ttle restless nights with insomnia. But one of the characteristics that makes them so comfortable — their density — can mean heat build-up, a real problem for those who like to keep cool at night.

Why Memory Foam Gets Hot

Memory foam was invented by NASA in the 1960s as a way to cushion the astronauts from strong G-forces as they break through the Earth’s atmosphere. It is a man made composite of polyurethane and other chemicals that give it a much more dense and springy feel compared to ordinary foam. Also known as visco-elastic polyurethane, memory foam has an open cell structure that compresses and shifts under weight to evenly distribute weight.

Memory foam is also very heat sensitive. It will soften in warmer temperatures and harden in cooler–this is so important to remember if you are using a mattress or mattress topper made of memory foam. When the foam interacts with heat from the body, it molds itself to the contours and continually realigns itself as the sleeper shifts through the night. It will also soften even more at pressure points and points of inflammation that are naturally warmer than others.

The biggest issue consumers have with memory foam toppers is overheating. Sometimes, especially during summer months, the combination of warm air, warm body and warm mattress topper becomes unbearable, making sleep impossible.

Cooling Off Your Topper

Luckily, there are ways to combat an overheating memory foam mattress topper, short of throwing it out. Here are a few suggestions:

• Memory foam technology is always advancing. New to the market are mattress toppers equipped with air flow channels, called heat reduction channels, that help divert heat away from the body. This technology was developed to specifically create an all-over cooling effect.

• If buying a new topper is not an option right now, try cooling down the room itself. In the warmer months, you can open the windows and add a fan to circulate the air in the room and cool yourself off, which in turn will cool the mattress topper. In the cooler months, turn the thermostat down, which will cool the room and save you on energy costs.

• Elevate your bed. The idea is to get air circulating both on top and below the sleeping area, lessening the chances of heat getting trapped in the mattress and sleeping area.

• Add a thin polyester or, better yet, a cotton pad on top of your topper to provide an insulating layer between you and the memory foam. This should help alleviate some of the heat build up.

• Believe it or not, a wool topper over the memory foam topper will help cool things, too, because the wool acts as an insulator, separating the heat source — you — from the memory foam. A cover made of organic latex would suit the same purpose.

• Thickness does matter as far as heat build up is concerned. A smaller thickness of 1″ to 2″ is going to be cooler than a topper of 4″ to 5″ thickness.

• Finally, cotton sheets will help cool the memory foam mattress topper if it’s getting too uncomfortably hot. Egyptian cotton, which is the finest cotton on the market today, is a good choice, as is a high thread count sheet of 400 or higher.

A Rule of Caution

One last word of caution: there is a fine balance between keeping cool with a memory foam mattress topper and cooling the topper so much that the topper becomes ineffective. Be aware that if you cool your topper suddenly, it could leave an indentation where your knee or elbow was, but never fear, it is only temporary and will spring back as soon as the memory foam heats up again.

Click here to see our selection of three of the top memory foam toppers.

Sleep Better 3-inch Visco Elastic Memory Foam Mattress Topper

Sleep problems range from stress-induced insomnia to back, hip and joint pain and arthritis.  If this is happening to you or a loved one, it’s important to see a health professional first to address the particular ailment, but following that you can often mitigate some of the discomfort and pain by creating a more comfortable sleeping environment.  Some of the things that can be helpful in this regard are a dark, quiet atmosphere and a bed with a good mattress, firm pillow and a memory foam mattress topper.

Memory Foam Memories

NASA invented memory foam back in the 1960s and 70s to help cushion the astronauts from the stressful G-forces of entering the Earth’s atmosphere.  Memory foam, however, was never actually used on the shuttle and instead was developed further for medical purposes.  It was initially very expensive and used only medically to prevent immobile patients from getting bedsores.  But in the 80s and 90s, Swedish scientists invented a type of memory foam that could be affordable to the general public.

In its current state, memory foam is made of polyurethane with chemical additives that make it dense and malleable and reactive to the body’s natural heat.  While a person is sleeping, the body’s contours are cushioned gently and the weight is evenly distributed, taking the emphasis off weak joints and muscles.  The result?  You wake up feeling rested and revitalized–and without pain or stiffness.

Top it off with Memory Foam

To experience and enjoy the benefits of memory foam, you do not necessarily need a complete memory foam mattress.  A topper can be just as good and a whole lot cheaper.  Here are some tips on making your bed more comfortable with a memory foam mattress topper:

• You do need to start with a good, firm mattress, regardless of whether it has inner springs.  A memory foam topper will be of no use if the mattress underneath is soft.

• Measure the actual size of your mattress.  Sometimes, people confuse queen size mattresses with full size.  What’s more, memory foam toppers tend to run a little on the smaller size, so you want to make sure you get the right fit.

• Memory foam mattress toppers come in different thicknesses.  A topper that is 1″ may wear out sooner than one that is, say, 4″ or so.  Also, consider the person’s weight in choosing thickness, as heavier people tend to need at least a 3″ thick topper.

• When considering the comfort level of your topper consider the IFD rating and the density rating.  The IFD, or Indentation Force Deflection, rating measures the force required to make a 1″ dent into a foam sample.  Most memory foam is rated from IFD 10, the softest, to IFD 12, the most rigid.  The density rating, perhaps a better indication of comfort, is the ratio of pounds per cubic foot.  Mattress toppers usually run between 3 and 4.5 pounds/cubic foot, with the denser being the more comfortable.

• If at all possible, try out the mattress topper first before you make your purchase online, either at a brick and mortar store or by asking your retailer for a comfort test period.  Ultimately, you are the best judge of what feels comfortable.

• After purchasing your mattress topper, unfold it and let it air out.  The chemical odor that you detect initially should subside after 2-3 days.

• Do use some sort of cover for your mattress topper to protect it from stains and spills.  Memory foam mattress toppers can be a chore to clean.

The Future of Comfort

Memory foam has already been around for more than 40 years, first as an option for space travel then for medical use and now it is providing comfort to the masses in ever increasing numbers.  Now, consumers can actually choose among a wide range of memory foam sleep products that give different comfort levels based on personal preference.  It’s likely that over the next few years, the technology will advance even more, allowing consumers to fine tune their sleep experience even more.  The trick for now, however, seems to be navigating through the somewhat complicated ratings system, especially if you’re buying online.

What Are Some Good Toppers To Look At?

To read our reviews of what we think are three of the best memory foam toppers available, click on the links below:

1. Sleep Innovations Dual Layer 4-inch Topper

2. Sleep Better 3-Inch Visco Elastic Memory Foam Mattress Topper

3. Iso Cool Memory Foam Mattress Pad with Outlast Cover

Now we at Beautiful Bedding Sets don’t sell bedding products ourselves – we research the products and pass the information on to you, the consumer. Similarly we are not paid for our reviews, as some blog sites are, so we are able to assist our reader by providing unbiased recommendations based on what we learn. But before we reveal our top three picks, let’s look at some vital questions to ask before making your choice.

Sleep Innovations Dual Layer 4-inch Topper

Vital Factors To Look For When Shopping For A Foam Mattress Topper

• Is Your Mattress Still Up To It?

A foam mattress topper is a supplement to your existing mattress. Just like vitamin supplements cannot overcome a poor diet, a memory foam mattress topper cannot overcome a poor mattress. If your mattress has really softened and lost it’s shape you will need to buy a new mattress. However, it you mattress is still retains it’s structure and/or is too firm, a foam mattress topper is ideal. The idea is to have the topper resting on a fairly firm surface that still allows it to breathe.

• Remember To Buy Memory Foam

The best foam mattress toppers use memory foam – a type of polyurethane with added chemicals to increase its weight and density. Also known as “visco-elastic” polyerethane foam, it is a temperature sensitive foam that softens when warmed up. When you lie on it, the temperature of your body softens the topper where it contacts you, so the topper softens and takes on the form of your body, thus relieving pressure points and providing greater overall support. As well as promoting better sleep, many people with medical conditions such as back pain and arthritis report that memory foam eases their pain. Our top 3 products are all memory foam products.

• It’s All About The Quality of Foam

For me, the quality of the foam is determined principally by the thickness and density.

Most foam mattress toppers range in thickness from 2 to 10 inches. Two inches generally does not provide enough cushioning unless you are very light. Heavier people generally need a thicker topper, but 10 inches is almost a mattress itself. 3-4 inches seems to be the most popular thickness.

Most decent mattress toppers fall in the range of 2.5 – 5 pounds per cubic foot. 5 pounds per cubic foot is considered higher quality, but is also more expensive. Some people swear that the most comfort comes from at least a 4 pound density. Interestingly, our top three products are all in the 2.5 – 3 pounds per cubic foot range.

• Customer Feedback

If customers voluntarily provide great feedback about a product you can be sure that the marketing brochures are telling the truth. Our top three products continually get rave reviews from satisfied customers.

Our Top Three Memory Foam Mattress Toppers

1. Iso Cool Memory Foam Mattress Pad

• The Iso Cool Memory Foam Mattress Pad is made of 3-Inch thick memory foam.
• The cover is made of hypo-allergenic 300 thread count 100% cotton.
• It is filled with eleven ounces of polyester fiber.
• The memory foam uses Outlast Adaptive Comfort technology that helps regulate your body temperature. It can release and absorb body heat as needed to help you have a comfortable sleep.
• The 100% Visco-elastic memory foam has a density of 2.5 pounds.
• It comes in twin, full, queen, king, and California King.
• Click here to read our detailed review.

2. Sleep Innovations Dual Layer 4-inch Topper

• Sleep Innovations Dual Layer 4-inch topper has a two inch layer of soft microfiber and a two inch layer of hypo-allergenic memory foam. You can choose whichever side of the mattress topper is more comfortable for you. It has an anti-microbial finish that deflects both mold and mildew.
• The mattress has a three pound density for superior durability.
• The shell is made of 300 thread count 100% cotton with a bed skirt attached.
• The material is made with the ability to regulate your body temperature with open-cell technology that allows air to circulate freely.
• The topper is in twin, full, queen, and king sizes.
• Click here to read our detailed review.

.3. Sleep Better 3-Inch Visco Elastic Memory Foam Mattress Topper

• Sleep Better Visco Elastic Memory Foam Mattress Topper has an innovative design created to reduce restless sleep.
• Visco Memory Foam Topper is created with open-cell technology that allows air to flow through it to keep the body cool.
• The density rating of the mattress topper is 2.5 pounds per cubic foot.
• The topper comes in twin XL, queen, king, and California king.
• Click here to read our detailed review.

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Foam mattress toppers are growing in popularity, but there are so many of them to choose from.They can help you get a better night’s sleep and wake up with fewer aches and pains the next morning without having to buy a new mattress. However, you don’t want just any old mattress topper – so what should you look for to get the best value for money? Now we at Beautiful Bedding Sets don’t sell bedding products ourselves – we research the products and pass the information on to you, the consumer. Similarly we are not paid for our reviews, as some blog sites are, so we are able to assist our reader by providing unbiased recommendations based on what we learn. But before we reveal our top three picks, let’s look at some vital questions to ask before making your choice.

Sleep Innovations Dual Layer 4-inch TopperVital Factors To Look For When Shopping For A Foam Mattress Topper
Is Your Mattress Still Up To It?
A foam mattress topper is a supplement to your existing mattress. Just like vitamin supplements cannot overcome a poor diet, a memory foam mattress topper cannot overcome a poor mattress. If your mattress has really softened and lost it’s shape you will need to buy a new mattress. However, it you mattress is still retains it’s structure and/or is too firm, a foam mattress topper is ideal. The idea is to have the topper resting on a fairly firm surface that still allows it to breathe.
Remember To Buy Memory Foam
The best foam mattress toppers use memory foam – a type of polyurethane with added chemicals to increase its weight and density. Also known as “visco-elastic” polyerethane foam, it is a temperature sensitive foam that softens when warmed up. When you lie on it, the temperature of your body softens the topper where it contacts you, so the topper softens and takes on the form of your body, thus relieving pressure points and providing greater overall support. As well as promoting better sleep, many people with medical conditions such as back pain and arthritis report that memory foam eases their pain. Our top 3 products are all memory foam products.
It’s All About The Quality of Foam
For me, the quality of the foam is determined principally by the thickness and density.
Most foam mattress toppers range in thickness from 2 to 10 inches. Two inches generally does not provide enough cushioning unless you are very light. Heavier people generally need a thicker topper, but 10 inches is almost a mattress itself. 3-4 inches seems to be the most popular thickness.
Most decent mattress toppers fall in the range of 2.5 – 5 pounds per cubic foot. 5 pounds per cubic foot is considered higher quality, but is also more expensive. Some people swear that the most comfort comes from at least a 4 pound density. Interestingly, our top three products are all in the 2.5 – 3 pounds per cubic foot range.
Customer Feedback
If customers voluntarily provide great feedback about a product you can be sure that the marketing brochures are telling the truth. Our top three products continually get rave reviews from satisfied customers.
Our Top Three Memory Foam Mattress Toppers
1. Iso Cool Memory Foam Mattress Pad
The Iso Cool Memory Foam Mattress Pad is made of 3-Inch thick memory foam.
The cover is made of hypo-allergenic 300 thread count 100% cotton.
It is filled with eleven ounces of polyester fiber.
The memory foam uses Outlast Adaptive Comfort technology that helps regulate your body temperature. It can release and absorb body heat as needed to help you have a comfortable sleep.
The 100% Visco-elastic memory foam has a density of 2.5 pounds.
It comes in twin, full, queen, king, and California King.
Click here to read our detailed review.
2. Sleep Innovations Dual Layer 4-inch Topper
Sleep Innovations Dual Layer 4-inch topper has a two inch layer of soft microfiber and a two inch layer of hypo-allergenic memory foam. You can choose whichever side of the mattress topper is more comfortable for you. It has an anti-microbial finish that deflects both mold and mildew.
The mattress has a three pound density for superior durability.
The shell is made of 300 thread count 100% cotton with a bed skirt attached.
The material is made with the ability to regulate your body temperature with open-cell technology that allows air to circulate freely.
The topper is in twin, full, queen, and king sizes.
Click here to read our detailed review.
.3. Sleep Better 3-Inch Visco Elastic Memory Foam Mattress Topper
Sleep Better Visco Elastic Memory Foam Mattress Topper has an innovative design created to reduce restless sleep.
Visco Memory Foam Topper is created with open-cell technology that allows air to flow through it to keep the body cool.
The density rating of the mattress topper is 2.5 pounds per cubic foot.
The topper comes in twin XL, queen, king, and California king.
Click here to read our detailed review.
All of these memory foam mattress toppers are great picks.
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Cleaning Your Topper

Sleep Better 3-inch Visco Elastic Memory Foam Mattress Topper

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Vacuum cleaner
• Clean cloths
• Tub with spray hose attachment or
• Tarp with garden hose
• Spray bottle
• Mild detergent
• Vinegar
• Hair dryer

1. Before attempting to clean your mattress topper by hand, read the care instructions if at all possible.  Sometimes, memory foam can be dry cleaned.

2. Vacuum your mattress topper thoroughly on both sides to remove all dust and crumbs.  Use the small drapery or brush attachment that comes with your vacuum.

3. Place mattress topper in bathtub if inside or on clean tarp near garden hose if outside.  Make sure area is clean and clear of any debris.

4. In spray bottle mix one part mild detergent with two parts water.  Spray on both sides of mattress topper and let stand for a half-hour.

5. Using the garden hose or the shower attachment, rinse the topper thoroughly.  Gently squeeze out excess, but do not twist or wring, as this will damage the memory foam.

6. Empty the spray bottle and refill it with a mixture of one part vinegar and two parts water.  Spray mattress topper once again with this solution and let stand for a half-hour.  Rinse thoroughly and squeeze out excess, being careful not to twist or wring.

7. Let dry thoroughly for at least 2 to 3 days.  If needed, use the hair dryer on a cooler setting to speed up drying process, but be careful not to let the heat get too close to the memory foam, as it could damage it.

8. Return the topper to your bed only after it is completely dry.  Dampness may increase the chances of mold, mildew or bacterial growth on the topper.

Removing Stains and Odors

The above method should do the trick most of the time, but occasionally tough stains or odors will linger.  Here are some tips for handling these situations:

• Before pre-treating stains, spot cleaning or doing any cleaning at all on your mattress topper it’s a good idea to read the care instructions that came with your topper.  You’ll know better what can and cannot be used.
• For tough stains, try spot cleaning by sprinkling dry Borax (available at most grocery stores) on stain, then blotting it with a damp cloth.  You can use a circular motion to help lift the stain, but be gentle about it because you might damage the foam.
• For blood and other organic stains, you might try using a sponge or cloth dampened with hydrogen peroxide, a solution found in grocery stores and pharmacies.  Again, use a gentle circular motion to avoid damaging the memory foam.  A word of caution: the peroxide may discolor the foam.
• For lingering pet odors, try an enzyme-based pet stain remover found in a pet supply store.  Spray on, leave for 15 minutes and remove with a damp cloth. Vacuum when dry.
• For other lingering odors such as smoke, try using a commercial deodorizer like Febreeze or sprinkle with baking soda and let sit overnight, and then remove next day with a vacuum cleaner.

An Ounce of Prevention

Given the somewhat tedious and cumbersome task of cleaning a memory foam mattress topper, it is probably best to follow this old adage:  an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.  In other words, it might be a good idea to invest in an appropriate cover to protect your mattress topper and avoid stains, spills and odors in the first place.  After all, isn’t it much easier to throw a cloth cover in the washing machine than spend a day or two cleaning memory foam?  Enough said.

Click here to see our pick of the three best memory foam mattress toppers.

• buying bedding can sometimes be like the Spanish Inquisition
• it’s hard to know if you want 0.5 of a tog
• you need to be careful that someone isn’t trying to sell you a duvet full of prickly quill bits
• it’s hard to tell of a duck is more comfortable than an neighboring goose

Enjoy!

Click here to view the embedded video.

What is Memory Foam?

Sleep Innovations Dual Layer 4-inch Topper

Technically speaking, memory foam is a type of polyurethane with added chemicals to increase its weight and density. It is sometimes called “visco-elastic” polyurethane foam, or low-resilience polyurethane foam. Because of the added chemicals, it has a vastly differently molecular structure than ordinary foam.

Who invented Memory Foam?

Memory foam was developed by NASA in the 1960s to provide a cushion for astronauts as they experience G-forces during entry and re-entry into the Earth’s atmosphere. It was released to the consumer market in the 1980s, but didn’t reach the mainstream until the 1990s at which point it was further developed and a lot cheaper.

Can Memory Foam help my back pain or arthritis?

Memory foam is not an official medical cure for ailments such as back pain and arthritis. However, people who suffer from these and other painful conditions report memory foam eases their pain because of its cushioning effect and ability to conform to the contours of the body.

Are all Memory Foam Mattress Toppers the same?

No, memory foam is typically rated according to its density. Foam density of 5 pounds per cubic foot or greater is considered to be of higher quality and thus is more expensive. Most mattress toppers fall in the range of 3 to 4.5 pounds per cubic foot.

What does the firmness rating mean?

Memory foam mattress toppers usually carry something called an IFD, or indentation force deflection, rating. Theoretically, it is supposed to give a sense of the memory foam topper’s firmness, but it is not really that accurate of a measure. Industry experts say it is probably best to feel the mattress yourself to get the best sense of comfort level.

How thick should my Memory Foam Mattress Topper be?

Memory foam mattress toppers range in thickness from 2″ to 10″ and comfort level is very subjective. Generally, a 2″ topper does not provide enough cushioning for most, while 10″ has a very luxurious feel. The 3″ thickness seems to be the most popular. Your weight can also make a difference as far as the comfort level, with heavier people needing a little thicker topper.

Can I just buy a Memory Foam Mattress Topper, or do I need a whole new mattress?

The mattress topper is designed to rest on top of a fairly stiff surface, so if your mattress is fairly new and still has a lot of structure to it, you probably do not need anything other than the topper. However, if your mattress has really softened and lost its shape, you probably need to buy a new mattress as well. The idea is to have the topper resting on a fairly firm surface that still allows it to breathe.

What size should I look for?

It’s important to remember that memory foam mattress toppers generally run a few inches smaller than the actual size of your mattress. This is to allow for expansion and a better fit. A queen size, for example, might run 2″ to 3″ shorter all the way around.

Do I need a mattress pad or some other protector over my Memory Foam Mattress Topper?

Although it’s not absolutely necessary, it’s probably a good idea to use some sort of padding over your memory foam mattress topper to preserve it and keep it safe from spills and stains.

Is Memory Foam environmentally safe?

Since it is made from chemicals, one cannot say that memory foam is environmentally safe. Moreover, when memory foam is new it gives off a distinct chemical odor that usually subsides once you let the mattress topper air out for several days. Some companies claim to make so-called “green” memory foam that has less of an impact on the environment.

What Are Some Good Toppers To Look At?

We have reviewed what we think are three of the best toppers available. To read our reviews of these products, click on the links below:

1. Sleep Innovations Dual Layer 4-inch Topper

2. Sleep Better 3-Inch Visco Elastic Memory Foam Mattress Topper

3. Iso Cool Memory Foam Mattress Pad with Outlast Cover

1. What Materials Should You Look For In A Down Comforter?

Look for a down comforter that has a cover made of 100% cotton with a high thread count. Thread count is a measure of the fineness of a fabric and measure the number of threads contained in one square inch.  Down comforters with a higher thread count are softer and, because the threads are more densely packed, reduce the possibility of the comforter “leaking” feathers. Choose a down comforter that has 300 thread count cotton or higher for superior quality.

The best down comforter that use high quality goose down feathers.  However, make sure you look for a down comforter that is hypo-allergenic meaning, that the down feathers were properly treated to reduce the risk of allergic reactions. Some manufacturers also treat the down to prevent mold grown. Down feathers are one of the best thermal insulators known to man, giving them the ability to keep in body heat while simultaneously releasing moisture from the body so you don’t feel like you are sleeping in a sauna.

If you suffer from several allergies, it may be better to look for synthetic down fill. This is a man-made fill that is not as warm or as light as real down, but it is non-allergenic.

2. What Does Fill Power Mean And What Fill Power Should You Look For?

Fill power refers to the amount of space that the down feathers take up. The more space the feathers take up, the fluffier the mattress. Comforters with a higher fill power are considered to be of higher quality than ones with a lower fill power. A fill power of 550 or higher is considered to be a good quality comforter, while 750+ is considered excellent quality.

3. What Are The Best Construction Methods To Look For In A Down Comforter?

The method of construction is critical in a down comforter. Look for a construction that allows the down to stay in evenly spread throughout the comforter. You don’t want the down to clump up in certain areas or at the edges, leaving cold spots so you wake up freezing in the middle of the night.

The two most effective construction construction methods are baffle box and box stitch construction. Box stitch construction sews the top and bottom covers together in a checkered pattern to form “boxes”, each of which contains a cluster of down. Baffle Box construction uses strips of fabric that are sewn between the top and bottom sides of the cover to form a chequered pattern of “boxes” over the entire comforter.  In both cases, the sewn in “boxes”  keep the clusters of down from shifting so there won’t be any “cold spots” in your down comforter.  Some manufacturers also put a special seal on all seams.

4. How Warm Do You Need To Be?

Down comforters come in different weights, generally light, medium and extra/heavy weight. The heavier the weight, the more feathers there are, and the warmer the comforter will be. Companies make their products with more or less fill so that it can be used in different climates and at different times of the year. Use the table below as a guide to choosing a comforter that fits your climate.

5. What Size Down Comforter Should You Purchase?

Make sure that you take the size of the down comforter into account. Manufacturers sell comforters for many different size beds. You want to make sure that you purchase a comforter that matches the same size as your bed – so measure your bed. If in doubt, look for a comforter a size bigger than expected.

6. What Price Should I Pay?

Most manufacturers have found a way to offer you quality down comforters for between $ 100.00 and $ 300.00 dollars.

The most expensive, top quality down comforters are made of pure, white, hypoallergenic goose down. Currently, these cost around $320+.

If you need to be a little more economical, look for a comforter with a lower grade of down, less down, or a “blended” fill of down, feathers and feather fibre.  You can find good quality examples of blended fill comforters for as low as $75.

7. What Are The Best Value Options To Look For?

There are a lot of down comforters out there, but which ones are the best value for money?  Here are the three top down comforters that are excellent quality, available at an affordable price and receive outstanding customer feedback:

1. Blue Ridge Home Fashions Grand Appalachian Down Comforter – with an outer shell made of 300 thread count 100% cotton, a 550 fill power, and a baffle box construction. Click here for our review of this product.
2. Royal Hotel’s Siberian Goose Down Comforter – with a 1200 thread count 100% Egyptian cotton and 100% hypo-allergenic Siberian Goose Down with an over 750 fill power. Click here for our review of this product.
3. Pinzon Pyrenees White Goose Down Comforter – with an outer shell of 400 thread count leak-proof cotton, down feathers with a 600 fill power, and a 14-inch baffle box construction for strength. Click here for our review of this product.

These tips will help you find the perfect down comforter at an affordable price.

Greenland Home Antique Rose Quilt Set

What to Expect

The Antique Rose quilt set comes in three different sizes which are twin, full or queen, and king. The set includes the quilt and a single pillow sham for the twin set and a quilt and two pillow shams for the full or queen and king set.

The shams included in the twin and full or queen set are standard shams and the king size set comes with king size pillow shams. The set is made of 100 % easy to care for cotton. To accommodate thicker mattresses, the quilt is over-sized, pre-washed, and preshrunk.

Dimension Guide

What Does it Cost?

At the time this article was written, you could get the twin size set for only  around $40. It was twice as much for the full/queen size set and around $120 for the kings size set.

Use and Care Guide

The Antique Rose Quilt Set is machine washable. It should be dried on a line or lying flat instead of in the dryer. This will prevent excessive wrinkling and wear and tear to the quilt. It will also extend the life of the bedding set.

What Are Others Saying?

It is always an easier purchase when you get to hear from the people that actually own the products instead of just the manufacturer that sells them. To date, four out of five purchasers have rated the Greenland Home Fashions Antique Rose Quilt Set a 5 out of 5 – which speaks volumes for the quality and value of the product. Customer comments about the set include:

• The quilt is made of quality material. It is quite stunning. I purchased the curtains a year back and just noticed that they had the bed spread and throw as well. I was very excited when I saw them.
• The colors are very soothing. They are not vibrant and definitely embrace the antique classic look that I was going for.
• I usually purchase a king size set because I have a very deep mattress. I decided to purchase the queen size set because it is over-sized. It fits perfectly. I am very happy with my purchase.

Additional Products

Greenland Home Fashions has designed additional items that you can purchase that have the same beautiful design to bring the whole room together. You can get a five piece window treatment set that includes the valances. There also is a matching throw that you can use for a decoration or curl up with in your favorite chair.

Alternatives

Are you looking for a floral bedding set, but are not sure about this particular set? Greenland Home Fashions are one of our favorite brands and has many beautiful floral designs that customers rave about. To see more of their range, click here.

n’s question was what should you look for in a down comforter and which are the best on the market? Let’s see if we can provide a good answer to this double-banger question!

Why are Down Comforters So Good?

Down comforters are the best quality comforters simply because they are filled with down feathers. Down is the soft, fluffy undercoating of water birds such as geese and ducks. Goose down is preferred by most manufacturers because it is larger, yet lighter than duck down. It also has the advantage of not having a hard shaft like other feathers, meaning there’s no likelihood of feather pricks through the cover at night. Other advantages of down include:

• Extremely light weight
• Extremely warm, due to being one of the best thermal insulators known to man
• Very breathable – down feathers draw moisture away from the body.

Alternative fill comforters cannot match down for warmth, breath-ability or lightness. They also come in a variety of weights and fills to allowing you to choose a comforter that will provide just the right level of warmth for your needs.

The one drawback of down is it can cause an allergic reaction in some people. If you are someone who suffers from allergies, you may prefer a comforter using a synthetic down filler which is completely allergen free.

What To Look For?

Here are my 6 top criteria for choosing a good down comforter:

1. Size of your bed

Start by measuring your bed so you know how large your comforter needs to be!

2. Look for fill power

Fill power is a commonly used measure of down quality. Put simply, it’s the amount of space one ounce of down takes up, usually measured in cubic inches. A comforter with a high fill power uses larger and stronger clusters of down than an equally warm one made with lower quality down. Larger clusters breathe better, are more durable and provide superior insulation to smaller, fragile clusters. As a guide a fill power of:

• 400-450 is medium quality
• 500-550 is good quality
• 550-750 is very good quality
• 750+ is excellent quality

3. Budget and quality

The most expensive, top quality down comforters are made of pure, white, hypoallergenic goose down. If you need to be a little more economical, look for a comforter with a lower grade of down, less down, or a combination of feathers and down.

4. Outer fabric count

The last thing you want is down feathers leaking out of your comforter and making a mess throughout your bedroom. It is essential to buy a down comforter with a high thread count. Covers with a high thread counts are not only tightly woven, making them leak-proof, but produce a finer, softer fabric. Good manufacturers take special care to seal the edges of the comforter cover as well. As a guide, look for a minimum of 300 thread count

5. Construction method

Simple quilts are made by sewing a filler between two layers of fabric. A down comforter made in such a way will leave you freezing because all the down feathers will migrate to the edges of the comforter during the night! To combat this, look for baffle box or box stitch construction. Box stitch construction means the top and bottom covers are sewn together in a checkered pattern to form “boxes”, each of which contains a cluster of down. With Baffle box construction, strips of fabric are sewn between the layers of fabric in a chequered pattern of “boxes” over the entire comforter. In both cases, the sewn in “boxes” keep the clusters of down from shifting so there won’t be any “cold spots” in your down comforter.

6. Customer Feedback

Forget the advertising hype from the manufacturer! For me, the best indicator of a good quality down comforter is the feedback from satisfied customers. Many sites will also provide a “star” ranking from 1 to 5 stars based on the feedback. If you are buying a down comforter online, look for one with a lot of feedback that has a ranking of at least 4 stars out of 5.

What are the Best Down Comforters Available?

The stage is set! Now you know what to look for in a comforter, allow me to make things easier for you with my recommendations! In my opinion, the following three down comforters represent the best quality and value down comforters on the market today. A full review of each product is also available on this site – click on “click here” in the appropriate column to see the review.

Criteria	Blue Ridge Home Fashions Grand Appalachian Down Comforter	Royal Hotel’s Siberian Goose Down Comforter	Pinzon Pyrenees White Goose Down Comforter
Sizes Available	Full/Queen, Twin	Queen, King, California King	Twin, Queen, King
Fill Power	550 cubic inches	750 cubic inches	600 cubic inches
Budget	$160	$145 – $170	$110 – $180
Outer Fabric Count	300 thread count	1200 thread count	400 thread count
Construction Method	Baffle Box	Box Stitch	Baffle Box
Customer Feedback	4.4 stars	4.9 stars	4.5 stars
Our review	Click here	Click here	Click here

Where Can You Get Down Comforters?

When buying online, you have to go to a site you can trust. In my opinion Amazon.com is the best place to look for the following reasons:

1. Excellent prices.
2. They are the world’s top online retailers with a huge range of products.
3. They currently offer free 2-day shipping!

Click here to view down comforters available at Amazon!

What Comes in the Set

The Greenland Home Fashions Bliss set comes with everything you will need to dress your bed.

• Quilted Comforter: Reversible quilt designed with floral patterns and patchwork
• Pillow Shams: Matching pillow shams in the same floral patterns and patchwork
• Decorative Pillows: Square pillows with matching floral patterns and patchwork
• Tailored Bed Skirt: Matching ruffled bed skirt with a 14 inch drop
• Sheet Set: Three or four piece sheet set depending on size
  • Twin Set: Flat Sheet with matching hem, pillow case with matching hem, and fitted sheet
  • Full/Queen & King: Flat Sheet with matching hem, 2 pillow cases with matching hem, and a fitted sheet

Dimension Guide

Decorative Pillow: 16” by 16”

Twin Size Set comes with one decorative and Full/Queen Size Set and King Set comes with two decorative pillows.

What does it Cost?

The cost of the set is determined by the size of the set that you want to purchase. You can purchase the twin size set from several different retailers including Amazon.com and CSN Stores (www.Beddingsets.com) for around sixty dollars. If you need a full or queen size set, you can expect to pay around ninety dollars for the set from the same retailers. The king size set is only fifteen dollars more than the queen size set. These prices were correct at the time this article was written and may have changed.

Use and Care Guide

The quilt, shams, and sheet sets are all made of 100% cotton. The quilt comforter set is machine washable.

What Customers Are Saying

It is easier to make a decision about an item that you want to purchase when you hear from consumers who have already purchased the item. Here are some of the comments from current set owners.

• The set is comfortable, durable, and attractive. It has quality stitching that looks like it will last a long time.
• The best uses for the set are in cooler climates for everyday use. You would however also be able to use the set in warmer climates because the fabric is not too heavy. A lot of others have purchased this set for their guest bedroom.
• The fabric is soft and not scratchy. It has beautiful colors and brings light to the room. 

Additional Items Available

Greenland Home Fashions also created a matching five piece window treatment set that matches the quilted comforter. There is also a throw available and sold separately. This will help you tie the whole room together.

Alternatives

Are you looking for a floral bedding set, but are not sure about this particular set? Greenland Home Fashions are one of our favorite brands and has many beautiful floral designs that customers rave about. To see more of their range, click here.