Why Egyptian Cotton Is Still King

Egyptian cotton has become wildly popular for bedding in recent years. Why exactly? Does it really matter?

It was thought for ages that cotton was cotton and thread count was king when choosing quality sheets. That is no longer true. Consumer guidelines for buying bedding suggest that cotton from Egypt is superior to other cotton. Is this true and, if so, what is the big difference?

Egyptian cottons are used to create bedding of all types from sheets to pillowcases to comforters. The long staple or long fiber of Egyptian-grown cotton means that there is more continuous fiber to use when creating threads or yarns. This yarn is smaller in diameter yet stronger than other cottons. Smaller yarn means that more threads per square inch can be use to create stronger fabric which is light in weight yet breathes well.

More threads per inch mean that the thread count on the bedding label will be higher. Many buyers think that choosing high thread count sheets is the only gauge of quality. This is not true, but in the case of cotton grown in Egypt, the higher thread count means the fabric will be incredibly strong and will last for years and years. If cared for properly, Egyptian produced cotton fabric used for creating bedding products can last for decades.

The hand or feel of the sheets created from Egyptian grown cotton is a bit harder than other cottons when the bedding is new. However, with every single laundering, the cotton sheets from Egyptian fibers become softer and softer. Like a fine wine, age improves the Egyptian fiber cotton bedding and, unlike many products, you will prize your Egyptian fiber sheets of cotton more and more as they age and become soft and cuddly.

Cotton grown in the Egyptian fields will also produce less lint and therefore will not pill after repeated washings as some materials may do. At one time, the only way to obtain Egyptian fiber cotton sheets was to shop in high-end expensive stores. This is no longer true and most department stores and online bedding stores carry a selection of Egyptian produced cotton sheets and other bedding items for the buyer seeking this quality product.

King Cotton was once the name for the cotton grown in the Deep South of the United States. This cotton has much shorter fibers or staple than the Egyptian produced cotton. Egyptian fiber is now considered the king of all cottons for its durability and luxurious feel. After all, we spend almost one-third of our lives in our beds and our bedding should be comfortable and durable. Choosing the right sheets made from the king of cotton, Egyptian produced fibers, you will experience a bed that is comfortable and cozy.

A word of caution regarding bedding labels: if the package says "cotton rich" the actual amount of cotton, whether Egyptian or other cotton, is not stated and can be a very small amount. It is better to select products that state 100% cotton or, if choosing a blend fabric, that clearly state the exact proportion of cotton in the bedding. This will ensure your product composition is one that you will be pleased with.

If the package says "percale", this means that the thread count is at least 180 count. Many people believe that percale is a fabric type in its own right. This isn't the case at all; it simply means the thread count is 180 or more. Percale can be 100% cotton or a blend of cotton and other fibers!

Sferra Brothers always has a special eye for quality and their Celeste linens in 100% cotton from Egypt is no exception. These mix and match fine quality linens are created with 406 thread count. The linens are cool and crisp yet soft for luxurious comfort. White plus 10 solid colors are available. You simply can't go wrong with these machine washable luxury linens.

Matouk Classics collection includes the Lowell design. These Egyptian long fiber cotton sheets are 600 thread count for true luxury. Available in white with one inch sateen tape accents around edges of pillow cases and on sheet hem. Select choice of five solid colors for the accent. These linens are elegant enough for the finest bedrooms.

Frette's 600 thread count Royalty sheet sets come in a shade called "money green" which is actually a deep olive green. Other colors are also available. The linens are accented with a square jacquard weave around the edges for a very distinctive, classic look. If you want beauty beyond compare, these linens from Frette are for you.

Egyptian remains King of the cotton world today and will retain that crown for many years into the future.

You'll find this long staple cotton used in sheets by many different designers and can enjoy this Egyptian luxury, suitable for the kings and pharaohs in your very own home!

About The Author
Patricia Bowlin makes it easy to create a bedroom with flair! Find countless Free tips, ideas and information here on choosing all of your bedding by visiting now http://www.best-in-bedding.com.

Tips to Consider Prior to Choosing a Futon Mattress

Are you expecting company and need an extra bed, but don't have the room for one? Are you a college student with limited space and budget?

A futon may be the answer for you. A futon will double as a couch and a bed, and you don't necessarily have to compromise on comfort.

However, consider these points before making your final choice.

Choose between a bi-fold frame and a tri-fold one.

- The bi-fold frame simply folds the mattress once in the middle and becomes the couch. The entire length of the mattress is the length of the couch.

- A tri-fold frame, folds the mattress once using the width of the mattress as the couch area.

Consider a mattress that is at least six inches thick. Any thinner than that, you will compromise on comfort and risk the likelihood of lumps and bare spots. A thicker mattress will be more comfortable, but it will also be more expensive.

If you are looking for a lightweight mattress that will hold its shape, go with a cotton and foam mattress. It will not sag, and it will hold its shape over time.

A cotton-polyester blend will give you a lighter mattress which is nice and soft, making it a popular choice with many.

A cotton-wool combination is a great choice if you are looking for a very soft mattress. This is not a flexible mattress, so may not be a good choice if you plan on flipping it into a couch frequently.

If your futon mattress will be used primarily for sleeping, choose a heavier mattress. Look for a cotton-wool blend or an all cotton mattress that has springs in it.

These combinations will hold up longer and provide a sturdier sleeping environment than softer blends.

Whether you choose between a wood or steel frame, be sure that you can operate the folding mechanisms of the frame easily and quickly. This way, you will not get stressed out by not being able to get your futon up and down quickly.

Finally, before you make your purchase, be sure that you try it out. Lie down on it.

Is it comfortable? Is it big enough? Is there a warranty?

Make sure you are happy with your purchase before leaving the store.

About The Author
Rob Buenaventura invites you to check out http://www.sleepcomfortable.com. Here we provide bed mattress and bed futon tips and ideas. Find out more on why a bed mattress futon, http://www.sleepcomfortable.com/A-Bed-Mattress-Futon-Is-an-Excellent-Choice-for-a-Spare-Bed.asp can make for an excellent choice as a spare bed.

Essential Bedding Terminology – Educate Yourself When Shopping For Your New Bedding

You may be searching for Bedding for your home, or plan to in the future. When shopping for bedding you may come across different terms for parts of the bed, mattress sheets or other aspect of the sleep set that you may be unfamiliar with. This article is designed to educate you in Essential Bedding Terminology so that when you look for bedding you can make an educated and informed purchase. These terms are not all encompassing but should cover the most common expressions you will come across.

While most of us are familiar with the most common elements of bedding ensembles there are other terms to consider.

Bedding- used to describe an entire ensemble including sheets, pillows, comforters and accessories.

Canopy- a fabric that is suspended above the bed often using posts.

Coverlet- a general term describing a bed covering, includes, comforter, duvets, quilts, bedspread and blanket.

Duvet- used to describe a warm and comfortable coverlet that is filled with down feathers.

Matelassé- a fabric which has quilt like indentations.

Quilt- a coverlet which is made from pieces of fabric sewn together with decorative cross-stitching.

Synthetic- artificially created material that is not found in nature.

Thread Count- the number of horizontal and vertical threads per square inch.

Before you start looking for your bedding set you may be looking for the physical sleep set. A sleep set includes the mattress, box spring, headboard, footboard and foundation. Here are some terms that you will frequently come across when shopping for a new sleep set.

Bed frame- a frame that maintains the position of the foundation, headboard and footboard

Box springs- a common term used to describe a foundation which has springs inside a wooden frame.

Coil configuration- the pattern of the spring arrangements in a mattress.

Feather bed- a soft think mattress top layer that is filled with down or feathers.

Futon- a thin mattress that is placed on a movable frame that can be converted from couch to bed.

Filling- the term used to describe the material that occupies the mattress, pillow or comforter. This can make a great difference in the quality and comfort of the item.

Firmness- the amount of resistance that a mattress has relating to body weight. Determines the amount of give the mattress will have.

House Brand- A retailer’s custom brand which only they offer.

Mattress- the actual sleep surface of the bed.

Ticking- the fabric which surrounds the layers of the mattress on the outside.

Shopping for bedding can be, believe it or not, a fun experience. Especially when you know what you are looking for. Remember that when you are looking for your new bedding ensemble or sleep set that not everyone offers the same quality products. The decisions you make on bedding will affect your comfort for years to come. Educating yourself a little before hand and researching your options will help you make a better decision that will ultimately improve your comfort. In addition to researching the different types of bedding you should also check out who you are buying it from. You can save yourself a lot of time and money by going with the right retailer. http://www.ajmoss.com.

About The Author
Written by Jared More for http://www.ajmoss.com. Please visit our website for more detailed information as well as sales and purchasing of bedding ensembles and more! Whether you prefer a fanciful, fun, elegant, or subdued look, you will always find the perfect Thomasville bedding ensemble at ajmoss.com. Please call us toll free at 877-862-1270 and a member of our experienced staff can help you select the perfect pattern today!