Why do so many people have trouble sleeping? One reason is because most beds are unattractive, uncomfortable -- and un-clean, which can make you not sleep as well. No wonder too many people get by on just a few hours of sleep a night. But, with a little effort, you can create a restful bed that might just make you turn in a little earlier – and sleep a whole lot better.
Even hotels know
Fortunately, hotel chains are now investing in quality bedding that’s comfortable and promotes better rest. Some hotels, like Marriott and Ritz-Carlton, sell everything from sheets to mattresses, and Starwood hotels have even created what they call the “Heavenly Bed.” Ironically, hotels, a place to sleep, finally learned that good sleep makes happy customers.
The mattress is the foundation
Now, no matter how much effort you put into a bed, if the mattress is broken down, no amount of attention can revive it and it should be replaced. Most mattresses last about 10 years. If you do purchase a bed, select one with a good warranty and that’s comfortable, and buy the mattress and the box spring as a set. Whether you go for smooth or pillow-top mattresses is up to you.
Personally, I prefer to buy plain mattresses without pillow tops. That’s because I like to flip my mattresses and vacuum them to remove dust mites, which is difficult with a pillow-top. Secondly, the hills and valleys in the pillow-top are places that attract stains and trap mites and that are difficult to get out of the cracks and crevices. A smooth top mattress will allow you to clean it better and keep it clean easier, promoting better wear and longer life.
If your bed is a smooth-top, keep reading because you can breathe new life - comfort and cleanliness -- with my "Six Layer" bed treatment. If you have a pillow top mattress, take the time to do a thorough vacuuming and cleaning and then consider adding an allergy resistant mattress cover over it to help protect it from stains, dust, and mites.
A clean bed may make you sleep better
Besides being more attractive and lasting longer, a bed that can be cleaned regularly may make you sleep better because it holds less dust, pollen, allergens and dust mites that can cause breathing difficulties to skin rashes. Beds should be vacuumed regularly. I like to do it with the change of seasons. Vacuum the top, flip the mattress, and then vacuum the side that's just been flipped.
This is also a good time to wash mattress pads and protectors and pillows and pillow protectors. Duvets, blankets, and comforters can also be cleaned quarterly. Wash or take to the dry cleaner, cleaning according to the recommended methods.
The layered bed
Now, if you’re wondering about all the comfort you’re sacrificing by giving up your pillow top, don’t worry. We can fix that. Every guest who sleeps at my house in my guest bed, or in my bed, swears they have the best rest and it’s the most comfortable bed they’ve ever slept in.
How do you create this kind of bed for yourself? A layered bed is the answer. If you like a seven layer cake, then imagine a six layer bed. This is a bed that’ll give you the attractiveness, cleanliness, and comfort you want -- and the sleep you crave.
The first layer starts with protection
Keep your mattress clean and attractive by putting a thin waterproof mattress protector down first to prevent staining. The envelope kind is perfect for this. To keep the mattress in pristine condition, consider purchasing a plastic mattress cover.
A vinyl mattress protector will guarantee a longer life for the mattress and keep the mattress looking like brand-new. If you suffer from allergies, this is the way to go because plastic mattress protectors block virtually all the dust, and because it's vinyl it isn't noisy like the plastic kind are.
The next layer is luxury
If you have a smooth-top mattress, add a foam pad on top of the mattress protector. Memory foam, convoluted foam, or therapeutic foam pads are great and give you the “cushiony” effect that makes you want to sink into the bed, but is still firm. Plus, if it gets stained or worn out, you can throw it away and get another one. You can’t do that with a pillow-top mattress.
After the foam pad, add another thicker mattress cover over the foam pad and the mattress. You don't want to put sheets directly on a foam topper because the foam is more comfortable with a mattress cover over it. You may need to buy the kind of mattress pad that’s stretchable and accommodates extra deep mattresses. This, too, should be stain resistant. After this layer, add the sheets that you like best. (I prefer 100% cotton in a lower thread count because I like a crisp sheet.)
Complete your bed
A key sleep item is your pillow. Buy the kind of pillow you like no matter what the cost. If you like down, buy a good one and try it out at the store. I love foam rubber pillows because they stay springy all night. At about $50 apiece, they’re expensive, but they’re what I sleep on best and they last for years. Don’t forget to put pillow protectors over your pillows.
The last step is layering your covering
I have a matelasse coverlet over the sheets and then a duvet with a down comforter inside. This allows me to wash the duvet when needed, and depending on the weather, I’ll have the right amount of cover regardless of whether it’s cold or hot.
Consider investing in a down comforter to put under your regular comforter or bedspread. They’re warm and yet so lightweight, you won’t feel like you’re under a sack of cement and you’ll have that “sleeping-under-a-cloud” effect. Lastly, make your bed. A bed that’s made every day is inviting and an unmade bed is uninviting. Just think about that run and flop everyone does at a hotel. The bed just invited you!
And there you have it. A luxurious, comfortable, clean, and attractive bed made just for you and your specific sleep requirements. You might sleep later, sleep more deeply, and enjoy better rest than you have in years. Now, that’s worth any amount of effort!
Bedding Products that Keep Your Bed Clean and Create that Heavenly Sleep Experience
PROTECTION: Mattress Covers
King Size Vinyl Mattress Protector. Buy from Amazon.
Queen Size Vinyl Mattress Protector. Buy from Amazon.
LUXURY: Foam Toppers & Mattress Pads
Toppers
King Size Memory Foam. Buy from Amazon.
King Size Therapeutic/Wave Foam. Buy from Amazon. (My Fave!)
Queen Size Memory Foam. Buy from Amazon.
Queen Size Therapeutic/Wave Foam. Buy from Amazon.
Expandable, Quilted Mattress Pads
King Size Mattress Pad. Buy from Amazon.
Queen Size Mattress Pad. Buy from Amazon.
LUXURY PILLOWS
FOAM: Reduces snoring, won't attract mites, perfect for allergy sufferers
Queen Size Foam Pillow. Buy from Amazon.
Kathryn Weber is the publisher of the Everydayclean.com Calender -- the calendar that helps you end the power struggle with your house. Keeping a clean home is about knowing what to clean when. Virtually everything that needs to be cleaned is on this calendar in a year-round cleaning schedule that helps you keep your house clean easier and faster. Click here for more information.
