Author Topic: Mustachian bedding?  (Read 15000 times)

DTown

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Mustachian bedding?
« on: November 01, 2013, 02:13:53 PM »
I got a new queen bed a few weeks ago (ok, used, but it was a friend's so I trust it), but I need to get bedding/linens for it. I've been sleeping on an old torn twin sized sheet with a thin comforter for a while, but I really need to get something decent that fits the bed. Since it is going to be 55F or so in my room all winter, it needs to be pretty warm. It would be great if I didn't have to wear the long underwear I normally use for snowboarding and winter camping :)

I've taken a look around and there are lots of options. I've settled on a normal set of sheets (1 fitted, 1 flat top sheet, 2 pillow cases), 2 pillows, a comforter/duvet, and maybe a duvet cover.

I would really like good quality, high thread count cotton sheets. They run anywhere from $60-$100 at places like Bed Bath & Beyond. There are also much cheaper microfiber options available online for $25 or so.

Pillows can be goose down, or synthetic. Synthetic runs $20 per pillow, down is $60-80 per pillow. Comforters can also be down or synthetic. A warm synthetic comforter is $80ish, and down is $250 or so (ouch!).

I do prefer the down options over the synthetic fill, but I consider it quite the luxury and would only go that route if the down option really lasts 3x longer or is 3x better than the synthetic option. Same goes for the cotton vs microfiber sheets.

Mustachians, what is your experience with how long the different beddings last and what is worth it or not? I'm anticipating that down isn't worth it, but the sheets are.

4alpacas

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Re: Mustachian bedding?
« Reply #1 on: November 01, 2013, 02:20:09 PM »
I have a special place in my heart for nice sheets.  I've had luck with sheets from Target (I think they're 800 thread count) and Macy's (the Hotel collection).  I would recommend actually touching the sheets because there are ways to "work around" thread count (multi-ply threads, etc.). 

As for the other things, I slowly acquired my items through sales (combined with coupons) and gifts. 

My bed is really luxurious, but everything has lasted a long time (over 5 years, only replaced pillows). 

Hadilly

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Re: Mustachian bedding?
« Reply #2 on: November 01, 2013, 02:55:28 PM »
I think LL Bean makes some of the best sheets around, especially their flannel. We use a bottom sheet with only a comforter cover and it is delightful to go to bed every night. LLB doesn't have a lot of sales, but  there was a linen sale last spring if I remember correctly. I bought a Garnet Hill comforter, synthetic fill. They frequently have sales and I was really tired of down comforters with gaps in the middle because all of the down had migrated away.

We've had the flannels for a few years now and they are solid, soft, and in great shape. I say that in case the upfront cost seems high.

I also bought a wool blanket from LL Bean that we throw on top for really cold nights.

Pillow on the other hand, I have not figured out. Happy to hear pillow recommendations.

ZiziPB

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Re: Mustachian bedding?
« Reply #3 on: November 01, 2013, 03:01:05 PM »
Synthetic for pillows and down for the comforter/duvet.  I hate flat sheets and just have European style duvet covers that get changed and laundered with the rest of the bed linens.  I mostly buy my bed linens at Marshalls/TJMaxx/Homegoods.  IKEA also has some nice sets with duvet covers.  I only use 100% cotton linens, no microfiber or synthetics.  I iron my pillowcases and duvet covers  - most people think I'm crazy but it makes a huge difference in the feel and appearance.

SondraRose

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Re: Mustachian bedding?
« Reply #4 on: November 01, 2013, 03:06:59 PM »
Good quality flannel sheets and down or wool comforters work well for us. 

Definitely go for the January sales, unless you can't wait!  Amazon has some good deals as well:
http://www.amazon.com/Pinzon-Signature-190-Gram-Flannel-Graphite/dp/B007M6G568/ref=sr_1_3?s=bedbath&ie=UTF8&qid=1383339982&sr=1-3

frugaldrummer

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Re: Mustachian bedding?
« Reply #5 on: November 01, 2013, 05:04:12 PM »
I find the best deals on really high quality high thread count egyptian cotton sheets at Tuesday Morning stores. 


rubybeth

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Re: Mustachian bedding?
« Reply #6 on: November 01, 2013, 05:18:14 PM »
Pillow on the other hand, I have not figured out. Happy to hear pillow recommendations.

My favorite pillows are these Simmons Beautyrest Latex pillows from Wal-Mart http://www.walmart.com/ip/Simmons-Beautyrest-Latex-Pillow-Standard-Size/13283704?sourceid=1500000000000003260370&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=13283704

They don't go flat like down, they fully support your neck in any sleeping position, and they resist dust mites. I love them so much... and so does my DH, my parents, my sister, and anyone who has ever stayed in my parents' guest room. :)

C. K.

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Re: Mustachian bedding?
« Reply #7 on: November 01, 2013, 06:05:12 PM »
Lots of hotels now sell their bedding. I haven't bought sheets from any hotels (yet) but I certainly have it on my to-do it.  I have a consistently comfortable night's sleep in my favorite hotel; I want the linens.

Someone mentioned L.L. Bean sheets. I haven't used those yet, but the company is consistent in its good quality, long-lasting materials. I can also vouch for their excellent customer service.

Carry on,
CK

KimPossible

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Re: Mustachian bedding?
« Reply #8 on: November 01, 2013, 06:13:47 PM »
We sleep on flannel sheets almost year round.  They're soft and warm.  We've had good luck with Lands End and LLBean sheets.

Our comforter is down, purchased at Costco (~$110 for a King, iirc).  Ikea has surprisingly good pillows.

I'm not recommending going crazy overboard, but a nice, comfy bed is one of those luxuries that you can enjoy for a loooong time :)

blissmonkey80

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Re: Mustachian bedding?
« Reply #9 on: November 01, 2013, 07:30:27 PM »
LL Bean sheets are great, but Costco also has decent sheets that are very reasonably priced.  I would definitely recommend a down comforter, as they are really warm, which allows you to keep your thermostat a little lower at night (quite Mustachian!)  I got mine on sale from Company Kids (I like their colors), but The Company Store has other colors and a 20% off coupon right now:  http://www.thecompanystore.com/comforters/down-comforters/ .  Re: pillows--I splurged and got memory foam pillows when I bought my mattress a few years ago (they are amazing!)

fidgiegirl

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Re: Mustachian bedding?
« Reply #10 on: November 01, 2013, 08:26:41 PM »
I iron my pillowcases and duvet covers  - most people think I'm crazy but it makes a huge difference in the feel and appearance.

OMG yes!  I don't do it myself but I once worked in a residential setting abroad and the laundress ironed all the sheets.  It was heaven.

fidgiegirl

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Re: Mustachian bedding?
« Reply #11 on: November 01, 2013, 08:29:18 PM »
I second Tuesday Morning, and would also recommend checking out Overstock.com.  I got a really awesome mattress pad on there 10 years ago and it's still going strong.

I am tempted to buy new sheets now. :)  Our hand-me-downs are doing the job, but they are also getting quite stretched out.  By the time we wash them they are all scrunched up in the middle.

NumberCruncher

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Re: Mustachian bedding?
« Reply #12 on: November 04, 2013, 06:28:44 AM »
It was around 56 degrees Fahrenheit in our apartment this morning, and I was almost too warm under a simple flat sheet and synthetic fill comforter I got off Amazon for ~$45 (one of the higher rated duvet inserts)-- and no long underwear + shirt & sweatshirt combination required.

Since I'm a sheet-stealer, my husband and I have our own sheets and covers. His comforter is like a really cheap one like you can get at Target. He's had it for years - since before I knew him.

Mega

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Re: Mustachian bedding?
« Reply #13 on: November 04, 2013, 09:12:19 AM »
I don't recall the specific brand, but there was a synthetic comforter at Costco we had to return because it kept us TOO warm.

Regarding pillows - get one that works for you and gives you the best nights sleep. Do not keep using a crappy pillow to save money, it could cost you far more if you fall asleep at the wheel...

galliver

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Re: Mustachian bedding?
« Reply #14 on: November 04, 2013, 09:49:05 AM »
+1 on IKEA duvet covers. You get a duvet cover and appropriate # of pillowcases (1 for Twin, 2 for other). There are different thread counts (although I'm weird and find lower TC's more comfortable...) I don't think I've seen them for over $50 or so.

Got my comforter at TJ Maxx for $15. Lent it to my friend a few months ago, he said it was so comfortable he could barely get up in the morning. ;) It does annoy me sometimes, though, because it's synthetic through and through so it doesn't breathe too well. Next one will have a cotton cover with synthetic fill.

HappyHoya

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Re: Mustachian bedding?
« Reply #15 on: November 04, 2013, 09:56:58 AM »
I'll disagree with the suggestions for synthetic pillows. I find down last a lot longer. With down, you can refresh it and fluff it up. I have down pillows that are decades old. Even only mid-range down pillows can be washed, even partially restuffed for the price of a new cheap pillow. I have never had a synthetic pillow that didn't flatten out after a while. My husband uses synthetic (he prefers it- no idea why). and they look like pancakes after a year. He buys cheap ones, though, so maybe a nicer synthetic wouldn't have those problems.

Whatever pillows you buy, I suggest putting it in an expensive pillow protector cover, underneath the pillow case. They cost ~$5 at Bed, Bath, and Beyond (don't forget to use a coupon), and can really help extend the life of your pillow. They seal dust out and help keep feather (for down pillows) in. They also provide an additional layer of protection from any sort of body soil and other garbage that ends up in the bed.  I still clean my pillows periodically, but find I need to much less often.

rubybeth

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Re: Mustachian bedding?
« Reply #16 on: November 04, 2013, 11:52:02 AM »
I'll disagree with the suggestions for synthetic pillows. I find down last a lot longer. With down, you can refresh it and fluff it up. I have down pillows that are decades old. Even only mid-range down pillows can be washed, even partially restuffed for the price of a new cheap pillow. I have never had a synthetic pillow that didn't flatten out after a while. My husband uses synthetic (he prefers it- no idea why). and they look like pancakes after a year. He buys cheap ones, though, so maybe a nicer synthetic wouldn't have those problems.

But down pillows go flat after you put your head on them for a few moments. My favorite pillows do not, cannot ever go flat, and they provide consistent support, as mentioned above. BEST PILLOWS EVER: http://www.walmart.com/ip/Simmons-Beautyrest-Latex-Pillow-Standard-Size/13283704?sourceid=1500000000000003260370&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=13283704

Catbert

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Re: Mustachian bedding?
« Reply #17 on: November 04, 2013, 01:28:43 PM »
Skip the microfiber sheets.  They can feel nice initially but then after a few washings not so much.  (Ask me how I know).

I second (third?) the Costco and Tuesday Morning suggestions.

Everything in Moderation

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Re: Mustachian bedding?
« Reply #18 on: November 05, 2013, 10:22:49 AM »
"I find the best deals on really high quality high thread count egyptian cotton sheets at Tuesday Morning stores. " 

There is your answer right there.  Tuesday morning is the place to buy sheets.  I am a sheet snob, but don't like paying a lot for them.  Seriously, check out this store! 

jrhampt

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Re: Mustachian bedding?
« Reply #19 on: November 05, 2013, 10:53:17 AM »
I'll add another vote for TJ Maxx/Marshalls/Home Goods.  That's where I get all our bedding.

kimmarg

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Re: Mustachian bedding?
« Reply #20 on: November 05, 2013, 11:01:06 AM »
I vote down duvet with a cover. Also don't bother paying for a cover, just sew two plat sheets together. I think my current one is two sheets from Walmart sewn together. Cover is key to long lasting duvet. We only wash the duvet itself once a year (before it goes to storage for summer) but cover gets washed weekly.

Frankies Girl

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Re: Mustachian bedding?
« Reply #21 on: November 05, 2013, 11:04:31 AM »
I have a weakness for sheets... but it is usually clearanced or otherwise deeply discounted ones. I check out Tuesday Morning and other discount outlets (need to check into Overstock, but that probably will just lead to me getting too many sheets sets again).

I switched to down pillows a few years back and other than the occasional feathers that end up popping out, I'm much happier. I wash them occasionally with tennis balls with them in the dryer to fluff them.

I love down comforters, but rarely need that level of warmth here. Now I just use 2 or 3  cotton quilts if it gets cold enough to need blankets.

Dee18

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Re: Mustachian bedding?
« Reply #22 on: November 05, 2013, 02:13:20 PM »
I buy great sheets, etc, at TJ Maxx and Homegoods.  They run 30-40 for cotton with high thread count, queen size.

KulshanGirl

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Re: Mustachian bedding?
« Reply #23 on: November 05, 2013, 02:24:06 PM »
Good quality flannel sheets and down or wool comforters work well for us. 

Definitely go for the January sales, unless you can't wait!  Amazon has some good deals as well:
http://www.amazon.com/Pinzon-Signature-190-Gram-Flannel-Graphite/dp/B007M6G568/ref=sr_1_3?s=bedbath&ie=UTF8&qid=1383339982&sr=1-3

I have two sets of these flannel sheets, and I. LOVE. THEM.  It feels like what they make baby items out of, it's the softest flannel sheet I've ever had.  Recommend!  (Along with the 1300 or so reviews on Amazon, they are not kidding!)

hybrid

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Re: Mustachian bedding?
« Reply #24 on: November 05, 2013, 02:48:39 PM »
Skip the microfiber sheets.  They can feel nice initially but then after a few washings not so much.  (Ask me how I know).

I second (third?) the Costco and Tuesday Morning suggestions.

We've had a very good experience with our set of microfiber sheets.  We've had these for four years now, they are holding up well, we use them six months a year and then switch to cooler sheets in the warmer half of the year.  How do folks feel flannel compares to microfiber in regards to warmth and overall comfort?  My wife is very cold natured (has a pulse of 40 while at rest) so the warmer the bed the better for her.

MrsPete

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Re: Mustachian bedding?
« Reply #25 on: November 05, 2013, 04:59:46 PM »
I also like good sheets, and although they may be pricey, the good ones last.   We've been in our house 12 years, and our current sheets /comforter were a Christmas gift to each other the first year.  The comforter is still in great shape (they're Waverly brand), but the sheets could stand to be replaced.  In retrospect, it would've been wise to buy two sets of sheets.  When you consider how long they've lasted, whatever they cost was a pretty good deal.

I love flannel sheets, but they don't have the longevity of high-count cotton.  You can, however, get them for a good price at the end of the winter.  Not that that helps now.

As for pillows, they can be rejuvenated with a trip through the washing machine -- it's amazing how "new" they can be made to look and feel.