comfort, comforters are chosen for a desired warmness. They are usually engineered from synthetic fillers though it's not unusual to find one made of down. Down tends to breathe better, yet the synthetic comforters have been known to keep the bed warmer. Comforters are often used with sheets and other blankets, depending on how much warmth is wanted.
Duvets are actually used by themselves on the bed. There is no need for any other blankets or sheets. With a duvet's sufficient stuffing, usually feathers, it is a self sustaining product that can generate significant warmth even during the foulest weather. It's the feathers themselves that provide the utmost warmth while sleeping.
Cleaning of your comforters has to be approached with care. They may require special cleaning as their contents do not necessarily take kindly to standard washings. On top of that, a lot of the larger comforters simply will not fit into a regular washing machine. On the plus side, if kept relatively clean, a comforter will only need to be dry cleaned once or twice a year.
Though manufacturers will suggest duvets be professionally cleaned, it can be done DIY. Use duvet covers to help maintain it. Shake it out from time to time. Hang it up to air for a while. Only use front loading machines that can take large loads, even if that means going to a Laundromat. Use only tepid or cool water, low alkaline and sudsing and neutral pH soap. Otherwise you risk damaging the feathers. Rinse it at least three times or residual soap will make it hard and clumpy. Dry it on a cool cycle with — wait for it! — a pair of tennis balls to keep the down plump. It should be removed from the dryer a couple of times, shaken to redistribute the down and put back. When it's thoroughly dry, plump until it's clump free.
Of course, if you use a duvet cover that is all you will ever need to wash. Duvets also make making the bed easier as no other blanket or sheet needs to be used. These covers can be made from cotton, wool, polyester or suede. The outer cover can feel much like a comforter.
While either one is looked at for aesthetics, duvets are considered the choice for functionality and exquisiteness. Coming in a multitude of beautiful and colorful designs, the duvet has the potential to transform a bedroom with flamboyance and flair. While bedroom paints are usually limited to four, it's believed a duvet makes it five, especially in the case of a queen sized bed. Duvets tend to be smaller than comforters, but larger than any actual bed so that they fits snug across the entire bed.
If you're looking for an all natural path to a proper sleeping environment, the comforter has a few advantages. They conform to the body, moving with the sleeper and providing a better night's sleep. Compressible and resilient, the comforter has the better insulation as it utilizes interlocked filaments. People who suffer from chronic pain will have less pressure on the legs and feet as comforters are light in nature.
Duvets have always maintained a presence in other parts of the world, but have seen an increase in popularity in the states since the late 20th Century. They tend to be fancier than a comforter and can be more expensive. That's because the duvet serves as both blanket and sheet. So while spending a little more up front, you save in the long term because you need no quilts, blankets and, if you prefer, upper sheets.
No cop out here, but that's a matter of personal preference. Both comforters and duvets come in a series of styles and colors, promising to bring a new level of sophistication and chic. A duvet, with its cover, is considered a little more versatile than a comforter. A comforter is going to cost less. Take into account a comforter will be heavier. Let that determine what kind of blankets and sheets you'd use with it. Of course, with a duvet, you wouldn't need any extra bedding.
Some people, out for a fresh look, use both. They either use the duvet as an additional cover, offering a fresh splash of color or utilize the open duvet as a shell for the comforter. So, if you're looking to add a new touch to the bedroom, do a little research on both comforters and duvets to see which best serves your preferences and decor.
Choosing the right pillow can give you a friend that will be with you for many years. Your pillow will hold you when you are sad, comfort you when you are lonely and catch your drool when you sleep deeply every night. It can also help you maintain good back support and give you something to help you wake up happy, healthy and fully rested.
The first step in choosing the right pillow is figuring out how you sleep at night. Most people sleep in the same position every night, either on their side, their back or their stomach. Each type of position requires a different sized pillow to keep your spine aligned and comfortable. If you are a person who tosses and turns, sleeping in several different positions, then you may want to purchase a couple of pillows so you can move them around as the night progresses.
People who sleep on their side need to have thicker pillows under their heads. This is to keep your neck aligned with the rest of your back. You may also want to consider a pillow with a lower center and higher sides to help keep your head and neck straight. If you do not have a pillow with this contouring, then you can always return to the old trick of punching your pillow in the center before you go to bed at night.
When you sleep on your side, you also have to consider the alignment of your lower back. Instead of resting with your legs straight, most people bend their knees when they sleep on their side. A smaller pillow placed between your knees can help you avoid lower back pain and can make you more comfortable.
When you sleep on your back, the most common problem is that the pillow is too large and you fall asleep with your chin resting against your chest. A thinner pillow allows you to rest comfortably with the proper neck support. It should have a larger section that is placed against the neck and a thinner section for the rest of your head.
You also have to worry about your lower back, so you may want to have a second, thin pillow that can be placed under your back, right above your buttocks. This keeps your spine in a natural curved position while giving you the comfort you need to get a good night's rest.
People who sleep on their stomachs often find that they have removed their heads from the pillow by morning and are sleeping directly on the mattress. This is because their current pillow is too thick and causes their necks to bend at an unnatural angle while sleeping. You should try a very thin pillow (less than 2 inches thick). If you sleep with your arms under your head then you may want an even thinner pillow such as one inch or less of filling.
You have to remember that the pillow is only one part of your bedding. If you wake up with back pain, you may want to try a firmer mattress. You can also check in replacing your box springs because, similar to your back, they do wear out over time. Correct mattress support with the right pillow can help give you the perfect night's sleep.
Too many people buy pillows as an afterthought. This might be due to the fact that pillow cases are usually included in bed sheet set purchases. Because of the importance of the right pillow is to a good night of sleep, you should spend as much time selecting your pillow as anything else. Pillows do much more than give you a comfortable feeling. They provide important support for your neck and spine. Having the wrong pillow can cause serious problems that end up causing both neck and spinal pain. One thing that surprises most people is the fact that a pillow wears out. As a guide line remember that your pillow will last longer, depending on the material used to fill the pillow casing. Polyester filled pillows last between six and twelve months, while a down pillow lasts as much as five years. The ultimate in pillow filling is duck feather pillows that can last up to eight years. A pillow that is still in good shape should unfold itself after it is folded in half and then has the air squeeze out.
A pillow should be able to form to your head. It should fit your head and shoulders like a good glove fits your hand. When you have the proper pillow you are able to be comfortable with your head on the pillow and no space between your mattress and your neck.
The following factors determine how well a pillow does providing your comfort and support for your head and spine. Design – A great pillow allows the spine to stay naturally aligned. This can depend on the position your body takes when you get into bed. Depending on this position you may need more than one pillow to properly support your head and your spine.
Comfort ability – This factor is determined by personal preference. Some people want a firm pillow while others prefer a softer spot for their head. The surface of the pillow, with pillow case, is also important. Many people prefer the smooth cool feeling they get from a cotton pillow case. Just as many people prefer the warmth that comes from a pillow case made of flannel. To be comfortable your pillow needs to be adjustable. Pillow Filling – As mentioned above, the filling of a pillow can be a big factor in how long the pillow will last. When shopping for a budget it will be your decision. Do you save the immediate cash outlay and take a less expensive filling, or look for the long run savings by purchasing the best?
Some types of pillow fillings are as follows.
Sponge type foam or filling that is small ball shaped pills of polyester peas.
Filling made of seeds and husks.
Pillows have been made in many different shapes. In modern times the most popular shapes of pillows are as follows.
This is the information you need to search for the pillow that fits your needs. When considering a pillow, in regards to your budget, remember a good pillow might save you some trips to the doctor.
Considering how much time the average person spends in bed, selecting the best bed sheets that your budget can handle is a serious task. Here are some helpful tips to help you get the best bed sheets possible. When you are shopping on a budget you need to make sure, the first time that you have chosen the correct bed sheets.
Bed sheets should fit with the color scheme of your room and other coverings for your bed. These are the things that you need to know, when choosing the color for a set of bed sheets.
Make sure you know the size of your bed because there are many sizes to consider. Most people think that there are only four sizes of bed, but that is a bad assumption. In addition to twin, full, queen and king there are at least seven other sizes. The depth of a mattress is also a critical measurement. When shopping the depth given on sheets may refer to the term pocket. That should be as close to the depth of your mattress as possible.
Bed sheets are available in several types of fabric. Usually the types available are cotton, polyester, mixed cotton – polyester and silk. This is a personal preference type of selection. If you have no preference, cotton sheets would be a safe choice. Bed sheet fabric made of polyester or a cotton-polyester mix can be less comfortable in high humidity climates.
Sheets made with rayon fabric feel cooler when touched than cotton.
The quality of bed sheet fabric is identified by the type of weave, also known as the number of threads that cross in a weave per square inch of fabric. A good quality bed sheet fabric will be at least 300 threads by 400 threads woven in a perpendicular weave pattern. Higher count weave fabric for bed sheets is rare once you get to about a weave of 400 threads by 400 threads. This is because above that weave count it is hard to detect any difference when the fabric is touched.
Cotton sheets are often woven in various different patterns. You should ask a salesperson to show you the difference in appearance and price. Most people choose the standard weave, especially if they are shopping on a budget. Some fabrics for bed sheets are made with thinner or thicker threads, which do change the feel and comfort of the material. The best thing to do, if this is something of interest, is to ask the store to let you check bed sheet fabrics by touch before you make your decision and purchase. If you have pets or children at home, it is best not to purchase sheets with the higher quality fabric.
Even if you plan to buy your bed sheets in a traditional store, take the time to check prices on line. This will give you an idea of what your bed sheets should cost. This information may also help you spot a great money saving deal.
Bed sheet sets usually come with one sheet that is fitted, for the size of your mattress. There will be one unfitted flat sheet and two cases for pillows. To help your budget make sure you get all the pieces in the set.
With the information in this article you should now be prepared to know what you're buying when shopping for bed sheets. This should enable you to get the best bed sheets possible for each dollar you spend.
Do you happen to be one of those unlucky people who suffer with muscle cramps in the morning from a restless sleep the night before? If you are, you probably wake up in a monstrous mood! Having sleepless nights and lots of muscle pain around the back and neck will surely spoil the mood for working or participating in social and recreational activities. Waking up in the morning tired and grumpy affects your overall health, relationships and productivity. One thing that will help relieve a lot of this is replacing your bed pillows as soon as possible!
There are all kinds of different pillows on the market today, and that can certainly confuse you if you are trying to find the pillow that is the best for you. You want a pillow that is going to fit your body, your sleeping pattern and your personal preferences. You might be talked into buying fancy packaged pillows or pillows that are designed uniquely, so before you head out shopping for pillows, determine what type of sleeper you are and what exactly you need. First, determine what type of fill you want for your pillow. Do you prefer something firm, medium or soft? The product stuffed into the pill does vary to a degree. When a pillow is stuffed full, it is considered firm, and the pillows stuffed the lightest are the softest. Next, you should decide if you want a pillow that is body size, king size or standard. Finally, you need to determine which type of sleeper you are.
There are basically three types of sleeping habits. You are a back sleeper if you prefer sleeping on your back, a side sleeper if you like sleeping on your side or a tummy sleeper who sleeps on your stomach. Believe it or not, pillow manufacturers make different types of pillows to match each sleeper's needs and preferences. When you start shopping for the right pillow, there are a few things you should know. The softer pillows are made for those who like sleeping on their tummy. They are comfortable and flat. These pillows offer the best support to keep the spinal cord and head aligned despite the position. These pillows prevent your spinal cord from unnaturally arching as well.
The medium filled pillows are for those who like sleeping on their backs. They support the neck, spine, head and shoulders. A high-quality medium pillow offers great support and comfort because they conform to the natural curve of the cervical spine. A firm pillow is denser, which makes it the perfect pillow for those who enjoy sleeping on their sides. The sleeper is able to cradle their head comfortably, and the head will align correctly with the spine. Other than these details, you should also consider the material you want your pillow made from. If you are someone with allergies, you want to stay away from pillows filled with materials that will provoke the allergies. There are all types of material used for pillows, so check to see which type would be best for you when shopping.
Today, the latest technology has given us therapeutic options for pillows recommended by medical professionals and chiropractors for those suffering with specific medical or health conditions. Today, we have natural, eco-friendly and organic filling materials on the market as well. If you have a tight budget, there are hypoallergenic and resilient synthetic filled pillows to consider. Always choose a pillow that fits your personal sleeping habits and one that offers optimum comfort and support. The key to a great night sleep is proper alignment.
Duvets are a very useful accessory for any bedroom. They also have an interesting history and are known by many different names. The word duvet is from the French language and means fluff. In Australia a fluff duvet is called a doona or a continental quilt. In the colder northern countries of Europe this type of bed covering was called a donne.
The characteristic of a duvet that makes it useful for any bedroom is the fact that it is meant to replace blankets and sheets. This one quilted bed covering allows any home-maker to make a bed in just a few moments. The first duvets were made in the colder and more rural parts of Europe. They were especially popular in Scandinavian countries. The original duvets were basic quilts that were filled with the down of particular specie of duck. Modern duvets come in many different types of construction and even different quantities and qualities of filling. Some duvet are meant for warmer spring and summer weather, while others provide such retention of body heat and warmth, they are only used for the coldest months of winter. In England the word duvet crept into popular culture and the slang of British English. An employee who was truant from work, but not really ill, would return to work and tell their co-workers that they had a duvet day. This meant they just did not feel like getting out of their warm bed, thanks to the duvet, and just decided not to come to work.
Early duvets had another use, one almost lost to history. As beds were often shared in medieval rural Europe a duvet could be used to protect the innocence and purity of beautiful young women. If, unexpectedly, a bed was to be shared with several people and the situation force young girls and boys into the same bed, the presence of a duvet became critical. The wide and long, yet thinly quilted duvet was rolled into one long, log-like, roll. That roll was placed in the middle of the bed, as a barrier between the boys and girls. In old English the word for a duvet made into this rolled item became known, and eventually made, as a belg bag.
The modern duvet is called a duvet, comforter, quilt, or coverlet. They are made in every size imaginable and for every size of bed. They can be filled with many types of natural material, such as sheep's wool, alpaca wool, goat's wool, and cotton. Many duvets are filled with an uncountable number of synthetic types of material too.
The famous American home-maker maven Martha Stewart implores her hordes of followers to take to flat standard sheets, one plain and one colored or patterned, to trim them together and then fill at home with anything they choose. There are several good reasons to use duvets in your bedrooms. Here is a list of just a few of them.
If you want the ultimate in a duvet you may need to make one yourself. The original duvets used the down from the Eider Duck, now known as Eiderdown. But the problem is that modern production methods cannot totally remove the rod in the smallest down feathers. Only down hand plucked can match the amazing feeling of an original duvet.
Do you want to enjoy that added sense of comfort and ease without needing to spend so much money on a brand new mattress pad? Have you been getting trouble with your spouse with your unalike softness preference with your mattress? Then you must perhaps start considering buying mattress pads to resolve these concerns. These pads are capable of giving that additional comfort that you want and let you enjoy every night the extravagance of any hotel bed.
With numerous bedding options available today, choosing the best one for you and your family's needs may seem to be a hard decision. Although it is significant that you select the right mattress pads for your needs, there's no reason to make mattress pad shopping a taxing experience. Here are a few basics to take into account while you shop.
You should measure your bed first. Its size is vital to note but more precisely, you have to measure the depth of the bed to know the best mattress pad. Decide which kind of mattress pad you require. Purchase according to material, thickness, and fastener. Mattress pads are made from a variety of materials such as cotton, silk, wool-polyester, foam, organic cotton, synthetic down, feathers, and even vinyl. Get the thickest pad in your specific price range, as it will basically be valued by the thickness.
Decide what extent of firmness you like the most, such as soft, medium, or firm. It's a common mistake that a firm pad is much better for your back. If you require some extra cushioning experience every time you sleep, you should choose the pads that are very soft. On the other hand, while you might be having a particular medical condition that will benefit from a firmer pads, many doctors suggest a medium firmness pads that lets the natural bend of your spine when you're standing to stay the same while you're lying down. This means averting a surface that's too soft, which permits for exaggerated curving of your spine, or that's too hard, which cause your spine to over straighten.
Standard mattress pads ranges from seven up to 15 inches deep, while an extra deep mattress pad can reach up to 22 inches. This is imperative to take into account when you decide about what type of sheets you need to purchase in order to have the added depth of pad if you already own a deep mattress. Nevertheless, height isn't a very important factor.
The price certainly is one of the main factors to consider when you're shopping. Don't push your budget. These mattress pads are definite to cost much more than the regular pads so you should prepare and adjust your budget well for you to manage to pay for it.
Consider the kind of fastener that's best for your mattress. Mattress pad has four different types of fasteners, which include anchor pad, wrap pad, fitted pad, and "guaranteed to fit" pad. A wrap pad is normally quilted on the sides and top and has elastic material around the pad, which assures a protected fit. The guaranteed to fit pad is perfect for deep mattresses since it has expandable sidewalls. Anchor pads protect the top portion of the mattress and are fastened by elastic bands on the corner, while a fitted pad is somewhat like a fitted sheet.
Look for a heated mattress pad to release joint as well as muscle pain or a hypoallergenic pad to avoid dust mites.
If you have a luxurious bed that you might have spent on before, you can be certain that it'll be well -maintained with mattress pads. Having pads is a good choice because of its lightweight feature and affordability. You don't have to buy the big, heavy, and bulky bed mattress if you can simply settle for the ease that these mattress pads can provide you. Finally, in order to receive the best benefit out of the mattress pads, you will have to maintain and take care of it.
The word organic seems to be on everyone's lips nowadays. If you have made the switch to organic foods in your diet and rely on non-toxic products, then it is time to take a more organic approach to your bedroom as well. With so much attention to all facades of our lives, one of paramount importance should certainly be sleep. After all, it is our daily dose of slumber that rejuvenates, revives and replenishes us to whom we are in our waking hours. The number of hours that you spend with your bedding can be staggering. It is only fair that you give your sleep the glorification that it truly deserves. An organic pillow can be a great aid, one that can help you sleep well, devoid of chemicals and toxins that you could be breathing in on a day-to-day basis. But, what exactly is an organic pillow and how can these pillows be better than their conventional counterparts? Synthetic pillows are a major source of chemicals such as petroleum derivatives. They are typically produced from polyurethane foam, synthetic latex and polyester. Organic pillows are crafted from biodegradable, natural materials such as cotton, wool and latex. Organic pillows can not only protect your neck and skin but also prolong your health and enhance your overall well-being.
Many of us lean towards synthetic pillows as they are economical and easily available. However, taking into account the time that we spend on our beds each day, a healthier sleeping environment is definitely worth the investment. Don't we fret over our couches and kitchen appliances ever so often? After a day of frenzy and activity, we often tend to underestimate the fact that it is our beloved pillow that provides a welcome respite. Organic bedding is a smart choice, one that can help you rest, heal and regenerate in a natural and healthy setting. In order to further highlight the fact that your synthetic pillow is not exactly the best of choices, let us discuss some of its drawbacks. The moisture in synthetic pillows can cause overheating and chills. In addition, it is also likely to promote microbial growth, thus inducing allergic symptoms. Organic pillows are designed to be resistant to allergens and bacteria. They can help keep sniffles, insomnia and morning headaches at bay. Organic pillows come in an impressive range of options to meet even the pickiest consumer's sleep requirements. Common organic fillings include organic cotton, all-natural cotton, natural latex and pure virgin wool. Let us take a look at each of the organic pillow options available today so that you can pick the best one for your specific needs.
If you are seeking good support and flexibility, natural latex pillows can be a great choice. They are hypoallergenic due to their dust-mite repellent properties. Moreover, if you are a stomach or a side sleeper, these pillows can be the perfect addition to your sleeping regimen. Available in standard, king and queen sizes, latex pillows might just become your new best friend.
Wool pillows are long lasting, resilient and extremely low maintenance. Wool has an unparalleled ability to regulate moisture and temperature. By inhibiting mildew and mold from growing, they can help maintain a healthy and dry surface. This option is ideal for allergy sufferers and anyone looking to enjoy a good night's sleep during freezing winters and hot summers.
Organic cotton pillows contain no dyes, chemicals or pesticides making them an ideal choice for anyone who is sensitive to chemicals. Extremely soft in the beginning, organic cotton pillows tend to become firmer over time. The price of organic cotton pillows is typically lower than other chemical-free pillows. If you are concerned about the type of pillows that your children are sleeping on, this can be a great starting point to naturalize their sleep environment. You might also want to consider hemp pillows that are crafted from natural fibers and have similar benefits.
Widely known as silk cotton, kapok is a fiber that provides the comfort and feeling of down bedding. Kapok pillows are soft, supportive and light at the same time. Their minimal resistance makes kapok pillows ideal for back sleepers.
Organic pillows that are built with buckwheat hulls are commonly used to help eliminate headaches, restlessness, back pain, shoulder pain, stiff neck and snoring. They are ideal for all types of sleepers.
Sleeping on an organic millet pillow can help with proper alignment, cradling your head and neck by providing gentle and steady support. Compared to buckwheat pillows, millet pillows tend to be softer and smoother. When it comes to schmoozing, whether it is day or night, nothing can help as much as a good pillow. Making it organic and natural can help you enjoy your precious sleep even better, and your body will certainly thank you for it. Now that you are aware of all the benefits of an organic pillow, it is indeed time to give yourself a good night's rest and start the day in a fantastic mood.
There has been a lot of debate about the benefits and drawbacks of using organic or non-organic bedding. Since natural products are considered harmless, there has been a rapid growth of the organic industry, with the emphasis on green homes and organic bedding. If you dig deep enough, you will realize that only cotton and wool are really organic. Other materials, even those that have organic tags, have traces of non-organic materials in them.
This doesn't mean that you start sleeping on hay and use grass instead of carpet. It just means that you should be choosier about the material that you use, especially for your bedding. Given below are the differences and pros and cons of both organic and non-organic bedding.
Should you go organic? Your skin touches the bedding and absorbs external elements. It secretes waste in the form of sweat, which when it comes into contact with these external elements may give rise to allergies like rashes. But, if you are using natural fibers like cotton, then you can avoid these problems. While cotton is used for the exterior of the bedding, down is used for filling up pillows and comforters.
Bedding is more important that even the clothes that you wear. You sleep on it for close to eight hours and your skin touches it for a long time. So, if you are sleeping on bed sheets or using comforters that are made of cotton, then there is no chance of skin allergies. Your skin is not breathing in the harmful elements that the pillows, comforters and mattresses exude. Bedding like comforters, bed sheets and pillows, made of organic cotton, are not treated with pesticides and synthetic fertilizers. The finished product does not contain traces of dyes, artificial colors, bleaches and formaldehyde. It is also the warmest bedding that you will ever find. Just ensure that is good quality.
Although organic bedding is the best for your health, it is very expensive. There are fewer organic crops and therefore, availability of organic cotton is limited. A down pillow that is not of good quality can harm you as it can trigger allergies that you have. Even when you are using a good quality down, it is not easy to clean. You have to wash it by hand and use mild detergents to keep the down soft. After you wash it, you can forget about it for a long time as it does not dry very quickly. Keep plenty of bed sheets, bedspreads, and others if you are going to use only organic bedding. Another big drawback of organic bedding is that it is prone to wrinkle and shrinks when washed.
Most people buy synthetic bedding as it is easily available and less expensive than organic bedding. Synthetic bedding that uses polyester cotton is a good option for non-organic bedding as it uses a combination consisting of 65% cotton and 35% polyester. You can also find something in the half-half ratio.
Non-organic bedding is not always bad, as many people believe. Polyester, a synthetic material often used for bedding is for the common people. It is inexpensive and easily available. Also, synthetic material has elasticity and therefore, does not crease like the cotton material. It does not tear easily, since the material is flexible and strong. The biggest benefit of synthetic bedding is that it is inexpensive, since man does not rely on nature for producing it. It is produced in factories. It is a good option when the weather is cold, as it does not allow air to pass through, trapping body heat.
Synthetic bedding is wrinkle resistant, and does not shrink like organic bed sheets and pillow covers. It doesn't have to be washed by hand delicately in mild detergents, and it dries quickly. You can use it fairly soon. So, you don't need too many bed sheets, comforters, or pillow covers when you are using synthetic material.
There are however many cons of using non-organic bedding. The first and foremost is that non-organic bedding is treated with chemicals that can cause skin allergies when they come into contact with skin through the bedding. These chemicals like formaldehyde and chlorine are toxic. Formaldehyde causes insomnia and respiratory problems, and chlorine is known to cause hormone disruption. Synthetic bedding will not last as long as organic bedding and you cannot sleep on synthetic bedding, especially polyester, when the weather gets too hot. Polyester starts melting in the heat and causes skin irritation.
These are the pros and cons of organic and non-organic bedding. Everyone has an opinion and choice when it comes to their bedding, but what you use depends on where you are living and the weather conditions. If you are living in an area with hot and humid weather conditions, then you will need non-organic bedding that will dry quickly but at the same time, be prepared as this type of bedding will not cool your skin.
A duvet cover is also called many other names, such as a duvet insert or a down comforter. The first time a duvet cover was ever used was back in the 1700's. In those days, people living in Europe stuffed flat bags with down feathers of ducks to keep warm. Today, duvets are usually filled with other materials such as silk, wool, cotton and artificial fibers. Today, these duvets replace quilts and bedspreads in the bedroom for warming the bed. The name duvet is actually a French word meaning 'down', which is referring to the down feathers of the birds they come from. Most duvets cannot be washed because the water will damage the filler.
Consequently, most duvets will need a duvet cover to help protect the comforter. Duvet covers come in many color options and various patterns so that they can enhance the mood or atmosphere in the bedroom. Just like bed sheets and bed pillow cases, duvets are changeable and sometimes reversible. They are washable so that you can always keep your bedroom fresh and clean. Essentially, the role of the duvet cover is comparable to a pillow case for the pillow. It is very necessary to know the difference in the duvet and the duvet cover. There are often some misunderstandings about the uses of both of these items.
Most people who live in the United States refer to a duvet cover by calling it a 'duvet'. But, people who live in Canada and Europe often call a down comforter a duvet. If you happened to be a Canadian person moving to the United States or traveling to the United States, you need to make sure you are using the right term if you are looking to buy one of these. Today, most duvet covers are made from high quality materials that offer an extremely comfortable experience while sleeping. The top of the line down comforters are filled with white goose down. These feathers are de-dusted and sanitized very well before use. The cheaper down comforters are filled with material such as cotton or polyester fiber.
The 'bags' are made from materials such a silk blends, suede, polyester, microfiber and so forth. A duvet cover that is well made and properly treated will stay warm and fluffy just as it would if it had been used for a while. Even though they can be purchased separately, you will usually find the duvet and the duvet cover sold together as part of full bedding set. It will also come with other items such as the bed skirt, pillow cases and the bed sheets in matching colors and patterns. The sizes of the duvet come in single, double, queen, Olympic queen, king and California king. You can usually get these at retail stores or through several companies online.
Now that you have a better idea of what a duvet cover is and what it might be used for, you can start looking for just the right one for your bedroom! You want to find something that is going to fit your personality and shape the person you are. When you walk into your bedroom, you want to relax and feel that this is a place of comfort. Choosing the duvet that you love best will help you relax and enjoy your bedroom more.
Mattresses made with this material can be very expensive. An important benefit of memory foam is that it changes shape to fit to a sleeper's body in response to their body's heat and weight. This allows it to be extremely supportive and make for more comfortable sleeping. A memory foam mattress pad can be a more frugal alternative to purchasing a memory foam mattress or serve as a way for a shopper to test out memory foam before investing in a mattress made with it.
Natural or synthetic cotton may be used and these materials are machine washable, but their main benefit is the comfort that they provide. Cotton is extremely soft, which makes it more comfortable for those who have skin issues like shingles or psoriasis. Some shoppers may opt for organic cotton, which is both soft and naturally hypoallergenic. Cotton mattress pads often come with elastic around the edge to provide a snug fit over a mattress.
As with cotton mattress pads, shoppers have the option of natural latex (made from the rubber tree) or synthetic latex. In either case, latex is extremely durable while making the surface of the mattress more comfortable for those who suffer from joint aches. Natural latex is pricier but it can last for years and synthetic latex can last for even longer than the natural type; both are hypoallergenic. Wool Mattress pads made with wool will be extremely soft, much like cotton; however, wool provides more support when compared to cotton. Wool also has the benefit of making the mattress pad easy to wash. Wool mattress pads come with another benefit in that the material has naturally insulating properties. These will keep a sleeper warm in winter and cool in the summer.
Cost is a big factor when shopping for mattress pads as the cost will vary widely depending on the materials that the shopper wants. They should take into account the softness of the mattress pad as well as such factors as the health conditions of those who will be using it. As with sheets, thread count matters. When shopping for a mattress pad it is important to look for the number of threads per square inch of the fabric; this will provide a good indication of both the texture of the fabric and how long it will last. The method of affixing the mattress pad to the bed is also important. Some mattress pads are attached with elastic bands that cling to the corners of the mattress, this is not usually the most secure method and the pad could come loose during a night of heavy tossing and turning. Another method involves a mattress pad that fits like a fitted sheet; this is considerably more secure. The most secure method is covering the mattress all the way around with a mattress pad that closes with a zipper, much like a slipcover; this is the most secure way to cover a mattress.
Sleep plays an important role to our health and overall well being. It lets us recharge our bodies. When we can't get enough hours of rest, we won't have the energy to start another day. There are several factors that may keep us awake until late at night. It may be the coffee we just drank or the heavy snacks we just ate. It may be the stress at work or the exercise class we just attended before heading for home. We may not be aware of this, but even our bedding can have an impact on the quality of our sleep. These include our choice of comforters. These come in different kinds of materials, and each can have different effects on the way we sleep.
When you want to experience a really good uninterrupted sleep, you can opt for a comforter made from a down material. This is softer and warmer than other types of material. This gives the best insulation and maintains an even body temperature in any type of climate. This does not come as a surprise since this is made from the soft, fine feathers underneath the water birds' outer feathers. Since down is both resilient and compressible, it has the ability to conform to the body and move with it. Sleeping with a down comforter is just being close to nature. Its natural materials allow it to be breathable and draw away moisture away from the body. So, you won't have a feeling of dampness, which is present in synthetic comforters.
When it comes to this type of comforter, the white goose down ones are the most expensive. However, you can get some with a mix of feathers at a lower price but still get the same quality of warmth and comfort. Down comforters are graded according to their weight in ounces, so when the number is high, it is warmer, like 600, which is good enough. There are others that rate 700 and above.
You may not afford the more expensive goose comforters and at the same time, you are allergic to the feathers they are made from. So, polyester comforters with synthetic filling are the most suitable for you. They are made of non-allergenic fibers. They are not created from natural materials though so, they are not as breathable as down. However, they are lightweight and warm. Moreover, they can be machine washed unlike a down comforter. This allows you to save on costs.
Wool comforters can serve their purpose of keeping you comfortable in both hot and cold months as they feel cool during summer and warm during winter. They are extra soft and comfortable since they are made from fleece of different sheep, hair from angora rabbits, camels, llamas, cashmere goats, and alpacas. You can just imagine how close you can get to these creatures every time a wool comforter covers you. They may not be a right choice for kids though since they are not washable by machine.
Made from natural fibers, these comforters are breathable as ever. They are very affordable, durable, and machine-washable. There are basically two types of cotton materials used in comforters. Sanforized cotton is preshrunk to size while mercerized cotton is absorbent, H2, and colorfast.
These comforters are made of silk that comes from a silkworm caterpillar's cocoon. They are spun with the use of a silk strand. For these reasons, they are naturally soft, breathable, making them similar to down comforters in this aspect. Usually, they are only available in colors white and eggshell. Therefore, they come with a duvet cover. Silk is a suitable choice for those who suffer from allergies. The only downside of this type of comforter is that this can easily get stained, so this must be dry-cleaned.
There are many kinds of pillows and just as many different materials that have been used to fill those pillows. Some pillows are primarily used for decoration. For those pillows the material used as filling is not as important as a pillow meant for use in a bed. Here are some of the most frequently used materials for filling a pillow.
Natural down or feathers from some type of bird, most frequently ducks, or the down from the same animal are often used for pillow filling material. Down and feather pillows are considered some of the most comfortable and are often the most expensive available on the market. This type of pillow filling also lasts longer than any other natural type of filler.
Cotton pillow filling are available in several different combinations of thickness and firmness. Both of these factors affect the comfort ability of the pillow. Before purchasing cotton filled pillows you should check to make sure the pillow seems comfortable for your use.
A combination of natural seeds and husks, have also been used for filling pillows. This type of filler tends to make sounds when being formed for comfort. The rubbing of the seeds and husks together is what generates the sound.
Kapuk is a natural material that grows on trees in Asia. In countries such as Malaysia and Indonesia this natural material is often used for pillow and mattress filler. Straw and hay from meadows was the traditional type of pillow filler. This could still be used for pillow filler if a pillow was made at home. Modern pillows must conform to government regulations and labeling so that people with various allergies are informed about what type of pillow filling they are buying. In some parts of the world, pillows must be fire retardant to help prevent pillow users from serious burns or death if they fall asleep while smoking in bed.
Foam pillow filling comes in two types. The lower quality foam is usually used for the most inexpensive pillows for sale. The foam could be cut in irregular strips, squares or randomly shaped pieces. This could affect how comfortable the pillow feels. Memory Foam pillow filling should not be confused with the other type of inexpensive foam pillow filling. Memory foam is unique in that it regains its original shape and form after having been distorted by use. Some people love memory foam in pillows, while other pillow users would still rather have a top quality down or feather pillow.
Polyurethane pillow filling is rarely used for sleeping or beds but can be popular for large pillows, often called bean bags. In some Asian countries large pieces of tubular plastic or polyurethane is used to fill pillows.
Regardless of the material used to fill a pillow, the external part of every pillow is made of some type of material that is called a shell or a cover. Some pillow covers are sewn together after the filling has been placed inside. Other pillow covers have modern plastic zippers to hold the cover shut.
Most pillow covers that come in contact with the filler are covered again by another type of fabric. These usually have a slit under an overlapping piece of material that allows the main pillow cover, including filler, to be slipped inside.
The external pillow cover that a person usually sees is made of the same material as a bed sheet or some type of decorative material. Covers can be made of plastic, cotton fabric, leather, polyester material or a combination of any of these materials.
High quality sheets look good on the bed and feel like a gentle caress against the skin. Sheets of lesser ilk feel as if they should have never been against the skin in the first place: they are rough, stiff and generally unpleasant. On top of that, sheets of low degree wear out far more easily. Quality in sheets is a product of several factors.
How well a bed sheet ends up feeling to the user often has a lot to do with how that sheet starts out, with the material from which it is made. Silk sheets are the ultimate tactile luxury, and linen bedding has thermal qualities that help sleepers stay cool in summer and warm in winter. Even pedestrian cotton comes in different varieties. Long staple cotton offers a smooth texture that rivals silk, while the short-staple variety is the choice for economy. Some sheets are made of 100% natural materials, while some have a touch of modern synthetic fiber to repel stains and add durability. More than a little synthetic content, though, has a negative effect that can bring down the tone of the classiest bedding ensemble.
The way a sheet is made is almost as important to its appeal to the touch as the material used to make it. The weave, the over and under pattern, has a decided effect on the final product. The simplest weave is percale, also called plain weave, where a thread dodges back and forth over one thread and under the next. Percale is H2 and long-wearing, but not particularly soft. A four under, one over pattern, called sateen when made of cotton and satin if from silk, has a much superior touch skin appeal, but does not wear nearly as well. In cold climates flannel sheets are made from napped fabric. Flannel is heavy and in no way smooth, but it does keep a warm bed warm better than almost any other fabric.
The threads from which sheets are woven come in different diameters, much like pipe that can be a slender tube or a huge storm drain. Finer threads mean lighter, more flexible sheets. Two or more lengths of thread can be twisted together, forming 2-ply or 4-ply or 128-ply yarn. If the original thread was thin enough, a 2-ply yarn can be used to make exquisitely supple sheets, light to handle and delectably smooth to the touch.
A concept related to yarn size but not necessarily identical with it is thread count, usually the number of threads to the inch. While higher, tighter thread counts are usually also of higher quality than looser ones, other factors have a decided effect, particularly the material and the weave. Some confusion can arise over thread count, since it includes not only warp and weft threads but the plies of each multi-ply thread and any picks, or extra threads, inserted into the weave. Plain weave single ply fabric can usually only manage about 400 threads to the inch.
Weaving the fabric into sheets is not the end of the story. The finishing processes that happen after the cloth comes off the loom are almost as important as the yarn or the weave. In particular, quality sheet fabric (except flannel) must be singed. This means exactly what it says: the cloth is passed close to an infrared heater or sometimes a gas flame to burn off the surface fluff. Since this fluff is what later forms pills, singing has a huge effect on long term bed sheet quality.
The other process that quality cotton sheets undergo is called mercerization. The fabric is exposed to chemicals that maximize its strength and its sheen, make it easier for ink and dye to penetrate the fibers and discourage mildew. One quality advantage of long-staple cotton, although by no means the only one, is that it responds best to mercerization.
For many people, the idea of slipping between the sheets carries significant connotations although fewer consider what makes a cool sheet soft. With colors, patterns and sizes to thinks about, the attention to thread count has been mostly given by those manufacturing and advertising their sheets. Since it has only been a little over a decade that the emphasis of thread count has been front of mind, what makes it so important?
It stands to reason that a higher thread count means more thread has been used to make the sheets. Does higher content equate to greater value? It really depends on the feel you are after in a bed sheet and how you want them to perform. For example, cotton sheets wick away moisture where 100 percent polyester and poly blends do not. While these fabrics wash well, are preferred for their wrinkle-free feature and give the most silk-like feeling, they do not "breathe" as well as 100 percent cotton sheets.
One of the most popular sheets, closely woven Percale has a crisp, fresh hand that is the most silk-like for cotton. The over and under weave produces a resilient fabric that is also very comfortable. The greater variety of sheets balancing softness and affordability are offered with a thread count of 300 to 500.
Using a four-yarn-over and one-yarn-under weave construction, Sateen-woven sheets produce a glossy look with a satiny hand. This weave places the majority of the threads on the surface creating the luxurious appeal. This thread count tends to run from 300 to 600.
Among the highest quality cotton sheets are Egyptian, Supima and Pima made from what is called extra-long staple (ELS) cotton. This makes a sheet fabric that is not only the most durable and highly absorbent, it gets more supple with time the more it is laundered. The thread count is ranges from 800 to 1000 to 1200. These luxury sheets are made of the finest materials with price reflecting the quality. Some people find that the higher thread count can feel more like a canvas material than a sheet. Flannel cotton sheets with their twill weave are famously popular with kids and guests for their fluffy look and cozy feel. For a sheet with more stretch, a knitted jersey sheet is also very comfortable. When deciding on what to purchase, if it feels good to the touch and the make is a familiar one, a safe gamble would be to start with the pillowcases to get a good idea how things will come out in the first wash.
Mattress pads come in a variety of types. From memory foam to waterproof, mattress pads serve many different functions and are very beneficial.
There are numerous benefits to using a mattress pad. They can help you to get a better night's sleep, protect your bed from debris and dirt, and give you the proper support or extra comfort that you need. Mattress pads can greatly improve your sleep experience and can increase your energy levels.
Mattress pads serve the vital function of keeping your bed clean. When we sleep, we shed skin all over the bed and may even drool or sweat. A mattress pad can protect your bed from all of this and more. Mattress pads also protect the bed from dirt or other debris. This keeps you healthier and safer. The mattress pad itself is machine washable, so debris will not accumulate.
Dust mites like to accumulate on mattresses. They feed on dead skin cells that you shed. Their excrement can cause breathing problems and sleeping problems to people with sensitivities to dust mites. Mattress pads help protect the bed from dust mites and give people a better and cleaner night's sleep.
For anyone that is suffering from incontinence, or for children who may be wetting the bed, a waterproof mattress pad can protect the bed from accidents or spills. By using a waterproof pad, the lifespan of the bed can be lengthened, and it can be kept perfectly clean.
Easing Aches and Pains Mattress pads can give firm beds extra comfort and cushioning. This added softness helps to provide the lower back, knees, and other areas of the body with the needed amount of softness to prevent stress, strain, and pain. You can also be more comfortable lying on your side with a soft, comfortable mattress pad while the firm mattress itself lends proper support.
A mattress pad is a luxurious but affordable addition to your bed. It's comfortable and helps you to have a much better night's sleep. This can provide you with increased energy levels during the day so that you feel better and are able to work more efficiently, too.
There are many different types of mattress pads you can choose depending on your needs. Each different type has specific advantages.
These mattress pads are used to give a bed extra softness. Any bed that is too firm can be made more comfortable by using these cushioning pads. Cotton and silk are both breathable materials that keep away excess heat, and they are soft, making them perfect materials for cushioning mattress pads. Other materials used are soothing, warm fleece and gentle down. These soft pads are perfect for reducing aches and pains.
These pads are covered in special rubber or plastic to give thorough protection from liquids of any sort. These pads come in different types including pads that cover the bed like a fitted sheet and pads that cover the entire mattress. The latter gives more thorough protection from liquids.
These pads are specially crafted to stop dirt and debris from finding its way onto your bed. It is important to remember that these pads are not waterproof and cannot protect from liquids. These mattress pads are washable to ensure that any dirt on the pad itself can be cleaned off as well. You can choose from a variety of thicknesses with dirt control pads. If you want a softer pad, just choose a thick-quilted variety of this pad.
These pads are specially crafted for people who suffer from allergies. These mattress pads are the ones that stop dust mites from settling on the bed, and they keep the bed free from dust or other allergens. These mattress pads must cover the entire mattress and close around it to effectively protect you from allergens.
There are many different types of foam mattress pads available. These pads are unique in that they are able to give you both cushioning and proper support for your back. The foam molds itself to your body shape, but it keeps its structure as it molds. Types of foam mattresses include memory foam, latex foam, and egg crates. Memory foam is a synthetic type of foam that holds its shape better than any other foam type. Latex foam is completely natural and better for anyone who has sensitivities to synthetic chemicals. An advantage of egg crates is that you can cut it to any size to fit your bed easily. And if your spouse doesn't want foam on their side of the bed, you can cut the egg crate to just fit your side.
With so many great mattress pads from which to choose, you can have a lot of fun searching for what you'd like. Each type of mattress pad has many benefits. Protection from spills, dirt, and dust along with proper support, cushioning, and relief from aches and pains are all wonderful benefits of mattress pads.
Selecting baby bedding may actually be fun! This is because it may be made of different materials as well as come with matching items like comforters, quilts, etc. Shopping for a designer baby bedding may also be the greatest idea because you are assured of the best materials and excellent quality which you will surely want for your little darling.
Designer beddings actually come in a variety of designs as well as styles. You may choose a designer baby bedding with a Victorian theme, an 80's theme; it is pretty much up to you. You may also choose a baby bedding that will complement your baby's eyes, gender, hair color, etc. Drop by a few baby stores like Carters and you might find the designer baby bedding you are looking for.
Some people have the habit of selecting a nursery themed designer baby bedding for the nursery. Themes like Sesame Street, Mickey Mouse, etc. are among the popular choices today.
The nursery may also have a different theme from a crib that is portable. Some people have portable cribs so they can have their baby with them whichever part of the house they go. You may have a different theme for your baby's portable crib if you want. You may go for a designer baby bedding printed with flowers if you have a baby girl, or bedding printed with cars, if you have a baby boy.
The fact is, shopping for baby stuff can be lots of fun. Aside from looking at the styles and designs, you should never forget to look at the quality of the designer baby bedding you have chosen. Remember too that baby bedding usually comes in sets wherein there are bolster pillows, blankets, comforters, fitted sheets, etc. that will have matching themes. Choose a set that may be able to cover all your baby's needs. For example, why buy a designer baby bedding set with just the bedding and pillow cases? You should choose a set that has not only the baby bedding but also bolster pillows, blankets, quilts, etc. In this way, you get value for your money.
If you want to have more choices in terms of designer baby bedding, it is best to go online and use the search engines. Most department stores only have a limited collection of baby bedding sets and there is a great possibility that you do not get what you are looking for.
If you want a designer baby bedding that matches your likes, the designs you are after, or the styles you want, it is advisable for you to do your shopping online. Online shops more often than not may be able to give you the best deals on designer baby bedding. The fact that online shops normally sell wholesale items may mean that they get to give you lower priced items as compared to department stores and designer baby bedding boutiques. Bear in mind that designer baby bedding may also come with an affordability if you just know where to look.
As a mother, you would want to have the best for your baby. It is a mother's instinct to buy things of good quality for her baby e.g. good quality baby bottles, bolster pillows, clothes, and of course the right baby food. When it comes to buying the baby bedding, you should also consider the quality. This is where a hypoallergenic baby bedding comes in.
How important is a hypoallergenic baby bedding?
A hypoallergenic baby bedding will assure you of your baby sleeping comfortably especially if your baby is sensitive to allergies. Beddings that are made from cotton, silk, etc. are said to be hypoallergenic because they are made of natural fabrics. A hypoallergenic baby bedding boasts of the fact that manufacturers have removed any irritant that may awaken allergic reactions in your baby.
Hypoallergenic beddings that are made of cotton are usually composed of 100% cotton. A hypoallergenic is also made in conditions that are pure to ensure complete removal of allergens. Another material that is non allergic would be organic cotton as well as wool. A baby bedding made out of those materials will also be able to provide warmth to your baby. The wool that is used in hypoallergenic beddings are of good quality because sheep farmers protect the sheep from parasites thus being able to produce allergen free wool.
Silk is also another great material that can make up a hypoallergenic baby bedding especially because it is not prone to dust mites. Aside from making your baby comfortable lying on it, a baby bedding made from silk also gives a nice appearance to your baby's room. A silk baby bedding is also resistant against bad odors, mildew, etc.
Hypoallergenic baby beddings all come in a variety of designs and colors that will be able to produce an attractive and relaxing atmosphere to any baby's room. A hypoallergenic baby bedding may also come with blankets, comforters, quilts, pillows, etc. that match and of course are made from materials that are hypoallergenic.
If you want baby bedding sets to be used for cribs, those are sold separately. Baby accessories are also available. Aside from purchasing these baby items from shopping malls, you may also buy them from the many baby shops online.
If you want your baby to be healthy, comfortable, as well as safe, it is best to buy a hypoallergenic baby bedding. If you want to ensure that allergic reactions are reduced if not totally eradicated, the best thing to buy would be a hypoallergenic baby bedding. You will be glad to know that many manufacturing companies now produce hypoallergenic baby beddings as well as other products that your baby needs.
Remember that your baby usually spends most of the time in bed so it is a must to take great care in choosing a baby bedding. Comfortable, quality-rich, and allergen free baby beddings are the safest and the greatest, thus, it is best to buy a hypoallergenic baby bedding for your little angel.
Aside from having the best toys for your baby, healthy foods, etc., buying great nursery bedding for your baby should also be important to you as a mother. Looking into the style or design of the nursery bedding is not the only thing that is important. The material, the quality, and the cost are some of the big factors that you should consider. In purchasing nursery bedding, what are the important things to be examined?
The main objective of every mother should not lie on the color or the prints on the nursery bedding; instead, the focus should be on the safety features that the nursery bedding has. Having a good crib for your toddler does not end there. The crib itself must have the right nursery bedding to keep your baby healthy and protected.
Some people may not pay much attention to the nursery bedding of their babies but the truth is, the wrong bedding may be one of the causes of the so called Sudden Cot Death Syndrome. The said illness has suffocation as its main killer and letting your toddler lie on the wrong kind of nursery bedding may result to the said syndrome. Medical experts warn mothers that a baby that is less than a year old should never be placed on pillows or even comforters to avoid suffocation.
If you are in search of nursery bedding with excellent quality, then you will be glad to hear that there are a lot for you to choose from not only in department stores but also in online boutiques over the Internet. You may select among nice nursery bedding sets for your baby.
You may choose the prints and base it on whether your toddler is a girl or a boy. You may also choose a neutral design such as cartoon prints that may suit both genders. The usual nursery bedding designs for girls would have shades of pink, yellow, purple, etc. For baby boys, nursery bedding colors may commonly be blue, green, etc. You also have to look at the comfort that the nursery bedding will be able to provide. Remember that nicely designed nursery bedding will be worthless if your baby is uncomfortable.
The kind of material that the nursery bedding is made of has a very big effect on the comfort given to your baby. Avoid materials that may be itchy to your baby's skin as well as those that may cause your child to break out in allergies. If you want a good temperature however, meaning nursery bedding that is not too hot to the skin, pure cotton may be the best choice.
Choosing the right nursery bedding for your little one is vital especially in keeping your baby healthy. Nursery bedding sets need not only match the gender of your child but should also provide the best comfort to your baby. Your baby will surely be asleep most of the time during his or her first few months so the perfect nursery bedding will definitely play a big role in giving your child sweet dreams everyday.
Determining the design of your baby crib bedding is not the only thing you should think of. Aside from deciding on whether to purchase a baby crib bedding with pink lace for a girl or a blue baby crib bedding with basketball prints for your baby boy, other factors should be looked into. What are the other characteristics that a baby crib bedding should have for it to be the right one?
The beauty of the baby crib bedding in terms of style or design should be second to how safe it is for your toddler. Remember that your baby may be allergic to some materials and so you should have knowledge of which materials should make up your baby crib bedding to avoid allergies. It is best to check the labels and know the fill materials, thread count, fabric, etc. of the baby crib bedding before you buy.
It is advisable for mothers to make use of the Internet in terms of researching on the different kinds of materials that are normally used in baby crib bedding. Learning which materials or fabrics in baby crib bedding would be able to decrease the chances of triggering allergies is a must. Examples of fabrics that are hypoallergenic would be wool, organic cotton, etc.
Bear in mind that many of the baby crib bedding that are made of synthetic materials may not be good for your baby. This is because overtime the said fabrics are toxic and would cause your child to have sleeping problems as well as breathing difficulties.
It is very much necessary for you as a mother to buy a baby crib bedding of good quality that will not only be nice to look at but will also give your baby pleasant sleep and make your child healthy as well. Most baby stuff manufacturers of high quality baby crib bedding would have websites that you may check out to know better about the materials used.
A sheet type of baby crib bedding may also be the most recommended by pediatricians. Buy a few sheets that you may be able to use as spares. Invest in at least 3-5 baby crib bedding sheets of high quality that fits your budget and also makes your baby have a comfortable stay in the crib.
Avoid using comforters as those may cause your baby to suffocate. If you bought comforters to keep your baby warm, replace them with swaddling blankets. Those blankets are usually included in baby crib bedding sets.
Knowing all about the right materials to look for in a baby crib bedding is a must if you want to ensure that your baby is safe and healthy at the same time. Remember that having a restful sleep is among the things that your baby needs in order to grow H2er. Buying the right kind of baby crib bedding is also a way for you to prevent the Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, thus giving protection to your child.
Most baby furniture being sold today does not come with cheap prices. If you are on a budget, you have to search for low priced baby furniture that still has the ability to beautify your child's room.
As compared to purchasing baby furniture by the retail, it would be much cheaper to purchase wholesale. Aside from wholesale stores, baby furniture may often have a more affordable price in warehouses as well as online sites dedicated to selling baby furniture. You may also be able to find the best deals when you drop by garage sales.
Decorating your child's room need not be expensive. You may also consider the fact that children grow up fast and you may not even use a very expensive bassinet for more than two years. This is why investing wisely in baby furniture would mean spending the littlest money possible.
If you are interested in wholesale shops that cater to baby furniture, you may either use the yellow pages or the Internet search engines to look for shops near your place. Most of the wholesale shops offer baby furniture of good quality but at a reduced rate. You may even find wholesale shops that give you the option to order online and have the stuff delivered to your place for your convenience.
In the event that you are okay with using used baby furniture with the prices slashed even more than 50% as compared to buying new items, then a yard sale or garage sale may be the best place to go to. Garage sales normally happen during summer as well as late spring months. You may be able to find garage sales listings in newspapers as well as announcements over the radio, etc. You may even find that some baby furniture sold at yard sales has only been very slightly used and is in great condition.
Auction sites may also be worth checking out if you want to find affordable baby furniture. Not all items in auction sites have been used; there are actually some brand new furniture available that you may be interested in. Often the pieces that are available through an online auction are gently used and still in good condition. Some pieces on an auction site may also be brand new. You have to consider though that shipping large items like baby furniture comes with more expensive fees so you have to factor this in aside from the cheap price of your purchase.
Giving birth to a child plus purchasing stuff that are needed by the baby, including baby furniture will surely mean big expenses. As a parent, you must be able to look for items that would serve their purpose, have good quality and are affordable at the same time. Remember that some items may even be used only for a very short time so purchasing baby furniture that is so expensive may not be practical. You may use local newspapers, the Internet, etc. to scout for great deals on baby furniture.