Choosing the Right Pillow

Restful sleep is essential to be productive, to feel refreshed, and more. Sleeping with the wrong pillow can hinder restful, quality sleep. The general goal of a pillow should be to keep the head in neutral alignment. This prevents aches and pains the next morning.

There are many types of pillows available for everyone’s preferences and needs. Here are a few of the most common:

Down Pillows

Made from duck and goose feathers, these pillows are light and fluffy. The filaments in the down clusters expand and intertwine, forming air pockets that trap air.

Memory Foam

It seems like everything these days is made of memory foam. Its popularity is due to its ability to mold to the head and neck.

Latex Pillows

These pillows come in two forms: a solid core for a solid feel, or a shredded filling that feels like a down pillow but doesn’t compact over time. The big draw to latex pillows is that they are hypoallergenic, anti-microbial, mildew proof, and dust mite resistant.

After choosing the material of the pillow, buyers need to look at the firmness, and how thick it needs to be. This relies heavily on their body position while sleeping.

Side Sleeping

Those who sleep mostly on their side should look for a firmer pillow that helps keep the spine in a straight line. A firmer pillow will also fill in the distance between the ear and outside shoulder.

Back Sleeping

Sleeping on the back is the best way to keep a neutral spine position, but only if a thinner pillow with medium firmness is used. If the pillow is too thick, it can throw the head too far forward. Throwing a pillow under the knees of a back sleeper helps support the natural curve of their spine as well.

Stomach Sleeping

Although this is the worst position on the back for sleeping, many people find it the most comfortable position. Find a pillow that is almost flat. A thicker pillow will cause neck and back pain in this position.

No matter the pillow, Window Coverings of Idaho can help cover it with custom bedding and pillow cases.

 

Cleaning 101 for Duvet Covers

Duvet covers are a less expensive way to change up bedding without having to buy a whole new set. Duvet covers may require a little more upkeep than a comforter, but they’re worth extra effort. Read on to learn about cleaning and caring for duvet covers.

How often duvet covers need laundered depends on what other bedding is used in conjunction with the duvet and if pets sleep on the bed. When a top sheet is used between the person and the duvet cover, a monthly washing should suffice. If not, try to wash it weekly or bi-weekly. Pets can release dander and dirt when sleeping on top of the bed. To reduce this, wash the duvet cover more frequently, like every week.

Washing a duvet cover is usually simple. Those that are cotton or cotton blends can be washed and dried at home so there’s no special care needed. If the duvet is made of silk or linen, then it will need to be dry cleaned.

Make a duvet cover last as long as possible with these tips:

1. Rotate

Instead of using one duvet until it wears out, purchase a couple and rotate them throughout the year. It gives variety and each one a little break between use.

2. Air

To rid the duvet cover of any odors and indoor allergens, hang it outside on a clothesline in the fresh air. However, for those who react to outside allergens, this might not be a wise choice.

3. Storage

Before putting a duvet cover in storage, make sure it has been washed and is completely dry to prevent mold. Duvets are best stored in a closet or chest.

Duvets and duvet covers are great alternatives to the traditional comforter. Following the cleaning and care instructions above will help them last a long time. Visit Window Coverings of Idaho’s website to learn about their custom bedding services.