Let’s Talk About Bed Sheets

Posted on January 7, 2024December 27, 2024 by Kathryn Michael

Bed sheets. The bread and butter of the bedding world. Without them, most of us would be left sleeping on a naked mattress, and no one wants that.

Bed sheets serve a number of purposes. They help keep the mattress and bedding clean, provide additional warmth during colder months, and – if made with the correct fabric – help wick away moisture for temperature regulation.

If I’m being honest, a top sheet’s never really been my thing. Encouraged by the idea that using one stops you from needing to wash your comforter and blankets as often, I’ve tried to conform countless times. But every morning I would find them in a scrunched up, defeated ball at my feet.

If you’ve ever been in my position, the type of sheets you’re using may be to blame. It’s important to know what options are out there when it comes to bed sheets, especially if you have allergies or a tendency to sleep hot. This blog covers three main categories you’ll encounter when in the market, as well as any potential benefits/drawbacks.

Fabrics

Cotton – Probably the most commonly used fabric in sheet production, cotton is a classic choice for bed sheets. One of the downsides to this fabric is that it does not contain moisture-wicking properties. As a result, many manufacturers make a cotton/poly fabric blend. The polyester, a synthetic fabric, contains the moisture-wicking properties that are absent from cotton.

Flannel – Popular for the same reasons as the shirts, flannel bedsheets are soft, durable, and warm. A great option for colder months, this fabric may prove too toasty during the summer season.

Bamboo – Bamboo’s popularity in the bedding industry continues to grow due to its product sustainability, comfort, and moisture-wicking properties. The bamboo is broken down into a pulp, dried, and woven into fibers called “rayon”. Bamboo sheets are considered hypoallergenic, making them a good choice for people with allergies and/or sensitivities. We love our line of Bamboo bedding!

Silk – Silk is a good material for bed sheets because it is light, soft, and moisture-wicking. People enjoy silk’s luxurious, smooth feel. It tends to be a bit on the pricier side, so be aware when shopping. But it can prove a worthwhile investment.

Microfiber – Microfiber is created using synthetic poly. It’s not a natural fiber, but it does possess moisture-wicking abilities. It’s usually a less-expensive choice, and is often blended with other fibers – such as cotton – to add moisture-wicking properties, breathability, and/or to lower costs. If you are on a tight budget, consider a cotton/microfiber blend.

Weaves

Percale Weave – Also called the plain weave, you’re probably familiar with this simple “over-under” pattern. One strand of yarn is woven over a parallel strand, immediately woven under the next, over again, and the pattern continues. This creates a durable fabric that should last quite some time.

Sateen Weave – Also referred to as a satin weave, the sateen weave is a little more complicated than the percale. The yarn is woven together with one strand extended over four parallel strands, then under one strand, then over four strands. The pattern gives the sheets a softer feel

What’s the Deal with Thread Count?

Odds are, you know that thread count plays a significant role in the comfort, quality, and price tag of sheets. Higher thread count (TC) is meant to equal high quality. This is true to an extent, and we’ll get into that. But first, do you know what it means for sheets to have a certain thread count?

Thread Count refers to the actual number of threads present in one square inch of fabric. The higher the thread count, the more threads in that square inch, and vice versa.

Based on this knowledge, it only makes sense that there is a limit to how many threads can fit into such a small area. And that number is approx. 400 TC. So why are there sheets that boast a higher TC? Are they lying?

Technically, no. If a sheet is advertised as 700 TC, most likely the manufacturer split the threads and counted each half as its own individual piece. It’s a misleading practice you need to be aware of when shopping.

However, some customers still prefer sheets with a higher thread count. Choose sheets you feel are comfortable, but be aware of what you’re paying for.

Bed Sheets, Bedding, Blog, Comforters, Mattress Protectors, Mattress Toppers, Mattresses, Pillows

The Sleep Envelope

Posted on January 25, 2017March 20, 2023 by Kathryn Michael

The “sleep envelope” was introduced to us around twenty years ago.

It’s the idea that not one single element of your bed is the key to a good night’s sleep, but rather that every piece works in unison to create the ideal environment to catch some shut eye.

We must admit, we were skeptical at first. At the time, our store almost exclusively sold mattresses. We wanted to believe that the mattress determined your sleep quality over all other products. But once we began to look at the mattress as part of a larger whole, our perceptions changed, and we’ve never looked back.

We started the 45th Street Bedding Company to bring the best of all sleep products to our customers, from sources we trust. We’re of the opinion that you deserve to have all elements of your bed work together to keep you comfortable and supported throughout the night.

So, what’s your number?

Picture your bed at home. How many items are there? I bet it’s more than you think. Start from the floor up, don’t leave anything out.

I counted 11 for my own bed: a metal base, mattress, fitted sheet, comforter, blanket, three pillows, hypoallergenic pillow encasement, a washable wool pillow cover and standard pillow case. I don’t know how you feel about it, but, honestly, I never thought my bed had so many layers! But when I step back and think about why each piece is there, I realize they all serve a purpose.

But isn’t that painfully obvious? Their purpose is comfort!

Well yes, but that’s only part of it. Your bed needs to do more than keep you cozy. It needs to correctly support your body while you sleep and keep you dry throughout the night.

You need comfort AND more

I sleep with my head on one pillow, but I often prefer to sleep on my side in the fetal position, so my other two pillows are good for helping provide extra support and comfort for my body. I like to sleep under just my comforter (not a top sheet fan!), but the extra blanket is there to layer if it gets too chilly at night or my cat steals the covers again. She’s a wily one.

My fitted sheet is made from moisture-wicking fabric, so it helps keep me dry and provides some protection for my mattress. The covers for my pillows, both the hypoallergenic zip cover and washable wool cover, help keep dust mites and moisture out, which keeps me happy and healthy while I sleep!

What’s does a sleep envelope look like?

I wanted to know what the ideal sleep envelope would look like, so I decided to go straight to the source for the best information. Wanda Garfield, co-owner of Bedrooms & More sat down with me and graciously let me interview her about what items she believes make the perfect sleep envelope. Here’s Wanda’s suggestions for the perfect sleep envelope:

$Woodland Park Latex Mattress_Front View_45th Street Bedding$

Mattress

Make sure you get a mattress containing as little poly-foam as your budget allows. Twenty years ago, our company still sold memory foam and air mattresses, both well-known brands. They were the most-returned mattresses we carried. Stay away from foam and air beds. Instead, ook for a mattress that is two-sided and flippable. Your wallet will thank you!

Waterproof cover

This is less for comfort, and more for peace of mind and protecting your investment. A waterproof cover insures that, no matter what kind of moisture comes in contact with your bed, your mattress will be protected.

Organic Cotton Waterproof Mattress Protector_45th St Bedding

Topper

A good mattress topper gives your bed that extra “ooh-aah” factor. Especially if you’re experiencing a mattress that is too firm, a topper can help soften up your sleep experience for less than the cost of a new mattress. Choose a topper that is made from moisture-wicking materials, such as wool.

Sheets

Even if you don’t sleep with a top sheet, you need a fitted sheet, especially if you don’t have anything else between you and the mattress! You never want to sleep directly on your mattress. Because your body sheds skin cells and perspires throughout the night. Perspiration can speed up the breakdown of mattress materials and shorten its lifespan.

Look for sheets made from 100% cotton or bamboo. These will help absorb moisture away from your body.

Comforter

Moisture-wicking fabric is key here. Your comforter is the bulkiest item on your bed, which means it has the potential to generate the most heat. You want to stay comfortable while you sleep, and it’s a fact that you’re going to perspire during the night. Make sure your comforter is designed to wick that moisture away from you and let it evaporate quickly. Washable wool, everyone, washable wool!

Pillow

Here’s something you may not have known: You should buy your pillow at the same time you buy your mattress, and test them out together! Think of your pillow as an extension of the mattress. It needs to support your head and neck, and your pillow needs will change depending on two things: how you sleep, and how firm your mattress is. I had never thought of this before, but it makes so much sense!

Don’t spend money on a pillow that isn’t going to cut it with your mattress. We like this shredded latex pillow. You can customize it to your needs, making it a super versatile choice.

Now you can create your own sleep envelope!

The list Wanda gave me is a little long, and all items won’t be necessary for everyone. Use it as a guide, and make decisions to include or omit items based on your specific needs and preferences. We hope you find this informative and useful to getting a better night’s sleep!

Blog

45th Street Bedding History

Posted on October 25, 2016January 7, 2024 by Kathryn Michael

Est. 2009

45th Street Bedding History. We believe our family business is worth sharing. We are proud of where we’ve been and all that we’ve become. Providing the best value in natural products.

45th Street Bedding is a family-owned and operated business committed to bringing quality products to our retail and wholesale customers. We’ve been in the mattress business since 1972, so we know a thing or two about this industry and how it’s generally run. As the years have progressed, we’ve tailored our inventory to further meet the needs of our customers, incorporating a diverse range of products, including bedding collections. At first, we operated as a vendor of larger mattresses and bedding companies; however, when standards began to slip, we knew it was time for change. So in 2009, we launched 45th Street Bedding.

2008 Recession = an Opportunity

The 2008 recession hit businesses hard. To save money, many of our suppliers cut corners in the production process. This created an ethical dilemma for our own business. It didn’t make sense to us to sell inferior products at the same price point as before. This kind of behavior isn’t fair to customers.

The natural solution to this problem was to start developing our own product line, bypassing the middleman. Alone, we can insure products meet our exact specifications. Materials are of the utmost quality. Prices become more competitive because we were no longer dependent upon suppliers.

We Started with Wool

If you’re at all acquainted with the 45th Street Bedding line, you know we love wool products, and for good reason! Wool is an excellent bedding ingredient: It’s naturally moisture wicking, which means it keeps you cool, comfortable, and dry throughout the night. No sticking your leg out from under the covers in a feeble attempt for temperature control. In fact, we love wool so much that our first products in the 45th Street line were the Minnesota Wool Topper and the Minnesota Wool Comforter.

Trademarking Botanicore™

Happy with our wool bedding endeavors, it became time to tackle mattresses. In 2012 we received our first shipment of all natural botanical latex mattresses from our manufacturing plant in Vietnam. One year later, we officially trademarked our tried and true modified Dunlop Process we use to create these durable, comfortable, environmentally friendly products. We call this process Botanicore™ and we only use natural rubber harvested from rubber trees in this process. No synthetic foam. Not now, not ever. So, how does our production process differ, you ask?

The Dunlop Process

The normal Dunlop Process involves pumping latex into a closed mold. This mold is kept horizontal, and heated to an internal temperature of 173 degrees, solidifying the latex. The finished product is durable. However, using a closed mold means that it is possible for air to become trapped in the latex foam. When this happens, you run the risk of losing uniformity of support and feel in the mattress. Baking the latex horizontally is another problem. The latex tends to settle more heavily at the bottom of the mold. The result is a dense bottom layer, and a softer, lighter top layer. Once again, uniformity of support and feel is disrupted.

Our Modified Dunlop Process

Our modified version of the Dunlop Process is done with an open pour mold. The latex foam is poured into the mold and raked, insuring no air pockets remain. The mold is turned on its side before baking. Keeping the mold vertical insures a much more uniform consistency throughout the entire mattress, which means you’ll sleep more comfortably!

Innovation Continues

As the years pass, 45th Street Bedding History carries on, and we continue evolving our line of products to meet the needs of our customers. Most recently, we added the Australian Wool Topper and the Full Mattress Encasement, for total mattress protection.

In fact, new products are being tested as we speak! We’d like to tell you more, but you’ll just have to stay tuned for further updates. We can’t give away too much!

Bedding

Why Choose Wool Bedding

Posted on October 9, 2016January 7, 2024 by Kathryn Michael

Why Wool?

At 45th Street Bedding, we love wool. Our motto is “Wool is Wonderful” (we actually don’t have a motto, but this would make a pretty good one, don’t you think?). There are a lot of bedding materials on the market. I mean, A LOT. And some of them are great. Bamboo, cotton, latex. We like and use all of these. But the bottom line is: Wool is the best when it comes to keeping you cool and comfortable. No competition. Not convinced? Keep reading; we’ll explore the reasons why you should choose wool throughout the length of this article. We’ll also talk about our Washable Wool Bedding. Because what’s better than cozy wool? Cozy wool you can wash!

Wool Bedding v. Down Bedding

Chances are you’ve heard how luxurious and comfortable down bedding is. This is true to a point. While down – the layer of fine feathers that grows under the tougher exterior feathers of a bird – is a good product, it’s really not cut out for sleep. Wool performs much better when it comes to bedding.

The Downside of Down

The down feathers of birds exist to keep them warm and to keep moisture from penetrating to their skin. This is great for the bird, but bad for people trying to get a good night’s sleep. Why? Because when we sleep, we naturally perspire. If that moisture can’t be wicked away by our bedding, it remains stuck to our body, and we sleep hot. This leads to interrupted, unrestful nights.

The Wonders of Wool

Wool, on the other hand, is naturally moisture wicking. This means it absorbs the moisture from your body and lets it quickly evaporate. So while you’re naturally perspiring throughout the night, your bedding is hard at work to make sure you stay comfortable and asleep. Those Zzzz’s are important. Wool knows this and it’s there for you. No matter what, it’s got your back.

Washable Wool

Here at 45th Street Bedding, we’re committed not only to products that last, but are healthier, too. It’s something we’re known for in the Seattle community and beyond; we’re pretty proud of that.

Normally, wool clumps together and becomes inconsistent when put through the washing machine. This is because untreated wool is covered in scales (think of a shampoo commercial example showing how hair looks before it’s treated with their revolutionary product). Once these scales are removed, the wool can go through a washing cycle without issue.

Three processes exist to make wool washable: Plasticizing, Bleaching, and Hydrogen Peroxide. All three are fairly similar: The wool is either sprayed or soaked in a chemical solution, rinsed with water, carted, and rolled into thick fabric spools, ready to be added to different bedding products. What changes is the chemical used to do the job. This chemical makes all the difference in the final product you receive. Let’s take a look at each process, shall we?

Plasticization

This is pretty much just what it sounds like. The wool is coated in a thin layer of plastic to make it washable. The problem with this process is that the wool is no longer able to wick moisture away from the body. Wool fibers are full of tiny air pockets. These pockets absorb the moisture from our bodies and then this moisture is able to quickly evaporate. The plastic creates a coating around the fibers, trapping these natural air pockets in a seal. The wool still provides warmth, but all that moisture your body produces in the night now has nowhere to go, and remains trapped against your skin. Basically, this wool is no better than down at keeping you cool and comfortable at night.

Bleaching

In this process, the wool takes a bath in a tub of bleach. The bleach bath strips away the scales (good), but can leave behind a toxic residue (bad), even though the wool is rinsed with water afterwords. Yikes! Toxic residue is not something you want to worry about when it comes to your sleeping surface.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Just like bleaching, this process involves soaking the wool in a hydrogen peroxide bath to eliminate scales on the fibers. The difference? Hydrogen Peroxide is non-toxic to humans. This means a finished product with no risk of exposure to harmful chemical residue. We like this because the health of customers is important to us. We see no benefit in making a product washable if one of the side effects is exposure to potentially harmful chemicals.