Educated Shopper: Buying Bed Linens

What’s the difference between a thread count and a weave? Does either really matter? We asked Sara Jonas of Three Sheets: A Linen Shop for tips to make outfitting your bed a breeze.

Are mattress and pillow protectors necessary? What should you look for when buying them? They are especially helpful for those with allergies but will also keep your pillows and mattress from absorbing sweat, which will prolong their lifespan. They are made from cotton, silk synthetic material, or even wool, which provides warmth in winter or cold climates.

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Mattress and Pillow Protectors

Are mattress and pillow protectors necessary? What should you look for when buying them?

They are especially helpful for those with allergies but will also keep your pillows and mattress from absorbing sweat, which will prolong their lifespan. They are made from cotton, silk synthetic material, or even wool, which provides warmth in winter or cold climates.

Next »Replacing Linens

We know that there are plenty of organic options on the market. What should we look for? Many companies are just now starting to produce organic products. To be truly organic, the bedding should be made using dyes found in nature, so the color palette is very limited. Bamboo sheets -- made from the fibers of bamboo strips -- can be quite soft.

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How often should pillows and duvets be replaced? Replacing your linens all depends on how often they are used and how you care for them. When cared for properly, they should last for a long time. For down-filled pillows and duvets, a good fluff every day will prolong their life, and you always want to follow the manufacturer’s care instructions.

Next Replacing Linens

5 of 10 Are mattress and pillow protectors necessary? What should you look for when buying them? They are especially helpful for those with allergies but will also keep your pillows and mattress from absorbing sweat, which will prolong their lifespan. They are made from cotton, silk synthetic material, or even wool, which provides warmth in winter or cold climates.