Product Guide Comforters Pillows Mattress Pads & Protectors Blankets & Throws Glossary

The Ultimate Bedding Guide

We get it—buying bedding online can seem a little daunting, but we have the knowledge to guide you to find your best fit! Before you dive in, make sure you pay attention to the checklist below and then continue through the tabs to let our buying guide help you find the perfect bedding!

Check in with yourself and your needs. Are you a side sleeper? Do you wake up with red and itchy eyes from allergies? What size is your bed? Take these things into account when picking your bedding.

Where do you live? Someone living in Alaska will need different bedding than someone living in South Florida. When picking your comforters and pillows, make sure you pay attention to the level of warmth so you don’t wake up with the chills or in a pool of sweat.

Speaking of sweat…What are your special requirements? Do you need a waterproof mattress pad or a stain resistant one? Do you need an extra layer of warmth or cooling? Think about your average night and jot down the problems you currently have—we’re sure to have the perfect bedding for you.

Have fun! Bedding comes in all shapes, sizes, colors, and brands. Each brand tells its own story and we have the one that best tells yours. Find the pieces that best speak to you and you’re sure to find one that adds comfort AND style to your home.

Comforters

Comforters 101

When it comes to picking a comforter, you want to be sure that this is the one for you. Do you sleep hot? Do you live in a frigid area? Do you prefer down or maybe a down alternative would better suit you? One thing is for sure: comforters are not one size fits all. Here’s a breakdown of everything you need to know when it comes to purchasing the best comforter for you.

Fill Type

Let’s start with the fill. The fill of your mattress is the most important part because it provides your preferred warmth level, materials, and weight that you desire. 

Down. Down is also known as nature’s insulator. These are the cluster-like bundles of fluff from the undercoating of the goose or duck that is responsible for the temperature regularity of the animal. Down has a three-dimensional structure that allows it to make thousands of air pockets that trap air, which makes for incredible insulation. We ethically source our down, as it is a byproduct of the food industry, and do not partake in any live plucking. 

Down Alt. Down alternative fibers are made from polyester and vary from type to type. For example, Lux-Loft® is a virgin fiber known for its down-like features and is related closest to the feel of down, while Durafil® is a recycled fiber made from PET bottles and is better known for its support and durability while remaining lofty and cozy. 

Fill Power

Fill power is the most important thing to look for when searching for a down product, as it determines the loft and insulating capability of the trapped air within the product. Higher fill power down is more durable due to the larger down clusters, thus giving more loft and insulation as compared to lower fill powers with the same weight to achieve the same warmth. 

Thread Count

Thread count refers to how tightly woven a fabric is and can directly affect the softness of the product. As a general rule of thumb, the higher the thread count, the tighter the weave, the softer it is. 

Construction

You are going to be seeing a lot of words that may seem unfamiliar to you when it comes to the construction of the comforter. Here are the main two that you have to be concerned about.

Baffle Box Style ComforterBaffle Box.

A baffle box design is responsible for keeping the fill where it’s supposed to be and to maintain maximum loft. This internal three-dimensional fabric wall creates boxes to minimize the movement of fill, eliminate the fill from shifting, and to stop any section from clumping. 

Sewn-Through style ComforterSewn-Through.

A sewn-through design functions the same way as the Baffle Box, except for the fact that it’s—you guessed it—sewn through. This keeps the fill in individual compartments to prevent shifting and minimize cold spots. This is a traditional technique that provides a quilted appearance, but it does not allow the comforter to reach its highest loft, differing from the baffle box which is designed to create the most loft. 

Comforter Care

The care of your comforter can vary from product to product, based on what materials were used. From dry clean to machine washable, you will have to check the individual product for care instructions. 

PillowsPick Your Perfect Pillow For a Great Night's Sleep

Pillows 101

There’s a reason for so many pillows with so many technologies and fill types—the right pillow is what stands between you and a deep, restorative night’s sleep. With all the different types, it can be hard to choose just one, which is why we have this buying guide! Keep on reading to find out how to pick your perfect pillow.

Choosing a size

On our website, you will find standard, queen, king, and jumbo pillows. A jumbo pillow is halfway between a standard 20x26 pillow and a queen 20x30 pillow. A jumbo pillow will fit into standard and queen pillow cases and can be used on twin, full, and queen beds.  A king pillow is larger and is designed to fit two across on a king bed, while the other two types will fit three across. Ultimately, it comes down to preference and the size of your pillow cases. 

Sleep Position

The biggest determining factor for what kind of pillow you need is your sleep position. For side sleepers, you will need an extra firm pillow with added support. Back sleepers need a firm pillow with a little less support than side sleepers, but still adequate support. Stomach sleepers need a soft or medium pillow with the lightest amount of support. These varying densities provide the proper support and alignment of the head and neck and will minimize the chance of you waking up with a sore neck.

Fill Type

Different fills provide different properties. See below for what each type of fill can offer you.

Down: Down is the cluster-like bundles of fluff from the undercoating of the goose or duck that is responsible for the temperature regularity of the animal. Down offers unbeatable loft and is quick to return to its original loft after being pressed down. With this level of loft and fluff comes little support, so it may not be your best bet if you are looking for a more supportive pillow.

Feather: We all know what a feather is, but what is its purpose? Feathers are there to lend a helping hand in the support department. They will allow for a sturdier and more resilient product, while down is solely known for its loft and comfort. For our products, you will often find a mix of the two to find a perfect blend of support and comfort.

Down Alt: Down alternative fibers are made from polyester and vary from type to type. For example, Lux-Loft® is a virgin fiber known for its down-like loftiness and is related closest to the feel of down, while Durafil® is a recycled fiber made from PET bottles and is better known for its support and durability while remaining lofty and cozy. 

Foam: Foam offers more support that down and down alternatives, but the individual type comes down to your sleeping needs. Polyurethane foam offers support with minor pressure point relief, memory foam is like polyurethane, but with more pressure point relief and is engineered to conform to your head and neck to give you personalized support. Latex foam is very supportive and is anti-microbial and hypoallergenic and Energex® foam is the newest of the foams because it conforms to pressure points of the human body and uses the body’s energy to become firmer as you sink down into it, offering the perfect amount of support. Because of this, it bounces back into shape very quickly, unlike memory foam.

Fill Power

Fill power is the most important thing to look for when searching for a down product, as it determines the loft and insulating capability of the trapped air within the product. Higher fill power down is more durable due to the larger down clusters, thus giving more loft and insulation as compared to lower fill powers with the same weight to achieve the same warmth. 

Thread Count

Thread count refers to how tightly woven a fabric is and can directly affect the softness of the product. As a general rule of thumb, the higher the thread count, the tighter the weave, the softer it is. 

Gusset

The addition of a gusset in a pillow is to add extra support and to help the pillow retain its shape. For those that are back and side sleepers, you will want a pillow with a gusseted finish.

Pillow Cover 

A pillow cover makes it easier to keep your pillow clean. While washing a pillow can be cumbersome, the addition of a removable cover makes it easy to keep the surface of your pillow clean because it can simply be machine washed and dried!

Pillow Care

The care of your pillow will depend on the fill and finish. Most down alternative pillows are machine washer and dryer friendly, most down pillows are dry clean only, and all foam pillows are spot clean only. Be sure to check your specific pillow for is care instructions!

Mattress Pads & ProtectorsBreath New Life Into An Older Mattress or Protect a New One

Mattress Pads & Protectors 101

Mattress pads and protectors are there to add an extra layer of protection between you and your mattress, while adding a touch of added comfort. To find your best fit, check out our buying guide below!

Mattress Pads

Mattress pads are placed on top of your mattress and contain a light fill of polyester fiber to protect your mattress while adding a layer of added comfort. The mattress pads all have an Expand-a-Grip® skirt which exhibits a four-way stretch technology to ensure that your mattress pad stays securely anchored and won’t shift throughout the night.

Protectors

A mattress protector does exactly what is says: protects. It is a thin cover either made from cotton or polyester and completely encases your mattress to save it from everyday wear and tear. These can also be effective for those with allergies or asthma because they can be easily washed and create a barrier between you and your mattress. 

Protection

Depending on your needs, there is a mattress pad or protector for you! If you have a child that is potty-training, we have waterproof mattress pads that prevent the moisture from seeping into your mattress and can be easily cleaned. If you’re someone who tends to snack in your bed, we have stain resistant mattress pads with stain release technology for an easy clean. A mattress pad or protector can make all the difference between a good night’s sleep and a great night’s sleep.

Size and Depth

Sizing is based on the size of your mattress, so twin matches twin, full matches full, etc. When it comes to depth, measure the length of the top of your mattress where you sleep to the bottom; this is the depth of your mattress. When you see an Expand-a-Grip® skirt, you will see an accompanying depth that it is guaranteed to fit. Make sure that your mattress fits within this depth to ensure a secure fit that won’t slip or slide out from under your mattress.

Mattress Pad & Protector Care

Most mattress pads and protectors are washer and dryer friendly, but be sure to check the specific mattress pad care instructions on the product pages.

Helpful Videos

How to Choose a Mattress Pad
Expand-A-Grip™ Skirt

 

Blankets & ThrowsSnuggle Up With A Cozy Blanket Or Throw

Blankets & Throws 101

The difference between blankets and throws can get a little confusing, but not anymore! Here, we’re going to break down exactly what each one is and what their purpose is for you and your home.

Blankets

Think of blankets as a lighter comforter. They’re functional and they provide you with comfort and warmth, but they’re more suited for when you just want a light layer of warmth or when you want a little something when you’re watching a movie on the couch. 

Throws

Throws are more decorative and less functional. They’re beautiful and eye-catching, usually made from interesting fabrics like Mohair or Alpaca. They look best when casually draped over a chair and make the perfect, effortless design feature for any room. 

Fabric

Our blankets are either made from polyester or cotton.  The cotton blankets exhibit a classic chevron design and are the perfect light layer when you need a little something extra. 

The polyester blankets have a smooth Peachy polyester cover and a down alternative fill for a lofty and cozy addition to your bed or couch. 

Our throws are made from Mohair, adding an interesting texture to any room while remaining soft. These throws are sure to draw attention and earn many design compliments.

Size 

The size of the blankets depend on your bed and/or how many people will need to cuddle up beneath it. Since throws are for design purposes only, they come in one size.

Blanket & Throw Care

Our blankets are safe to machine wash and dry, while the Mohair throws are dry clean only. For more specific instructions, check the product page of your favorite blanket or throw!

Glossary

Below you’ll find a list of our product badges and a description of what each one means. We’ve included these badges under the “Overview” section of the product page to make shopping much easier when looking for specific characteristics in your bedding. For example, you don’t have to scour pages and pages of copy if you’re looking for a stain resistant mattress pad; simply look for the stain resistant logo and you’re good to go!

 

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

 

 

A


Adjustable Fit

Adjustable Fit Product BadgeIf you see this icon, you can be sure that this product is adjustable to accommodate most mattress depths. Keep an eye out for our Expand-a-Grip® in the product description to be sure that it has an adjustable fit!

Antimicrobial

Antimicrobial Product BadgeSome products have antimicrobial properties, like those with natural latex. Having a product with antimicrobial properties can help keep your bedding clean in between washes, keeping to keep you and your family healthy.

Asthma & Allergy Friendly® Certification Program

asthma & allergy friendly® Certification Program - Live ComfortablyWhen you see the asthma & allergy friendly® certification logo on a product, you know that it has been scientifically tested and proven to be more suitable for individuals with asthma and other related allergic sensitivities. Learn more >

 

B


Baffle Box Design

In a baffle box design each compartment is a three-dimensional box square where there is more room for the down to loft, creating a very fluffy looking comforter. The internal three-dimensional wall creates compartments that minimizes the movement of fill and clumping.

Body Pillow

An elongated pillow perfect for hugging while drifting off to sleep. These pillows are unique in that they can be nearly as long as the sleeper themselves.

Bolster

A cylindrically-shaped pillow often used for decorative purposes.

C


COMFOREL® (Dacron)

Cooling Product BadgeThis virgin polyester fiber is a true down alternative that provides high loft and superb resilience as a blown fill. COMFOREL® fiber has been made to maintain comfort, shape and support even after multiple washes. This fill is hypoallergenic and asthma & allergy friendly® certified. Learn more >

Comforter (Duvet)

A covering for the bed that is filled with high amounts of feather, feather and down, down or fiber; while typically draped over the mattress and bedspread, it does not typically reach the floor -- often just reaching the top of the box spring.

Convoluted Foam (Egg Crate)

Often referred to as an “egg crate” pattern, the convoluted foam features coned peaks that absorb physical stress and provide for better weight distribution. The material also permits more air circulation, one reason many hospitals use medical grade convoluted foam as bedding material to reduce the risk of bedsores.

CoolFX

CoolFX Logo - Live ComfortablyFor a cool and dry sleep, DACRON® has developed a fiber that will help you achieve just that. CoolFX™ technology moves moisture away very quickly, thereby creating an ambient micro-climate perfect for getting a great night’s sleep. This fill is also machine washable & hypoallergenic. Learn more >

Cooling

Cooling Product BadgeKeep an eye out for this icon if you tend to sleep hot. The products with this logo offer cooling technologies to help transfer the heat away from your body and can often wick away moisture to keep you cool and comfortable.

Cotton

Many of the outer shells of our products are made from high quality cotton. Our cotton products are offered in a variety of thread counts that each offer a unique feel.

D


Down

The clusters closest to a bird's body, tasked with maintaining warmth. These clusters do not have quills, so they are perfect for getting maximum comfort and temperature regulation from the bedding. Down is a fine light material that will give loft and warmth to your pillows and comforters.

Down Alternative

A synthetic fiberfill (often polyester) that mimics the insulating and loft properties of down fill.

Durafill (Polyester)

Our Durafill is a lite polyester fiberfill that creates irresistibly comfy bedding. Learn more >

Duvet Cover (see Comforter)

A large, pillowcase-like covering used on down-filled and down alternative-filled comforters that is placed on top of your mattress for protection and/or decoration.

E


Euro Pillow (Square)

A (typically) 26" square pillow used for decorative purposes.

Expand-A-Grip® Skirt

Our original, world renowned Expand-A-Grip® skirt system varies in depth and fits true-to-size. Expand-A-Grip® skirts can be made in a variety of materials and their rows of elastic vary by size. This innovative technology employs knit skirting with a built-in 4-way stretch for the perfect fit on your mattress. Learn More >

F


Featherbeds

Just as it sounds, featherbeds are filled with natural down, feathers, or a blend thereof. Often gusseted for added loft, featherbeds provide adjustable comfort that molds to the shape of your body.

Fiber Beds

Fiber beds are made with synthetic polyester fiber. Fiber beds offer greater bounce-back support than featherbeds and tend to be more cost effective. Additionally, their ability to be machine-washed make them easy to clean and maintain.

Fill Power

The amount of space (typically in cubic inches) that one ounce of down will expand to; the higher the fill power, the warmer and loftier the down item.

Fill Type

Fill type refers to the material that is used within the product. Examples of fill type include, Down, Down Alternative, Feather, Polyester Fiber etc.

Foam

Foam’s capacity to redistribute weight stress makes it extremely valuable in everyday living. Tossing and turning creates muscle tension during sleep and can easily contribute to morning discomfort and pain in the lower back area. With the proper support base for the head, neck and torso, the body relaxes and releases muscle tensions, contributing to a sound sleep.

 

G


Gusset

The purpose of a gusset is to enlarge and reinforce. Pillows that feature a gusset are thick enough to to keep the sleepers head elevated and are loftier than non-gusseted pillows.

H


Hypoallergenic

Hypoallergenic Product BadgeIf you're sensitive to allergens like dust and mold, look for this icon in our product descriptions. These products will often have a hypoallergenic fill that won’t hold onto potential allergens and will help you sleep more soundly.

I


 

 

J


Jacquard

When a design or pattern is woven directly into the fabric of the item, rather than being printed on after the fabric has been created. Jacquard sleep products can add a touch of elegance to your bedroom.

K


 

 

L


Latex Foam

Latex foam provides superior “push back” support and quick recovery, never allowing the sleeper to bottom out. This highly durable foam is constructed with ventilation chambers for a more breathable sleep environment, keeping sleepers cool and comfortable throughout the night.

Loft

The overall amount of expansion that a filling material achieves—the "fluffiness" of the fill. A loftier pillow will cradle the sleeper's head higher off the mattress than a less lofty pillow.

Lux-Loft® Fiber

Another true down alternative, this polyester fiber has been generated into micro puff balls which give this blown fill very high loft and resilience, just like down. Its unique structure makes it perfect for providing adjustable support in all sleep positions. This fill is machine washable, quick dry, and hypoallergenic. It is also asthma & allergy friendly® certified. Learn more >

M


Machine Washable

Sleep products that are machine washable are the most convenient and easy to care for. Any product that is labled "MACHINE WASH AND DRY" can be cleaned using consumer washing machines and dryers. Please follow specific care instructions for best results.

Mattress Pad

Mattress pads are placed on top of your mattress and contain a light fill of polyester fiber to protect your mattress while adding a layer of added comfort. All mattress pads available on livecomfortably.com come with an Expand-a-grip® skirt that will keep the pad in place on top of your mattress.

Mattress Toppers

Mattress toppers a perfect for a person who wants an extra soft, extra comfortable bed. Made from different types of foam, both our plain and convoluted toppers are more than capable of adding a soft layer to any mattress.

Memorelle

Dacron Memorelle Logo - Live ComfortablyIf you're sensitive to allergens like dust and mold, look for this icon in our product descriptions. These products will often have a hypoallergenic fill that won’t hold onto potential allergens and will help you sleep more soundly. Learn more >

Memory Foam

Memory foam has a heavier density than polyurethane foam. Also known as "visco-elastic" or “low-resilience” foam, memory foam conforms to the body, helping to relieve pressure points for less tossing and turning.

Micron Size

The size of tiny pores found in the weave of outer fabrics. A tighter micron size will create a more effective barrier and help keep allergens from being absorbed into your bedding.

Mohair

Mohair is a velvety fabric sourced from the shavings of the Angora goat. It is an incredibly soft fabric used to craft fine textiles. Mohair can be found in many of our throw blankets.

Moisture Resistant

Moisture Resistant Product BadgeIf you sleep hot and often wake up sweating, this is the icon to look out for. Our moisture resistant products will help keep you dry by wicking moisture away from the body, leaving you dry and comfortable all-night long.

 

N


Natural Elements

Great Sleep Natural Elements products use gel technologies to keep the sleeper cool and comfortable. These products are also made from memory foam for a superior comfort.

Nylon

Nylon is used to create stretchable components for our bedding, our mattress pad skirts, for example, use nylon to create a skirt that can lengthen and contract to fit a wide variety of mattresses.

O


Odor Resistant

Odor Resistant Product BadgeWhen it comes to foam products, odor is often a concern. Our open-cell foam design allows for better air flow and keeps odors from building up within the pillow. Look for the Odor Resistant Product Badge to ensure a fresh night’s sleep.

 

P


Percale

A very closely-woven fabric, often made of cotton or polyester, that is commonly used for sheets.

Polyurethane Foam

Polyurethane foam holds its shape and provides more structured support than memory foam. Because it has fewer chemicals and a lower density, it typically has a lower price point than memory foam.

Protector

Protectors encase your pillow or mattress to create a surrounding barrier of protection that keeps your bedding clean. Select protectors are also certified Asthma and Allergy Friendly, great for keeping common allergens away from the sleeper.

Q


 

 

R


Removable Cover

While some of our pillows are not machine washer and dryer friendly, you can count on a removable cover for quick and convenient cleaning. Our removable covers make it easy to care for your pillow, so you can sleep on a clean pillow every night without the hassle of dry cleaning.

Reversible

Reversible Product Badge For a two-in-one product, look for this icon! Some of our comforters offer a reversible feature, with a different color on each side. This gives you the option to switch up your bedroom décor whenever you wish.

 

S


Sateen

This smooth fabric is similar to satin in texture and weave structure, but has a more durable composition. Made from either cotton or rayon.

Sewn-Through Design

In the sewn-through design the comforter is stitched through both layers, securing the fill within each individual compartment.

Shell

Shell refers to the outer layer of the product that contains the fill.

Skirt

Mattress pads with skirts will keep a stable position on your bed. The skirt descends from the edges of your mattress pad to lightly squeeze the sides of your bed, ensuring it stays in place.

Stain Resistant

Stain Resistant Product BadgeWhenever you see this in the product description, you can rest assured that you’re covered with our stain release technology which helps to prevent spills and stains from setting into the fabric, making cleanup a snap.

Swirl Gel (Foam)

Cooling gel infused into the foam, giving it a marbled appearance and slowing the rise in body temperature to keep you cool and comfortable.

T


Thread Count

The total number of threads (both crosswise and lengthwise) contained in one square inch of fabric; though materials containing higher thread counts are often perceived as being innately superior in quality, other factors such as type of material, quality of craftsmanship and attention to detail also play crucial roles.

Throw

A lightweight, often decorative, blanket. Throws are often used to accent pieces of furniture like sofas. Throws offered on livecomfortably.com come in many pleasing colors and patterns.

Two Pack

Products that come in a Two Pack are a 2 item bundle. For example: a customer who orders the Beautyrest® Cooling Pillow 2 Pack will receive 2 Beautyrest® Cooling Pillows.

U


US Smart

US Smart products have been constructed in America with materials both domestically sourced and imported.

V


 

 

W


Warmth Level

Products with a warmth level are included in a line that offers differing amounts of heat retention. Level 1 is the least warm product with level 3 being the warmest. These products are for those that need extra warmth while sleeping.

Waterproof

Waterproof Product Badge Our waterproof icon immediately lets you know that this product is made for life’s everyday messes. Whether it’s spilled water or you have a young child in diapers, these waterproof products will prevent moisture from seeping into the fabric allowing it to roll off for a quick and easy clean up.

White Duck Down

White down is collected from the under feathers of adult ducks. Down clusters are lighter than feathers and have insulating properties. Bedding with this down will be loftier and warmer as fill power increases.

White Goose Down

White down is collected from the under feathers of adult geese. Down clusters are lighter than feathers and have insulting properties. Bedding with this down will be loftier and warmer as fill power increases.

 

X


 

 

Y


 

 

Z


Zippered Enclosure

Zippered Enclosure Product BadgeA zippered enclosure can be found on our pillow protectors and allow easy access when changing out pillows.