Thursday, November 5, 2009

Checklist for Winter Bedding

Originally posted at:
http://ezinearticles.com/?Checklist-For-Winter-Bedding&id=3057895
Author: Jeffrey Horowitz

As the fall is upon us and winter approaches, it is important that you have everything you need for a warm and cozy bed. This article provides you a simple checklist of things to consider to help make the cold and freezing nights more comfortable for you.

Down or Down Alternative Comforters

Your first choice is to find a down comforter that is right for you. Down comforters are luxurious and are very fluffy and comfortable. If you do not already have one, you should seriously consider purchasing one for it is essential for restful nights of sleep. The downfall is that good down comforters can be expensive. But affordable prices can be found and the prices are well worth the comfort and warmth.

Down is the light fluffy coating that protects birds from exposure to the outside elements and is the most popular product used for warm comforters and pillows. The warmth of a down comforter is measured by the comforters "fill power". The higher the fill power the warmer the comforter will be. A fill power of 600 or more is generally warm enough for fall and winter nights.

For those with allergies to animals or that prefer a lower cost, down alternative comforters may be right for you. The fluffy loft made from polyester fibers often provides excellent insulation that is good as down.

Duvet Covers

A duvet cover is another name for a comforter cover or coverlet. It is essential to cover and protect your down comforter. A duvet cover is designed for this reason and will also add additional insulation and warmth for you.

A duvet cover is easy to take care of and is a quick and simple way to protect your down comforter while also giving you ways to redecorate your room. In contrast to down comforters which are normally white or a solid color, duvet covers come in many patterns and styles giving you lots of choices for decoration. So, you have the option of changing the look of your bedroom with ease by simply changing the duvet cover. And, when the winter passes and the weather starts to warm again you can use your duvet cover alone as a blanket for a lighter feel.

Flannel and Bamboo Sheets

Flannel sheets are a favorite during the winter months for many people, because they embody the feeling of snugness and safety that appeals greatly during a freezing winter nights. High-quality flannel sheets are made from a blend of wool and cotton. The wool ensures warmth, while the cotton adds the softness highly desired in bed sheets.

Thread-count is an important indicator of quality of flannel sheets. The lower the thread count the coarser the feel will be. A thread count of 300 or more will have unsurpassed softness to ensure an even more comfortable experience.

Bamboo sheets are more recent and offer an eco-friendly alternative to flannel and traditional sheets. Bamboo textiles are very smooth, have a natural sheen to the surface and they really do feel like silk textiles or cashmere.

The bamboo fabric adjusts to your body temperature and is several times more absorbent than cotton. This means in the winter bamboo fabrics are very warm but at the same time allow more air between you and your skin, so overheating does not happen.

Down or Down Alternative Pillows

The last thing to choose for a cozy and warm winter night sleep is a comfortable down pillow. Like comforters, alternative down pillows are also available for those who have allergies or that are looking for a less expensive option.

The main advantage of a down pillow is that filling molds to your head and neck thus providing support where it is needed most. As more down is added to the product the cost rises, but so does the efficiency, comfort, longevity and value for money. A down pillow will provide the right support for any body shape. The filling will breathe easily and, with the correct care, will last for many years.

Jeffrey Horowitz is a software engineer with an interest in home furnishings who works with Utopia Comforters where many of the types of bedding items discussed in this article can be found.

UtopiaComforters.com is committed to offering quality comforters, comforter sets, duvet covers, and quilts at affordable prices.

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