Distance Yourself from Your Alarm

If you have to get out of bed to switch your alarm off, it is much more likely that you'll avoid “extra ten minutes sleep syndrome”. OK, so this requires a little will-power, but is worth a try – just remember to place the alarm a reasonable distance away from the bed – not so far that you'll be able to ignore it, but far enough that you won't sleep-walk over to switch it off and go straight back to bed!

Drink Water

If you find it hard to wake up in the mornings and feel woozy, or fall asleep again after your alarm goes off, try drinking a large glass of water as soon as you wake up. Water will replace the liquids lost during your body's natural processes, which occur even when you are sleeping. Being well hydrated kick-starts all your bodies functions and will help to chase away early morning lethargy in an instant.

Exercise!

Exercise might be the last thing on your mind when you've just crawled out from under your favourite duvet. However, gently stretching and movement is vital to clear away the cobwebs, increasing your blood circulation and activating your muscles and internal organs. You don't have to go as far as jogging around the block, a few simple yoga-inspired stretches are an effective way to get you moving in the morning.

Harness the Power of Essential Oils

Taking a quick shower is a good way to ease yourself into the day, especially if you use essential oil based products which are invigorating. Peppermint is a popular option, as it leaves the skin feeling tingling and fresh, while rosemary has a clean, woody fragrance which has been scientifically proven to stimulate an alert mental and physical state.

Get A Caffeine Hit

While too much caffeine can leave you feeling jittery, a cup of coffee, tea or green tea in the morning can help you to chase those last remnants of your dreams away. Studies show that it is best to save high caffeine drinks for those times when you are really struggling to wake up because over time your body builds a resistance to caffeine, meaning you need more to get the same effect.

How do you wake up in the mornings? Have you got a tip that we haven't thought of?

Routine Rules

If you need to get up at a certain time on a regular basis, it is best to stick to a routine and allow your sleep to settle into a pattern. The Sleep Foundation have investigated sleep patterns for many years, and their studies show that people who “catch-up” on sleep by resting for longer at weekends actually upset their sleep pattern and make it more difficult to get up on time when necessary. OK, so you aren't forbidden to catch an extra hour or so of sleep on a Sunday morning, but don't make it four or five hours!

Set Your Alarm Early

If you have a habit of allowing yourself an extra 15 minutes of sleep when your alarm goes off, try setting it 15 minutes earlier than normal...and getting up immediately. Allowing an extra quarter of an hour to ready yourself in the morning is something which many successful people claim has helped them improve their lifestyle – see if it works for you.

Early to Bed?

A common sense answer as to why you can't wake up in the morning could simply be that you don't go to bed early enough. Try settling yourself down to sleep 10 minutes earlier each night over the course of a few days and your body will gradually adjust.

Let the Light Shine In

While it is best for our health to sleep in complete darkness, the body's circadian rhythms need natural light to function properly. Ideally, you should have some source of natural light in your bedroom, such as an open curtain, and use an eye mask to block out any light which may disturb you during the night. Another way to benefit from the morning light's awakening effects is to go outside for a few minutes when you get up – perhaps a walk around the block with your dog or drink a cup of coffee in your garden.

Beautifying Bedding

Wouldn't it be amazing to be able to go to sleep and wake up looking like you've just spent a week in a pricey health spa? We are not quite sure how this one would work but we'd love to see a set of sheets and pillow cases which moisturised and toned the skin while you rested. The designers could even come up with an option which would allow you to wake up with a flawless natural sun-tan!

The Self Cleaning Bed

If you do your own laundry and bed-making, you'll appreciate what a great time-saver a self cleaning bed would be. Scientific research into nano technology makes this idea one of our more likely brainwaves! In fact, a type of bacteria which can be embedded into textiles to eat sweat, while leaving the fabric clean, has already been developed for clothing, so it may not be long before we can forget about the chore of laundry day!

The Revamped Water Bed

Water beds were popular when they first hit the bedding scene during the 1970s, but certain impracticalities (such as potential to leak and cause damage which often isn't covered by insurance) has meant that water mattresses fell from common use. We would like to see a new version of the water bed, which would offer the same comfort sensation, but perhaps filled with a gel which would not cause damage if it was split....

Biodegradable Bedding

Hotels and hospitals may launder thousands of bedding sets each day, which puts huge pressure on the environment. Wouldn't it be great for these businesses and facilities to provide cosy bedding which could be recycled/composted after just a couple of uses. Again, we think that this one might not be too far in the future and think this would be an exciting trend!

Bedding to Keep You Healthy

We've all heard of those Japanese toilets that assess your health – but think a bed which did the same thing would be even better! As you slept, the bed would analyse your weight, heart rate etc. and give you a reading each morning. Might be a little annoying on those mornings after a big night out though....

What do you think of our ideas for beds and bedding of the future? Do you have any better suggestions that you'd like to share? Please write in - we would love to hear your thoughts.

The art of embroidery has been used for thousands of years to decorate fabrics and clothing, and has emerged as a popular trend this season. We look at the history of this delicate skill and discover how a touch of embroidery can add chic style to your boudoir.

The History of Embroidery

Artisan Embroidery versus Machine Embroidery

Choosing an Embroidered Bedding Set

If you love the beautiful and rich look of embroidery, why not treat yourself to a gorgeous new bedding set. Embroidered duvet (doona) covers and pillowslips can be purchased in a fantastic range of colours and shades – whether you prefer simple sophistication or folksy charm. Embroidered bedding can really lift your bedroom look for the new season and is a classic choice which you'll enjoy year after year.

Making breakfast in bed for someone involves a little extra planning to ensure that everything turns out the way you want it. Do all your shopping for ingredients beforehand, make the bed with your nicest bedding set the night before and unplug/switch off your phones for an undisturbed and peaceful morning.

What To Serve?

• There are literally hundreds of different options of what to serve for a breakfast in bed, although generally people prefer dishes which are easy to eat and not too messy! You should also consider the likes and dislikes of the person you are cooking for, as well as allergies/dietary needs.

 

• A good route to go is to pick a theme – for example, a French breakfast with croissants, milky coffee and fruit, or go for the traditional luxury of scrambled eggs with smoked salmon, served with a glass of nicely chilled Buck's Fizz on a celebratory occasion.

 

• Try not to use any recipes which you are unsure of and not had time to practice, or you'll end up getting flustered!

 

• Buy good quality ingredients – freshly ground coffee and leaf tea both taste much better than their pre-packed equivalents and will make for an exceptional breakfast in bed. Just squeezed orange juice is another good option, and your beloved's smile with make that extra effort worthwhile.

Those Little Extras

• If at all possible, serve the breakfast on a lap-tray or small table which can be positioned over the bed, which helps to avoids spills and makes it easier to relax and enjoy the luxurious meal.

 

• Use your most attractive china, glassware and cutlery to serve your dishes. To give the glass and cutlery, a sparkling diamond gleam, dip into very hot water, to which you've added a dash of lemon juice, then polish with a dry cloth.

 

• A crisply folded newspaper is a nice little extra, as it a single flower blossom on the tray.

 

• You might like to plug in a radio, or play your favourite CD to add a romantic and relaxed vibe.

Step One

Chose a gorgeous new bedding set to focus your ideas and serve as a colour palette for the rest of the room. We love Fairy Wonderland by Happy Kids, a beautiful pink and pastel toned floral design featured elegant fairy silhouettes for younger girls, while those hard to please “tweens” will be delighted with the grown up styling of the Madeline set by Jiggle & Giggle, with it's rich cerise pinks.

Step Two

Add some decorative lighting with fairy lights. These will give a touch of romance to your little princess' palace, and are of course, much safer than candles. Look out for strings of lights which feature fabric flowers or marabou  and earn some extra brownie points!

Step Three

A princess needs a beautiful mirror that she can gaze into and daydream in front of. Get creative and buy a plain wall mirror, then use beads, sequins and glitter to make your own unique frame. You could also cover an old shoe box with fabric and “jewels” to make a  chest where your little girl can store  her treasures. Finally, you could update a “dressing table” by covering a bedside locker with a pretty lace cloth.

Step Four

Make a small seating area where your little girl can hold tea parties or play with her friends. Get an adorable mini table and chair set, or choose bean bags in a shade which matches the bedding. This will look especially cute if you place your daughter's favourite dolls or cuddly toys in the seats!

Step Five

Add a motif to your daughters room by stencilling a border around the walls. Hearts, crowns, ponies, stars – whatever design most appeals to your child's personality. There are some amazing paints available these days – look out for pearl and glitter finish types. You could also paint this design onto any wooden furniture in the room.

Step Six

Make a feature of the bedroom window by updating the curtains. Plain curtains can be dyed in your home washing machine to match the bedding, or you could add net curtains and frills. Make tie backs using ribbons in a contrasting shade or texture.

Step Seven

The ultimate princess bed has to have a decorative canopy – these can be purchased or if you are handy with DIY, you can find an easy tutorial here : http://chicnjoy.blogspot.com/2011/06/tutorial-for-princess-canopycurtain-bed.html

Preparation

Start by stripping the bed of used pillow slips and bedding to be laundered, and gather together a fresh set of bedding. You will need an under sheet and pillow slips, a mattress protector (if you use one) and duvet covers or blankets depending on which you prefer.

Every month or so, take time to turn your mattress: remember these can be very heavy, so don't tackle it by yourself as you could easily hurt your back.

Under Sheet

While mattress protectors are completely optional, they are a good idea if you want to prevent damage or staining to the mattress. If you do use one, stretch it directly over the mattress, adjusting the corners until it is smooth.

Cover the mattress protector with your under sheet – the easiest option is to buy a fitted sheet with elasticated edges which will slip easily over the mattress. If you only have flat sheets, lay the sheet over the bed, with an even amount of overhanging material at each side. Starting at the head of the bed, tuck the edges in neatly underneath the mattress.

Pillow Slips & Duvet Covers

Pillow slips and duvet covers couldn't be easier to put on when you know our quick tricks.

Lay the pillow on the bed, and pull the cover on using a side to side motion. Once the cover is almost on, you can adjust the cover by shaking it out.

The best way to get a duvet cover on, is to put your hands inside the duvet cover,as though it was a sack. Catch the two inner corners with your hands, then grab two corners of the duvet and shake, shake, shake the cover over it. Fasten any buttons, velcro or poppers, and give it another good shake to even everything out.

Duvet or Blanket

Whether you prefer a duvet or blanket, simply place  it on the bed with an even overhang around the edges. At the head of the bed, you might like to fold over the excess fabric for a cosy and welcoming look.

Really, making your bed is not a tough task – you'll soon get the hang of it!

Lets face it, these days we all have enough to do, without fiddling around with washing machines,  heaving wet sheets to the dryer or washing line and then having to iron through acres of creases. Young professionals, busy mums and even students are now turning to the easier option and contracting a laundry service to do the hard work for them.

Although laundry services previously catering mainly for large businesses such as hotels and care homes, more and more of them now offer a domestic service for homes. Imagine – fresh, clean bedding, neatly folded and delivered to your home, with no hassle for you!

How to Choose A Laundry Service Company

• Word of mouth is one of the best ways to ensure that you choose a company that you will be satisfied with. Ask colleagues, family and friends for their recommendation and feedback – good and bad. This way you can build up a clear picture of which laundry services to contract and which to avoid. You will also find reviews online, so get Googling before you make your choice.

 

• In addition to checking credentials, you should enquire as to whether the company you are using has adequate insurance to cover loss or damages if something happens to your bedding while it is being laundered.

 

• As a final consideration, you may want to look into the possibility of using a laundry service which uses environmentally friendly equipment and techniques. More and more companies are choosing to opt for a greener outlook, which means that you can enjoy beautifully clean bedding without worrying about what it is doing to the planet.

Handy Tip

When your clean bedding is delivered, take time to sort through the items and check them against the list of items sent. While the majority of services are very professional, mistakes do happen, and it is easier to resolve them if you pick up on the problem straight away.

Bedding – A Gift That Will Be Appreciated

Whether the people you are buying a wedding gift for have been married to other people previously, or are committing for the first time, bedding is an excellent option, and if you choose well, it is sure to be appreciated. A special bedding set will be a reminder of your affection to the couple, every time they use it, unlike other popular gift items (honestly, how often do you use your waffle maker?!) which may get pushed to the back of a wardrobe and forgotten about. This is probably the reason that manchester has always been a first choice for many wedding gift shoppers!

Bedding gifts for weddings can also be purchased to suit your budget – whether you spend on something really decadent or choose a simple but functional style which costs less is up to you.

Selecting the Right Gift

• When shopping for a wedding gift, you want to choose bedding which is luxurious, but also to suit the recipient's home style and personality. Think about the colours that the couple use in their décor, and colours they wear often, and this should give you an idea of the designs of bedding to look for.
• High quality Egyptian Cotton bedding is a favourite wedding gift option, as it feels sensational against the skin and has an elegant finish. A set of high thread count sheets in neutral tones such as white or sand will look stylish in any home, and will be appreciated by couples of all ages.
• Look for a design which will stand the test of time. Classic paisley, patchwork or embroidery will make your gift extra special!
• Find out whether the size of the happy couple's mattress before ordering – many people now have king size beds or bigger, and it is disappointing to buy a gift which won't fit.

Still Not Sure?

If you still aren't confident that you can select a bedding design that your friends will love to receive as a wedding gift, why not purchase them a gift voucher? This is a good option if you are unsure about the couple's tastes or don't know them very well!

Valance Sheet

Valances are also called bed-skirts or dust ruffles. Valance sheets stretch over the mattress, but have long drapes which fall to floor level, which creates an attractive appearance.

Bed in a Bag

Bed in a bag sets comprise of flat sheets, fitted sheets and a pillow slip or two depending on whether the set is for a single or double bed. Choosing a bed in a bag set is easier than selecting separates and trying to find a match.

Matelassé

Matelassé is a French word which means quilted or cushioned, and originally referred to hand-crafted quilted material. The term is used by bedding manufacturers to describe quilts and throws made from a sturdy fabric which appears to be padded but isn't.

Comforter

Depending on where you are from in the world, you may call a comforter a duvet, quilt or doona, There is no single correct term, and you'll see all used with frequency. Comforters are normally covered with a separate comforter cover which can be removed for easy cleaning.

Mattress Protector

Mattress protectors fit over your mattress just like a fitted sheet. There are two main types of mattress protector available : waterproof, which prevents the mattress from staining if something is spilt on the bed, and anti allergen, for anyone who suffers from dust mite related asthma or other health problems.

Mattress Topper

Designed to add an extra layer of padding to your bed, mattress toppers are usually made from memory foam or sheepskin. Memory foam toppers are a good option if you cannot afford a new mattress, while sheepskin bedding is very cosy and breathable to prevent you from overheating.

Pillow Sham

A sham is a decorative version of a pillow slip, used on extra pillows to add a stylish touch to the bed. Bedding manufacturers produce shams to match their quilt cover designs so that you can co-ordinate the look as you wish. Usually, people take pillows with shams off the bed before sleeping.

Neck Roll

Neck roll pillows are sausage or cylinder shaped and add further visual appeal to the bed.

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Your latex or memory foam pillow probably comes into contact with at least some of the substances listed above from time to time. Cosmetics such as foundation can stain your pillow, while chemicals found in other products may fade or bleach the fabric. Memory foam pillows also absorb odours from the air – which is why your pillow may end up smelling unpleasant, while liquids such as a spilt cup of coffee will be sucked up by the foam and leave a difficult to remove mark.

Memory foam and latex pillows are not cheap enough to be treated as “throw-away” items, so what can you do if you notice that your pillows are looking worse for wear? The advice which follows you help you get your pillows looking and smelling fresh again!

Plan for Easier Cleaning

When you purchase a memory foam pillow, always cover it with a pillow protector covering with your chosen pillowslip. This will help to reduce daily wear and tear on your pillow and keep the foam filling cleaner.

Accidents Happen

If you have kids or pets in your house, you'll be all too familiar with the phrase “accidents happen”. When something does spill on your memory foam bedding – whether it is paint, a glass of chocolate milk or urine, the key to keeping your pillow clean and fresh is to deal with it immediately. Liquid in particular will be absorbed by the memory foam, and will be much harder to clean if you leave them to dry.

Follow The Manufacturers Instructions

Before proceeding with any cleaning process, read through any instructions supplied with the pillow, by the manufacturer. Although the general technique is fairly straight forward, there may be exceptions, and an improper use of cleaning products may damage the pillow and void any guarantees.

How To Clean Your Pillow

Start by stripping off your pillow slip and pillow protector. Using a vacuum cleaner with brush attachment, run this gently over the pillow to clean away dust, dead skin cells and hair, all of which can contribute to allergies if left unchecked. Depending on the size of the stains or marks on the pillow, you may prefer to spot-stain remove, or go through a full cleaning process.

Small stains can be removed with pet-stain remover or hydrogen peroxide – always try a test area first to ensure you will be satisfied with the results. If you just generally want to freshen your pillow, spray a mix of water and detergent all over the surface of the pillow. After half an hour, blot away as much liquid as possible, then spray again with water only. Repeat the blotting process and place your pillow in a flat position, in a warm place where it will dry quickly.

No Washing Machines or Dryers!

Don't forget that putting your memory foam pillow in a washing machine or tumble-dryer will destroy your pillow! Although hand cleaning methods are harder work, the result is much better.

Small stains can be removed with pet-stain remover or hydrogen peroxide – always try a test area first to ensure you will be satisfied with the results. If you just generally want to freshen your pillow, spray a mix of water and detergent all over the surface of the pillow. After half an hour, blot away as much liquid as possible, then spray again with water only. Repeat the blotting process and place your pillow in a flat position, in a warm place where it will dry quickly.

Neolithic Beds – Practicality Over Comfort

Tens of thousands of years ago, early man lived in a very different world to the one we know today. Often referred to as the New Stone Age period, this was a time of discovery and invention, when man first started to cultivate crops and built settlements to live in groups. During this time, the mattress would have been a simple place which offered little in terms of comfort. A flat stone covered with plant matter such as straw and leaves and topped with animal skins or furs would have provided a basic place for Neolithic families to rest. Mattresses were to remain unchanged for decades, with adaptations depending on the few materials available and the time of year.

Ancient Rome – New Bedding for A New Civilization

By 200 B.C, Rome was beginning to grow in power and the Roman people began to find new ways to ensure better rest at night. Archaeologists have studied the ruins of ancient buildings, and found remains of mattresses which suggest that most people slept on cloth sacks, stuffed with dried grasses, pine needles and other soft materials. Wealthier members of society would have stuffed their bedding with bird feathers, making the first ever feather mattress.

Renaissance – A Touch of Luxury

By the Renaissance period, a desire for decadence and beauty lead to the creation of mattresses which incorporated luxury fabrics. Mattresses became firmed, as heavy fabric was stuffed with pea-shells or straw and covered with velvets and brocades – far from practical, but loved by European Royalty!

Late 18th Century – Beds to Beat Bugs

Until the 18th Century, most people placed their mattresses directly on the floor, and infestation by bedbugs and other parasitic insects was rife. A change to timber or iron work bedsteads, which provided a support to keep the mattress off the floor, was a first step towards reducing this problem. Mattress manufacturers began to stuff mattresses with cotton or wool, to provide a firmer and more comfortable sleeping place.

1865 – Spring Mattresses Are Born

In the 1800s, a change in the way we sleep was to come with the invention of the spring mattress. Coil springs placed inside fabric made mattresses less lumpy and gave some bounce to the bed. Although early designs were far from perfect, the idea behind the spring mattress is one that is still used today.

1950s - “Modern” Foam Mattresses

As homes and living comfortably became a priority in the 1950s, mattresses took another great leap forward with the first foam mattresses. Made from synthetic foam of a low density, the first cheaply produced foam beds would have been comfortable for a while, but would soon sink under the weight of the sleeper's body.

1970s – Way Out Waterbeds & NASA Inventions

Perhaps influenced by the revolutionary spirit of the 1970s, the waterbed became a huge hit during this time. Originally designed for medical use, waterbeds were first invented in the 1800s and although they are still available today, are less popular due to a number of disadvantages – and a reputation for leaks! Another important invention from the 70s was the invention of Memory foam by NASA. Designed for use in aircraft seats, used of memory foam for mattresses was cost prohibitive. Now, memory foam is somewhat cheaper, and one of the most popular options for beds, as it provides a supportive base, which moulds around the contours of your body – a far cry from leaves or pine needle stuffed sacks!

• Asthma and breathing difficulties
• Facial or sinus pain
• Irritated and itchy skin
• Weepy or reddened eyes
• Sneezing and coughing

If you suffer from the above symptoms on a regular basis, it is possible that you have an allergy to dust mites. Living with an allergy to dust mites can be exhausting and seriously effect your quality of life, but fear not – it is possible to take steps to resolve this very common problem.

What Are Dust Mites & Why Are They In My Bed?

Dust mites, or to give them their scientific name Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, are minuscule insects which feed on the dead skin cells (dander) which are naturally shed from our bodies each day. It is important to note that dust mites are not parasites, as they only feed on skin cells which are dead, and do not bite living flesh! In fact, unless you or a family member suffer, and identify the cause of dust mite allergy symptoms, you would never know they are there.

Dust mites are commonly found in homes, hotels and offices around the world – they will live anywhere that is occupied by humans on a regular basis. Dust mites particularly like to hang out in soft, warm places such as carpets, upholstery and,possibly their favourite place of all – a mattress. Our homes provide an ideal habitat for these little bugs, and it is estimated that more than 50% of people suffer from allergies caused by them.

Why Do Dust Mites Cause Allergies?

One of the most common misconceptions about dust mite allergy is that the allergy is to the dust mites themselves. The truth is a little more disgusting than that – in fact allergies like these are caused by exposure to dust mite waste (faeces). When these allergens are inhaled, the human body reacts, causing the symptoms mentioned previously. If you suspect that dust mites are causing your health problems, contact your doctor or health specialist, who can perform a series of tests to confirm the cause.

What Can I Do About Dust Mites?

A Mini History of Patchwork

Patchwork is the term used to describe assorted textiles, sewn or fixed together to form a fabric. The earliest patchwork designs date back thousands of years with examples being found in the tombs of Egyptian Pharaohs. In Europe, patchwork was used primarily for bedding, as the method allowed people to make use of scraps of fabric from damaged clothing or other sources. The ideal behind the original patchwork was very much “Waste not, want not”.

By the 14th Century, patchwork was becoming more than just a necessity, and making decorative bedding became an art. In Britain, many women started small businesses from home, selling patchwork bedding, while others concentrated on creating bedding which could be passed down through the family as heirlooms.

Patchwork quilts were amongst the supplies taken to America by the Pilgrims, who continued to repair the bedding with more patches as it became worn. Over the years, as life became more established in the new country, patchwork again became a hobby, instead of a means to an end. Patchwork quilting designs became more complex as different types of fabric became available, especially those fabrics imported from overseas.

Patchwork was introduced to Australia (along with many other, less pleasant things) by the British in the 19th Century. Elizabeth Fry is credited with organising reforms which made it possible for the female prisoners on convict ships to make patchwork quilts.

Patchwork as a hobby has seen rises and falls in popularity – often dictated by a lack of available materials. As a bedding style, patchwork always remains in fashion, the appeal of a cosy, creative and inviting patchwork bed-cover being one that few of us can resist.

How to Make Patchwork Bedding Work in Your Home

Vintage patchwork quilts are much sought after – and rare to find in pristine condition, while making your own or buying a hand-made version can be costly. However, today's bedding manufacturers offer a variety of patchwork styled quilt covers and bedding so that you can get the look without spending a fortune.

Patchwork bedding typically has a folksy, old-fashioned look which sits well in a bedroom which is decorated in a romantic or vintage themed style, but this doesn't mean that you can't play with patchwork in a modern home.

In a contemporary styled home, look for patchwork bedspreads and quilt covers which use bright colours to invoke a fresh and lively energy. For you, a style which features bold blocks or a geometric patchwork design would look stunning.

For bedrooms which embrace the mix and match look of old and new,, or a room which is decorated in a vintage style, look for patchwork bedding designs which emulate the unique and decorative styles of American and British style patchworks. Gentle complementary colours and elegant designs to tone in with your décor are easy to find.

Pink & Sophisticated

Pink is an undeniably feminine colour, but go overboard and you could turn a relaxed bedroom into Barbie's boudoir. In the bedroom, pink can be used with care to create a feminine look which is sophisticated and not overly “girly”. The Henna Hot Pink duvet cover set by Accessorise is a great example of how stylish pink can be. A rich raspberry pink is complemented by opulent gold Eastern inspired designs which offer grown-up style. Another great look is the Liberty quilt cover by KS Studios which effectively combines pink with pristine white and embroidery for a look which is modern yet elegant.

Classic Linen Neutrals

Classic neutral bed linens are timelessly stylish and look effective in both modern and older properties. While shades such as white, sand and beige may seem a little plain when used alone, you can take the look to the next level by choosing bedding with sensual textures. The Ascot Pebble Quilt Cover by Platinum Collection uses a waffle weave combined with natural earthy shades which will bring a cool and subtle designer inspired look to your bedroom.

Bold, Bright & Trendy

Bright colours look excellent in a modern setting, and can add a feminine look to an otherwise drab bedroom. For an exciting look which is full of youth and personality, choose bedding which is both colourful and patterned. There are no rules for which is the best colour to choose - so be as wild as you like! The Monte Carlo Quilt Cover by Apartamento features vivid prints in succulent fruity colours, perfect for giving a lift to plain bedroom. The Artistic Butterfly Quilt by ShutEye is another great option, with a full print and beautiful butterfly design.

Seductive Black

Black bed linen has gone in and out of fashion - some people love it, while others shy away. Actually, black bedding can look especially chic when used as a focal point of the bedroom especially when you choose designs which embrace feminine detailing. The Esha Black Quilt Cover by Ardor Boudoir features a metallic embroidered floral design which prevents the look from being too harsh. Another way to soften black is to choose a design which features a print on a black background, such as the Soho Quilt Cover by Paxton & Wiggin which has a floral print overlay for a lighter feel.

Using the colours which correspond to your astrological sign is said to have a number of benefits including increasing confidence and luck. Whether you consult your stars regularly, or are slightly sceptical about predictions based on the zodiac, adding splash of colour to your bedroom can only have positive effects!

Aries: March 21 - April 19

Those born under the sign of the ram are said to be ambitious, active and courageous. As a fire sign, Arians will find their energy boosted when they bring robust, blood red and luxurious gold into the bedroom. Try a few throw cushions to use these bold colours without overwhelming.

Taurus: April 20 - May 20

If you were born during the sign of Taurus, astrologers say that you have a patient yet sometimes shy personality. Taureans can reflect the positive aspects of their sign by adding bedding in pink and green tones, which also relate to the heart chakra. Try a bedding design which features a pattern with both of these colours.

Gemini: May 21 - June 20

Air sign Gemini is symbolised by twins and those born under the sign can be prone to impulsive moods and are usually highly creative. The Gemini's corresponding colour is yellow - think bright and clear shades, rather than tones which have a brown tone.

Cancer: June 21 - July 20

Ruled by the moon, those born during the sign of Cancer, the crab, will find bedding in tones of white and silver beneficial. These restful and calming shades work beautifully together and work well with an addition of pastel blue or pink.

Leo: July 21 - August 22

Leo, the sign of the lion, has a fiery and sunny energy which suggests optimism and self confidence. If you are a Leo, try bedding which is a vibrant orange to increase the positive aspects of your sign – think warmth and light for best effect.

Virgo: August 23 - September 22

Mercurial Virgo, the Virgin, is a sign which benefits from the use of strong colours such as rich shades of blue, green and purple. Decorate your bed with a throw in these shades for a extra touch of energy.

Libra: September 23 - October 22

The air sign Libra is represented in the zodiac chart with scales and is a sign of peace and harmony. The corresponding colours of this sign are pastel shades of blue, green and pink which are ideal in the bedroom and create an instant sense of tranquillity.

Scorpio: October 23 - November 22

Scorpios are often described as having a sting in their tail, and those born under this sign often have a mysterious side. The colours relating to Scorpio include dark red and black which can be used together for dramatic effect in the bedroom.

Sagittarius: November 23 - December 21

Easy going Sagittarius is another of the fire signs and has an outgoing personality to match. With bright pinks, violet and even aquamarine blue, those born under Sagittarius will thrive. Look for bedding which combines these colours in a subtle but eye-catching blend.

Capricorn: December 22 - January 19

Capricorn is a powerful sign which is connected to the element of the earth and is symbolised by the goat. Strong-minded Capricorns will find comfort in colours which other signs may find dull - like brown and grey. Try using these colours for a sense of stability and strength.

Aquarius: January 20 - February 18

As an air sign, Aquarius is linked to spirituality and self-knowledge. The colours which best benefit the Aquarian are shades of blue and especially turquoise. Bedding which blends blue tones in a swirling pattern would be an excellent choice.

Pisces: February 19 - March 20

Represented by the fish and ruled by the element of water, it is no surprise that Pisceans can benefit from sleeping in bedding with shades of blue and silver. An extra splash of violet can lift the look, so try combining blue bedding with a violet throw or cushion.

The Definition of Thread Count

Thread count is used by bed linen manufacturers to describe the number of threads per square inch (or square centimetre) of textile. If you look at your bedlinen, you will notice that the individual threads run vertically and horizontally. In the textile industry the vertical threads are called the weft, and the horizontal ones are known as the warp. Standard cotton bed linens have an thread count of 180, while more luxurious bedding offers a thread count of 250 or more.

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How Does Thread Count Affect Quality?

In terms of texture, higher thread count bedding is generally smoother and has a fine finish which looks lustrous and feels great against your skin. However, experts in bedding design remind shoppers that thread count is not the only consideration when shopping for bedding. A high thread count cannot disguise low quality thread, so it is important to only purchase bed linen from reputable manufacturers. Some companies look to make savings when sourcing their raw materials, and although they pass the saving onto their customers, the final results are unsatisfactory.

How Does Ply Affect The Feel of Your Bedding?

In recent years there has been much discussion about whether single or multi-ply high thread count bedding is a better purchase. Single ply bedding means that the thread count is made up of single threads, while multi ply is woven from two or more threads which are twisted together. Generally single ply bedding is woven from cotton which has longer strands such as Egyptian cotton. Ideally, you should choose bedding which balances ply and thread count for your own personal comfort level. A single ply 250 thread count duvet cover set will be light and soft while reasonably hard-wearing, while a higher thread count with multi ply threads would feel thicker and warmer.

What Are The Benefits of High Thread Count Bedding?

As mentioned, high thread count bedding has an incomparable feel, and as we spend so many hours in bed, it is well worth considering treating yourself. With so many different styles and patterns of high thread count bedding available, it is possible to give your bedroom a fresh look and compliment your home décor, quickly and easily. High thread count bedding makes your bedroom an even more pleasant place to be, a zone of tranquillity and relaxation, which is something we all need!

There are many different factors which cause back-pain including incorrect lifting, sudden movements and frequently repeated actions. However, the reason that most of us suffer from back pain is more simple than that - our beds are not offering us enough support when we sleep!

An easy way to identify whether your mattress is the cause or a contributor to your back pain problems is to make a note of whether you experience discomfort in the lower back or neck on waking. Pain caused by an unsuitable mattress occurs while you are still in bed or within hours of rising.

Choosing A Mattress to Avoid Back Pain

Are you still sleeping on a old-fashioned spring type mattress? If so, consider upgrading for the sake of your back. The construction of sprung mattresses means that within three to four years, your body will not be getting the support it needs. While a new mattress might be a costly option, a better mattress means better quality sleep - something which will help you wake up alert and free from discomfort. In the long run, this will result in less days off work, doctor's appointments, physio sessions...

So what should you look for when you purchase a new mattress?

Experts in back pain suggest that sufferers should choose a mattress which offers ample support to the entire body, yet they disagree as to whether this means that the mattress should be of a firm or medium texture. The best mattresses are latex foam, which cushions the body and moulds to its shape. A mattress must be big enough to allow whoever sleeps on it room to stretch out and move during sleep.

For those who can't afford a new mattress, latex foam toppers are an alternative which will provide a little more support at a reasonable cost.

Free Yourself From Pain Tips

Your mattress plays a vital role in preventing back pain, but there are other tips which you can follow to help prevent back injuries while you are in bed. Keep these hints in mind, and enjoy freedom from pain.

• Treat yourself to a latex foam cervical pillow which follows the natural curves of the neck and prevents excess pressure being exerted on the area as you sleep.
• Prepare yourself for the day ahead before getting out of bed by warming up your muscles with a simple stretching routine. Luxuriate in slow, gentle movement to get your blood circulation flowing and prevent strains caused by sudden movements.
• Instead of jumping out of bed, take a few moments to roll to the edge of the mattress, and lift yourself up using your arms.

Experimenting with the mix and match trend is perhaps easiest in the bedroom, where you can play with different colour combinations and furnishings to create your unique look. Making your bed a starting point will help to stimulate the flow of ideas, and the way to do this is to layer your bedding. Layered bedding makes your bed the focal point of the bedroom, and is a quick fix that will add flair in an instant.

What exactly do we mean by the term “layered bedding”? Layered bedding uses quilt covers, throws, blankets and sheets made from different fabrics or of various prints. If planned carefully, this look can be extremely stylish, but will be completely unsuccessful if the bedding used is uncoordinated. There is a very fine balance between mix and match, and jumbled up, and the key to finding equilibrium is to stick to colours from either the warm or cool colour family.

Warm colours are those which have a yellow base, while cool colours are those with blue base. This means that sometimes a colour which you may think would fit into the cool category – for example an olive green – is actually warm. You should combine doses of pure colour with classic neutrals - white, black and beige/sand. This will add a modern edginess to your bedroom and will prevent the space from becoming overwhelmed. Do try to be as bold as you can with colour though – an excess of the neutral shades mentioned can be a little drab. The most popular colour combination for 2011 is brown and purple – and these vary from rich, opulent colours to light, summery tones.

Once you have decided on a cool or warm colour scheme, you have little to worry about in terms of “getting it right”. Bedding of the same colour family which features textures – smooth or ribbed, ruffled or lacy, can sit beautifully together for a unique look. You can also vary patterns – a large floral print with stripes, for example, looks very chic.

When making up your bed with your choice of bedding layers, think about how you can create contrast. Fold back a blanket to reveal a splash of colour underneath, or top the bed with lots of interesting cushions or pillows and you'll soon have a bed which fits perfectly with the mix and match style of this year.

It might make your skin crawl to think about it – but according to scientists from the University of Sydney, the increased popularity of international travel and trade in second hand furnishings has meant the spread of bedbugs...possibly into your home.

Bedbugs are a large family of insects, the most common of which is Cimexlectularis, which nourishes itself on human blood. These quick reproducing insects hide not only in bedding but also in clothing, floor and wall coverings. Adult bedbugs can grow to around 5mm in length but their size does not give an accurate representation of just how much of a nuisance they can be. Because they are mostly active during night, and in the dark, bedbugs may not be noticed as they attack the sleeper. The reaction to bedbug bites varies between individuals but generally causes a red, irritated rash. In children and the elderly, long-term bedbug infestation may lead to anaemia due to the constant loss of blood.

It makes sense then to perform regular bedbug checks in your home, and be wary of sleeping in hotels which are less than clean, as you may bring so called “hitchhiker” bedbugs back as a souvenir. When staying in a hotel, do check the bedding before sleeping in it, and report to the hotel manager if you do see any signs of infestation. It is also a good idea to store your suitcase on a stand or shelf, in case there are bedbugs in the carpet. Usually the first sign of a bedbug problem is the rash caused by their bites, however you should keep an eye out for bloodstains or other unusual marks on your bedsheets. You should also look along the seams of your mattress for any traces of insect activity.

If you do find signs of bedbugs in your home, don't panic. You can choose to attempt to treat the problem yourself with a specialist insecticide or hire a professional exterminator to do the job for you. Hiring an expert is generally the best idea, as they have experience in the particular hiding places that bedbugs love and will be able to deal with the issue efficiently.

1. A Comfortable Bed Equals Sweet Dreams

Tossing and turning on a bed that feels like it has been filled with dried peas is nobodies idea of fun, yet many of us still do it – and excessively hard or soft mattresses are the number one cause of interrupted sleep patterns. Bed manufacturers suggest that you should change your mattress when it is between seven and twenty years old, depending on the brand. This is because the materials used to make the mattress supportive gradually lose their ability to retain shape, which leads to a lumpy bed and discomfort for the sleeper. Many people find that memory foam mattresses are a superior option to sprung mattresses as the dense material moulds to the shape of your body for excellent support.

2. Keep Cool

Various studies into sleep disorders have shown that the optimum temperature for peaceful sleep is around 18ºC. This might sound fairly chilly, but apparently the human body responds well to this cooler temperature. To stay cool and comfortable in bed, and increase the likelihood of drifting off to sleep, choose bedding which is made from natural fibres such as Pima or Egyptian cotton. These fabrics are cool in summer and warm in winter, which will help to stabilise your body temperature.

3. Find Peace

Noise, whether it is traffic from a nearby road, or your obnoxious neighbour practising guitar playing, can make it impossible to catch a few z's. When sound is an issue, look at ways of blocking it out. Ear plugs can be a very effective solution, while some people find that white noise generators will stop them from focusing on the disturbance and allow them to relax.

4. Cut Out the Light

Sleeping in a room which is not completely dark has been linked with a number of health problems, although, as yet no definite evidence has been found to prove the theory. However, it is known that darkness increases the release of a vital hormone in the brain. The hormone, which is called melatonin helps up to fall asleep and determines our sleep pattern, so resting in a completely dark room will help you drift off. Start darkening your room by removing clocks and radios with digital displays, night-lights etc. and if possible fit blackout blinds to your windows. Another quick tip is to wear a eye-mask, like those given out to business class passengers on planes.

5. Remove Distractions

Psychologists recommend that we treat our bedrooms as a room to sleep only. Watching TV, playing computer games or working in the bedroom creates a mental construct that the room is not a place of rest. Get rid of all those unnecessary attractions and turn your bedroom into a haven of sleep – you'll soon find yourself waking up feeling fresh and renewed the following morning!

Introducing the art of aromatherapy into your bedroom can have a full range of health benefits, depending on the specific oils or blends which you choose to use. To get started, you can try building a basic selection of three oils which will be most useful in the bedroom.

Lavender for Sleep

Ask any trained aromatherapist to suggest an essential oil which will aid restful sleep and it is more than likely that they will mention lavender. Lavender essential oil is distilled from the flower spikes of purple or white blossomed lavender, a highly fragrant herb. Lavender has a soporific effect which is highly efficient in cases of insomnia, or when stress causes disturbed sleep patterns.

Sweet Orange to Brighten Your Mood

When you have been feeling low and have “the blues”, turn to the sunlight infused fragrance of Sweet orange essential oil. Sweet orange is a powerful anti-depressant which creates a sensation of warmth and happiness when used in the bedroom. Unlike other citrus oils such as lemon and grapefruit, sweet orange has a sedative effect and will help you drift off to sleep in a more positive mood.

Ylang-Ylang for Your Love Life

Finally, if your sex life is in need of some spice, discover the exotic ylang-ylang essential oil. Considered to be an aphrodisiac ylang-ylang is distilled from the yellow flowers of a tropical evergreen. The warm, floral and fruity scent of ylang-ylang essential oil is one of the most precious and valuable, and is used for fragrance making by some of the worlds most famous perfumers.

How to Use Essential Oils in Your Bedroom

When you want to use essential oils in the bedroom, avoid putting them directly onto the bedding as they may leave stains which can be hard to remove. If you would like to scent your sheets, add a couple of drops of your chosen essential oil to your usual detergent. To intensify the fragrance, use a steam iron, but add a couple of drops of oil to the steam compartment. Finally, you can store your bedding in a linen closet with cotton wool impregnated with essential oils. Another way to bring fragrance to the bedroom is to burn your oils in an essential oil diffuser, blending two drops of oil with a little oil to gently fragrance the air.

Goose-down bedding is manufactured all over the world, however the best goose-down bedding is said to be made from Hungarian and Canadian goose-feathers, plucked from mature geese. One of the main breeds used is the Embden, which has white, fluffy plumage. The down is gathered from geese which have been commercially farmed for meat, meaning that the feathers are a by-product. It is important to note that laws are in place which prevent the cruel method of live plucking, as this was a concern for animal rights organisations in the past. The quality and warmth properties of goose-down bedding are described by the term “fill power”. The higher the fill power of a product, the warmer it will be as bedding.

Caring for Your Goose-down Bedding

On a daily basis, you should maintain your goose-down bedding by shaking it to de-compress the feathers. You should avoid sitting or lying on top of goose-down quilts as this can crush the feathers and reduce the efficiency of the bedding.

Goose-down bedding manufacturers usually include specific instructions for long-term care in the product packaging, and these should be followed where possible. If you have misplaced your goose-down bedding care information, follow the process detailed below.

1. Ideally the bedding should be cleaned by a professional who has experience in dealing with goose-down. If you have to wash the bedding yourself, use a mild detergent and a washing machine which has a high load capacity.
2. Wash your goose-down bedding on a gentle cycle, as this will reduce damage to the feathers and fabric.
3. Dry your goose-down bedding in a dryer on a low heat setting, or hang out to dry on a clothes line. Ensure your bedding is thoroughly dry before storing away, as damp bedding will take on an unpleasant musty smell.

What Damage Do Textile Pests Cause?

Textile pests damage stored clothing or bedding by feeding on the fibres, particularly wool and natural fibre (cotton, linen, silk) products. This can result in the distressing situation of unpacking your blankets for winter, only to find that the moths and their larvae have made holes in all of them! Extensive damage caused by the Clothing Moth can make bedding completely unusable, which can be very upsetting and expensive.

How Can You Moth Proof Your Stored Bedding?

When storing away your bedding it is important to take precautions against the Common Clothes Moth and other members of this species. The first step is to ensure that all blankets, sheets and other bedding are scrupulously clean and dry before storing them away, as the Clothing Moth is attracted to perspiration, perfume and food stains, and warm moist environments. Some people prefer to have their bedding dry-cleaned before storage, while others feel that washing and drying thoroughly is sufficient.

The second step of moth-proofing your bedding is to choose your storage location with some care and consideration. Heavy-duty plastic boxes with sealed lids are an excellent solution as moths will find these very difficult to penetrate. For an extra level of security, spray the boxes inside and out with a commercial insect and moth repellent.

What About Natural Solutions?

Cedar wood oil has been used for hundreds of years as a moth repellent and remains an effective choice today. For those of you who are concerned about the effects of chemical repellents in the home, try storing your bedding in cedar wood boxes or hanging cedar wood blocks or moth-balls in your bedding storage area. Not only is cedar wood oil an excellent deterrent against moths, but it also has a very pleasant fragrance. Other natural solutions to prevent moth and textile pest damage to your clothes are lavender and rosemary oil – try placing herb-filled bags between layers of stored bedding for an extra level of protection.

What Else Can I Do to Prevent Moth Infestation?

Experts in textile pest infestation agree that the key to avoiding damage to stored bedding and other clothing is good house-keeping. Because insects like these breed quickly, you should consider vacuum-cleaning your wardrobes and storage areas as frequently as possible, as this will help remove larvae and eggs.

If you would like to try colour therapy for yourself an excellent way to start is in your own home– with a range of coloured bedding which you can use when you are in need of a boost. Read on todiscover of the main colours used in colour therapy and the uses of each one.

Red

Red is a bold, warm colour which is traditionally related to the 1st chakra or sacral plexus.Alternative therapies relate red to improved blood circulation and liver function, and some peoplebelieve that it can benefit rheumatic pain. Red is also connected to passion, which makes it an idealbedding choice for anyone who wants to heat their love life up. Try red sheets and pillow slipswhen you are feeling cold or achy, and be amazed at the difference a simple change can make!

Yellow

Yellow is the colour of sunshine and is connected to the solar plexus chakra. Since yellow tends tobe a stimulating colour, it may not be your first choice for bedding – but it can be useful for timeswhen you are feeling run down, or for the bed of a patient recuperating after a long illness. Useyellow bedsheets to bring some extra cheer into your life and to hit back against anxiety – you couldeven try using yellow bedding the night before a big interview or other occasion which you arenervous about, to help ease those butterflies in the stomach!

Orange

Juicy, vibrant orange is a fantastic colour for anyone who has been under mental strain or sufferingfrom depression. Orange is another stimulating colour, which relates to the 3rd chakra andstimulates respiration and blood flow around the body. Orange bedding is also a good choice forpatients suffering from pneumonia, bronchitis and similar lung infections – so pick orange beddingwhen those winter flu and cold bugs are taking their toll!

Green

The colour green is a natural sedative which reduces blood pressure and is connected to the 4thchakra- the heart chakra. The cool tones of green remind us of the natural world, soothing themind, body and spirit. Change your bedding to green sheets and pillow slips the next time that yousuffer from insomnia or other sleep difficulties and feel yourself drift away with ease. Becausegreen is connected to the heart, green bedding can be a good choice if you are suffering fromemotional strain due to relationship problems.

Blue

Blue reminds us of the sky and the sea, and has a relaxing effect which can be very beneficial atnight time, especially for anyone with sleep difficulties. All shades and tones of blue relate to thethroat chakra and are said to influence creativity and open the mind to new opportunities. Bluebedding is a good choice when you are feeling stuck in a rut and in need of a change in your dailylife and can also be helpful for those suffering from thyroid problems.

A closing note...

Whether or not you believe colour therapy will work for you – it is worth giving it a try! For best effect choose plain, one coloured bedding, or sheets and pillow slips which are patterned in a design which uses the same colour in different shades.

In fact, you can change your bedroom in an instant by selecting bedding in fabrics which will make sleep experience more comfortable and pleasant. Read on, and discover which materials will make you feel fabulous when you slip between the sheets.

Egyptian Cotton

The world's best cotton is harvested from the white, fluffy fibres produced by Gossypium barbadense, perhaps better known as the cotton plant. Egyptian Cotton, grown along the banks of the majestic Nile river has become famous for its superb quality and inviting texture which hasled in turn to it being used in prestigious hotels including the Hilton chain. Bedsheets which are made from Egyptian Cotton feel incredibly smooth against your skin, and because they are highly breathable, they will prevent you from overheating in summer, or feeling chilly in winter.

Pure Linen

Pure Linen brings a sensation of classic opulence to a bedroom, and is surprisingly easy to carefor. With its rich, crisp feel and soft sheen, the texture is quite different from other fabrics. Linen is made by spinning fibres from the Flax plant which is grown commercially throughout Europe. Some of the best known linens come from Scotland and Ireland, with Belgian linen also rated very highly in terms of luxury.

Mulberry Silk

Perhaps the most romantic fabric that you could choose for your bedding – silk is sensual andexotic. The best silk is Mulberry Silk – completely natural, it is produced by the Bombyx mori, more commonly known as the silkworm moth. The larvae of the moth eat the leaves of mulberrytrees, and produce the silky substance which is harvested and woven. These moths have beencultivated in China for thousands of years for commercial purposes, and to this day, the best silkcomes from the Western region of the country – an area sometimes known as the Silk Road.

A Final Tip

If you want to indulge yourself with luxury bedding fabrics such as Egyptian Cotton, Pure Linenor Mulberry Silk, choose the highest thread-count that you can afford. If you follow the care instructions carefully, your bedding will last for many years making it a real investment, even if the initial outlay is fairly high.

Method 1 (The “Glove” Technique):

1. Lay the duvet flat across the bed. 
2. Turn your clean quilt cover inside out. 
3. Put your hands into the cover and grasp the two corners furthest from the opening. 
4. Wearing like a huge glove, grab the top corners of your duvet. Lift them in the air and give it a good gentle shake. 
5. The cover should fall down over the duvet until it reaches the bottom.
6. Make sure all four corners fit snugly into the cover; make necessary adjustments. 
7. Secure the bottom of the cover (buttons, ties, zipper, etc.).

Method 2 (The “Tube” Technique):

1. Spread the quilt cover out on the bed.Hold the duvet and put the sides to the middle (forming like a tube).
2. Gently put the “tube” into the cover and release the sides to open it out. 
3. Make sure the corners fit snugly into the cover; make necessary adjustments. 
4. Secure the bottom of the cover (buttons, ties, zipper, etc.). And—voila!—your quilt cover is perfectly back on without you getting into a mess or losing your temper!

From our experience, the first method is found to be most commonly used by people as it is quick and easy but with a good chance of creasing your cover.  On the other hand, aside from being super duper quick (though a little tough for first timers). The second method is observed to minimize the chances of getting the quilt cover creased. Try both and find out for yourself which one you are more comfortable using. With little practice you can actually complete either in a minute or less! 

Things You’ll Need:

• Citrus-based cleaner spray;

 

• Rag;

 

• Baking soda;

 

• Vacuum;

 

• Mildewcide;

 

• Dehumidifier (optional).

Instructions

1. Wash your blankets, sheets, pillow cases, pillows and other upholstery on the bed. Dust, dead skin cells, body oil and other debris can collect within the fibers of the upholstery and create a bad smell. Dry the upholstery thoroughly to remove moisture—another common cause of musty odors.

 

2. Clean the outside of the mattress; most musty bed smells come from the mattress. Spritz with a citrus-based spray cleaner, which cuts through built-up dirt and grime while also neutralizing smells. Wipe down thoroughly with a rag or paper towels.

 

3. Dust the outside of the mattress with a layer of baking soda, which will help dry the surface fibers while also absorbing odors, quickly freshening the mattress. Let the baking soda sit on the mattress for 30 minutes. Vacuum the powder away using a standard vacuum cleaner.

 

4. Place the mattress in the sun for 6 to 8 hours. Ultraviolet rays have a natural sterilizing effect. The sun will also dry out the mattress. Moisture sometimes lurks deep within the mattress, and a prolonged session of sunshine can help dry out the mattress’s core.

 

5. Remove mildew, the most common source of musty smells. Use a commercial mildewcide, available in the household department of most general retailers. Follow the product’s specific guidelines for cleaning, as chemical potency varies by manufacturer.

Tips & Warnings

• Run a dehumidifier in the bedroom. The appliance will dry out the air and ensure the dryness of the bed. This prevents mildew, dries out and kills existing mildew spores and helps ensure a fresh-smelling bed.

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• Mattresses heavily covered in mildew may be impossible to clean because the mold spores have penetrated the entire bed. Discard such mattresses for safety reasons.

By Joshua Duvauchelle, eHow Contributor.

A Scottish physician, Dr. Neil Arnott, invented a form of waterbed back in the early 1800s. The Hydrostatic Bed was devised to prevent bedsores in invalids, and was composed of a bath of water with a covering of rubber-impregnated canvas, on which lighter bedding was placed. Arnott never received a patent for his invention. The waterbed made its way into mainstream American fiction as it is mentioned as an accessory for the ailing Mrs. Hale in Elizabeth Gaskell’s 1855 novel, North and South.

Also Mark Twain in an 1871 article that was published in The New York Times, “A New Beecher Church”, mentioned a waterbed that was used for invalids in Elmira, New York. In his own words, “In the infirmary will be kept one or two water-beds (for invalids whose pains will not allow them to be on a less yielding substance) and half a dozen reclining invalid-chairs on wheels. The water-beds and invalid-chairs at present belonging to the church are always in demand, and never out of service.

A small waterbed with frame.Another physician, Dr. William Hooper of Portsmouth, England patented a waterbed back in 1883 but it was a failure due to the inability to contain the water or control its temperature. It wasn’t until 1968 when Charles Hall and two other design students (Paul Heckle and Evan Fawkes) devised the modern water bed at San Francisco State University. His original idea was to create an innovative chair, but after repeated failures, he decided to concentrate on perfecting a bed. He was, however, unable to obtain a patent for his invention because a waterbed is described in the novels of Robert Heinlin, who may have thought of it first but never attempted to build the invention he mentioned on paper.

Some Advantages and Disadvantages of Water Beds

Advantages

• It can be heated, which makes it nice and warm in winter. The warmth of the water also aids in muscle relaxation and improved blood circulation.

 

• The water-bed shapes exactly to the body sleeping in it, minimizing pressure, especially around the joints. This allows for the relaxation of spinal muscles and aids in the treatment of backache.

 

• Dirt and dead skin particles cannot penetrate the water mattress, which can periodically be cleaned by wiping it down with a cloth and vinyl cleaner. The cover can also be regularly washed, eliminating dust mites that can trigger asthma, eczema and allergies.

Disadvantages

• Heating a waterbed can be quite costly and can easily consume more power than a refrigerator. Foam mattress pads can greatly reduce this usage by as much as 60%.

 

• Bed sheets are harder to find and there are fewer varieties to choose from as many hard-sided waterbeds are of different sizes than other mattresses. The soft-sided mattresses are standard-sized.

 

• A normal bed is much easier to transport than a water bed. In the case of the latter, the water must be drained and the frame disassembled and then reassembled. The mattress too must then be refilled with water and heated for a while until the water reaches the correct temperature.

 

• Leaking can be a problem as well. The use of plastic liners can prevent this but refilling reheating and re-patching, not to mention finding another place to sleep until all this is done, can be a real pain in places too impolite to mention.

 

• Strange odors can emanate from waterbed mattresses. The initial smell of vinyl when the bed is new usually evaporates once the mattress is in the bed and exposed to air for a while. A vinyl cleaner can speed up the process, but other causes of odors are not so easily treated. A musty odor usually indicates bacterial growth. This does not mean that a taloned hand will suddenly rise from underneath the bedding and grip you by the throat, but it does mean that your bed may have been punctured. Launder thoroughly if this occurs and make sure you clean the outside of the mattress, the liner and the heater pad. If the odor is very strong, it may mean that the bacteria has invaded the interior of the mattress, in which case, it might be time to part company (with the bed and the bacteria).

Two people sleeping in a King size bed will get the same amount of personal sleeping space as in a Twin bed. In fact, if you pushed two Extra-Long Twin beds together they’d be about the same size as an Eastern King. For great versatility in a guest room, if you have the floor space, use 2 extra long twin beds separately for singles or push them together to make a king bed for couples.

When buying sheets, you have to be careful to purchase the right size. Flat sheets will fit both sizes of King beds, but fitted sheets are cut to fit one or the other. Before you go shopping for sheets, be sure to measure your bed exactly to be sure to buy the linens that will fit exactly.

Standard King or Eastern King

These beds are about 40 cm (16 inches) wider than a Queen bed and the same length. A King size bed is sold with two box springs or frames and one mattress. This makes it easier to move.

• Overall dimensions: 193.04 cm (76 inches) wide x 203.20 cm (80inches) long;

 

• Width per person: 96.52 cm (38 inches).

 

Pros

As the widest bed commonly available in stores, the Standard King is the most comfortable for two adults. The 80″ length is sufficient for most people. Sheets labeled “King Size” fit a Standard King bed.

Cons

Because of its size, a King bed may not be practical for a single person who has to do the moving by himself. They’re hard to get upstairs, through narrow, winding hallways, and small rooms. A King bed may not be long enough for very tall people. Bedding is most expensive in the King sizes. The wide bed requires at least 3 standard or 2 queen or king pillows, adding to the cost.

California King or Western King

These beds are 12″ wider than a Queen and 4″ longer. This is the longest bed commonly available in stores and is the best choice for tall people. Like the Eastern King, the California King bed set comes with one mattress and two half-width box springs to be more manageable when moving. Very tall single people can sleep from corner to corner and still be comfortable.

• Overall dimensions: 182.88 cm (72 inches) wide x 213.36 cm (84 inches) long

 

• Width per person: 91.44 cm (36 inches)

 

Pros

A California King size mattress is wide enough for two to sleep comfortably and is the longest bed commonly available. Its extra length is good for tall people.

Cons

This very large mattress may be cumbersome to move and may not fit up stairs, through narrow hallways, or in small bedrooms. Like the Eastern King, the California King bed set comes with one mattress and two half-width box springs to be more manageable when moving. Very tall single people can sleep from corner to corner and still be comfortable.

Note

Some bed manufacturers change the definition of “standard” sizes by a few inches. Before you go shopping for bedding, be sure to get the exact measurements of your bed so you are able to purchase the correct size sheets.

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The short of it is that your body needs a restful night’s sleep in order to be fresh for the day ahead. The effects of poor sleep can have negative effects on memory, cognitive skills, digestion and potentially many other functions. A mattress that is worn out or poorly suited to your needs can cause you to lose valuable sleep. To the contrary, sleeping on the right mattress can help you sleep better.

Obvious signs that your old mattress has seen better days:

• A valley has developed in the section of the mattress where you sleep;

 

• Sagging across the middle third of the mattress or along the sides makes you roll toward your partner;

 

• The mattress makes creaking noises;

 

• Soft, non-supportive edges are a sign of edge breakdown;

 

• You’re waking up sore or stiff in the morning;

 

• You’ve developed reoccurring back pain.

How tired are you?

Signs that you are not getting enough sleep:

• You are always tired in the morning;

 

• You are having constant difficulty getting out of bed;

 

• You are in need of a nap during the day;

 

• You are irritable;

 

• You are unable to concentrate;

 

• You sleep better in beds that are not your own;

 

• You are not sleeping well.

Poor sleeping habits and the effects of sleep deprivation is usually the first sign that you need a new mattress. Obviously a good night’s sleep is crucial. Sleep helps replenish the vital energy you expend during the day. If you’re not getting refreshing, deep sleep, it is probably time to shop for a new mattress.

Most mattresses come with a 10 year warranty. However, some warranties are void if the mattress has even the slightest stain on it. If you plan to use your mattress warranty at some point it is critical that you purchase a waterproof mattress cover early on. Some warranties also require that the bed be flipped every six months.

2. Take your time!

Don’t rush through the purchasing process. There are many different types of mattresses (innerspring, foam, air, water, futon) and even more manufacturers (sealy, serta, simmons, tempur-pedic, king koil, spring air, etc.). Don’t just lie down on a mattress for 10 seconds; take your time and relax on it, then try another. If you sleep with a partner be sure you bring that person with you to test. Lie on the bed facing away from your partner and see if you can figure out when he/she is getting in and out of bed.

3. Firmness

Firmer is not necessarily better. There is a common sentiment that a firm bed is good for the spine. In fact, this is not the case. A very firm mattress doesn’t “give” which can force your spine to bend at the hips and shoulders. A softer (more plush) mattress can allow your hips and shoulders to sink into the bed slightly, keeping your spine straight when you sleep on your side. Don’t confuse firmness with supportive – they’re two different things.

4. Size

Pick the right size for your height. If you’re a tall person (over 6 feet) you will probably want to go with a king size bed. If you’re extremely tall you will want to consider the california king size. The california king is slightly narrower and taller than the “regular” california mattress. For most couples under six feet tall, a queen size bed should provide enough space to sleep comfortably.

5. Coils

More coils are not necessarily better. The two main types of innerspring mattresses are interlocking coil and independent coil. Interlocking coil mattresses actually require fewer coils because the coils are tied together with wire. Independent coil mattresses require more coils because each one must work on its own to support you. The benefit of an independent coil mattress is that it is less prone to movement if your partner is getting in and out of bed. This can be an important factor to consider if you’re a light sleeper.

6. Hybrids

Sometimes a hybrid mattress is worth considering. The lines between the different types of mattresses have blurred in recent years with the advent of innerspring mattresses with memory foam, innerspring futon mattresses, and innerspring mattresses that have water chambers inside them. Don’t get sold on too much hype – the ultimate test is how it feels to you.

7. Budget

Decide on a budget before you go in the store. Mattresses are very expensive – it will typically cost you at least $800 for a decent mattress & box spring combo and many people spend $2,000 or more on a bed. As you test different mattresses you will undoubtedly notice that the more expensive the mattress, the more comfortable it feels.

8. Brands

Sometimes it’s worth it to go with a major brand. Smaller mattress retailers will sometimes try to sell you on a mattress that they claim is “just as good” as a major brand but at a much lower price. As with most things, you get what you pay for. Inexpensive mattresses are often cheaper because corners have been cut somewhere in the manufacturing process whether it’s the coils, the foam, the cotton batting, or the actual construction of the mattress itself. If you can afford it, you’ll likely get more miles out of a name brand mattress.

Decide on the Right Size of Bed Pillow

The size of bed pillow you pick will depend on the size of your bed and how you sleep. For a twin, you’d probably choose a standard pillow. For a queen bed you’d get two queens, and for a king bed you’d get two king pillows. If you prefer a large pillow to snuggle with on a smaller bed, use a king on a twin bed. Or if you want a stack of large pillows to lean on, you’ll get more. And you could choose 4 or 6 standard pillows for a king size bed. Luxury hotels use 4 king pillows on a queen bed. The choice is yours and depends on what you like.

Set Your Bed Pillow Budget

Like everything, you can pay a lot or a little for a bed pillow. And you usually get what you pay (or don’t pay) for. A cheap foam pillow might cost as little as $5 but a top quality down or feather pillow can be over $100, depending on the size. If you have a limited budget, select one or two good quality pillows to actually sleep on and use an inexpensive one for leaning up against for reading or for decoration with a sham on your bed.

Do You Sleep on Your Back, Your Side, or Your Stomach?

If you sleep on your back, you might want a flat bed pillow. If you sleep on your side or your stomach, you’ll want good support for your neck. Most quality pillows give information about the best use for the type of pillow you’re considering. Try out several types for greatest comfort.

Choose the Fill You Prefer for Your Bed Pillow

After size, the next most important thing to decide is what type of fill you want. A foam pillow will feel firm and hold its shape throughout the night, even when you shift on the bed. A down pillow will squish with your head and give it a soft cushion. You can crumple it up for snuggling. Something right in the middle would be a pillow made with polyester filling. And a good quality compromise might be a pillow with a core of foam or feathers, surrounded or wrapped with an outer coat of soft down. Most top quality feather and down pillows are hypo-allergenic and can be used by people with allergies.

Do You Like a Soft or Firm Bed Pillow?

The “loft” of a bed pillow is determined by the volume of fill it contains. For a firm pillow, the fill will be tighter. For a soft pillow, the fill will be lighter. Regardless of the firmness, be prepared to renovate the feather or down fill every 10 years or so. And of course, foam disintegrates or breaks down.

Bed Pillow Cover or Ticking

The cover on a foam bed pillow is not too important. But for a feather or down pillow, be sure that the ticking or cover is tightly woven cotton so that the feathers don’t leak out. Buy a pillow cover for every pillow you own. This will keep the ticking clean and protect the pillow cover.

Care for Years of Comfort

It’s important to clean a bed pillow regularly. The pillow should come with care instructions. Some feather and down pillows can be washed in a home washer. Others recommend dry cleaning. Save the cleaning instructions in your linen closet and follow them for longest life.

If a fairy tale princess were to lie down on a stack of $5,000 pillowtop mattresses, would she still feel the pea? Maybe not. But were she a modern princess, she would certainly know if the sheets had only a 200 thread count, the duvet wasn’t baffle stitched or the pillow was wrong for her particular sleep style.

Thanks to plenty of admonitions from health gurus, it’s no news to anyone that we live in a sleep-deprived culture. Anxious and over-scheduled, we crave the solace of temporary oblivion that is the promise of sleep. But is the current cult of the bedroom excessive? Hypnos, the Greek god of sleep, was content with a simple cave. There he drowsed on an ebony bed, apparently without the advantage of ionizing purifiers to keep the air from becoming stagnant.

We have air purifiers aplenty, as well as humidifiers and aromatherapy diffusers to fill our rooms with the calming scents of balsam and lavender and verbena. We have, it seems, internalized Hypnos, making sleep a kind of self-worship, and the bedroom, where we propitiate ourselves and our senses, its temple.

Which makes the bed an altar of sorts. The Greeks spared no expense creating those for their gods, so are you going to settle for a regular old mattress with 900 or so springs, or insist on a Dux bed, which has up to 3,700? Or maybe you should consider a Tempur-Pedic mattress, said to conform to your weight and body temperature.

The company that makes the Tempur material in Tempur-Pedic says it all began with NASA’s efforts to “relieve the tremendous g-forces experienced by astronauts,” possibly approximating the stress of your commute. Of course if you are sharing your altar, beds can be customized to make each side right for its sleeper. No compromise, no argument.

Still, for good measure, you may want to improve that carefully chosen bed with a wool or down-filled mattress pad, perhaps one with different amounts of filling for head, feet and torso, or just a plain old European featherbed of the kind that appears in fairy tales. Naturally, sheets, the layer next to your skin, must be silky soft. If 500-thread-count cotton is good, 1,000 is better, preferably Egyptian long staple.

To prevent the disruptive influence of stray chemicals, the cotton should be organic. Once available only in an authentic-looking off white, organic cotton now comes in nature-inspired colors and patterns created with low-impact dyes.

You can snuggle unencumbered under airy duvets in down or PrimaLoft or even silk. If you need the weight of blankets to feel cozy, you can choose merino, lamb’s-wool, alpaca, even cashmere, sort of a huge pashmina shawl in similarly glowing colors.

While Hypnos had the purling waters of the river Lethe and the fumes of poppies to keep him snoozing, we have machines that produce white noise, the sounds of ocean waves, summer rain, tropical rain forests (minus the shrieking parrots, I guess). And we can also spritz those high-thread-count sheets with scented water bottled especially for the purpose.

Once I scoffed at such niceties as just one more decadent example of narcissistic excess, but I think I might have succumbed again to the rabbit-fur jacket syndrome. On a trip to Prague one time, my daughter and I kept running into a cohort of young Italian girls wearing short rabbit fur jackets. For the first few days, we found those jackets beyond tacky, then they began to look good, and then we wondered where to get them.

Now, I press my nose against the window of the Dux bed showroom in Red Bank, and wander the aisles of department stores where heavenly clouds of duvets hover in their sateen-covered glory. Like any barbarian, I feel shame at my unenlightened past.

Oh, the beds I have slept in. Lumpy summer house beds with their familiar musty smell and creaking springs. My parents’ double bed, mine when I was 8 since it didn’t fit in the master bedroom of the rented farmhouse, with a comfy trough at its center. The secondhand double bed that my newly wed husband and I proudly bought from a motel that was going out of business — so much more adult than sleeping bags on the floor. And when I was renovating my house, I slept one whole summer on a narrow futon that converted into a chair, jabbed periodically by its metal frame.

I grew up with slippery sheets of polyester percale in their gloriously synthetic patterns and colors. They freed a generation from the chore of ironing and were usually paired with another labor saver, moth-defying acrylic blankets that sparked and crackled fiercely on cold winter nights. I am chagrined to recall how cheerfully I unrolled a thin cotton-sheet sleeping bag on the bunk beds of youth hostels before crawling under the rough, standard-issue blankets. I thought luxury was staying at my grandmother’s in England, where the sheets were soft, much-mended linen and things called eiderdowns slid off the bed in the night. But maybe it was really the early morning cups of tea.

I’m embarrassed now by my shabby (if organic) cotton sheets, the old duvet now losing its loft, the polyester mattress pads, the faded cotton and scratchy wool blankets collected casually along life’s way. Even my buckwheat pillow is a cheap one from a low-end mail-order catalog. I don’t have a diffuser, and scattering cotton balls soaked in lavender oil is messy and ineffective.

So why am I not sleeping on a Dux bed wrapped in Egyptian cotton and alpaca? There’s the expense, of course, but also a kind of inertia. Maybe a part of me still distrusts too much comfort. Or maybe I want to keep up the fiction that, as in my youth, I can sleep anywhere — even as my aging body whispers to me of feather beds and memory foam.

AROUND the time she began working as special projects editor for House & Garden in 2003, Susanna Salk noticed that children’s rooms were being featured in shelter magazines, something that would have been almost unthinkable a decade earlier.

“Before, the priority was always a living room, a bedroom, a kitchen space, a garden and a portrait of the family,” Ms. Salk said, explaining that she believes the shift took place in part because more adults with children had “lots of disposable income.”

“All of a sudden you started seeing celebrities with kids, and magazines showing kids jumping on the furniture,” she continued. “It became hip to have young children.”

Knowing that designers had been creating bedrooms and play spaces for their clients’ children all along — she often saw photos that were never published — inspired her to write “Room for Children: Stylish Spaces for Sleep and Play,” published this month by Rizzoli.

“What makes a kid’s room special is it’s personalized,” said Ms. Salk, now a contributing editor at 1stdibs.com and iVillage.com. “To me, a room is successful when I walk in and feel as comfortable and intrigued as you would feel going into their parents’ living room.”

And the easiest way to create “a look that suits the child’s identity,” she said, is with bedding. Shopping online, Ms. Salk found several sets of sheets and duvets from West Elm and CB2 that she thought would give the plainest space a sense of personality. “Sometimes just by adding a new comforter cover you can completely transform a room,” she said.

At the Kid’s Supply Company on Madison Avenue, she discovered an array of throw pillows, which are essential for a child’s room, she said.

“It’s fun to have big, squishy throw pillows for when you’re reading together at night in bed and for weekends when guests come over,” she said. “I give the throw pillows to slumber party guests” to sleep on “because I know they’re clean and not used all the time. And then I don’t have to worry about finding a fresh pillow in a pillowcase.”

She picked out a turquoise pillow hand-embroidered with a hummingbird that she thought would delight a teenage girl, and tangerine-colored cushions and an exceptionally soft orange-and-cream-colored knit blanket that she considered ideal for boys of all ages.

“I love this,” she said, pointing to a pillow with a classic rugby stripe. “So often prechosen color schemes for boys are so down — black or navy or dark green.”

At Jonathan Adler, Ms. Salk admired the needlepoint pillows, several of them decorated with zodiac signs and others with animals (the latter, which are being introduced next month, were shown to her online, by a sales clerk).

She was also drawn to the super-soft Richard Nixon blanket (named after “a lousy president” who had “great taste,” Mr. Adler later told a reporter). Ms. Salk thought children would like its texture. “It makes them feel cozy,” she said.

Finally, on Z Gallerie’s Web site, she purchased several Lazo throws for her sons, Oliver, 14, and Winston, 10. Throws are good for a child’s room, she said, because they provide “texture and color and dimension.” More important, though, they come in handy when “the kids are having sleepovers and building huge forts.”

A version of this article appeared in print on April 8, 2010, on page D6 of the New York edition.

Don’t forget that you must buy specially sized sheets if you use a pram, carrycot or moses basket. These are smaller than cot bedding. Usually, you should begin with around three blankets and four sheets. This number enables you to have enough spare sheets and cot blankets ready if you need a quick change. Sheets are generally made of the following different materials: traditional cotton, cotton jersey, brushed flannelette or stretch cotton terry. Stretchy fitted sheets are practical buys because they are less likely to come untucked during the night and are easy to remove on and off.

You can use acrylic cellular blankets, which wash well, rather than cotton ones if your baby’s bedroom is very cold. You should always double-check if any traditional wool baby blankets you get can be washed in a machine (all ours can). This is because you will find yourself washing your baby’s cot bedding again and again and having dry clean only cot bedding would be very impractical. Cuddly fleece blankets, which are made from polyester, are also very popular and can be used in prams and strollers during colder weather, but be careful if you use them indoors as they can become too warm.

Try these simple steps to help improve the quality of your sleep. But remember, if problems persist you should see your doctor:

• Obey your body clock: set a routine for yourself and try to go to bed and get up at about the same time every day;

 

• Don’t go to bed when you’re not tired: this will just reinforce bad sleeping habits;

 

• Get enough sunshine; exposure to light helps set your body clock;

 

• Ensure your room is dark enough;

 

• Only use your bedroom for sleeping and sex. Don’t use it like a second lounge room for watching TV or talking on the phone — and be sure not to work, worry or argue there;

 

• Exercise every day — a tired body is more likely to sleep;

 

• Try and use the last hour of the day to relax. Don’t do anything too stimulating;

 

• Avoid caffeinated drinks close to bedtime. And while alcohol might make you feel sleepy at first it’s also worth avoiding, as it tends to disrupt your sleep;

 

• If you can’t sleep within a reasonable amount of time, get out of bed and do something quiet for half an hour, like reading a book;

 

• And, if all else fails, see your doctor for further help.

Pillows and Allergies

• The National Asthma Council of Australia (NAC) doesn’t recommend any specific type of pillow for sufferers of asthma or allergies.

 

• However, it does suggest that you cover your pillow (and your mattress and quilt) with a specially designed dust-resistant cover. These covers completely encase the pillow to reduce any contact with dust mites, and can also be washed.

 

• NAC recommends washing the dust-resistant covers at least every two months to keep any problems at bay.

 

• A pillow, such as one with a polyester fill, that can be machine-washed in hot water (more than 55ºC) to kill dust mites and wash away any allergens might also be of benefit.

A Pain in the Neck?

• The Australian Physiotherapy Association says while there are many kinds of pillows on the market claiming to be best for tender necks and backs, there’s very little scientific evidence available to back up these claims.

 

• It says that as most people’s body shapes and preferences differ, the best thing you can do is seek advice from a physiotherapist about what you should rest your head on.

 

• However, the general rule of thumb if you’re looking for a new pillow is to find something not too high and not too hard. Ideally your spine should be in a straight line when you’re lying down with your head on the pillow.

Pillows can be made out of a number of different materials. Here are some of the more common ones.

Synthetic Fibre Fill

• Polyester is the most commonly used synthetic fibre fill. These pillows are machine-washable and usually come in a variety of fill weights to suit your needs.

 

• Polyester is quite long-lasting, and a good choice for the budget-conscious.

Wool Fibre Fill

• An alternative to synthetics, wool is washable and flame-resistant.

 

• Wool provides good moisture absorbency, wicking away any moisture created by your sleepy head.

 

• It allows the infill (the filling inside your pillow) to breathe well, which claims to provide you with a more restful night’s sleep.

Feather and Down Fill

• Feather and down pillows have been used across the ages and are still very popular.

 

• They tend to be soft and sit a little higher than other pillows and are suitable for people who like a soft pillow that will mould around their head and shoulders.

 

• While they feel quite luxurious they’re not so great for people who move around a lot when they sleep or need their neck supported well.

Pillows Foam and Latex Fill

• Foam and latex pillows tend to last longer than most other types of pillow fill.

 

• Suitable for people who like a firm and supportive pillow.

 

• While foam pillows are generally quite cheap, latex pillows can be pricey but come in a mind-boggling array of styles and shapes as the latex can be sculpted and contoured to any shape.

 

• There are jellybean-shaped pillows with rounded edges for stomach sleepers, pillows with sculpted grooves to facilitate air flow and graduated pillows that claim to support troublesome necks.

Memory Foam

• Memory foam is made from polyurethane, but has a different cell structure from other foams, which makes it less ‘springy’ and slower to recover (hence memory foam — it ‘remembers’ your shape for a while after you’ve moved).

 

• Memory foam pillows are very heavy and have a squashy feel, leaving an indentation where your head has been for quite some time, so it’s not recommended for those who move about a lot in their sleep.

 

• Memory foam pillows are quite expensive; costing up to five times the cost of a polyester-fill pillow, so you’ll want to make sure it’s the right product for you before deciding to buy one.

When you consider that the average person will spend approximately one third of their life asleep, having a comfortable and good quality pillow is important. Pillow choice is a very personal thing and with so much choice available, buying a pillow isn’t that simple. There are pillows for people who sleep on their back, rounded pillows for stomach sleepers, pillows that claim to stop snoring and even special pillows to support pregnant bellies. The wide range can make it hard to choose, but take the time to educate yourself and shop for something that suits you. After all, you’ll be reminded of your choice every night.

When to buy a new pillow

As general rule you should look to replace your pillow every six months to two years although this does depend on the pillow fill. Check with the manufacturer at the time of your purchase as the expected life span of your pillow will really depend on what material is used and the quality of it. Some pillow manufacturers even provide a tag on the pillow so you can jot down the date you bought it, to see how it’s ageing.

The Pillow Test

For synthetic and feather down pillows you can also try the shoe test to see if your pillow might need replacing:

• Put your pillow on a reasonably flat surface and fold it in half.

 

• Put a sports shoe on top.

 

• If the shoe flies off as your pillow bounces back into its original shape, your pillow is in top form.

 

• If the shoe stays there or the pillow doesn’t spring back into shape, it’s probably time to buy a new one.

How do you sleep and what position do you prefer? Do you like to curl up on your side, sleep on your stomach or crash out on your back?

Are you a tosser and turner or do you sleep like the dead?

Consider your size: do you have a large frame? Are you small or somewhere in the middle?

Give your pillow a good shake and fluff it up every day, and try to air it out in the sun and fresh air on a regular basis. This will help kill any dust mites and will keep it fresher and cleaner.

Consider buying a pillow protector — they’re quite cheap and are available in most homewares shops. A protector keeps your pillow dry and away from moisture or oils, and will also keep it from staining. You can easily wash a pillow protector, which helps keep your pillow clean and fresh.

Polyester and some latex pillows can be popped in the wash to keep them really clean, but not all pillows are machine-washable, so check the labels first.

Before You Buy

It pays to consider a few issues before you go out to buy yourself a new pillow:

If you’re sharing your bed with a partner don’t forget to take their sleep position preferences and body shape into consideration too. Different pillow styles suit different people, so it’s smart to make sure you both shop for your own pillows to get one for your individual needs.

Soft or Firm?

If you sleep on your stomach or have a small build, a low, soft pillow is best. This is also suitable for children. If you sleep on your back a medium to firm pillow with a medium profile is the best. If you sleep on your side mostly or have a bigger body frame, a firm to extra-firm pillow might suit you better.

A couple of weeks ago, I saw a 5-year-old girl who was still wetting the bed every night. It’s a common complaint: at least 15 percent of healthy 5-year-olds are not reliably “dry” at night. And bed-wetting is quite common even in older children.

But what may be most surprising about primary nocturnal enuresis, to use the clinical term for urinary incontinence in a child who does fine by day but has never been reliably dry through the night, is that it is often genetically based.

In other words, it is not about emotional problems, or mistakes a parent made during potty training, or laziness, which some still attribute to the bed-wetter himself. (The problem is about three times as common in boys as in girls.)

Indeed, one of the worst things about bed-wetting is the stigma. Sufferers and their families have been accused of everything from poor parenting to latent criminality. (In 1945, The New York Times reported on a psychological study of the backgrounds of 500 men who got into disciplinary trouble in the wartime Navy. The most powerful predictor of failure in the Navy, the article reported, was a combination of three factors: expulsion from school, civilian arrest and enuresis beyond age 5.)

Enuresis can have a number of physiological causes. Some children lack a hormone that decreases urine production at night. Others wet the bed simply because their bladder capacity is small.

“Here’s the encounter I usually have when I see children in my clinic,” Dr. Jennifer Abidari, chief of pediatric urology at the Santa Clara Valley Medical Center in California, told me. “I draw a bunch of bladders, and three of them are big and one of them is very small.

“I ask them which one was wetting and they’ll usually guess the smaller one, and I’ll say, ‘You’re right — you have a bladder that’s smaller than your age, and it’s not your fault.’ And I’ll see the child glance over to the parent and I’ll know there’s been a lot of conflict.”

In 1995, the first news of a genetic basis for bed-wetting made headlines, after Danish researchers reported a link to Chromosome13. “It’s very clear that there is a strong hereditary component in the course of enuresis,” said Dr. Soren Rittig, a professor of pediatric nephrology at Aarhus University Hospital in Denmark.

Dr. Rittig is one of a group of researchers who have published new findings on the genetics of nocturnal enuresis, which turn out to be far from simple; linkage to three other chromosomes has been found in other families.

The researchers identified several large families in which enuresis was inherited following an autosomal dominant pattern — that is, if either parent has a history of bed-wetting, a child has a 50 percent chance of inheriting it.

As children grow older than my patient, behavioral and other treatments can make a big difference. Children whose bladders tend to spasm can be treated with anticholinergic drugs, and children who lack an antidiuretic hormone can take a synthetic version.

But these drugs treat the symptom, not the underlying problem. “I consider enuresis to be a developmental delay which will improve by itself,” Dr. Abidari said, adding that if the medication is stopped and development has not progressed, “they will wet again.”

In such cases an effective treatment is a bed alarm, which vibrates and makes a noise when a child starts to urinate. Dr. Abidari says the alarms can cure the problem but can be hard on families, especially if the child is a sound sleeper. “The alarm goes off, everybody in the household wakes up but the child is still asleep,” she said. Success, she said, requires motivation on everyone’s part.

The doctors, nurse practitioners and counselors who treat enuresis can be almost messianic about the relief they can offer children and families. “The physician has to have an enthusiasm for wanting to treat wetters,” said Dr. Kenneth I. Glassberg, director of pediatric urology at Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital of NewYork-Presbyterian.

There must also be a committed staff, he added, to handle the frequent visits, phone calls and long-term support the children and their families may need.

All children with wetting problems should be checked for urinary tract infections. Children who develop secondary enuresis — that is, they are fully dry for six months, then begin wetting again — may have infections, constipation (an overly full bowel can put pressure on the bladder) or a variety of other problems, including behavioral and psychological issues.

My patient was also having some daytime accidents, and many specialists would want to address those even before age 5. The same bladder problems may be at work, but there can also be behavioral components.

In addition to anatomical and hormonal factors, “developing continence day and night is a combination of neurological readiness, developmental readiness and the interplay between a child and his environment, whether that’s day care, parents, sibling, preschool,” said Dr. Alison D. Schonwald, an assistant professor of pediatrics at Harvard Medical School and the co-author of “The Pocket Idiot’s Guide to Potty Training Problems” (Alpha, 2006).

My plan was to check the 5-year-old’s urine, just to make sure she didn’t have an infection, and to offer a referral to a pediatric urologist. Although the patient’s mother felt that the daytime problems were improving, she was happy to see a specialist. And the child herself demonstrated her bladder control by flatly refusing to urinate in a plastic cup.

TIP: It is easiest to work above a large flat surface, such as your bed or a large table. Begin by laying your Sheridan fitted sheet down as shown in Step 1.

Step 1: Lay Your Fitted Sheet

Lay your Sheridan fitted sheet flat on a large surface with the elastic facing up.

Step 2: Match Up The Corner Seams

Turn the two bottom corners (C & D) inside out and tuck corner C into A, and corner D into B matching the corner seams together. Neaten the corners and edges to make a nice rectangle.

Step 3: fold sheet in half

Fold your Sheridan fitted sheet in half from left to right or vice versa making sure to hide the elastic.

Step 4: fold sheet into thirds.

Now fold your fitted sheet again this time into thirds forming a long rectangle.

Step 5: fold sheet into square

Finish it off by folding your Sheridan fitted sheet again into thirds from left to right or vice versa creating a square, and you’re done!

But do hurry, this Sheridan bed linen sale is for a limited time only, or while stocks last.

And thank you for making 2009 a year to remember!

Kindest regards,
JustBedding.com.au

Duvets reduce the complexity of making a bed, as it is a single covering instead of the combination of sheets, blankets, and quilts or other bed covers, which is traditional in many parts of the world. The cover is called a “duvet cover” or a “quilt cover”.

In Australia a duvet is called a “Doona”, from a trademarked brand name derived from the Old Norse “dunn” meaning “down feathers”. Though still registered to the Tontine company, the name “Doona” has become a generic term for a duvet or down quilt. A duvet is sometimes confused with a comforter, although comforters go on top of the traditional sheets and blankets and are primarily decorative while duvets are used alone.

• Originally the term “continental quilt” was the standard name used across Australia, some regions of Australia still use this term today.
  

   

• A duvet is also called a quilt, following British tradition.

 

• Duvets are still commonly used in Europe (especially in northern Europe and Scandinavia where it is the most common form of bed covering), and have become popular throughout the world in the late twentieth century.

 

• In Danish and Norwegian a duvet is called a dyne, which is pronounced similarly to the Australian name “doona”.

 

• In the US, confusion often occurs as the word “duvet” may refer to a comforter cover rather than the down blanket itself.

 

• In Spain and Latin America a duvet is known as edredon.

 

• In Russia a duvet is called a “cotton blanket”. It is the most common form of bed covering in Russia and a bright coloured atlas is often used for top and bottom cloth.

Stay tuned!

Wool comes from sheep and similar woolen animals like llamas and alpacas.

Silk comes from the cocoons of silkworms. Workers unravel long silk threads from the cocoons and twist them together.

Cotton comes from the see-hair of the cotton plant. The seed pods are called bolls, and each has thousands of hairs.

The role of heating and lighting is vital to the atmosphere of the bedroom. You can create different effects at different ties of day and by selecting accent lighting to highlight your bed linen, mood lighting to create a relaxed environment, or functional lighting for a bedroom in which you occasionally read in.

Adequate heating can make all the difference to your comfort when sleeping, getting dressed, or walking around barefoot.

Coordinated Linens

Country cottage charm is created by blending floral, gingham, and plain prints. Spring colours bathed in natural light create a sunny and fresh look.

Heat and Light

The role of heating and lighting is vital to the atmosphere of the bedroom. You can create different effects at different ties of day and by selecting accent lighting to highlight your bed linen, mood lighting to create a relaxed environment, or functional lighting for a bedroom in which you occasionally read in.

Adequate heating can make all the difference to your comfort when sleeping, getting dressed, or walking around barefoot.

Decorating and furnishing your children’s rooms can also nourish their imaginations, teach important lessons, and encourage dialogue. As you consider design options, include your children in the discussion. Give them a vote, which will help later with ownership and responsibility lessons. Of course, the further your children’s communication skills advance, the more their individualism will surface. You will see their tastes emerge as they toss objects and ideas aside or express a preference for specific colours, patterns – even decorative objects. While preference phases are likely to come and go, it is important for parents to hear about them and discuss them with their children.

Feel free to browse our children’s bed linen range and come up with creative and interactive ways to incorporate them into your children’s bedroom. Many product photos come with examples of children’s bedrooms which you may find helpful.

1. Complementary Shaded Colours

Primary colours like blue and red are potentially exhausting to live with in a bedroom. But when pared back or ‘dirtied’ such as a combination of raspberry and purple-toned blue, it’s more restrained and restful. A white background acts as a binding agent while lime accents off a contrast.

2. Neutrals

The lack of colour in white bedrooms means that texture takes centre stage. The overall effect is one of calm and tranquility. Avoid trying to match whites because the blending of different shades, from porcelain to driftwood, is what creates the charm.

3. Classic Complementary Colours

Red and green are complementary colours, opposite each other on the colour wheel. Together they make a vibrant combination and feature throughout history as a popular choice for formal rooms. In a bedroom, however, be sure to use the red, or the most vibrant of the two, as an accent.

4. Pastels

Pastels evoke images of painterly frescoes, are gentle on the eye and relaxing to live with night and day. Avoid the ‘boring bedroom’ syndrome by choosing chalky pastels, not those which are too bright or too sickly. Choose butter yellow, fondant pink, pistachio green and milky blue. Try painting a wall in graduated stripes of blue and green for a fresh look.

5. Complementary Use Of Dark Colours

Dark colours are those to which black has been added. The deep berry and wine-coloured shades like blueberry and claret make a dramatic play in today’s modern bedroom. Accents of warm wood compliment the hues. The depth of colour is determined by how much available natural light there is, so this bedroom becomes evocative and moody at night, and vibrant and soulful in the day.

Romantic bedrooms are all about opulent splendour and sumptuous textures. Close the door, draw the silk curtains and another world awaits in surroundings punctuated by French antiques, sophisticated ornamentation and decadent detailing. Colour is a rich play of neutrals to offset the highlights of gold and bronze.

7. Diva

With its connotations of grandeur and sense of theatre, this style captures the essence of an era when bedrooms were the size of small apartments and their occupants would disappear behind closed doors with a stack of books and a bottle of vodka. This look is for those who love the elegance of European design and like sleeping in a four-poster-bed. Here, there is a careful layering of old and new with a French silkscreen tapestry behind an Indonesian teak bed adorned with an Italian faux sable throw.

Replicating at home the chic style of a ritzy city hotel room is a dream for many travellers. Tonal colour, crisp, white bedlinen, plump pillows, designer furniture and minimal pattern are what makes this style so desirable. Yet, dismiss all thoughts of this look if the kids and family pets treat your bedroom as their morning playroom.

5. Tropical Hideaway

A Japanese-inspired private retreat in the center of a lush tropical garden has immense appeal as the perfect escape route to relaxation. With this look, traditional Eastern cultural influences are reinterpreted for Western ideals. Fabric like ikat and batik are perfect for casual bedcovers, but the one requisite for comfort is the ubiquitous mosquito net.

Showing Off

By standing pillowcases frill-side out, you don’t have to keep pulling them out and unfolding them to discover the ones you want. Piled in colour coordinated stacks, they are pleasing to the eye and allow easy selection when it comes to changing the sheets.

 

The narrow space behind a door, unusable for much else, can be turned into shelving to accommodate the household linen. Neatly stacked in bedlinen sizes, the sheets, quilt covers, and pillowcases are easy to find.

Flamboyant fabrics in contrasting textures and outrageous patterns set against smooth, cool metal give this style its funky flavour. Retro shapes and ‘look at me’ colours are key elements of this decidedly young-at-heart look. Every day items can be easily transformed into special features by positioning them in the right spot. It is a style that expresses great originality and artistic flair.

3. The Modern County

This look offers an accessible vision of understated decorating where colour and pattern are used informally. But it is the shape and scale of elements which give the depth that is so often lacking in modern, minimalist rooms. The well-bred check dashed with lots of white adds freshness to this lively take on country.

Over the next several days we’ll list the eight most common bedroom themes, some of which you may like to consider:

1. The Art Gallery

Art is a way of making sense of the world and what better place to display personal artworks and creations than the private realm of the bedroom. This style embraces simplicity and tranquility, with a minimalist approach to furnishings. It is an all-day room with an all-day bed, creatively inspired and designed.

The raw grey cloth, woven cotton fabric in its loom-state contains impurities and requires further treatment in order to develop its full textile potential. Furthermore, the fabric may receive considerable added quality by applying one or more finishing processes.

Desizing

Depending on the refining required, the cloth may be steeped in a dilute acid and then rinsed, or enzymes may be used to break down the size.

Scouring

Scouring, is a chemical washing process carried out on the cotton fabric in order to remove natural wax and non-fibrous impurities from the fibres and any added soiling or dirt. Scouring is usually carried in iron vessels called kiers. The fabric is boiled in an alkali, which forms a soap with free fatty acids. A kier is usually enclosed, so the solution of sodium hydroxide can be boiled under pressure, excluding oxygen which would degrade the cellulose in the fibre. If the appropriate reagents are used, scouring will also remove size from the fabric although desizing often precedes scouring and is considered to be a separate process known as fabric preparation. Preparation and scouring are prerequisites to most of the other finishing processes. At this stage even the most naturally white cotton fibres are yellowish, and bleaching, the next process, is required.

Bleaching

Bleaching improves whiteness by removing natural coloration and remaining trace impurities from the cotton; the degree of bleaching necessary is determined by the required whiteness and absorbency. Cotton being a vegetable fibre will be bleached using an oxidizing agent, such as dilute sodium hydrochlorite or dilute hydrogen peroxide. If the fabric is to be dyed a deep shade, then lower levels of bleaching are acceptable. However, for white bed sheetings and medical applications, the highest levels of whiteness and absorbency are essential.

Mercerising

A further possibility is mercerizing during which the fabric is treated with caustic soda solution to cause swelling of the fibres. This results in improved lustre, strength and dye affinity. Cotton is mercerized under tension, and all alkali must be washed out before the tension is released or shrinkage will take place. Mercerizing can take place directly on grey cloth, or after bleaching.

Many other chemical treatments may be applied to cotton fabrics to produce low flammability, crease resist and other special effects but four important non-chemical finishing treatments are:

Singeing

Singeing is designed to burn off the surface fibres from the fabric to produce smoothness. The fabric passes over brushes to raise the fibres, then passes over a plate heated by gas flames.

Raising

Another finishing process is raising. During raising, the fabric surface is treated with sharp teeth to lift the surface fibres, thereby imparting hairiness, softness and warmth, as in flannelette.

Calendering

Calendering is the third important mechanical process, in which the fabric is passed between heated rollers to generate smooth, polished or embossed effects depending on roller surface properties and relative speeds.

Shrinking

Finally, mechanical shrinking (sometimes referred to as sanforizing), whereby the fabric is forced to shrink width and/or lengthwise, creates a fabric in which any residual tendency to shrink after subsequent laundering is minimal.

Dyeing

Finally, cotton is an absorbent fibre which responds readily to colouration processes. Dyeing, for instance, is commonly carried out with an anionic direct dye by completely immersing the fabric (or yarn) in an aqueous dyebath according to a prescribed procedure. For improved fastness to washing, rubbing and light, other dyes such as vats and reactives are commonly used. These require more complex chemistry during processing and are thus more expensive to apply.

Printing

Printing, on the other hand, is the application of colour in the form of a paste or ink to the surface of a fabric, in a predetermined pattern. It may be considered as localised dyeing. Printing designs on to already dyed fabric is also possible.

Knitting by machine is done in two different ways; warp and weft. Weft knitting is similar in method to hand knitting with stitches all connected to each other horizontally. Various weft machines can be configured to produce textiles from a single spool of yarn or multiple spools depending on the size of the machine cylinder (where the needles are bedded). In a warp knit there are many pieces of yarn and there are vertical chains, zigzagged together by crossing the yarn.

Warp knits do not stretch as much as a weft knit, and it is run-resistant. A weft knit is not run-resistant, but stretches more, this is especially true if spools of Lycra are processed from separate spool containers and interwoven through the cylinder with cotton yarn giving the finished product more flexibilty making it less prone to having a ‘baggy’ appearance.

The weaving process uses a loom. The lengthway threads are known as the warp, and the cross way threads are known as the weft. The warp which must be strong needs to be presented to loom on a warp beam. The weft, passes across the loom in a shuttle, that carries the yarn on a pirn. These pirns are automatically changed by the loom. Thus, the yarn needs to be wrapped onto a beam, and onto pirns before weaving can commence.

After being spun and plied, the cotton thread is taken to a warping room where the winding machine takes the required length of yarn and winds it onto warpers bobbins.

Racks of bobbins are set up to hold the thread while it is rolled onto the warp bar of a loom. Because the thread is fine, often three of these would be combined to get the desired thread count.

At this point, the thread is woven. Depending on the era, one person could manage anywhere from 3 to 100 machines. In the mid nineteenth century, four was the standard number. A skilled weaver in 1925 would run 6 Lancashire Looms. As time progressed new mechanisms were added that stopped the loom any time something went wrong. The mechanisms checked for such things as a broken warp thread, broken weft thread, the shuttle going straight across, and if the shuttle was empty. Forty of these Northrop Looms or automatic looms could be operated by one skilled worker.

The three primary movements of a loom are shedding, picking, and beating-up.

• Shedding: The operation of dividing the warp into two lines, so that the shuttle can pass between these lines. There are two general kinds of sheds-”open” and “closed.” Open Shed-The warp threads are moved when the pattern requires it-from one line to the other. Closed Shed-The warp threads are all placed level in one line after each pick.

 

• Picking:The operation of projecting the shuttle from side to side of the loom through the division in the warp threads. This is done by the overpick or underpick motions. The overpick is suitable for quick-running looms, whereas the underpick is best for heavy or slow looms.

 

• Beating-up: The third primary movement of the loom when making cloth, and is the action of the reed as it drives each pick of weft to the fell of the cloth.

The Lancashire Loom was the first semi-automatic loom. Jacquard Looms and Dobby Looms are looms that have sophisticated methods of shedding. They may be separate looms, or mechanisms added to a plain loom. A Northrop Loom was fully automatic and was mass produced between 1909 and the mid 1960s. Modern looms run faster and and do not use a shuttle: there are air jet looms, water jet looms and rapier looms.

The spinning machines take the roving, thins it and twists it, creating yarn which it winds onto a bobbin. In mule spinning he roving is pulled off a bobbin and fed through some rollers, which are feeding at several different speeds.This thins the roving at a consistent rate. If the roving was not a consistent size, then this step could cause a break in the yarn, or could jam the machine. The yarn is twisted through the spinning of the bobbin as the carriage moves out, and is rolled onto a cop as the carriage returns. Mule spinning produces a finer thread than the less skilled ring spinning.

Plying is then done by pulling yarn from two or more bobbins and twisting it together, in the opposite direction that that in which it was spun. Depending on the weight desired, the cotton may or may not be plied, and the number of strands twisted together varies.

Next is gassing. Gassing is the process of passing yarn, as distinct from fabric very rapidly through a series of Bunsen gas flames in a gassing frame, in order to burn off the projecting fibres and make the thread round and smooth and also brighter. There is a loss of weight in gassing, which varies’ about 5 to 8 per cent, so that if a 2/60’s yarn is required 2/56’s would be used. The gassed yarn is darker in shade afterwards, but should not be scorched.

Cotton mills have the cotton shipped to them in large, 200+kg bales. When the cotton comes out of a bale, it is all packed together and still contains vegetable matter. The bale is broken open using a machine with large spikes, called an opener. In order to fluff up the cotton and remove the vegetable matter, the cotton is sent through a picker, or similar machines. A picker looks similar to the carding machine and the cotton gin, but is slightly different. The cotton is fed into the machine and gets beaten with a beater bar, to loosen it up. It is fed through various rollers, which serve to remove the vegetable matter. The cotton, aided by fans, collects on a screen and is then fed through more rollers till it emerges as a continuous soft fleecy sheet, known as a lap.

The cotton comes off of the picking machine in laps, and is then taken to carding machines. The carders line up the fibres nicely to make them easier to spin. The carding machine consists mainly of one big roller with smaller ones surrounding it. All of the rollers are covered in small teeth, and as the cotton progresses further on the teeth get finer. The cotton leaves the carding machine in the form of a sliver; a large rope of fibres.

Several slivers are combined. Each sliver will have thin and thick spots, and by combining several slivers together a more consistent size can be reached. Since combining several slivers produces a very thick rope of cotton fibres, directly after being combined the slivers are separated into rovings. These rovings are then what are used in the spinning process. Generally speaking, for machine processing a roving is about the width of a pencil. Next, several slivers are combined. Each sliver will have thin and thick spots, and by combining several slivers together a more consistent size can be reached. Since combining several slivers produces a very thick rope of cotton fibres, directly after being combined the slivers are separated into rovings. These rovings (or slubbings) are then what are used in the spinning process. Generally speaking, for machine processing, a roving is about the width of a pencil.

When speaking of the processing of cotton – there are generally five stages. They are:

• The cultivating and harvesting of cotton.

 

• Preparatory processes of cotton.

 

• Spinning the yarn.

 

• Weaving the yarn.

 

• Finishing the fabric.

The Cultivating and Harvesting of Cotton

Cotton is grown anywhere with long, hot dry summers with plenty of sunshine and low humidity. Grown exclusively between 45 degrees north and 35 degrees south of the Equator anywhere in the world, cotton in Australia is made up of around 620 cotton farms.

Australian producers achieve not only world record yields, but do so working in one of the harshest natural climates on earth. Australia’s cotton farmers employ sophisticated technology and constantly seek new innovations to ensure their cotton remains in high demand the world over. Indian cotton, gossypium arboreum, is finer but the staple is only suitable for hand processing. American cotton, gossypium hirsutum, produces the longer staple needed for machine production. Planting is from September to mid November and the crop is harvested between March and May. The cotton bolls are harvested by stripper harvesters and spindle pickers, that remove the entire boll from the plant. The cotton boll is the seed pod of the cotton plant, attached to each of the thousands of seeds are fibres about 2.5 cm long.

Ginning

The seed cotton goes in to a cotton gin. The cotton gin separates the seeds and removes any dirt, stems and leaves from the fibre. In a saw gin, a circular saw grabs the fibre and pulls it through a grating that is too narrow for foreign materials to pass. A roller gin is used with longer staple cotton. It is here that a leather roller captures the cotton. A knife blade, set close to the roller detaches the seed by drawing them through teeth in circular saws and revolving brushes which clean them away.

The ginned cotton fibre, known as lint, is then compressed into bales which are about 1.5m tall and weigh an incredible 220 kg. From all of this, only 33% of the crop is usable lint. Though all the waste material is still used for other means. The cotton seed is pressed into a cooking oil. The husks and meal are processed into animal feed, and the stems into paper.

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Kelly Driscoll, an interior decorator and budding bed linens manufacturer, explains what you should look for when purchasing luxury bed linens.

“You get what you pay for in terms of quality,” Driscoll said. “Don’t be misled by sky high thread counts for bed linens. They may or may not translate into beautiful long lasting bed sheeting.

“The key is the quality of the cotton used for the bed linens,” she added. “Fine bed sheets are made of long staple Egyptian cotton. It is durable and the bed sheets feel luxurious to the touch.”

While thread count is an important indicator of the quality when it comes to bed linens, it can indeed be misleading. Thread count refers to the number of threads per square inch on the bed linens. The higher the thread count, the softer and lighter the bed sheets feel. Bed sheets with a thread count of 200 to 300 will feel crisp and cool on your body compared to luxury bed linens with a 600 thread count, which will be soft and silky.

However, some discount bed sheeting manufacturers will make inexpensive high thread count bed sheets by splitting the single ply cotton threads that are not long staple Egyptian cotton. This will double the thread count of the luxury bed linens, but significantly reduce the quality of the bed sheets. Within a few washings, you will have piling and the edges will start to fray on the bed linens.

If you purchase 400 thread count bed sheets for $80, you are likely purchasing inferior quality bed sheets and will be forced to buy replacement bed linens in the near future because they will simply not last.

“Great quality bed sheeting, if cared for properly, will last for several years,” Driscoll said.

Taking care of your luxury bed linens is very important in order to keep your bed linens feeling great for years to come.

“Wash the luxury bed linens with plenty of water on the delicate cycle and use either a detergent made especially for bed linens or a detergent for delicates,” she said. “The luxury bed linens won’t take very long to dry so pull them out when they’re slightly damp, make your bed. The luxury bed linens will have fewer wrinkles.”

Driscoll also said that it is ideal to give your luxury bed linens a rest by having two sets and rotating them every week.

If you like soft and silky bed sheets, she recommends sateen finish, high thread count Egyptian cotton luxury bed linens. This type of quality will cost at least $200 or $300 and will increase in price with the increase in thread count in the luxury bed linens.

This spring, Driscoll will launch her own line of luxury bed linens called Les Jours Fine Linens. Her luxury bed linens will be available online.

She will be offer 10 collections that will include duvet covers, shams, throw pillows and luxurious yet cozy velvet coverlets. Driscoll will also sell coordinating bed sheeting for these collections and, not surprisingly, they will be made of two-ply, long staple 600 thread count Egyptian cotton with a sateen finish.

Les Jours Fine Linens are luxurious and practical. The velvet coverlets are washable and have cotton bed sheeting backing that stays nicely pressed on your bed while you tuck your wrinkly bed sheets under the shams and throw pillows. Driscoll’s poly-silk duvet covers have the look and feel of silk, but they are washable.

“We look forward to new choices in luxury bed linens,” she said.

Thread count refers to the number of threads found in one square inch of fabric. This includes threads woven in all directions as well as threads twisted together in a 2-ply fashion. The thread count can be as low as 80 or as high as 1020 or more, but that does not necessarily dictate the comfort, quality and attractiveness of the sheets. However, if there is no mention of thread count, or it is below 180, with a few exceptions, you will probably want to avoid that particular item as the sheet will very likely be scratchy, and will not last long.

Generally, a higher thread counting dictates a tighter weave and softer fabric, but it also dictates a higher price. So, how high should you go? It really makes no sense to go above the mid 300’s in thread count. After that, thread count becomes a manipulation of techniques in order to be able to claim the highest thread count possible. After a while, it just becomes a number. Chances are you will not notice any more difference between 550 and 1000-thread count anymore than you will notice a difference between Evian and Evermore bottled water. However, the difference in price just might catch your eye. It will certainly affect your pocket book.

There are exceptions to the low thread count rule. In some cases, you may actually want to look for a very low thread count. Sheets made of flannel or t-shirt style sheets should be more loosely woven for the desired softness, because the type of thread involved will become too stiff if woven very tightly. It will also lose its softness if the threads are too fine, which also affects the thread count. The more fine the thread, the more threads can fit in a square inch. Linen also requires a lower thread count with 100 being sufficient amount, as it is a thick fiber.

In recent years, even though thread count has become more and more the focus in justifying the sales price of sheets, it has actually had less and less to do with the true quality. There are chemical treatments available like mercerizing, which can give the sheets a sateen sheen and make them better able accept color, as well as adding strength to the product;

You can easily see that in many cases, thread count is little more than a myth. Therefore, when purchasing sheets, you need to avoid the hype. Just as you would choose neither the highest nor lowest price plumber available to fix your toilet, you should also choose the middle of the line option when it comes to choosing the sheets for your bed.

Sleeping in a nicely made bed is more pleasant and refreshing than climbing into a rumpled one.

Why Making the Bed Matters

People who make their bed in the morning return at night to a welcoming, restful place. People who leave a rumpled, tangled mess of a bed behind them return to a rumpled, tangled mess in the evening. If asked, many people would say they make the bed in case someone comes to their home and sees the unmade bed. It used to be a shameful thing for a woman (always a woman) not to have her housework always perfectly done. Making the bed is a hygienic thing to do.

Basics of Bed Making

There are many ways to make the bed, but they all have the same basic steps. First, start with the right equipment. If the bed is king size, use king size sheets. If the pillows are king size, use king size pillowcases. You may have a bed that’s one size and pillows that are another. Just make sure the pillowcases fit the pillows and the sheets fit the bed. Start with everything clean and fresh. Bed linen always smells better when it has been dried outside in the sunshine. Some people say life’s too short to iron pillowcases. Others can’t sleep (they say) unless the sheets and pillowcases are wrinkle-free. For guests, it is nice to give them your best effort so iron the bed linens if they need it. Then decide what you and your family prefer for everyday use.

Putting the Bed Linen Onto the Bed

Two optional things will make life easier in the long run. One is a quilted mattress cover, and the other is one pillow cover for each pillow you use. These are bed linens that no one sees, but they keep the mattress and pillows from becoming soiled.

A dust ruffle is a very nice accent to have, and something to look for when buying a set of sheets. If you have one, make sure it’s clean and hanging freely and straight before you make the bed.

Put the quilted mattress pad onto the mattress and anchor it or tuck it in, depending on its design. Smooth the pad so there are no lumps or ridges to bother the sleeper. Use a contour, or fitted, sheet next. This is the sheet with elastic at the four corners. Gently tuck each corner of the fitted sheet under a corner of the mattress and smooth the top again. If you don’t have a fitted sheet, use a flat one and make sure it is well tucked in all around the mattress.

Next comes the flat sheet. It has no elastic and is usually a simple rectangle. At the top, where the sleeper’s head is, there is a hem about 3 or 4 inches deep. It feels like a shirt cuff and is heavier than the rest of the sheet. Put that at the top of the bed.

Many sheets have a fancy design. People argue about whether the bright, decorated side of the sheet should be facing down toward the sleeper’s body, or up toward the sky. The answer is: bright side down. One reason for this is so the hem feels smooth against the sleeper’s skin when the sheet is unfolded and pulled up to its full length during the night. Another reason is so the sleeper will enjoy being inside the pleasantly decorated envelope the sheets create.

At the bottom two corners of the mattress, tuck the flat sheet neatly under the mattress. Make hospital corners if you know how; otherwise just be neat. Anchor the bottom end of the sheet by tucking it under the mattress too. You don’t have to tuck the top sheet in to the sides of the mattress, or it may be too tight for the sleeper to move around.

Get the Pillows Ready

If you have pillow protectors (covers), put these on first. Some of them have zippers at one end. Holding the pillowcase open like a bag, put the pillow in with the zipper going first. That way the zipper will be covered up and won’t accidentally scratch anyone’s face when they’re sleeping.

Smooth the pillow and finish making the bed as follows.

Blanket or Duvet

For warmth, add a blanket or duvet on top of the flat sheet. Generally, when you use a blanket, you fold back the top of the sheet to make a little sandwich and the top edge of the sheet is wrapped around the top edge of the blanket. Try and make the fold along the hem line of the sheet so the heavy part of the sheet is lying on top of the blanket. Then put the bedspread on top of this, and fold back the top part to make room for the pillows.

If using a duvet instead of a blanket, fold back the flat sheet first, at the hem, and then lie the duvet on top of the sheet. The duvet should be inside a clean duvet cover. Usually these work like giant pillow cases. Make sure there are no twists or folds in the duvet once it’s inside the cover. Shaking the duvet by holding it at one end will get it nice and smooth.

Put the Pillows On

With a blanket/bedspread combination, the pillows go under the bedspread at the top of the bed. Place them on top of the folded-back bedspread. Then pull the bedspread gently over the pillows, letting a bit of the bedspread stay tucked under the pillows. With a thick duvet, the pillows go on top. Arrange them so they look pleasant and inviting.

Making the Bed Without Changing the Sheets and Pillowcases

Between laundry days, re-use the sheets and pillowcases. Take time to smooth out any creases in the sheets before pulling up the sheet, blanket and bedspread or duvet. Plump the pillows and smooth the pillowcases. If time allows, let the bed air out for a while before making it.

Bed linen with ballpoint ink stain:

Hold stain against towel, spray closely from behind with aerosol hair spray. Ink should transfer to towel.

Bed linen with beverages stain:

Soak in cool water. Re-wash with stain remover. Launder using chlorine bleach (if safe for fabric) or oxygen bleach.

Bed linen with blood stain:

Immediately rinse with cool water. For dried stains, soak in warm water with a product containing enzymes. Launder.

Bed linen with candle wax stain:

Scrape off as much as possible with dull side of knife, then iron between absorbent paper, changing paper until wax is absorbed.

Bed linen with chocolate stain:

Pre-wash with product containing enzymes in warm water or treat with pre-wash stain remover. Launder.

Bed linen with collar or cuff soil:

Pre-wash with stain remover, liquid laundry detergent or paste of granular detergent and water. Launder.

Bed linen with cosmetics stain:

Pre-wash with stain remover, liquid laundry detergent or paste of granular detergent and water or rub with bar of soap. Launder.

Bed linen with dairy products stain:

Soak in a product containing enzymes for at least 30 minutes (hours for aged stains). Launder.

Bed linen with deodorants or anti-perspirants stain:

Pre-treat with liquid laundry detergent. Launder. For heavy stains pre-treat with pre-wash stain remover. Allow to stand 5 to 10 minutes. Launder using an oxygen bleach.

Bed linen with egg stain:

Soak in product containing enzymes. Launder.

Bed linen with fruit juice stain:

Rinse with cool water.

Bed linen with grass stain:

Soak in product containing enzymes. If stains persist, launder using a chlorine bleach (if safe for fabric) or oxygen bleach.

Bed linen with grease or oil stains:

Pre-treat with pre-wash stain remover or liquid laundry detergent. For heavy stains, place stain face down on clean paper towels. Apply cleaning agent to back of stain. Replace paper towels under stain frequently. Let dry, rinse and launder using hottest water safe for fabric.

Bed linen with ink stains:

Use ink eradicator on undyed, untreated linen.

Bed linen with lemon, lime, tomato or vinegar stains:

Rinse immediately with cool water.

Bed linen with lipstick stains:

On pure linen, rub with a little salad oil to dissolve lipstick, then launder to remove oil.

Bed linen with mildew stain:

Badly mildewed fabrics may be beyond repair. Launder stained item using chlorine bleach, (if safe for fabric). Or soak in oxygen bleach and hot water. Then launder.

Bed linen with perspiration stains:

Use pre-wash stain remover or rub with bar of soap. If colour of fabric has changed, apply ammonia to fresh stains, white vinegar to old stains and rinse. Launder using hottest water safe for fabric.

Bed linen with red wine stains:

Cover with salt if stain is fresh, then rinse with cool water. If stain has dried, try club soda.

Bed linen with scorch:

Treat same as for mildew (listed above).

Bed linen with tar stain:

Scrape residue from fabric. Place stain face down on paper towels. Sponge with cleaning fluid. Replace towels frequently. Launder in hottest water safe for fabric.

Bed linen with white wine stain:

Use club soda.

• Change sheets and pillowcases once a week. Launder according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Use warm or cool water to prevent shrinkage.

 

• Keep linens white and remove stains with a non-chlorine oxygenated bleach, which is gentler on fabrics than chlorine bleach. Forego fabric softener that decreases absorbency and weakens fibers.

 

• Check sheets and pillowcases for spots and stains before putting them in the dryer. Treat any stubborn areas and re-launder.

 

• Dry sheets on low heat. Remove from the dryer while slightly damp to avoid weakened fibers. Iron if necessary while still damp.

 

• Fold the top sheet and the fitted bottom sheet and one pillow case. Store inside the other pillowcase.

   

• Group sets of sheet by bedroom and stack them on shelves with a clearance of about 10 inches. Have three sets of sheets on hand for each bed.

 

• Rotate sheet sets by using the set on top of the stack. Put the most recently laundered set on the bottom of the pile.

Choose Fiber Quality for Your Bed Sheets

Not only is the threadcount important in your bed sheets, but the fiber content plays a big role in your bedding linen sets. The fiber is the basic starting point that will decide on the quality of your bedding liner. Linen and duvet cover sets can come in Pima cotton, silk, bamboo or the best is Egyptian cotton. Bedroom linen that you’re considering should be made completely of cotton with single ply fibers and the longer the fibers are the better – 2-inch fibers are the best. An outstanding fiber is silk which will give you great softness, draped in smoothness. Pure silk is very fragile when cleaning though, so it may be bought as a blended fiber like with Egyptian cotton which will give it more strength. Cotton is all around the number one fiber material of high quality bedding linen, which would include bed skirts, and duvet covers, pillowcases and feather beds. You can choose from lower price liners which are polyestercotton mixes right up to the top and high-quality Egyptian cotton. Bed sheets come in a large variety of colours and styles and the solid colours are a very popular choice because of how easy they can blend into your bedrooms decor.

Bedding Linen Resources and Ideas

“Bedding linens” are a great way to transform any bedroom into a new decor. “Bed sheets” will keep you warm and comfortable and when you’re searching for your bedroom linens you will find that bedding manufacturers offer a huge variety of styles and can fit anyone’s budget from chenille bedspreads to beautiful duvet and duvet covers to comforters and quilts. Whatever bedroom bedding plan that you have, if you start with a budget and plan for your bedding linens that suits your needs you will find merchants that will offer you the latest trends that will go great with your bedrooms interior. We here at JustBedding.com.au want to help you in your bedding ideas and plans. So we have gathered some great reviews and resources that we think will help. Please take the time to review our resources. Below we have gathered the best merchants for your online research.

History

In Westphalia, an English travel-writer observed with surprise in 1749, “There is one thing very particular to them, that they do not cover themselves with bed-cloaths, but lay one feather-bed over, and another under. This is comfortable enough in winter, but how they can bear their feather-beds over them in summer, as is generally practised, I cannot conceive.” Thomas Nugent, The Grand Tour 1749.

Duvets are still commonly used in Europe (especially in northern Europe where it is the most common form of bed covering), and have become popular throughout the world in the late 20th century. Duvets reduce the complexity of making a bed, as it is a single covering instead of the combination of sheets, blankets, and quilts or other bed covers, which is traditional in many parts of the world. The cover is called a “duvet cover” or a “quilt cover”.

In modern times, a duvet is sometimes filled with silk, wool, cotton, or artificial fibers (such as polyester batting or other artificial material); it is sometimes confused with a comforter. Although comforters go on top of the traditional sheets and blankets, and are primarily decorative in nature, duvets are used by themselves.

In some European countries any thick, warm blanket is subject to being called a duvet, as this has become a popular name for these kinds of blankets. In Australia a duvet or down quilt is often called a “Doona”, which is a genericized trademark (registered to the Tontine Group) which is derived from the equivalent common Scandinavian term dyne and popularized by the retailer IKEA in the 1970s. Originally the term continental quilt was the standard name used across Australia, and some regions continue to use this term. In Pakistan, duvets are known as ralli quilts, and are mostly used in the southern province of Sindh. In the US, confusion often occurs as the word “duvet” is sometimes used to refer to a comforter cover rather than the down blanket itself.

The term “Duvet day” is used in some countries to describe an allowance of one or more days a year when employees can simply phone in and say that they are not coming in to work, even though they have no leave booked and are not ill. The provision of this benefit became fashionable in the late 1990s with many larger companies in the UK.

Most common for childrens’ rooms, Daybeds, Trundle units and hideaways.

King Single (also known as Twin Extra Long) 39″ x 80″(99cm – 203cm)

Is generally used in college dorm rooms and is 5″ (13cm)  longer than a standard twin. Bedding may be harder to find and available only a limited variety of pattes. Approx. width per person: 39″ (99cm).

Pros: Standard fare in college dorms. Longer length is good for taller teens and adults. Still easy to make.

Cons: Bedding can be harder to find.

Double (also known as Full) 54″ x 75″ (137cm – 190cm)

Double beds are only 15″ (38cm) wider than a Twin bed. This won’t leave much elbow room for 2 adults (each will have only 27″(68cm) of width vs. 39″ (99cm) in a Twin bed). Too, a Double bed is only 75″ (190cm) long which may be too short for some adults. Approx. width per person: 27″ (68cm).

Pros: Fits into smaller rooms. Sheets are less expensive than queen or king size.

Cons: Many people find a Double is too narrow for 2 adults with only 27″ (68cm) in width for each person. And, it may be too short for some.

Queen 60″ x 80″(152cm – 203cm)

Queen Beds are 6″ (15cm) wider (and 5″ (13cm) longer) than a Double bed. These added inches can make all the difference in comfort, but each adult still has 9″ (23cm) less than the width of a standard Twin bed. However, it’s a good choice for guest rooms and smaller master bedrooms. Approx. width per person: 30″ (76cm).

Pros: A better fit for 2 adults. The 80″ (203cm) length comfortably accommodates most adults. Bedding is easy to find.

Cons: At only 30″ (76cm) of wide for each person (only 3″ (8cm) wider than a Double) many people find a Queen is still too narrow for comfortable sleeping for a couple. Note that some bedding is sold as “Full/Queen” and may not perfectly fit either size, so check the measurements before purchasing. Can use standard pillows or the slightly larger queen size pillows.

King (Also known as Eastern King) 76″ x 80″ (193cm – 203cm)

King is about 16″ (40cm) wider than a Queen bed. Both are about 80″ (203cm) long. The Eastern King is the only bed to give each person the same width as a Twin bed. In fact you can push 2 Extra-Long Twin beds together to be the same size as an Eastern King. This is a good way to have a versatile guest room (use 2 twins separately or push together to make a king bed for couples). An Eastern King bed comes with one mattress and two half-width box springs to be more manageable when moving. Approx. width per person: 38″ (96cm)

Pros: This is the widest standard bed available. Roomy enough for 2 large adults. The 80″ (203cm) length comfortably accommodates most people. Sheets are easy to find and are generally labeled simply “King”.

Cons: This is a very large mattress that may not fit easily up stairs or into smaller rooms. Taller people may prefer the California King instead with its longer length. All bedding is most expensive in king sizes. Needs 3 standard pillows or 2 king pillows for this width.

California King 72″ x 84″(182cm – 213cm)

California King is 12″ (30cm) wider than a Queen bed but adds 4″ (10cm) in length. This may be a better choice for taller adults. This size is sometimes known as the “Western King”. Bedding may be labeled either “California King” or “Western King”. A California King bed set comes with one mattress and two half-width box springs to be more manageable when moving. Approx. width per person: 36″ (91cm)

Pros: A California King size mattress is roomy in width for 2 adults. Also, it is the longest standard bed available at about 84″ (213cm) , and is ample for most taller people.

Cons: This is a very large mattress that may not fit easily up stairs or into smaller rooms. Sheets are plentiful on the West Coast but may be a bit more difficult to find in other parts of the country, so try looking for them online if you’re not on the West Coast. Needs 3 standard pillows or 2 king pillows for this width. All bedding is most expensive in king sizes.

A bed sheet is a flat-woven textile that is used on a bed between the occupant of a bed and the warm blanket above. It is generally a rectangle of broadloomed fabric, meaning it is made without a center seam. Bed sheets have hems at top and bottom. The selvages, or finished edges of the woven sheet as it is made on the loom are used as side seams and thus there is no need for hemming on the sides. Today, the bed sheet comes as part of a set of bed linens that match in color, fabric, and detail and includes the fitted sheet (to cover the mattress), the flat sheet and at least one pillow case. The bed sheet may be made of a variety of fibers, including linen, cotton, synthetics (often blended with natural fibers such as cotton) and occasionally silk. Bed sheets are made of a wide variety of fabrics. Particularly popular is percale, a closely-woven plain weave of all cotton or cotton-polyester blend that is smooth, cool, and comfortable against the skin. Also of plain weave but more coarsely woven than percale is muslin. In winter months flannel sheets, which are woven with nappy cotton fibers, provides additional warmth. Silky, satiny bed sheets, generally woven of synthetics (silk is very expensive) are a novelty. Linen is also occasionally used for bed sheeting but is not generally commercially available in this country as linen is not processed in the United States. Linen sheeting is either imported from Eastern Europe or Britain.

History

Beds of some sort have been around for millennia. It is unknown when sheeting was first used to keep the sleeper comfortable but it is likely that the first true bed sheets were linen. Linen, derived from the flax plant, has been cultivated for centuries and was expertly cultivated, spun, and woven by the Egyptians. It is a laborious plant to cultivate but the finished fabric is perfect for bed sheeting because it is more soft to the touch than cotton and becomes more lustrous with use. Linen sheeting was made on conventional looms that were between 30-40 in (76.2-101.6 cm) wide, resulting in bed sheets that had to be seamed down the center in order to be large enough for use. Europeans brought linen culture to the New World; linen processing flourished in the Northeast and Middle Colonies for two centuries. However, because of the painstaking cultivation process, linens were difficult and time-consuming to make. Nevertheless, many seventeenth, eighteenth, and early nineteenth century American women worked relentlessly producing linen goods, pillow cases, bed sheets, napkins, towels for family use upon their marriage. By about 1830 in the United States, cotton cultivation and processing was becoming well-established. Previously, it was difficult to remove the tenacious seeds found in short-staple cotton which grows easily in the American South. Eli Whitney’s development of the cotton gin enabled the seeds to be stripped from the cotton wool easily and quickly; southern plantations immediately began growing the now-lucrative plant using enslaved labor. At the same time, New England textile mills were quickly adapting British cotton manufacturing technologies and were able to spin, weave, dye, and print cotton in huge quantities. By about 1860, few bothered to make bed sheets from linen anymore, why spend the time when cotton sheeting was cheap and easy to obtain?

Cotton fibers are produced from bales of raw cotton that are cleaned, carded, blended, and spun. Once loaded onto a section beam, the bobbins are coated with sizing to make weaving easier. Several section beams are loaded onto a single large loom beam. As many as 6,000 yarns are automatically tied onto old yarns by a machine called a knotter in just a few minutes.

Looms became more mechanized with human hands barely touching the products and bed sheets have been made on such looms since the later nineteenth century. Recent innovations in the product include the introduction of blended fibers, particularly the blending of cotton with polyester (which keeps the sheet relatively wrinkle-free). Other recent developments include the use of bright colours and elaborate decoration. Furthermore, labor is cheaper outside the United States and a great many bed sheets are made in other countries and are imported here for sale. Today, the southern states, particularly the state of Georgia, includes a number of cotton processors and weavers. Many of our American cotton bed sheets are produced in the South.

Raw Materials

If cotton is to be spun into yarn in the bed sheet manufactory, 480 lb (217.9 kg) bales are purchased from a cotton producer. This cotton is often referred to as cotton wool because it is fuzzy like wool. It is still dirty and includes twigs, leaves, some seeds, and other debris from harvesting. Other materials used in the weaving process include starches or sizing of some sort that is applied to the cotton threads to make them easier to weave. During the cleaning and bleaching process after the sheet has been woven, caustic chemicals and bleaches including chlorine and/or hydrogen peroxide solutions are used to remove all color before dyeing. Dyeing includes chemically-derived dyes (meaning they are not natural and not found in plants or trees but are created in laboratories) are used for standard coloration and color-fastness.

The Manufacturing Process

Some manufacturers spin the bales of cotton delivered to the manufacturer. Others purchase the yarn already spun on spools. This section will describe the process of making 100% sheeting from bales of cotton delivered to the plant which are not yet spun.

Procuring the cotton

• Bales of cotton weighing about 480 lb (217.9 kg) are purchased and shipped to the sheeting manufacturer.

Blending

• Bales are laid out side by side in a blending area. The bales are opened by a Uniflock machine that removes a portion of cotton from the top of each bale. Next, the machine beats the cotton together, removing impurities and initiating the blending process. The fibers are then blown through tubes to a mixing unit where the blending continues.

Carding

• Once blended, the fibers move through tubes to a carding machine, which aligns and orients the fibers in the same direction. Cylinders with millions of teeth pull and straighten the fibers and continue to remove impurities.

Drawing, testing, and roving

• Here, the cotton fibers are further blended together and straightened as many strands of fibers are drawn together into one strand by a roving frame. The frame twists the fibers slightly and winds a cotton roving onto bobbins.

Spinning

• The rovings are spun on a ring spinner, drawing the cotton into a single small strand and twisting it as it spins. The yarn is then wound onto bobbins and the bobbins are placed onto winders that wind the thread onto section beams that will eventually fit onto a loom for weaving.

Warping a section beam

• It takes between 2,000-5,000 warp (lengthwise yarns) to make up a single width of sheet. Thus, the warping beam, which holds all of the yarns, is very large and cannot be loaded at once. So 500-600 ends of yarn from spools are pulled onto a single section beam, thus warping it. Later, several section beams will be loaded onto the large warping beam, each contributing a portion of the warp.

Slashing

• Each section beam goes through a slasher machine that coats the yarn with starch or sizing to protect the ends and makes the yarn easier to weave.

Warping the beam

• Once coated with sizing, several section beams are loaded onto a single large loom beam. As many as 6,000 yarns are automatically tied onto old yarns by a machine called a knotter in just a few minutes. The knots are pulled through the machine and the weaving can begin.

Weaving

• The weaving, in which the weft or filler threads interlock with the warp or vertical threads, is done on high-speed automatic air jet looms. The filler threads are transported across the warp threads at a rate of 500 insertions per minute, meaning that a filler thread runs across the warp thread about every one-tenth of a second. It takes about 90 insertions to weave an inch of sheeting. Thus, about 5.5 in (14 cm) of sheeting is woven per minute, 10 yd (9.14 m) per hour are woven. Typically, 8,000 yd (7,312 m) of sheeting is woven on a loom and wound up in rolls and shipped for further processing.

Cleaning and bleaching

• The fabric, called greige, is gray in color. It is further finished by singeing, a process in which bits of yarn are burned off of the surface. Then, the sheeting is ready to be bleached. This is done in three steps. First, it is desized by bathing it in water and soaps that removes contaminants. Next, caustic chemicals are applied to get rid of dirt and remnants of debris found in cotton yarn. The caustic is washed out and concentrated bleaches (chlorine and/or hydrogen peroxide) are applied to dissipate the gray color. Now whitened, the sheeting is rolled into a rope and put into a dryer which takes the moisture out prior to dyeing.

   

  

   

  Weaving is done on high-speed automatic air jet looms. Typically, 8,000 yd (7,312 m) of sheeting is woven on a loom and wound up in rolls and shipped for further processing. Once woven, the sheeting is bleached, rolled into a rope and dried, dyed, and rolled. Automatic cutting equipment cuts the roll into standard sheet lengths and the sheet hems are sewn.

Dyeing

• All sheeting is dyed. Even sheeting sold as white must be dyed to become a truly white sheet. In order to give the gray-colored sheets color, pigments are applied to the sheeting in color vats that use large rollers to press the dyestuff into the material. Once dyed, the sheeting is steamed to set the color. Next, a resin is applied to the sheeting to control shrinkage. The sheeting is rolled onto huge rolls and is ready to be cut and sewn.

Cutting and sewing

• Automatic cutting equipment pulls the cloth off the rolls as it automatically cuts the sheeting to the requisite length. The rolls are transferred to a sewing machine that sews top and bottom hems.

Packaging

• The sewn sheet is either folded by 1 3 hand or machine. Machine-folded sheets are ejected, shrink wrapped, and individually packaged for sale.

Quality Control

Sheeting manufacturers carefully choose cotton bales. Cotton is classified by length (staple) and by quality (grade). Shorter staples are used for batting, while longer staples are used to make higher quality products. Egyptian cotton is made from longer staples. Medium staples is considered standard. There are nine grades used to classify cotton from middling to good. Cotton with much debris and residue would be of a lower grade than that with less impurities. The lower grade bales tend to slow down the processing of the cotton into spool yarn and may never render a quality product. Thus, many plants will purchase bales based on test data received from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to ensure the bales are fairly clean. Many weaving facilities perform their own tests on bales to be purchased to assess quality and cleanliness. Rovings, the rope-like strand that is spun into yarn, generally undergoes quality control inspection prior to spinning. At major points in the production of yarn and sheeting, statistical samples are taken and tested in the laboratory. Physical tests are run on the completed products. Because the bleaching and dyeing processes include a number of chemicals that must be mixed exactly, the chemical solutions are monitored. Furthermore, employees within the plant carefully monitor the process and visually inspect the product at each manufacturing stage.

Byproducts/Waste

Cotton weavers have worked diligently in recent years to reduce polluting effluvia and cotton lint. Occasionally, fiber wastes resulting from spinning can be recycled and used for other cotton products. In the past, cotton lint generated inside factories was hazardous to the employees; however, now the air-jet looms generate little cotton dust. At the point in which greige goods are handled, there are automatic sweeping and cleaning machines to rid the rooms of ambient dust. Of greatest concern to the federal government are the chemicals used in the cleaning, bleaching, and dyeing of the goods. Federal regulations require that resulting liquids emitted from the factory (which may contain chlorine, hydrogen peroxide, and other miscellaneous caustics) meet state and federal clean water regulations, and mills are required to have National Pollutant Discharge Elirnination System permits. The larger mills have invested in building their own wastewater treatment plants. Emissions are now governed by the Clean Air Act and must be within acceptable guidelines.

We’d also like to take this opportunity to thank all of our excellent customers over the year – and wish you all a very merry Xmas and a prosperous New Year!

Kind regards,

The JustBedding.com.au team.