Pricey Sheets: Do You Get What You Pay For?
Bogus thread counts and high prices just do not make a better sheet.
I recently read a report at ConsumerReports.org on these very issues and here is what I learned:
Related Topics: WebMD Video: What's Your Sleep Personality?, Back to School; Back to Sleep
I recently read a report at ConsumerReports.org on these very issues and here is what I learned:
- The right way to add up the "thread count" is to add up all of the horizontal and vertical threads in a square inch of fabric.
- It is hard to get more than about 450 threads in any square inch.
- Many companies count "plies"--very thin yarns that make up a single thread and jack up the price
- If you are just going by thread count then I would not bother above 450
- Most sheets that they tested needed ironing to look best
- Unusual fibers for sheets: satin, silk, Sateen may require more care
- Buttons on a pillow case can leave an imprint on your face (this would be a great episode of Seinfield or Office)
- Seams in the sheets can also drive a person crazy.
- There are no federal standards required when processing the raw materials in sheets so you never know how much formaldehyde or chlorine you may be sleeping on!!
- Consumer Reports tested 20 different sheets and found that those priced at $35 fared about as well as those at $385, so be careful what you pay for, because you might not get it.
Related Topics: WebMD Video: What's Your Sleep Personality?, Back to School; Back to Sleep
6 Comments:
As a Registered Nurse working in a variety of hospital settings, I noticed a trend: sheets made from knitted, T-shirt-like fabric. Not only were they more comfortable for the patients, but they were also convenient because they required no ironing or special care. I purchased a set of knitted sheets for use at home and was so satisfied that now I won't use any other kind.
I find that the more polyester in the shets with the cotton, the less wrinkled they look after washing but also the less soft hey are for sleeping on. Since I do not care if my sheets are wrinkled (they will be after a night's sleep anyway), I go for more cotton in the blend.
And I too like the t-shirt-like fabric. It is usually called jersey or jersey-knit. I discovered it while in hospital. It is great for spring and fall. But in summer I find myself less sweaty on smooth woven cotton, and in winter I love the feeling of flannelette.
My best sleep has come with resin-free all-cotton sheets purchased from a company that specializes in "old-fashioned" products. True, they're wrinkled if you don't iron them (which I don't), but who cares. They are the softest, most comfortable sheets I've ever owned. They're a little pricey, but worth it.
I love my jersey knit sheets. I would like to buy another set, but have been unable to find them. Any ideas? They are soft and warm but not as warm as flannel.
I bought my first set of jersey knit sheets by accident, a 'one time only' on QVC. I really like them; my husband loves them. We will buy them again. We've always used flannel in the winter but I think they are a bit heavy for my husband, the jersey is better.
The best place to purchase Jersey Knit Sheets is at Land's End Home Fall catalog. Their 800 phone # is: 1-800-345-3696. Another great place to purchase great bedding for people who have asthma and allergies is, The National Allergy
Supply, Inc. They are the largest allergy, asthma and sinus products supplier. Their phone # is: 1-800-522-1448.
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