Monday, January 4, 2021

Bed Sheets: an invitation to rest

 Bed Sheets: an invitation to rest

If we consider the large number of hours we spend sleeping, it is very necessary to dedicate time to the choice of sheets. At Sodimac.com we advise you to correctly choose the sheets for your bed.

- Bed Sheets: an invitation to rest and Bed Sheets Product

How to choose your sheets ?


Number of threads

One of the keys to choosing bedding is the amount of vertical and horizontal threads that a square inch of fabric contains, that is, in a 2.5 cm square. Threads are very important to understanding the difference in softness and lifespan between sheets. The higher the thread count, the softer the sheet will be. Sheets over 200 threads per inch have a strong, smooth, and lustrous finish, giving them a long-lasting, velvety texture.

Fabrics and textures

Ideally breathable to prevent moisture build-up, lightweight to dry quickly, and durable to withstand wear and tear.

Color and design

Regardless of whether they are printed or plain colored sheets, it is important that you prefer those with quality dyes, so that you can enjoy the original design for longer.

Size

The size of the sheets should be chosen according to the size of the mattress. It has to fit the right size, because if it is large it will have wrinkles due to excess fabric, or on the contrary, if it is very small, it will come out of the corners. There are 1 square, 1 ½ square, 2 seater and King sheets.

Sunday, January 3, 2021

Lies and truths about the choice of sheets

 Lies and truths about the choice of sheets

Today in the afternoon I decided to inquire online about what people say about the differences between cotton sheets and blends (50% cotton-50% polyester) and the truth is that most people speak from experiences own and does not differentiate between qualities.

- Lies and truths about the choice of sheets and Bed Sheets Product

Most people say they prefer cotton sheets because of the belief that:

- "Blend sheets make little balls." FALSE

I would like to inform you that this information is false, and that sheets that have an anti-peeling treatment never make these annoying little balls. For all those who want to know about this treatment, tell you that it consists of getting rid of the tiny threads that are formed by friction during the weaving process, using a controlled flame while the fabric moves at a constant speed under it. As you can imagine, this process makes the sheets more expensive and many manufacturers dispense with it to cut costs. The vast majority of quality manufacturers use this treatment, thus guaranteeing that annoying and unsightly balls do not come out.

- "Cotton sheets are more durable and have more beautiful colors." FALSE.

The first thing I would like to clarify is that not all sheets are the same, there is a wide variety of qualities on the market . For cotton sheets, the best fibers are those that are woven with extra long cotton fibers and that the thread is fine but strong. The higher the past of the threads, the softer and more durable the sheets will be and the finer the thread, the more thread passes can be achieved.

Blend sheets have better age and are more durable because the polyester thread is stronger. Polyester doesn't shrink like cotton, and dyes stick to it better, which is good for textile art and makes us enjoy great prints.

A cotton and polyester blend can allow us to enjoy the freshness and lightness of cotton fiber, but also provides greater strength, durability and resistance to wrinkles.

A fabric made from a cotton / polyester blend combines the strengths of the two fibers. It is our opinion and that is why we bet on blend sheets, and you?

WHAT TO LOOK FOR TO CHOOSE THE PERFECT BED SHEETS

 WHAT TO LOOK FOR TO CHOOSE THE PERFECT BED SHEETS

It has surely happened to them that they are going to buy sheets  and there is so much information that one ends up choosing without knowing if it is the right thing or the right thing, according to our own tastes.

- WHAT TO LOOK FOR TO CHOOSE THE PERFECT BED SHEETS and Bed Sheets Product

That is why it is important to know what we want: We like them very soft, or that they do not wrinkle, that they are light, that they have a design, or that they are only functional. Being clear about what we need, it will be much easier to make the decision. However, here are the most important variables to choose the perfect sheets.

       Fabric composition: The sheets can be made entirely of one fiber (cotton, linen, silk, bamboo, etc.) or have combinations of natural and synthetic fibers (polyester, nylon, rayon, etc.). The most desirable and high-value sheets are 100% cotton sheets , due to the natural qualities of that fiber. However, blends of cotton with synthetic fibers also have their advantages, such as that they do not wrinkle and are quick drying.
 

       Thread Count: Refers to the number of threads per square inch the fabric has. The more threads, the softer the sheets will be. The higher number of threads will make the fabric denser, firmer and stronger. The variety of yarn used in our sheets reaches up to 1,000 threads .
 

       Type of fabric: This factor is perhaps the least considered, but equally relevant when choosing between one sheet and another. The type of fabric will be determined by the way the fabric is built, that is, by the way its threads are intertwined and by the various treatments it is given, once it is already built. In this sense, a set of 100% cotton percale sheets will feel different to the touch than a set of 100% cotton satin sheets , since the latter is softer to the touch, as well as having a smooth and lustrous surface. Similarly, sheets with Stone Washed treatment  will be softer and more flexible.

To consider:

-           Generally, the sheets are made of 100% cotton natural fibers and combinations of fibers, the most common being 50% cotton and 50% polyester.

-           There are 200-thread count sheets made of 50% cotton and 50% polyester, as well as 200-thread 100% cotton satin sheets , or 200-thread Stone Washed cotton sheets. In short, the type of fabric is as important as the number of threads and the construction of the fabric. That is why we must look at the composition of the fabric, the number of threads and the treatment or type of fabric.

ADVANTAGES OF THERMAL BED SHEETS

 ADVANTAGES OF THERMAL BED SHEETS

When we talk about thermal sheets, we may understand that they are flannel sheets, but today we have more variants of winter sheets on the market such as coral, microline or Pyrenean sheets.

- ADVANTAGES OF THERMAL BED SHEETS and Bed Sheets Product

The soft feel of cotton flannel sheets


Flannel has been used for years as a fabric against the cold. We've all had one of those checkered shirts that lumberjacks wore, those "flannel shirts." It was precisely used for clothing worn by those who worked outdoors to combat the cold.

Flannel sheet sets have the advantage, compared to other types of winter sheets, that their fabric is 90% cotton and only 10% polyester, which gives them a very pleasant softness and touch, at the same time that they are not they wrinkle so much or shrink excessively.

The variety that we have in the market to buy flannel sheets is tremendous. Floral, striped, children's, pastel colors or bolder colors, you will have so much variety that you will not know which one to choose.

With respect to other sets of sheets such as coral or pyrenees, the flannel winter sheet sets have a higher price, due to their cotton composition.


Put coral sheets on your bed and you won't want to get out of bed ...


The coral sheets are designed for the most cold people. These sheets have such a nice and silky touch that when you touch them, a smile is on your face. They are the sweetest, juiciest and best prepared winter sheets to avoid getting cold in bed. Of course, you will have to turn off the heating in the house at night (which will save you extra energy) because they are super warm. You also run the danger of not wanting to get out of bed in the morning!

These thermal fabrics, apart from flannel, are 100% synthetic, which makes them dry immediately and you do not have problems when washing them, since they do not shrink, do not lose color and do not need an iron.

If you are one of those who are afraid of the cold of winter, put coral sheets on your bed.



Pyrenean sheets and do not get colder


Pyrenean sheets are what are properly called thermal sheets.

They are thicker than flannel sheets and with a soft touch. In my opinion, these sheets are the warmest of all winter sheets, but they have a different touch to the previous ones.

They are "polar" sheets, that is, the touch they have is the same as that of the polar ones that we put on to keep warm or that of the fabric of the polar pajamas that we see in all stores in winter.

These sets of sheets isolate us from the cold outside while we are in bed since they have a 100% synthetic composition, which has the disadvantage that they are not breathable but at the same time the advantage that they are washed without problems and that they dry very quickly. .

Thermal or polar sheets are the cheapest of winter sheets.

In case you have doubts, also tell you that these bedding sets are complete, that is, they have a fitted sheet, a top sheet and a pillowcase, all of the same fabric and color or combined colors.

Surely now you know what winter bedding set you are going to buy this winter ...

See you in the next post!

What are the dangers of not washing the sheets

 What are the dangers of not washing the sheets

The bed is that cozy space where each person spends a large part of their life - at least 49 hours a week if they sleep seven hours a night - but how hygienic is the resting place? Sleeping in a freshly made bed is always pleasant, but not everyone finds it necessary to wash their sheets regularly.

Lisa Ackerley, a hygiene specialist, revealed to the Daily Mail newspaper that if the sheets are not washed weekly , the people who sleep in that bed could be putting themselves at risk of contracting serious viruses and infections. "Think of all the things you do in bed," Ackerley said. Apart from being the place where you sleep, the bed often becomes the work or study surface, the space to eat, have sex, support clothes or even the resting place of pets.

- What are the dangers of not washing the sheets and Bed Sheets Product

"Depending on the activities the bed is used for and also how clean one is when going to bed (and the fact that sleepwear is used), the bed can be a lot dirtier than we think, causing damage in our health ", warned the specialist.

Germs, bacteria, fungi, and viruses


Humans have all kinds of bacteria and fungi in their body that do not threaten their health and are necessary, but the bed is a great place for them to reproduce, especially if you take into account all the moisture that accumulates in the bed when sleeping, saliva, sweat, skin cells and everything that enters, from food to particles of fecal matter for not sanitizing the hands.

One such bacteria that can be spread on bed sheets is Staphylococcus aureus , which is commonly found on human skin or in the nose of a healthy person. Diseases such as skin or wound infections, urinary tract infections, pneumonia, and bacteremia (bloodstream infection) can develop if these bacteria enter the body. These bacteria will accumulate very easily on sheets that are not washed for several weeks and can cause infections in wounds or small cuts on the skin of the person who sleeps in that bed.

Athlete's foot


If some of the people who sleep in a bed (in the case of a married couple) have athlete's foot, being a highly contagious infection, it is most likely that they immediately suffer from the condition. Even if the person is under treatment, they need to think carefully about where the bacteria may have left their mark and clean everything, including bedding, rugs, towels, socks, slippers, and shoes.

In this case, it is recommended to wash the sheets at a high temperature to eliminate the fungus in the washing machine. At low temperatures not only will it not be removed but it is likely to spread.

Yeast infections


Anyone can "catch" a skin fungus infection just by sleeping in a bed with unwashed sheets. This can cause problems in the folds of the skin where moisture can lodge. Litter is a great breeding ground for such yeasts. To avoid them, it is enough to wash the sheets frequently and with hot water.

Virus


When a person has a cold or flu (or another type of viral illness) they need to wash and change the bedding more frequently to protect those who sleep in that bed and not aggravate their own health. The virus is spread by both sneezing and mouth-to-mouth contact, so dirty tissues in bed have to be avoided at all costs. It is necessary not to rest dirty tissues on these surfaces.

Dust mites


Dust mites ( Dermatofagoides pteronyssinus ) are microscopic organisms that feed primarily on dead skin, reason enough that sheets, armchairs, and rugs are their preferred domain. While they do not transmit disease, they can cause allergy problems.

In the excrement of these organisms, there is an enzyme that causes allergies that can lead to conditions such as asthma and rhinitis. According to ENT doctors, this can cause sinusitis and ear problems as well.

It is estimated that humans shed about 10 grams of skin a day, so the bed houses a great concentration. It is even believed that 10 percent of the weight of a two-year-old pillow may be made up of dust mites and their droppings. The solution is to leave the bed ventilated as long as possible before putting it back together, exposed to sunlight for as long as possible and, of course, frequently wash the sheets.

The keys to a healthy bed


1. First, get rid of the dust. Properly vacuuming the room and cleaning the mattress and duvet from time to time is very important.

2. Using pillow and mattress protectors is a common practice but will be extremely necessary to sleep in a clean bed. A good idea is to spray the fabrics with disinfectant.

3. Wash bedding above 60 degrees centigrade. Those temperatures kill all bacteria, but, with more delicate fabrics, a lower temperature is recommended and spray with sanitizer spray afterwards. Bacteria grow best at human body temperature, so a 30 or 40 degree wash will do nothing or make things worse.

4. Wash sheets and pajamas once a week or more frequently.

5. Take a bath before going to sleep and go to bed always with clean hands.

6. If you share a bed with pets it is useful to get a blanket for them to lie down to be washed every week at least.

7. If someone is sick, intensify cleaning and wash clothes more frequently.

Summer bed sheets: 5 keys to choosing the softest and freshest

 Summer bed sheets: 5 keys to choosing the softest and freshest

Trying to fall asleep during hot summer nights is easier if you have soft, cool sheets . Certain fabrics help make the feeling of overwhelm produced by high temperatures more bearable. Not everything depends on the fiber chosen, but also on the resulting fabric, in addition to aspects such as its thickness. We give you five tips to choose the best summer sheets .

- Summer bed sheets: 5 keys to choosing the softest and freshest and Bed Sheets Product

Thread count is essential if you want quality sheets. On the other hand, natural fibers are the best: avoid polyester sheets.
The number of threads per square inch (6.45 cm²) has been synonymous with quality sheets for years. The higher the density, the better. However, this key is more of a marketing tool than a good truth. If sheets are thread-heavy but made from bad cotton, they will be heavy, stiff and excruciatingly hot. If what you want are fresh sheets for the summer , you will have to spend a little more.

As for fibers, natural ones are the best, and specifically, cotton is the king of vegetable fibers, but not of any kind. The longer the fibers, the better. The Egyptian is the most emblematic and is considered a luxury. Some Egyptian cotton sheets are a sure hit. Likewise, for some time, the Peruvian, also called pima or supima cotton, has been competing with it. If we talk about animal fibers, silk sheets  in summer are the coolest, but if you sweat a lot, forget it because they do not absorb moisture.

Which sheets are cooler? The best summer sheets are the ones that are made from soft fabrics. Have you tried percale sheets?
Fiber is one thing and fabric is another. Most 100% cotton sheets are percale. It is a flat and matte fabric, in which the vertical (warp) and horizontal (weft) threads intersect in a uniform and repetitive way. The result is firm and smooth to the touch. The satin fabric is also very soft, in addition to having a very characteristic shine, but it is warmer for the summer. Among the brand sheets of the most prestigious firms you will find examples.

The synthetic sheets will not help you sleep better. Good quality cotton isn't cheap, but sturdy sheets are a good investment. There is the possibility of opting for a 50% cotton blend with polyester, with the advantage, in addition to the price, that they will wrinkle less, but freshness will be lost. Synthetic fibers, such as polyester or acrylic, do not breathe well and are rougher. The sheets of polyester are not recommended.

Cool summer sheets should have been made without chemicals. Look for organic cotton sheets and organically grown
If you have allergy problems, then you will have to be very careful when choosing the sheets. The same if your children suffer from asthma or have a respiratory problem. The sheets for the children's bed must be of the best quality. It is vital that no chemicals have been used during the manufacturing process, something very common so that the fabrics do not shrink or have fewer wrinkles when they are removed from the washing machine. To be sure, it is best to make sure that it is organic cotton sheets , grown without pesticides or toxic insecticides.

When it comes to buying fresh sheets that allow you to fall asleep when the night temperature is not good, the truth is that you have several options. In addition to those mentioned above, you have linen sheets , whose power to neutralize odors has been extensively tested. Similarly, bamboo sheets are popular with buyers with a high awareness of sustainability and the environment.

How to take care of the bed sheets in your house?

 How to take care of the bed sheets in your house?

If you want your sheets to maintain their softness and color for a long time, it is important that you follow these tips that will teach you how to care for your sheets in a simple and practical way.

- How to take care of the bed sheets in your house and Bed Sheets Product

Follow these tips on how to care for your sheets and discover how your bedding set can give you more rest.

Use tips
We advise you to wash your bedding set before using it for the first time, some may have a little stiff fabric, due to residues of sizing or starch. If you don't want to iron the sheets, we recommend straightening and folding them just out of the dryer or washing machine, and before they get cold.

Maintenance tips
There are some basic tips on how to take care of the sheets in your house and give them proper maintenance:

  • Cotton sheets should be machine washed in warm water, and there is no need to use fabric softener or bleach.
  • Polyester sheets are washed in cold or lukewarm water and can be tumbled dry, no ironing required.
  • So that the color or pattern of your sheets does not wear or fade, do not use bleach.
  • Do not mix sheets with knitwear, such as sweaters or socks, as these shed lint that clings to the fabrics.
  • Dampen the sheets before ironing them on medium heat.



Avoid mites

  • Dust mites live in your home, they are the main cause of allergy, rhinitis and asthma in the world.
  • Eliminate them with Acar Klean, it is 100% effective, its action is fast and it has a residual effect.
  • It is important to ventilate the pillow on a weekly basis, thus avoiding the impregnation of unpleasant odors.
  • Remove the bedding and apply it directly to the mattress for only 10 seconds and to the pillow for 5 seconds.


Find the solution for mites here

You already know how to take care of the sheets in your house, now share this content with your family and friends who may need help in keeping their bedding intact.