5 Bedding Accessories to Create a Dreamy Sleep Oasis

After you find the ideal mattress, it’s time to consider how you want to cover it. You can find bedding designed to protect your mattress, increase your comfort, or add a design flare to your bedroom décor. Not to mention, proper bedding can help you improve your sleep hygiene and be an important piece of the puzzle for how to get a better night’s sleep.

So exactly what do you need for a bed? Keep reading for five essential types of bedding and tips on choosing the right items for your mattress.

The first piece of bedding you’ll want to consider is a mattress cover or protector. If you spent money investing in a new mattress, you’ll want to make sure that your bed lasts for a long time. Also, adding a mattress protector can help shield your bed from different types of damage.

So, what is a mattress protector? These fitted sheets go directly over your mattress and are made from durable materials that can protect your bed from things like liquids, bacteria and bed bugs. And if you’re someone who suffers from allergies, be sure to choose a mattress protector that offers resistance from dust, mold and other irritants. You can also find protective covers for your pillows so you can be confident about what you rest your head on at night.

If you’re looking to get more out of your existing mattress, you may want to consider investing in a mattress pad or topper. But what does a mattress topper do? This thick pad provides extra cushioning or support on top of your mattress for a more comfortable sleeping experience.

When it comes to mattress pads, you have a lot of options. You can find memory foam toppers with various levels of firmness. If the bed you have is too rigid, a soft mattress pad can make your bed feel plusher. Or, if your mattress needs firmer support, you can find mattress toppers that give a bit of structure to your bed. Additionally, if you want to find bedding that keeps you cool at night, a gel memory foam topper can provide a nice chilling effect.

For most people, a pillow (or maybe two) is a must-have piece of bedding. With a variety of uses, you can find a pillow to help with neck pain, a cushioned pillow for between your knees, or something soft to prop you up while sitting in bed. So, what are the best pillows? Ultimately, the best pillow for you will be one that offers the right balance of comfort and support.

Two details you’ll want to consider when choosing a pillow are material and shape. Depending on how firm you want your pillow to be, you can find pillows made from memory foam, gel memory foam, cotton or soft down. Choosing a pillow with a particular shape, like a wedge or a contoured wave, can help you maintain an ergonomic position while sleeping.

Just like mattresses, you can find pillows in various sizes including queen, king and euro. If you’re wondering what size is a standard pillow, expect this to be the smallest pillow option with dimensions of 20” x 26”. A standard pillow is an ideal choice for the head, but a longer pillow can also be used as a body cushion for added versatility.

Adding the perfect set of bed sheets to your mattress can help make your bed more inviting. Whether you want sheets that help you cool off or bed linen that keeps you nice and toasty, you have plenty of options to choose from. With a variety of colors and designs, you can even find sheets that reflect your personality or complement your bedroom furniture.

When choosing sheets for your bed, focus on fabric. You can find sheets made from durable polyester, insulating flannel, or luxurious silk. But what are the softest sheets? If you’re looking for a smooth texture that feels like sleeping on a cloud, explore bamboo or high-thread-count cotton sheets for a softer feel. Opting for cooling bedding can also be helpful. For hot sleepers who may sweat during the night, be sure to find moisture-wicking bedding or naturally cooling bed sheets.

The final piece of bedding on your mattress masterpiece should be a top blanket or comforter. You may even want to have a few blankets handy so you can swap out for a thicker or thinner model when the seasons change.

Just like with sheets, you can find blankets made from various fabrics, including cotton, bamboo, and polyester. And if you want to make caring for your blanket easier, a duvet cover can provide you with an easy-to-wash layer of protection over your new blanket.

You can also invest in a blanket with added benefits. For example, weighted blankets are a great option for individuals with anxiety or sleep issues. And if your child is struggling with bedtime, a weighted blanket may be able to help your kids get better sleep.