If it’s been a while since you upgraded your bed, it might be time to spruce things up. Even if you don’t need to replace your mattress just yet, swapping out your bedding set (i.e. your pillows, comforter, and sheets) can make all the difference for a good night’s sleep.
How to pick the best bed sheets
- Check the fiber content. 100% cotton sheets are the most popular option because it feels natural and soft. Premium cotton, like pima or Egyptian, is considered luxury bedding because it’s softer and more durable, but it may be more expensive. Plus, there have been instances where brands mislabel regular cotton sheets as Egyptian. Polyester or cotton/polyester blends are stronger, less expensive, and more durable and wrinkle-resistant, but they don’t feel as natural.
- Choose the construction. Your main choices are percale and sateen. Percale is a basic, grid-like weave that feels light and crisp, while sateen is more intricate and feels soft and smooth because it has yarns in one direction that float over several yarns in the opposite direction. It’s a matter of personal preference, though our testers tend to prefer the smooth feel of sateen. You can also opt for flannel for more warmth, cooling sheets if you sleep hot, or jersey that’s stretchy and feels like a T-shirt.
- Be wary of thread count. The only thing thread count tells you is the number of threads per square inch of fabric. Though it can be one aspect of a quality sheet, the fiber type and construction are just as important. Thread counts can go well over 1,000, but the sweet spot in our tests is usually around 300-500.
How to choose your best comforter
Before you buy a new comforter, you might be wondering: Is down alternative better than down? It depends.
- Down, which comes from ducks or geese, is the fluffiest fill you can buy in a comforter. The down clusters trap in air for better insulation so you get the warmth without the weight. Make sure you check the fill power, which tells you how much space the clusters take up. The higher the fill power, the warmer it will be; for a warm and toasty comforter, look for a fill power over 600.
- Down alternatives are typically man-made fibers so they’re better for allergy sufferers and are usually less expensive and easier to clean.
How to find the best pillow for you
When shopping for a pillow, your sleep position is the most important thing to keep in mind because your head, neck and spine should be aligned – no head tilting in any direction:
- Pillows for side sleepers should be thick and firm.
- Pillows for stomach sleepers should be softer and thinner.
- Pillows for back sleepers should be right in the middle.
- What pillow fill is best? Like comforters, pillows with down fill will be the fluffiest, but you can also find down alternatives that feel great and are easier to take care of. Foam pillows are firmer for more support.
Now onto the best bedding to buy …
BEST OVERALL SHEETS – Luxe Core Sheet Set (BROOKLINEN)
BEST VALUE SHEETS – Bed Sheet Set (MELLANNI)
BEST PERCALE SHEETS – Percale Sheet Set (PARACHUTE)
BEST PREMIUM COTTON SHEETS – PimaCott Sheet Set (WAMSUTTA)
BEST DOWN COMFORTER – Permabaffle Box Goose Down Comforter (L.L.BEAN)
BEST DOWN ALTERNATIVE COMFORTER – Cloud Comforter (BUFFY)
BEST OVERALL PILLOW – Original Pillow (COOP HOME GOODS)
BEST VALUE PILLOW – Down Alternative Bed Pillow 2-Pack (AMAZONBASICS)
BEST DOWN PILLOW – Down Surround Pillow (HOME DECORATORS)