Bedding guides
The layers on top of the mattress change how it sleeps more than most people expect. These guides cover sheet fibres and what thread count really tells you, percale against sateen, linen against cotton, pillow loft matched to sleep position, when a topper is a genuine fix and when it is a patch on a mattress that needs replacing, down against down-alternative, and protectors that stop spills and allergens without adding crinkle. Practical, testable advice you can act on without replacing the bed.
Featured and recent articles
Pregnancy Pillow Guide: Types, When to Start and How to Sleep With One
C, U, J, wedge or body pillow: what each pregnancy pillow shape does, when to start using one, how to position it and what to look for in fill and covers.
Split California King: Size, Sheets and Who Actually Needs One
A split California king is two 36 by 84 inch mattresses side by side. Here are the exact dimensions, how it differs from a split king, what sheets fit and who benefits.
Can You Put Pillows in the Dryer? What Is Safe by Pillow Type
Down, feather and polyester pillows dry well on low heat. Memory foam and latex must never go in a dryer. Here is the safe method for each type, plus how to fluff a flat pillow.
How to Sleep With Shoulder Pain: Positions, Pillows and Mattress Fixes
Shoulder pain at night usually comes down to position, pillow height and how much your mattress lets the shoulder sink. Here is how to set up your bed so the joint is not carrying your body weight all night.
What Is a Bedspread? Sizes, Uses and How It Differs From a Comforter
A bedspread is a thin, floor-length cover that styles a bed rather than warming it. Here is how it differs from a comforter, quilt, coverlet and duvet, plus a full size chart and care advice.
Types of Pillows: Fills, Shapes and Which One Fits How You Sleep
A plain guide to every pillow fill and shape, from shredded memory foam to buckwheat and body pillows, plus how to match loft to your sleep position and your mattress.
Does Goodwill Take Pillows? Where to Donate Bedding Instead
Most Goodwill locations turn away used bed pillows, and there is a practical reason why. Here is what they do accept, where clean used pillows can actually go, and how to prepare bedding for donation.
What Is a Wedge Pillow? Uses, Sizes and How to Sleep on One
A wedge pillow turns part of your bed into a fixed ramp. Here is what the different heights are for, how to position one correctly, and when an adjustable base is the better answer.
When Can a Baby Sleep With a Blanket?
Loose blankets are not safe in a crib before 12 months. Here is the age guidance, what to use for warmth instead, and how to tell whether your baby is warm enough.
What Is a Duvet Cover? How It Works and Why Use One
A duvet cover is a removable fabric case that slips over a duvet insert, like a giant pillowcase for your bedding. Here is how the system works and why it is easier to live with than a comforter.
How to Wash an Electric Blanket Safely
Almost every electric blanket is washable if you detach the controller, pre-soak and keep the cycle short. Here is the safe method, plus what to inspect before you plug it back in.
How to Wash a Wool Blanket Without Shrinking It
Wool shrinks when heat, water and agitation meet at once. Here is the cool-water, no-wringing, dry-flat method that cleans a wool blanket without felting it.
All Bedding guides articles
The complete archive, every article in Bedding guides, A to Z.
- Bed Sheet Sizes: A Complete Chart for Every Mattress
- Can You Put Pillows in the Dryer? What Is Safe by Pillow Type
- Comforter Sizes Explained: Dimensions for Twin, Full, Queen, King and Cal King
- Cooling Pillows: How They Work and What to Look For
- Deep Pocket Sheets: What They Are and How to Get the Right Fit
- Does Goodwill Take Pillows? Where to Donate Bedding Instead
- How Many Pillows Should You Sleep With?
- How to Clean Throw Pillows (Covers, Inserts and Spot Cleaning)
- How to Fluff a Pillow (and When to Replace It Instead)
- How to Get Blood Out of Sheets (Fresh, Dried and Period Stains)
- How to Put on a Duvet Cover (3 Methods That Actually Work)
- How to Sleep With Shoulder Pain: Positions, Pillows and Mattress Fixes
- How to Wash a Comforter (Without Ruining It)
- How to Wash a Wool Blanket Without Shrinking It
- How to Wash an Electric Blanket Safely
- How to Whiten Sheets Without Wrecking Them
- Is It Better to Sleep Without a Pillow?
- Pregnancy Pillow Guide: Types, When to Start and How to Sleep With One
- Split California King: Size, Sheets and Who Actually Needs One
- Types of Pillows: Fills, Shapes and Which One Fits How You Sleep
- What Are Grounding Sheets? How They Work, What the Evidence Says
- What Is a Bedspread? Sizes, Uses and How It Differs From a Comforter
- What Is a Body Pillow? Types, Sizes and How to Use One
- What Is a Duvet Cover? How It Works and Why Use One
- What Is a Duvet Insert? Fill, Warmth and Sizing Explained
- What Is a Pillow Sham? Sizes, Uses and How They Differ From Pillowcases
- What Is a Wedge Pillow? Uses, Sizes and How to Sleep on One
- What Size Blanket for a Queen Bed? Bedding Size Chart
- What to Do With Old Pillows: 9 Practical Options
- When Can a Baby Sleep With a Blanket?
- Why Do Pillows Turn Yellow?