Guide To Sheets - The Ultimate Guide To Bedding
Learn more in the guide to sheets and ultimate guide to bedding in the infographic below:
In 2021, people spent more than $87 billion on new bedding worldwide Bedding Preferences
By The Numbers
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Bedding Preferences
- 2 in 3 Americans still use a flat sheet
- Who’s ditching the flat sheet?
- Gen Z: 38%
- Millennials: 32%
- Gen X: 31%
- Boomer: 33%
- On average, Americans use 3 pillows each
- 0: 2.6%
- 1:7%
- 2: 31%
- 4: 27%
- 5: 7%
- 6: 7%
- 7:2%
- 8:3%
- Most choose a comforter or blanket
- Comforter: 58%
- Blanket: 55%
- Quilt: 11%
- Bedspread: 11%
- Duvet: 11%
- Who’s ditching the flat sheet?
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Changing Sheets
- 32% of Americans wash their sheets once a week — but many wait far longer
- 73% of single women are changing their sheets on a weekly basis
- 51% of single men wash their sheets every 10 weeks or less
- 56% of couples only change their sheets once every two weeks
- Just 14% manage the recommended weekly cleaning
- In the UK, 45% of single men admit not washing their sheets for 3-4 months at a time
- 12% only change sheets when they remember, which could be even longer
- 65% of Americans say they don’t have time to change their sheets regularly — 47% simply forget to do so
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Are you washing your sheets often enough?
- Experts recommend
- Pillowcases: Weekly
- Sheets: Weekly
- Duvet cover: Every 2 to 4 weeks
- Blankets: Every 2 to 3 months
- Pillows: Every 4 to 6 months
- 53% of Americans don’t believe expert recommendations on changing bedding
- 24% didn’t know they should be washed so regularly
- 19% believe showering before bed keeps sheets clean
- In the UK, nearly 1 in 4 people don’t change their sheets because they don’t have a set of clean bedding to put on.
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People who change their sheets more often, get better sleep
- How satisfied are you with your quality of sleep?
- Very satisfied: 12.8 days between washes
- Somewhat satisfied: 16.1 days between washes
- Somewhat unsatisfied: 16.7 days between washes
- Very unsatisfied: 19.9 days between washes
- How satisfied are you with your quality of sleep?
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- Experts recommend
68% of Americans struggle to fall asleep at least once a week — Is it time to change your sheets?
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You may need new sheets if
- You see yellowing, tearing, or holes
- The seams are splitting or fraying
- You aren't sleeping as well as you used to
- If you notice an odor, even after a wash or you wake up with itchy skin, a stuffy nose, or other allergy symptoms, wash your sheets in hot water.
Choosing Your New Sheets
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Material Matters
- Linen
- Breathable fabric that softens with each wash
- Prone to wrinkling, shrinkage, tearing, and snags
- More expensive than cotton of the same quality
- Sustainable Plant-Based Fibers: Bamboo, Modal (Beech), Tencel (Eucalyptus)
- Cooling, breathable fabrics
- Difficult care requirements, easily damaged
- Much more expensive than cotton
- Polyester
- Most affordable and durable option for bedding
- Non-breathable fabric traps heat and moisture
- Prone to staining and pilling over time
- Silk
- Comfortable for all-season use
- Extremely expensive and hard to find
- Difficult care requirements, easily damaged
- Cotton
- Maximizes comfort for all seasons
- Moisture-wicking and breathable
- Cool in summer, warm in winter
- Hypoallergenic natural fiber
- Softens with each wash
- Easy to care for, highly durable, and affordable\
- Maximizes comfort for all seasons
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Cotton Quality
- Staple Length: Length of the fibers used to weave the fabric — Longer staples create softer, more durable sheets
- Extra-long staple
- Look for certified Egyptian cotton, Pima, and Supima
- Long staple
- Sourced from India, Egypt, and the USA
- Short staple
- Usually labeled “100% cotton”
- Weave: Different weaves can change the softness and durability of your sheets
- Percale
- Lightweight and wrinkle resistant
- Grows softer with each wash
- Good for hot sleepers and summer weather
- Sateen
- Subtle lush, silky feel similar to satin
- Elegant drape
- Good for all-season comfort
- Twill
- Thicker weave, often used for flannel
- Wrinkle-resistant, but prone to shrinkage
- Typically a more affordable option
- Thread Count: The number of threads in one square inch of material (both horizontal and vertical)
- Higher thread counts offer smoother, more durable sheets
- Percale
- Extra-long staple
- Staple Length: Length of the fibers used to weave the fabric — Longer staples create softer, more durable sheets
- Linen
- No longer the deciding factor in sheet quality — Stick to anything above 250 to ensure durability
- Ply: The number of fibers used to create one thread
- Single-Ply: One fiber per thread
- Tight weave, softer and higher durability
- Single-ply is often better than two-ply
- Two-Ply: Two fibers twisted together
- Loose weave, rougher feel, and lower durability
- May be used to increase thread count without increasing quality
- Sheet Size: Mattress size is just the first step, consider how thick your mattress is and if you have a mattress topper
- Standard: Fitted sheet covers 7-14 inches
- Deep: Fitted sheet covers 11-17 inches
- Consider Color
- Single-Ply: One fiber per thread
- Are you worried about cleanliness?
- Classic white provides a crisp, clean feeling — and is easily bleached
- Dark colors evoke night and rest — help hide discoloration and stains
- Are you a night owl or a morning person?
- Bright colors stimulate the brain, promoting morning wakefulness
- Neutrals are soothing to the eyes, promoting restful sleep
- Looking for more color?
- Green earth tones create a tranquil, natural feeling environment
- Blues are considered the most soothing nighttime colors
- Try mixing it up
- Buy two sheet sets in the same color families and mix them for a monochromatic look
- Use a brightly colored top sheet with neutral bedding for a subtle pop of color
Choose comfort and quality with luxurious cotton from Pizuna Linens
Sources: 2022 Pizuna Linens Survey of 4,100 US adults and 2,250 UK adults
https://amerisleep.com/blog/best-and-worst-colors-for-sleep/
https://www.thesleepjudge.com/types-of-bed-sheets/
https://casper.com/blog/types-of-bed-sheets/
https://sleepopolis.com/blog/bed-sheets-ultimate-guide/
https://www.sleepjunkie.com/america-undercover/
https://www.consumerreports.org/sleep/why-americans-cant-sleep/
https://www.parachutehome.com/blog/how-often-to-replace-sheets