Our bodies are wondrous creations!

However, as wonderfully made as we are, over time we all face some physical challenges. One such challenge has to do with the way we position ourselves each night when we lay down for bed.

A common occurrence many are familiar with is the stiff neck in the morning. The situation often happens when you go to bed really exhausted and fall asleep almost instantly. The trouble occurs if you are unable to correctly position your head on your pillow before you drift off to dream.

When your neck gets out of position you will likely experience some discomfort in your neck, shoulders and back the next morning.

How can you avoid this situation?

Ergonomic pillows present one option, but when you understand the situation you’ll realize there are other options for resting your head each night.

Ergonomic Pillows and Other Options

Tension is the sleeping culprit. It is tension that often causes stress on the muscles, nerves and bones. This tension creates the dull or even sharp pain often felt in the morning.

The design of ergonomic pillows is sound and was created to solve sleeping issues. There is a slight rise in the pillow under the neck, a dip for the head and a rise in the back to further support the head.

Ergonomic pillows remind people of stiff foam and discomfort. The discomfort has often made people shy away from using them choosing instead to search for just the right regular pillow.

Today, there are options beyond the standard sleeping pillow.

For side sleepers, an organic buckwheat pillow might serve well. The height is perfect for the side sleeper as the pillow keeps the spine at the correct angle while providing a solid yet comfortable setting for the head throughout the night.

Sometimes a smaller pillow is what people need. Often, your head can get propped up too high on a pillow that is too large. This causes pain. There are even some smaller, adjustable pillows that make it easy to adapt to your personal setting.

There are more options than traditional ergonomic pillows. You are no longer stuck with the foam pillows. Check out options like buckwheat, adjustable or even a smaller pillow to see if you can find the pillow that is right for your unique body type and sleeping position.

Your body is a remarkable creation. Take care of it and feel great each morning with a pillow designed specifically for you.

There is perhaps no better feeling than climbing into a freshly made bed.

The bedroom is a person’s sanctuary and the centerpiece is the bed. The best in the business are the hotels. When a person walks into a hotel room the first thing they notice is the bed.

Having this impression at home would be something most of us would love to come home to each night.

Make Your Bed Like a Luxury Hotel

At home, fitted sheets are something most have for their ease of use. Custom fitted sheets have been an even greater improvement as mattresses have taken on many shapes and sizes over the years.

If you have fitted sheets, as most do, you can skip to the Part 2 of the instructions.

Bed Making Instructions

1)  Spread your standard sheet over the bed. Ensure there is approximately the same amount of material hanging over each side. Create a tight corner by pulling up slightly approximately six to twelve inches away from the first corner. Tuck the corner of the sheet under the bed making sure to spread the sheet under the mattress. Do not bunch the sheet. Next, fold over the part of the sheet in your hand under the bed. Repeat for each corner.

2)  The top layer standard sheet comes next.  Lay it over the bed, spread evenly on each side. Now, if you want more layers, like a winter blanket to go between your bed and the comforter you can lay it out. Once one or both are applied evenly you can tuck the sides under the corners as mentioned in Step1. Roll back the sheet approximately six to twelve inches back from the top of the bed and tuck remaining overhang. This should leave room for the pillows to rest.

3)  Finally, apply the comforter, evenly spread over the mattress. Fold the comforter back approximately six to twelve inches at the head of the bed.

Other Notes

There are a few variations to making the bed like a luxurious hotel. It is all about personal preference, but it seems most people like a bed that is made tight, clean and crisp.

Make it part of your daily routine to spend about two minutes making the bed. You’ll thank yourself each night. There is nothing like diving your toes down into the tightly tucked sheet.

You’ll be sleeping sound just like in a luxury hotel.

Image courtesy of smswigart – catching up

Antique beds, once relegated to basements and attics as family relics, are making a major comeback. Whether for their smaller, yet comfortable size, the beautiful design, detail and craftsmanship they normally possess, or for their sentimental value, these beds are quickly becoming increasingly popular for small bedrooms and guest rooms.

An antique bed, also called a ¾ bed or ¾ full, typically measures 48 inches wide by 75 inches long. This means that it retains the length of a conventional full-size bed but is actually six inches narrower. This particular size is a big part of its appeal, since it can fit comfortably into smaller bedrooms, allowing for cozy, elegant room design that is not completely manipulated by either a too-small or too-large bed. The size is also similar to that of the beds installed in RVs. However, RV beds are usually longer, measuring 80 inches long, instead of 75. They do retain the same width of 48 inches.

Since many antique beds have been passed down through the years within a family, most people either have a frame with a very old mattress or just the antique bed frame. Replacement mattresses must be custom-ordered due to their unconventional size. There are a few manufacturers in the United States that specialize in custom-made mattresses, and orders for this size mattress are on the increase.
Once the bed is outfitted with a correctly-fitting mattress, the next step is acquiring ¾ bed sheets to fit this special size. Because of its unconventional size, ¾ size bed sheets are not easily found in department stores. That’s where Cozytown Linens can help. We offer 3/4 sheets and mattress pads to fit antique beds in the ¾ full size (48 x 75), as well as ¾ xl full (48 x 80), the common size used in RV’s. With several fabrics and colors to choose from, you will be sure to find the perfect ¾ size bedding to match your lifestyle and décor. And best of all, they are made right here in the USA!

Getting a relaxing, refreshing night’s rest is not only about the mattress. Sheets with high-thread counts, large, fluffy pillows and bed toppers can all be part of the equation to turn the bed into the perfect resting spot. If added comfort is the goal, a luxurious bed topper is the answer. Bed toppers can be either feather beds or fiber beds. Each option has different benefits, but once the correct one is chosen, the end-result is the same: a more comfortable bed for optimal rest.

Feather beds are made either from 100 percent feathers or a mixture of snow-white feathers and down. This fill material allows feather beds to provide additional warmth, an added benefit for the cold months. Some feather beds are large enough that they create the illusion of a cocoon to sleep in, not on, when placed on the bed. Though the styles and thickness of each feather bed varies, most styles tend to be between two and three inches thick.

Fiber beds are made with polyester fill so that they are hypo-allergenic, providing the coziness of an old fashioned featherbed without the allergy worries.

Both hypo-allergenic fiber beds and feather bed toppers vary in size and weight. Weight is either calculated in pounds or ounces, and the higher weight is an indication of higher quality. They each are available in a variety of fabric coverings and thread counts.

Whether your goal is to revive an old mattress or create a luxurious sleeping environment, a feather or fiber bed is a great investment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sofa Beds

Is a sofa sleeper the same thing as a sofabed?

Yes. They are also sometimes called a pull-out sofa bed or pull-out couch.

Is it unhealthy to sleep on a sofa bed long term?

Sofa beds are not designed to take the place of a standard bed. Not all sofa beds are made the same, so depending on the quality of the sofabed, particularly the mattress, it may be comfortable for a while before you being to feel the ill effects.  Many sofa bed frames have a support bar located perpendicular to the length of the bed, which can usually be felt through the mattress, causing a very uncomfortable sleep surface.

How can I make my sofa bed mattress more comfortable?

Before investing in an entirely new mattress, which could be quite expensive depending on the size and quality, there are some other options you can consider to improve the comfort level of a sofa bed:

1) Purchase a good quality sofa bed mattress topper. There are different styles of toppers on the market. Some are sized specifically for sofabeds and have corner straps to keep it in place when the bed is closed.

2) Invest in sheets specifically designed for sofa beds. Since sofa beds are not the same size as standard beds, regular bed sheets do not fit well and cause the sheets to bunch up in the sleep surface and sometimes slip off the mattress. Sheets made for sofabeds stay in place and provide a more restful night’s sleep.

What size sofabeds are there?

There are many size sofa beds. Here are the most common sizes:

Twin (38 x 72)

Full (54 x 72)

Queen (60 x 72)

XL Queen (60 x 80) – same size as a conventional standard queen bed.

Extra Wide Queen (66 x 80) – same size as the conventional Olympic Queen size bed.

King (76 x 80) – same size as a conventional standard king bed.

Do I need to use special sheets with my sofa bed?

Although some sofa beds are the same size as a conventional bed, the mattress is much thinner in depth than standard mattresses, ranging between 4” and 5” deep. With that, sheets specifically designed for sofa beds are needed for a proper fit.  Some furniture stores may carry sofa bed sheets as a complimentary service to new customers, but most times sofa bed sheets are only found in specialty linen stores.

Shallow mattresses to fit low profile and platform beds may seem like a new trend, but the fact is, shallow depth mattresses have been around for decades. Before deep mattresses became popular, standard mattresses were typically around eight to ten inches deep and step stools certainly weren’t needed to climb into bed. Beds were easy to make and you didn’t need muscles like Hercules to lift the mattress and tuck the sheets under.

Bed sheets were easy to find in department stores. You bought what you liked and they fit well. They weren’t too big or too small.

Like Goldilocks would say, they were “just right”.

Shifting Trends

As life goes, nothing stays the same forever, and somewhere in the 1990’s the trend shifted to very deep mattresses, with some as deep as 20” to 22” thick. When they first became popular, finding deep pocket bed sheets to fit these monstrosities was a problem, because bed manufacturers do not consult with bed linen manufacturers before deciding to make a certain size bed. Yes, as crazy as that sounds, it is true. As a result, those who bought the deep mattresses were left searching for sheets to fit, which were found only in specialty linen stores.

It took a few years before the bed linen manufacturers caught on and starting making deep pocket fitted sheets and it’s now very common to find sheet sets in department stores with fitted pockets of 18” and 21” deep. As a matter of fact, that’s pretty much all you can find in stores these days…deep pocket fitted sheets. That solved the problem for those who have very thick mattresses, but opened the door to……

A new dilemma

Now that only deep pocket sheets line store shelves, with no shallow pocket fitted sheets to be found, those who have a thinner mattress are now the ones searching for bed sheets to fit. As my father used to say, “It’s the same thing, only different.”

This is a complaint we hear every day and once again we’re here to help. At Cozytown Linens, we offer fitted sheets in one inch increments starting at 6” deep up to 25” deep, to accommodate both the shallow and deep mattresses. No matter what size mattress you have, we have sheets that fit. And best of all, they are made right here in the USA!

When I was newly married and setting up my house, my linen closet was immaculate. I would fold and refold towels so that they fit perfectly on each shelf. I was very meticulous, but only because I had the time to be. It was fun making the closet look like a photo shoot from the Better Homes and Gardens magazine. My mom told me that when I got older I wouldn’t care how the towels were folded, I would only be glad they were all clean and in the closet. I can remember that day like it was yesterday, and here I am twenty-one years and three children later, and she was right! My closet surely doesn’t look like it used to, but the towels are clean, they’re somewhat stacked, and I am happy.

Learning how to fold bottom fitted sheets wasn’t quite as easy as the towels. It took a little more time (and patience), but I’ve had many years to practice, and even more so being in the bed linen business. I stumbled upon this great video by Jill Cooper from www.LivingOnADime.com which demonstrates how to fold a fitted sheet. Neatly folded sheets really do save space in the closet. (I haven’t lost all of my senses – I still like a somewhat organized closet).

I hope you find this video to be helpful. Be sure to check out Jill’s website too. She has a lot of money saving tips, coupons, great recipes and more!

The Good Housekeeping Research Institute recently conducted a test on 66 different types of pillows in search of those they thought was the most “snooze-worthy”. Their testing for top quality pillows included compressing, washing and inspecting of pillows stuffed with fiberfill, down, foam, wool, and a combination of materials. Their findings were quite interesting:

The top pick in the Fiberfill pillow category was the Aller-Ease Washable Allergy Protection Pillow.

For the best Down & Feather Pillow, the washable Lands’ End Essential Goose Down Pillow came in first place.

In the Foam Pillow Category, the Leggett & Platt Home Collection Brisa Pillow came highly recommended, bouncing back to it’s original shape after a night under 30 pounds of weight. The Cannon Ventilated Contour Pillow also passed the same pressure test.

The winner in the Wool Pillow category was the Natura All Season Wool Pillow, made with a soft, unbleached 100% cotton covering.

For the best Down/Foam Combo Pillow, the Stearns & Foster Down Caress Pillow ranked number one.

To read more about this interesting review and for tips on how to choose the right pillow for you, visit Best Pillows – Reviews of Best Pillows – Good Housekeeping

Have you ever wondered why your mom never slapped a sheet on the bed unless she’d placed a covering over the mattress first? There was a good reason for that then and there’s a good reason for it now.

It does not matter whether you use a simple cotton mattress pad or a waterproof mattress cover, you are protecting an investment for years to come. Think of it: gone are the days when you could get a good mattress for $150. Mattresses that won’t bend you into a painful question mark after eight hours of tossing and turning can easily cost $500 to up to $3,000 and $4,000! Amazing! Simply put: mattress pads PROTECT your mattress from spills and perspiration, and keep your mattress more sanitary longer!

Waterproof mattress covers are ideal for sick beds, but they are also a real time saver during those potty training years! If little Johnny or little Suzy has an accident, all mom and dad have to do is whip off the cover, and toss it in the wash. You can’t toss a mattress into the washing machine—not even the industrial size washers at the Laundromat!  So you see, a waterproof cover makes your life a lot easier!

And mattress pads are soft and add an even higher level of comfort to any mattress.

Protect your bedding investment, protect children’s mattresses during the potty training years, add extra comfort to your sleep experience, and make keeping your mattress clean as easy as tossing a cover in the washing machine. Pick up a cotton mattress pad or waterproof mattress cover today!

At Cozytown Linens we have the privilege of talking with so many wonderful people from all across the country. Through our conversations, we discover what their needs and interests are, which many times is a reflection of main stream America. It allows us to focus our product line on the newest trends, sizes, and items people are looking for so that we can better serve our customers and possibly reach new ones.

Here are a few of the most commonly asked questions we receive. We welcome all comments and questions, so if you don’t see the answer you are looking for, please contact us. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

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How do I measure my bed?

It is important to know the exact measurements of your mattress before purchasing bed sheets. Even though you may know what size bed you have (twin, full, queen, or king) don’t take it for granted that it is a standard size. Many bed manufacturers do not make their beds to the standard size and as a result dimensions can vary up to two inches in both the width and length.

To measure the width: Place a tape measure at one of the top corners and extent it to the opposite top corner.

To measure the length: Place the tape measure at one of the top corners and extent it to bottom corner on the same side. Do not measure diagonally.

To measure the depth: If the side of the mattress has a cording, do not measure from cording to cording. The most accurate way to measure the depth or thickness or your mattress is to take a yard stick or ruler and lay it across the top of the mattress allowing it to extend over the edge of the mattress. Measure from the top of the ruler to the top of the box spring, or if you have a platform bed, measure from the top of the ruler to the bottom of the mattress. (See the image to the right.) The distance between these two points is the ‘depth’ or ‘thickness’ of the mattress.

What does ‘pocket depth’ mean?

Nearly all fitted sheets have vertical seams at each corner. The pocket depth is the measurement of the vertical seam at the corner of the fitted sheet.

What size pocket depth fitted sheet do I need for my bed?

This is a very common question and a very important one as well. For a proper fit, the pocket depth of the fitted sheet should be one or two inches deeper than the depth of the mattress. This will allow a little extra for tucking under the mattress, yet not so much that it causes wrinkling and bunching in the sleep surface. For example, if the mattress measures 8” deep, a fitted pocket depth of 9” or 10” should work fine and give a taut fit.

What is the difference between Conventional Bed Sheets and Adjustable Bed Sheets?

Simply put, a conventional or traditional bed is any ‘non-adjustable’ bed. An adjustable bed is one that has a motorized base that allows the foot and head to be elevated, such as those used in a hospital.

Can I buy just a fitted sheet and not a complete sheet set?

Yes. Cozytown Linens offers separate fitted sheets so that you don’t have to purchase a complete sheet set. For your convenience, the following links will take you to the section of our website where you will find fitted sheets as separates for both the conventional and adjustable beds.

Fitted Sheets for Conventional Beds

Fitted Sheets for Adjustable Beds

Why are your sheets more costly than those sold in department stores?

Our sheets are more costly than those sold in department stores and there are a few reasons for that. I can assure you it is not because we are making a huge profit.

1) At Cozytown Linens we have always been committed to keeping our prices as low as possible. After realizing the dilemma people were facing of only being able to find deep pocket fitted sheets in department stores that did not work well for shallow mattresses, we decided to try and solve this problem. We began offering fitted sheets in several bed sizes with pocket depths starting at 6” and available in one inch increments up to 25” deep. Basically, what we do is offer custom sizes at non-custom pricing with a non-custom policy. All of our bed sheets are made to order; we do not stock anything. In order for us to offer this type of service, there are costs involved.

2) All of our sheets are made right here in the USA, and although many of us would prefer American made linens, American workers are paid more than foreign workers, which reflects in the cost of the product.

3) Many are surprised to know that there is currently a world-wide cotton shortage. This has drastically affected the pricing of soft goods because the more costly the cotton, the more costly the fabric, hence the more costly the finished product will be.

Are all of your sheets made in the USA?

Yes, and we are very proud and happy to be able to offer American-made bed sheets. We are committed to supporting our country and our American workers.