Goose Down Comforter

We’ve all heard the praises sung for Egyptian cotton.  Egyptian cotton is used to create every type of bedding item imaginable, but it seems Egyptian bed sheets are the ones we hear about the most.  Why is Egyptian cotton considered superior?  It has a long fiber that is smaller in diameter, but stronger than other varieties of cotton.  Smaller yarn means a higher thread count is possible, creating a lightweight fabric that breathes well and wears like iron.  Lint production by Egyptian cotton is reduced, so the fabric does not pill as other materials may.

When the bedding is new, Egyptian cotton can have a harder feel than other sheet materials, but the cotton will soften and actually improve with each subsequent laundering.  Higher thread count when purchasing sheets is not the only measurement of quality, but if the bedding is also constructed of Egyptian cotton an Egyptian could last for many years–even decades–if cared for properly.

Simply put, a good pillow is comfortable and provides good neck and back support.  Before you purchase a pillow, you should decide if you want soft, medium, or firm support.  Once you are shopping, read labels to determine the ingredients of pillows, which are filled with polyester, foam, goose down, or a combination of feathers and down.   Buckwheat pillows are gaining in popularity, as they are said to provide good back and neck support and stay warm in winter and cool in summer.  Goose down pillows are more expensive than some other types of pillows, but they are also uncommonly soft, molding to your head and body as if made for you.

Check the amount of fill in the pillow; the more fill the pillow has, the firmer the pillow will be.  Select a softer pillow if you are a stomach sleeper who tosses and turns to keep from straining your neck.  Medium pillows are good for back sleepers, and firm pillows provide maximum support for side sleepers.  The pillow fabric cover should be breathable, and the stitching should be of good quality.  If you have allergies, look for hypoallergenic or dust-free pillows, and purchase a zippered pillow cover to keep dust mites away from you.  It is time to replace your pillow if it has weird lumps, is flat, stained, or smells bad!