Bedding Buying Guide
Bedding Buying Guide
The ultimate guide to choosing the right bedding for you
There are many great choices available for your bedding manchester, and it can be overwhelming to choose the right fit for your bedding.
Our bedding guide is here to inform you about the different types of bed linen so that you make the right decision for your bedroom.
Thread Count
The thread count is the number of threads that are woven together within a section of material.
Highlighted in mainly bed covers, quilts, and towels, thread count is generally used to outline the quality of the material used for the bedding.
Is a higher thread count better?
In most cases, a high thread count will make for softer and more comfortable sheets.
The more tightly woven the threads, the fewer imperfections in the material, making it smoother to the touch.
Any bedding with a thread count of 400 and above is considered good quality. For the most comfortable sleep, it’s suggested you buy quilt cover sets with a thread count of 400+ and 800+ for bed sheet sets.
Which is the best material for bed sheets and quilt covers?
There isn’t necessarily a ‘best’ material for sheets and quilt covers. It all comes down to your personal preferences and needs.
The following table gives you a guide when considering which material is best for you:
Mattress Topper Materials
Cotton
Soft and cool on the skin, traditional cotton has been a long-time favourite in bedrooms. Cotton is naturally breathable, keeping you both warm and cool. A great all-rounder that suits the whole family.
Egyptian Cotton
Egyptian cotton sheets have longer fibres (staples) than regular cotton, giving the sheets a soft touch and shine. Longer staples make for a stronger, more durable fabric, so although it costs a little more, you often get more value for money as your bed sheets will last longer without pilling or damage.
Cotton Rich
Manufacturers will often blend cotton fibres with another type of material such as polyester or bamboo. Benefits of this method include bed sheets that are more durable and less prone to wrinkles. They’re often cheaper too, so they’re great for kids, students, and the budget-conscious.
Bamboo
Bamboo grows quickly and prolifically, making it easy to harvest and more environmentally friendly than the production of other types of bed sheets. Bamboo sheets are naturally antibacterial and breathable, perfect for those with allergies or households with pets.
What pillow is best for me?
Studies have shown that investing in good pillows dramatically improves sleep and helps you wake up feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
Choose the right pillow for your sleeping style, and always use good quality pillowcases.
Pillow Type Features
Contoured Pillows
The ergonomic shape of these pillows keeps the head and neck in the optimum position as you sleep. This can be a simple solution for those who often experience neck pain, and the pillow can help you wake up feeling fresher and less stiff in the morning. The contoured shape slightly elevates the head and helps keep the airways clear, especially for those who sleep on their backs. This may help to reduce the risk of sleep apnea, and also means less snoring.
Bamboo
Hypoallergenic and breathable, bamboo pillows are an excellent choice for those with allergies. The natural fibres are softer than cotton, and they wick moisture away from the body, keeping you cool and comfortable all night long. They’re also durable and easy to clean, making them perfect for children or spare rooms.
Memory Foam
Memory foam pillows are super supportive and cradle your neck and head as you sleep. The pillow moulds to your head and neck, helping to keep your spine properly aligned and reduce stiffness and soreness in the morning. These pillows also tend to be thicker, making them great for side-sleepers who need more support under the neck.
Down and Feather
Down and feather pillows are luxuriously soft and can be shaped and moulded to your favourite sleeping position. Perfect for restless sleepers, down and feather pillows move with your body and allow for a lot of movement in the night with little interruption.
Remember, you may not always need the same type of pillow forever. As your lifestyle, weight, health and age change, your pillow may need to change.
Keep an eye out for any sagging or sign of wear in your pillows, and also be sure to follow the manufacturer’s care instructions.
What is GSM?
GSM refers to grams per square metre and measures how thick the quilt is and how warm it will keep you.
It’s ideal to have a 150 to 350 GSM quilt for the warmer months, and a 500 to 700 GSM quilt for winter.
Make sure you choose the right thickness suited for you based on how hot or cold you get at night.
Certified Responsibly Sourced Down
All Ovela products containing down and feather filling have been officially certified against the Responsible Down Standard (RDS).
This voluntary global standard independently audits supply chains for transparency and animal welfare compliance and prohibits unethical practices in the sourcing of down and feathers.
You can be confident when you purchase these products that the down is ethically sourced and of high quality.
Which quilt cover material is best for me?
Quilt covers protect the quilt and stop the quilts from wearing out or getting damaged. It’s important to choose a quilt cover material that suits you best.
Quilt Cover Materials
Cotton Covers
The natural fibres in cotton quilt covers are breathable and great for regulating temperature in warmer weather. Cotton quilt covers are also hypoallergenic and may provide relief to people with allergies, hayfever and asthma.
Wool
Fibres in wool quilt covers are naturally absorbent and can hold a lot of moisture without ever feeling wet. You’ll never wake up hot and sticky with a wool quilt, and the thermoregulating properties naturally insulate you and keep you warm in the colder months.
Down and Feather
The more feathers in a quilt, the heavier it tends to be. Down, by contrast, is extremely light and airy. The down-to-feather ratio is up to personal preference. Higher down-to-feather ratios make for high-end quilts that keep you warm without much weight. Higher feather-to-down ratio quilts give you a feeling of being cradled by your quilt, great for people who like a bit of extra support in bed.
