How do you sleep? And what bedding best matches your needs
Getting a good night's sleep is imperative to good health and mental alertness. That's why choosing the right type of bedding can be so important. Every part of the bedding, from the pillows to the sheets, play a role. When you get the combination that's perfect, you'll be sleeping more soundly each and every the night and awakened refreshed in the morning.
Whether you’re looking for the best bedding for hot sleepers or just bedding to improve sleep quality in general, we’ve got you covered.
The mattress
A good mattress is the basic tool for a good night's sleep. It's the foundation for the bedding to create the perfect sleep environment. Aside from the elements of construction and materials used for the mattress, finding the best one for your sleeping style can be the key to comfort. If you sleep on your back, opt for a type that offers support for your lower back. The best choice for this type of sleeper is one that doesn't have stiff springs, but still is firm enough to give overall support to your body.
People who sleep on their stomach need a different type of mattress. They need firmer support so your body stays on top of the mattress, not sunken into it. This helps reduce spinal pain. If you sleep on your side, you'll be putting extra stress on your hips and shoulders. A softer mattress can provide that benefit by allowing your body to sink into it slightly and distributing the pressure throughout the body, accommodating the natural curves.
The mattress pad or toppers
Toppers are usually thicker than mattress pads but both may supply an extra layer of support. Pads are normally secured to the bed with a stretch to fit side skirt, while toppers may just have anchor straps. If your bed is too firm, a thick cushiony topper or extra thick mattress pad could be an excellent alternative to purchasing a new mattress.
The extra layer of cushion could help improve sleep for side or back sleepers. A topper or thicker pad can also add a layer of support for those who have a mattress that isn't firm enough, adding just the right touch to economically make the bed better stomach or back sleepers. Restless sleepers will appreciate a the more secure mattress pad to the topper that can move more easily when you toss and turn.
Pillows
Side sleepers need a pillow that fills the gap between the head and shoulders to provide overall support and relieve neck strain. Firmer pillows do this quite well. Side sleepers also should consider a pillow for the area from the knee to the ankle to help keep the spine aligned and can help eliminate aches and pains. You can use a regular pillow, longer pillow or special pillow created for the task.
Back sleepers need a medium to medium-firm pillow to support the head, while keeping the spine aligned. They too will benefit from a knee pillow, only this one should be placed behind the knee to relieve the pressure on the spine. Stomach sleepers need a very thin pillow or none at all. Some stomach sleepers actually tuck the pillow under their stomach to eliminate lower back pain.
Type of pillow filling
Foam provides support. The higher the density the more the support and the less breakdown to prevent it from getting too oft. Latex resists mould and dust mites, so it's considered hypo-allergenic. If you find a contoured one it can help with neck and back support or alignment. Memory foam is a popular pillow to help eliminate pressure points and provide neck support.
You might find you get too warm using this type of pillow, however. Natural fibres such as cotton, silk and wool provide a hypo-allergenic option that are also dust mite and mould resistant. If you don't have allergies, consider down pillows. They're fluffy and soft but still firm enough to provide support.
Sheets and pillow cases
People who need a cooler sheet for comfort will find that breathable quality cotton, such as combed Egyptian cotton is the best around. Anyone with hot flashes will appreciate this quality material. If you like it warm and cosy or for the chilly winter months, flannel fabric is the best.
Duvets, comforters and blankets
If you want the lightest possible covering at night that will keep you warm and comfortable, choose bedding filled with down. While comforters and duvets are similar, duvet have a removable cover, this washed separately, making it easier. You also don't need top sheets with duvets.
One of the most commonly asked questions we find it what is the best bedding for hot sleepers – as we all know it is difficult to sleep when it is very warm. For many people who are warm blooded, this is a year-round struggle.
So, if you’re a hot sleeper you want to look for a lightweight comforter, and even just a blanket or throw if that is still too warm. Additionally, choosing bedding with moisture wicking properties can help to keep you cool all night long.
Lighter weight comforters may be used in the spring, but often lightweight blankets are best for summer and warmer weather. As you can see selecting the right type of bedding which compliments they position you sleep in can help provide a restful, comfortable sleep night after night.
Can the right bedding improve sleep quality?
So, the big question is – can choosing the right bedding actually help sleep quality? The simple answer is yes. It of course depends on the reasons behind your sleep quality but if it is to do with comfort then definitely, yes, having the right bedding ensures you are comfortable – protecting you from allergies, keeping you warm, or cool.
