You spend 30 percent of your life in bed, so shouldn’t it be as comfortable as possible? Today may be National Make Your Bed Day, but we (and your mother) would agree, this is one holiday that should be celebrated all year long.
We call this our INTENTIONS guide for creating the most comfy bed possible:
- Start with a good base. As the foundation for the bed, the mattress is one of the most important elements for ensuring a good night’s rest. While one mattress won’t fit all, researchers have found that a medium to firm mattress tends to help reduce back pain better than a softer one. Test out mattresses in a store by trying each one for at least 10-15 minutes, and bring along your pillow to better replicate the way you actually sleep. Don’t forget to replace your mattress every eight years.
- Weave the perfect cocoon. Optimal room temperature for sleep is somewhere between 55-75 degrees Fahrenheit so you’ll want to have something soft and snuggly to cuddle up in. Natural fibers usually breathe better so you don’t overheat, plus they tend to have fewer allergens and be more eco-friendly. Our favorite is long-staple Egyptian cotton.
- Protect perfection. Beds collect a lot of dust and other unwanted particles, but adding a mattress protector – which, unlike a mattress, can be thrown in the wash – helps keep your bed as clean as possible. Protectors also add another layer between you and the mattress, so you’re less likely to feel the quilting and tufts through the sheets.
- Top it off. Some mattresses come with a topper installed, but if yours doesn’t, you may want to consider one for added comfort, as toppers are made to mold to the shape of your body and provide extra support. To prolong the life of your topper, be sure to cover it with a mattress protector.
- Use your head. When shopping for a new a pillow, choose one that will hold your head in neutral alignment: squarely between your shoulders, not too far forward, not too far backward. Although some people prefer synthetic pillows due to allergy reasons, studies show that down or feather pillows may pose no greater risk. Memory foam pillows have become increasingly popular these days due to how they adjust to the shape of your body as you move throughout the night. Because of the amount of use our pillows get, replace yours every 12-18 months.
- The perfect sheet. Is there anything more viscerally relaxing than slipping into a set of soft linens? If so, we’ve yet to find it, so make sure that your sheets are inviting to the touch and you’ll sleep like a baby.
Armella Stepan is a 25-year luxury hotelier and the founder of INTENTIONS, which offers high-quality bed and bath products that combine gentle breathing exercises and restful words into unique product design intended to promote relaxation. Like Intentions on Facebook and visit intentionslinens.com for more.
