Bedding Range Buying Guide: Everything You Need For A Good Night's Sleep

On average we spend approximately 26 years asleep. That's around one third of our lives spent in our beds, so it's important that our beds are comfortable and cosy. Your bedding plays a significant role in the quality of your sleep. This term refers to your pillows, quilts, mattress protectors and mattress toppers or underlays. With so many different materials and fillings to choose from, it can be overwhelming when shopping for your sleeping essentials. But don't worry! This guide takes you through everything you need to know about finding the perfect bedding for your needs!

Quick Links

• Choosing A Pillow Based on Your Sleeping Position and Filling Preferences
• Sleep Soundly Amongst the Perfect Quilt
• Safeguard Your Mattress From Spills and Stains with a Mattress Protector
• Underlays and Mattress Toppers For Comfort

Choosing a Pillow Based on Your Sleeping Position and Filling Preferences

Choosing a pillow can be a very personal decision. Everyone has different needs and preferences. This guide will help you understand the pillow options available and how to select the best pillow.

There are three questions we first need to ask:

1. What is your preferred sleeping position?
   This will confirm the profile or height of the pillow needed.
2. Do you prefer a soft feel or extra support?
   This will confirm the required material or filling of the pillow.
3. Do you have asthma, allergies or any additional needs?
   Look for a pillow that has an antibacterial or antimicrobial treatment that will inhibit allergens. This will help to narrow the pillow selection & ensure the correct choice.

Pillow Profiles

Your sleeping position is the best indicator to the preferred height of a pillow. The height of the pillow is designed to support the head and neck based on the gap between the head and the mattress.

• Stomach Sleeper - Low Profile 10-12 cm: Low height pillows are suited to those with smaller frames and/or those who sleep on their stomach.
• Back Sleeper - Medium Profile 13- 15 cm: Medium height pillows are suited to those with a medium to larger build and/or those who sleep on their back.
• Side Sleeper - High Profile 15 cm+: Pillows with a higher profile or extra filling are suited to individuals with larger frames and/or those who prefer to sleep on their side.
• Contour - Two Profiles: Pillow with two profiles feature one side with a low/medium firmness, and one side with a medium/high firmness. This allows choice based on preferences and body shape & size.

Pillow Fill Types

The fill of a pillow can determine the feel of a pillow. Popular fill types include:

• Feather & Down - A softer, loftier fill. The amount of feather and down determines the feel - the more down, the softer the pillow. This natural fill type will mould to the shape of your head and neck
• Polyester - Durable, resilient and affordable. It also comes in a range of qualities and feels. A synthetic man-made material, polyester is ideal for people with asthma who are particularly sensitive to allergens. Polyester-filled pillows can also feature a fibre or foam core for additional support and height.
• Wool Blend - Feature a natural fibre filling that regulates temperature and provides a firmer feeling.
• Memory Foam & Latex Pillows - Ideal for those who prefer a firm feel pillow. Memory foam moulds to the individual shape of the head and neck to reduce pressure for extra comfort.

Pillow Types and Sizes

Pillows can be divided into two types - sleeping pillows and decorative and supportive pillows.

Sleeping Pillows

Sleeping pillows are designed to support your head in your sleep and are typically available in four sizes:

• Junior Pillow: 46 x 73 cm with a low profile
• Standard Pillow: 46 x 73 cm
• Queen Pillow: 50 x 76 cm
• King Pillow: 48 x 85 cm

Decorative and Supportive Pillows

On the other hand, decorative and supportive pillows are designed to elevate your bed linen or support your body. These pillows are available in a range of shapes, therefore, vary in size:

• European Pillow: 65 x 65 cm
• Bolster Pillow: 23 x 96 cm
• Body Pillow: 48 x 154 cm
• V or U-Shaped Pillow: 70 x 30 x 15 cm

Pillow Ranges and Fills on Offer

How to Choose a Pillow: Pillow Material Types and Sleeping Styles

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How to Choose a Quilt

Choosing a quilt can depend on a number of factors. Climate often determines the fill type or warmth level, but other factors, such as the weight of the quilt, can determine the quilt that suits you best. Much like when shopping for pillows, there are three questions we first need to consider:

1. What is the micro-climate in your bedroom? What warmth level do you require for which season?
   This will confirm the weight and/or warmth level of the quilt. Look for the warmth rating or warmth level on the quilt packaging.
2. Do you prefer warmth without weight or a heavier-feeling quilt?
   This will confirm the material or filling of the quilt needed.
3. Do you have asthma, allergies or any additional needs?
   Look for a quilt that has an antibacterial or antimicrobial treatment that will inhibit allergens. This will help to narrow the quilt selection and ensure the correct choice.

Quilt Sizes

Don't forget you can up-size your quilt so that you have additional drape over the side of your bed. Use a double bed quilt on a single or king single bed, queen bed quilt on a double bed or a king size quilt on a queen bed.

Fill types

The type of fill within a quilt determines the overall warmth and feel of the quilt.

• Cotton - A natural fibre filling that is ideal for warmer climates. Cotton quilts provide light warmth whilst still bringing the comfort and feel of a blanket. Cotton quilts can also be machine washed for ease of care.
• Polyester & Microfibre - A man-made fibre that is hypoallergenic and can be washed frequently. Ideal for children or Asthma and allergy sufferers, polyester is loft & durable, providing significant warmth without weight.
• Feather & Down - A natural, soft fibre filling that provides warmth without weight. Moulds around the body for superior warmth. The higher the down percentage, the greater the warmth rating. Look for the warmth rating on packaging.
• Wool or wool blend - A natural fibre that provides the ultimate in temperature regulation. Cool in Summer and warm in Winter, wool or wool blend fillings have a heavier, blanket-like feel. Some quilts now feature washable wool filling for ease of care.

Quilt Ranges and Fills On Offer

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Safeguard Your Mattress from Spills and Stains with a Mattress Protector

Mattress protectors will prolong the life of your mattress and provide excellent protection against accidents and spills. There are many options, including protectors that provide ultimate protection without affecting the feel of the mattress. Protectors absorb moisture away from your body for a comfortable night's sleep.

Fitted and Strapped Mattress Protectors

Mattress protectors are either fitted or strapped. Fitted protectors are like a fitted sheet but with a stretch wall finish. This holds the protector to the mattress, keeping it firmly in place. The stretch fabric allows the protector to fit various mattress depths, including pillow-top mattresses. Strapped mattress protectors feature four corner straps and are also suitable for all mattress depths and offer a more affordable option.

Mattress Protectors Ranges On Offer

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Underlays and Mattress Toppers for Comfort

Underblankets and toppers provide excellent body support and relief for pressure points. An underlay or topper is designed to give extra comfort and support while also prolonging the life of the mattress.

Synthetic Fibre Filled Topper

A synthetic fibre-filled topper is an ideal hypoallergenic option that adds a thick comfort layer to your mattress. These mattress toppers are a great alternative to a basic mattress protector.

Wool Underlay

Wool underlays are a traditional underlay that is the best option in temperature regulation. This type of underlay keeps you cool in Summer and warm in Winter. The wool pile also provides a soft, supportive layer to your mattress.

Foam Underlay

Ideal for reducing pressure points, a wool underlay provides additional support to the body while sleeping.

Memory Foam Topper

Memory foam moulds to the individual shape of your body for the ultimate in support & comfort. This type of mattress topper is a great option to rejuvenate your mattress.

Mattress Topper and Underlay Ranges on Offer

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Sleep Soundly With The Perfect Bedding For Your Needs

Whether you're a back, side or stomach sleeper or shopping to elevate the comfort of your bed, you'll be sure to find the perfect bedding for your needs right here at Spotlight! Shop our incredible range of pillows, quilts, mattress protectors and mattress toppers and underlays to update your bedding arrangement today! Explore the full range of bedding, online or at a Spotlight store near you.

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