The kind of bedding you use can mean the difference between a good night’s rest and not getting any sleep at all. People spend about a third of their lives in bed, but many don’t take the time to actually understand what kind of sheets and duvets are the best for them. In fact, many people don’t even know how much of a difference a quality duvet and good sheets can make for their sleep. Many people suffer with bedding that is too hot, doesn’t breathe well, is rough on their skin, and doesn’t wick moisture away from their body. This short guide will teach you everything you need to know about sheets and duvets.

Sheets
Sheets are probably the most complicated piece of your bedding to understand. There are so many options to choose from which can make it feel overwhelming. There are three primary things you need to know about when shopping for sheets and they are thread count, fabric types, and weave styles.

1) Thread count is often touted as the easiest way to determine the quality of sheets. This is only partially true. A good rule of thumb is the higher the thread count, the softer and smoother a sheet will feel. But the problem is that some manufacturers use smaller threads to increase thread count. Another problem with using thread count as the measure of quality is that higher thread counts may trap more heat and not breathe as well as lower thread counts. That can be good in the winter, but bad in the summer.

2) The type of sheeting fabric used can make a big difference in the quality and softness of a sheet. Usually you’ll see sheets made of standard cotton. It’s a good starting point, but it’s not the only available option. Pima cotton is another popular material that is a little softer and has more sheen than normal cotton. Finally, there is Egyptian cotton, which is known for its exceptional quality, softness, and sheen.

3) Weave styles may arguably be the most important thing when considering sheets. The weave is what is primarily responsible for how a sheet feels and how well it traps heat. Sateen weaves resemble satin and can feel very soft and almost cool to the touch. Flannel weaves are thicker and yield a fluffy and very soft feel. Percale sheets are very lightweight which makes them good for keeping you cool at night. Trying to sleep on a mattress on floor is also a good idea.

Duvets
Duvets are less important than sheets when it comes to bedding, but they can still mean the difference between restless nights and a good night’s rest. Three things to take into consideration are the fabric, fill, and type of construction.

1) Most outer parts of duvets are constructed of cotton. The same rules here apply for thread counts in sheets. Usually a higher thread count means softer and higher quality, but that isn’t always true.

2) The fill is the most important part of a duvet. The way this is measured is in terms of fill power. A high fill power means a fluffier duvet, while a lower fill power means a denser duvet. Higher fill powers usually cost more, but they don’t necessarily equal more comfort. Generally fill powers that are on the low side are a little cooler.

3) Duvet construction is something most people don’t even think about, but there are several ways a duvet can be constructed and the differences can be big. Baffle duvets tend to be the warmest because they keep the down in place, while sewn-through duvets can lead to thin spots in the down. Finally, box construction ensures that the fill remains in place so the warmth is evenly distributed.

About the Author
This post was written by Robin Beaumont co-founder of The Best Bed Linen in The World. Robin is an avid writer on the subject of fabrics both as a guest and on his own blog andworks with some of the biggest and best 5 start hotels in the world.