Bedding Advice

Materials

• When choosing sheets, examine different fiber options. Cotton is one of the most commonly used materials for bedding because it is soft, durable and easy to wash. Several different types of cotton are used to make sheets, including Egyptian, Supima and Pima, so shop around to determine which you like best. For an extremely easy-to-care-for fiber, opt for polyester sheets because they are wrinkle resistant and machine washable. However, they are not as soft as cotton bedding. You can also choose a cotton and polyester blend material for your bedding. These are usually as soft as cotton but just as wrinkle resistant as polyester. If you are prone to allergies, silk sheets may be your best option. They are hypoallergenic and are effective in regulating your body temperature because they absorb moisture to help cool you off when your bedroom is warm. They usually require dry cleaning, though, which may not always be convenient.

Thread Count

• You have likely seen the term 'thread count' when shopping for bed sheets, but you may not be sure what it has to do with the comfort of your bedding. Thread count refers to the number of threads that are found in a square inch of a fabric both vertically and horizontally. The thread count for sheets typically ranges from 180 to 300, with the higher thread counts typically indicating the softest and most durable sheets. If softness in your bedding is the most important quality, purchase sheets with a thread count above 200. However, if you prefer a crisp linen-like feel, opt for sheets with a thread count below 200. In most cases, sheets with a higher thread count carry a higher price tag as well.

Finish

• Some types of bedding are treated with a series of chemicals, including formaldehyde, silicon and chlorine, that help prevent wrinkling, shrinking and distortion. They may also be coated with alkaline chemicals to give the material a sheen. If you have sensitive skin, suffer from allergies or are not comfortable with the idea of sleeping on sheets that feature a chemical finish, look at finish-free options. Some companies make pure-finish sheets that are either treated with no chemicals or are stripped of any chemical traces at the end of the manufacturing process. You can also opt for organic sheets, which are made from untreated cotton that has been grown pesticide-free.

Comforter

• You generally have two types of comforter options for your bed: down filled and synthetic filled. Down-filled comforters are typically filled with duck or geese feathers, while synthetic comforters contain man-made stuffing. Down comforters are effective in regulating temperature and usually feel lighter, but they may exacerbate symptoms in allergy sufferers. They are usually more expensive as well. Synthetic-filled comforters are a budget-friendly option and a better choice if you have allergies. However, they are not as effective at regulating body temperature. To make them warm enough, they are often stuffed to capacity, which can make them quite heavy.