It’s the simple things that make life enjoyable- A cold glass of iced tea after a long, hot summer day. A relaxing Sunday drive through the countryside with your family. A night out with a loved one for a much needed break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Here at Gardner’s we feel that a nice set of sheets can really transform your sleeping experience into something much more enjoyable. After all, isn’t it a wonderful feeling to lay down on a freshly laundered sheet set, at the end of a hectic workweek?
The problem that many people find with purchasing new sheets is there are many “features” that may be confusing or mean nothing to the person making the purchase. Thread Counts, Cool Sleeping, Deep Pockets… What does it all mean?!
Here’s a primer for sheets that may come in handy. When purchasing new sheets, consider these questions:
- What even is a thread count, anyway?
- Which material is the best material for me? Cotton? Bamboo? Microfiber?
- How thick is my mattress? Do I actually need deep pocketed sheets or should I ignore that phrase?
- Do I sleep hot? Can I buy a new set of sheets that may help cool me off during the night?
Thread Count
Thread counts can be confusing and a higher thread count doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the best sheet for you. Basically, thread count refers to the number of horizontal and vertical threads per square inch. A higher thread count mattress will hold up longer, and generally feel softer. Conversely, a higher thread count sheet doesn’t breathe as much as a lower thread count sheet.
Lower thread count sheets are nice and breathable, however they may not hold up as long as a higher thread count. Lower thread count sheets are generally less expensive than higher thread counts and many folks are very satisfied with them.
If you’re a warm sleeper who doesn’t mind a thinner sheet, try a 200 Thread Count sheet. If heat is no issue, or perhaps you’d like a softer sheet, anything over 300 thread count will feel great.
Materials
Although Cotton is the most common fabric, there are other options out there. True Egyptian Cotton sheets are super soft and made with a higher quality cotton thread.
Many people enjoy Bamboo sheets. Bamboo sheets can be almost as soft as Egyptian Cotton and tend to aide in cooling during those hot summer nights. Bamboo sheets are also very durable and will withstand many wash loads over the years.
Tencel is a popular option for warm sleepers. Tencel is manufactured from the Eucalyptus tree and converted into a fabric. These sheets tend to be thinner and allow great ventilation throughout the night. They also feel silky smooth, which many people prefer.
Outlast or other poly fibers are available as well. Man made fibers featuring Outlast, or an Outlast-type of material can also aide in sleeping cooler.
Microfiber sheets are super-affordable and provide a silky smooth feel as well. Some folks complain that Microfiber doesn’t breathe as well, so if you’re a warm sleeper, you may want to avoid these sheets.
Mattress Thickness
Some sheets indicate a mattress depth (“Fits mattresses up to 18 inches”, etc). For the most part, newer mattresses these days can range from 9″ all the way up to 18″ or more in depth.
Every sheet set that we sell at Gardner’s will accommodate any mattress on our floor, so that’s one less thing to worry about.
We also carry a line of sheets from a company called DreamFit, which provides four extra heavy duty straps on the fitted sheet portion of the set. These extra straps ensure that no matter the thickness of your mattress, your fitted sheet will not kick off and they are guaranteed to stay on. Check out our DreamFit sheets, here.
Hot Sleepers
Some folks are extremely warm at night. Oftentimes our body temperature spikes when we fall asleep and this can cause discomfort. No one enjoys waking up sweaty and hot at 3am. There are a few specialty materials that you should consider, if this pertains to you.
Cotton sheets are the most common type of sheets sold. If you purchase a lower thread count sheet, the sheet will be more breathable and can aide in venting out some of that body heat.
Bamboo Sheets are cool, moisture wicking and durable. Generally as soft as cotton sheets but with a little more “Oomph”.
Tencel Fiber Sheets are sheets that have been made with Eucalyptus fibers which are processed into a fabric. These sheets are often thinner and super cooling. A great option for hot sleepers.
Specialty materials like Outlast are great at temperature control and if you like “cutting edge technology”, then these are the sheets for you. A relatively new product that was developed by NASA for it’s spacesuits, Outlast fibers are becoming more widely available in the bedding industry.
Considering all of these factors, one can make a better educated decision on sheet purchases. If you have any questions, take a look at our page devoted solely to sheets, here!
If you have further questions or would like to speak to a Gardner’s Team Member, here’s how to contact us.
Or, better yet, stop by Gardner’s on Plaza Blvd in Lancaster to get a closer look at everything we have to offer! We’re open 7 days a week and are happy to assist you!