Flannel Sheets
Surprisingly, or maybe not so much so, is that there is a whole world of sheets. Previously we have discussed the sordid history of sheets and the luxury of Egyptian cotton high thread count sheets. What many of us from the northern climates are probably most familiar with is the feel of the flannel sheet. I personally know some Australians who will only sleep on flannel’s if they live anywhere besides right on top of the equator! This has caused some strife for their loved ones who sweat in the middle of a Michigan summer lying on top of a fluffy flannel sheet.
Regardless, there is always a time and a place for them and they garner a special place in many of our hearts. Flannels can be made from cotton or wool or a combination of both. They are popular for their warmth but that can depend largely on thickness, but also for their soft feel. Organic cotton is grown without the use of pesticides or chemical fertilizers. Organic flannel sheets are highly coveted in these days of protecting the environment and being healthy (read organic). Of course there is the obligatory price increase for anything organic, so beware, if your goal is being economical, then do your research!
Pilling is a particular annoyance when dealing with flannel. In fact, there may be more to their overall care then one would expect at first glance. It has been suggested that washing your sheets in white vinegar without any detergent or softener will remove pilling. It is important to only wash your flannels in warm water and do not dry with dryer sheets. After this initial wash, each additional wash you should add one half a cup or white vinegar to the wash during the rinse cycle (or in the fabric softener dispenser) to maintain a pill free flannel.
We are fans of the flannel around here. There is nothing like crawling into bed after a long day to be cuddled by softness and warmth. Many complaints that are heard about flannel sheets is that some are not warm enough while others are too warm. The response to that should always be buy many different brands and thickness that way you have a perfect pair for any level of coldness one might experience over the months of a long winter. Do not kid yourself, there are many different quality levels even for flannels and it might take some trial and error to find the right set. Be sure to pair your flannel sheets with a quality cheap mattress for those long winter nights!
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Finding the Right Fit in Waterbed Sheets
Shopping for waterbed sheets is a bit different than looking for sheets for a standard bed. Sheets that are designed to fit waterbeds are made with deep pockets, large enough to accommodate the thick mattress. In addition to the thicker pocket design, these sheets are often accompanied by additional fixtures, which allow them to be tightly affixed to the smooth surface of the bed. Using sheets that are exclusively designed for use with a waterbed will ensure that making the bed each morning is easy and that the bedding will remain in place all night long.
Waterbed sheets are not necessarily sold everywhere that standard sheets can be found. Large department stores will often carry bedding for waterbeds, but stores with a smaller selection, or those that carry just a few brands, may not. For those who have just made the switch to this type of mattress, it may be necessary to find a new bedding designer, as not all lines offer options with pockets large enough to accommodate all mattresses.
There are two good options for finding the right sheets for your new bed. The first is through the furniture store from which you bought it. Some stores that specialize in the sale of waterbeds also carry all the additional products necessary for their use and care. Not only will shoppers find sheets and comforters to fit, they will also find kits to fix small repairs and information on the long term care that a waterbed will require. If your store does not carry these accessories, representatives from a store will often be able to point you to a local dealer who can help.
Of course, online shopping is perhaps the easiest way to find the appropriate sheets for your bed. Many online retailers offer full waterbed sheet lines, with a far larger selection than one would expect from a local outlet. This will enable customers to choose the colors and patterns that complement their bedding and the rest of the decor in the room. Item descriptions are quite detailed, so there is little need to worry about what the product will look like when it arrives.
Before you order, check the size of the waterbed mattress that you are using. There are three main size categories, King, Queen and Single. Though the size may be determined by measuring the mattress, most have an attached label that clearly denotes into which category your mattress falls.
Through online or specialty stores, anyone can find waterbed sheets that fit perfectly.
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