Overview

The Basics

You can pick up a bed in a bag that includes a comforter and coordinating sheets, or get a duvet (comforter cover) to enhance your existing bedding. A nice way to lighten up a bedroom is with decorative pillows. When looking for sheets, you’ll find you can choose many fabrications including cotton, polyester, linen and silk and an assortment of blends. When it comes to bedding, you can have it all: functionality, fun and a variety of fabrics, colors and patterns to go along with your twin, full, queen or king beds no matter what your budget or decorating style.

Pick Your Pillow

Take your pillow for granted, and you’re taking your health for granted. Your pillow is your best friend when it comes to sleeping and it can definitely affect your neck and spine. Think about it - you spend more time with your pillow than just about anything else. You should comparison shop and find the pillow that’s right for you. Start by determining your sleep style.

• •  Stomach sleeper select a pillow with less fill or a down alternative pillow that is soft and light to keep your neck and spine &ndash better aligned to your mattress.
• •  Back sleeper a medium-firm pillow with average fill will do the trick, it offers both support and comfort and helps your back and neck muscles relax.
• •  Side sleeper use a firm pillow with extra filling to support your neck and help align it with your spine you’ll need more space between your head and mattress.
• •  Changing position sleeper it’s best to get a soft pillow that can be fluffed and adjusted as needed. Down Alternative pillows with blown fibers are generally more pliable.

Fills
The material inside pillows that give them loft and padding and can be made of:

Natural materials

• •  Down is a soft, fluffy naturally insulator that comes from ducks or geese. The quality of down is measured in fill power which is the amount of cubic inches 1 ounce of down occupies. The higher the fill power the better the quality.
• •  Feathers more durable and stiff than down, feathers maintain their shape while providing natural support for the head and neck.

Synthetic material

• •  Down-type synthetics specially designed polyester fibers, mimic the softness of down pillows and are made with hypoallergenic (allergy resistant) materials.
• •  Polyester it is light, strong and durable and popular as both a stand-alone fill and as a blend in pillow covers.
• •  Foam is designed for more support to the neck, back and spine and can either mold to the shape of your body or provide spring-like firmness.
• •  Memory foam - stays firm when temperatures are cool and soft when temperatures are high. It also adjusts to your body temperature for better sleeping. Memory Foam promotes a healthful sleeping position and allowing your muscles to relax and rejuvenate while you sleep.
• •  Latex is eco friendly and serves as a great support pillow. Provides natural mold and mildew resistance and has built-in anti microbial properties.

Pillow covering and thread count
When selecting pillow cover, look for one with a high thread count. The higher the thread count the more durable and soft the pillow will be. In addition, it will better keep the fill in and impurities out. Pair a pillow cover with a high-quality pillow protector and you’ll breathe better and your pillow will last longer. Consider buying an extra set of pillowcases each time you purchase sheets. Extra cases will give you the option of changing them out every few days to freshen up the bed.

Seams
A seam sewn with an overlock stitch, or cover stitch, will add durability. Cording and piping will also make the seam more secure. Gusseting is a construction technique that creates side walls to add extra loftability to the pillow.

Shape
Typically, pillows are rectangular. However, many specialty pillows are now on the market. These pillows come in a variety of sizes and shapes and can be ergonomically designed for maximum comfort.

Specialty pillows
Body and maternity pillows can help people sleep much more comfortably at night. Accent pillows provide style and a touch of individuality to every room whether they’re baseball-shaped pillows in the little slugger’s room or dainty ruffled pillowcases in the princess’ room.

Cleaning pillows
Almost all sleeping pillows are machine washable. Wash your pillows on the gentle cycle with a mild detergent. Dry them on a low setting until completely dry (three to four hours), and throw a tennis ball in with it to produce a fluffier pillow. Add a favorite scent to the tennis ball for an extra-fragrant sleeping experience. Check the tag for specific washing and drying instructions.

Determine whether you need a new pillow
If the pillow isn’t going back to its natural shape after you sleep on it, you probably should invest in a new one. Of course, when a pillow gets too stained or dirty, replace it. And if you feel pain in your back, neck, knees or ankles that may be a sign that your pillow is not keeping your neck and spine aligned.

Allergens
If you have allergies, a hypoallergenic pillow is the way to go. It has been specially cleaned to remove impurities. Although many people believe they are allergic to feather and down pillows, they are actually allergic to the dust and dirt within the pillow. See cleaning pillows, above.

Protecting your pillow
As mentioned, you can protect your pillows from dust and dust particles and make them last longer with pillow covers. These covers can provide protection from allergen, stains and water. Choose higher premium thread counts for added softness and comfort. And purchase multiple sets of covers so you’ll always have fresh ones available.

Average lifetime of pillows
With normal use and care a natural fill pillow can last several years. A synthetic pillow, on the other hand, usually needs to be replaced every one to two years. If your pillow does not return to its normal shape, it’s time to replace it.