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At the end of the evening, nothing is better than curling up with the one you love. To help you both drift off in heavenly comfort, here's how to pick the most comfortable pillow (whether you're a side or back sleeper) and the best cover-ups. Plus, we give you the real deal on thread count. Sweet dreams!
Rest Assured
Feather or foam pillow? Traditional or pillowtop mattress? Try our tips for getting comfy.
Pillow Talk
Pillows are usually labeled for their firmness, which indicates how much stuffing they have. However, the definitions of "firm" and "soft" vary among manufacturers. Compare pillows by slowly pressing their centers. If a pillow feels firm or medium-firm, it will suit if you sleep on your side or back; if it's soft, it's good for a stomach sleeper.
The type of stuffing also affects a pillow's firmness, as well as its cost (down is much pricier than foam), durability, ease of care and whether or not it's hypoallergenic. Pillows may come in standard (20" x 26"), queen (20" x 30") or king (20" x 36") and should correlate with the size of your mattress. Here is what you can expect from the different fillings.
Down and down-and-feather
These pillows are among the softest and most expensive. You can shake them out to reshape them, and they can last for years. They do, however, need to be dry-cleaned periodically.
Foam
A high-quality latex foam filling makes for a firm, bouncy and durable pillow, but you can't refluff this type. The least expensive of these pillows is usually filled with polyurethane foam.
Memory Foam
Originally designed by NASA to ease body pressure during shuttle launches, this malleable foam senses body temperature and weight, and conforms to your dimensions. In this way, the weight of your head and neck is evenly distributed across the entire surface of the pillow.
Natural Rubber
This material offers firm support while cushioning the contours of your head.
Polyester Filling
Though it may feel almost as fluffy as down, polyester is much more affordable. Most pillows can be machine-washed and dried, and many have special features, such as hypoallergenic fibers and fillings that inhibit the growth of mold, mildew and dust mites.
Specialty Pillows
For particular needs, there is a wide choice of products made from unique materials. Buckwheat-filled pillows are great for people allergic to wool or cotton. Natural wool pillows are also a good choice for people who suffer from allergies.
For those sensitive to certain chemicals used in some conventional pillows, organic handmade pillows are a good choice. You'll also find some designed to help reduce snoring and head and neck strain.
Pro tip: Consider replacing a mattress every 7 to 10 years and remember that turning a traditional mattress every three to six months will help lengthen its lifespan.
Between the Sheets
What exactly is thread count anyway? The term simply refers to the number of horizontal and vertical threads in one square inch of fabric; in sheets the number may range from 80 to 1,020 (although most stores sell sheets with thread counts ranging from 180 to 320).
Generally, the higher the thread count, the softer the sheets—and the more you'll pay for them. But while thread count is certainly a way to judge bedding, it's equally important to consider the quality of the fibers and the finish (the way the cotton is spun, woven and treated, sanforized to prevent shrinkage and mercerized to add luster). All of these affect fabric softness. Look for bedding with a thread count between 180 and 300 for daily use and 300 and up for anything more special.
Pro tip: New bedding materials, like bamboo (a renewable resource) and organic cotton, are being processed to have the look and feel of silk at a fraction of the cost.
Take Cover
There are lots of ways to top off your bed. Here's some help in making your choice:
Comforter A decorative bed cover that's made of two layers of fabric filled with down or polyester fibers. The stitching on a comforter is not usually as elaborate as the stitching on a traditional quilt.
Duvet A European-style comforter that's usually filled with down or down and feathers. It is slipped into a duvet cover, which one buys separately and is available in a wide range of materials and patterns. The cover can be removed and easily washed. A duvet and duvet cover may be used in addition to (or in place of) a top sheet and other bed coverings.
Quilt A lightweight, decorative cover composed of two layers of fabric and cotton batting or polyester fibers. It's usually stitched all over for decoration and to hold the filling in place.
Matelassé An elaborate type of raised quilting often executed in floral imagery, and can be found on quilts and pillow shams.
Throw Feel a bit chilly? Warm up your feet or shoulders with one of these small coverlets made of cotton, wool, mohair or cashmere.