Posted by Aline Martin O'Brien on 22nd Feb 2022

Choices, Choices - So Many Decisions Picking Bedding

One of the hallmarks of society's progress is the proliferation of consumer choices - from two or three brands of coffee in the store to, literally, hundreds of coffee choices. Which orange juice to buy - organic, pulp, no pulp, extra calcium, fresh or concentrated?

In some cases, the expansion of choices in everyday life has been identified not with greater satisfaction and happiness but with frustration and erosion of well-being. This trend was termed the "Paradox of Choice" by a researcher in 2004.

At Downlite, we dedicate our business to helping people relax in superior quality bedding, and we never want to frustrate our customers with too many choices. Each individual, however, has their unique sleeping preferences and style, and we create our products with that in mind. Are you a side sleeper or one of the 30% who prefers a different position? Are you among the 20 million Americans allergic or extra-sensitive to dust mites and allergens?

Let's look at some of the most common choices we face when upgrading our bedding and a few key points to help with decision-making.

Down or synthetic fill. Both down and synthetic fills are machine-washable. Down will have a longer useful life than synthetic fill with adequate care (Appx 2-3 times longer). Down has a luxury feel that many believe makes it worth the extra cost. Down also tends to shift naturally with the sleeper, which means no more waking up in the middle of the night to punch your pillow back into shape.

Down is the softest of all-natural fills and is responsibly sourced by Downlite as a recovered material that would otherwise go to waste. We're proud to be a leader in waste diversion and down recycling. This short video discussion by the president of our Down and Feather division gives a closer look at the Downlite company and culture.

If the price tag of down is too much to handle, then a down alternative like Primaloft® is a practical choice. Primaloft has multiple features and many that compare favorably with down:

Lightweight and warm
Water-resistant
Breathable
Super soft
Fast drying

Firm or soft pillow. The choice depends primarily on whether you are a side sleeper or a back sleeper. Side sleepers prefer flexible support and a bit of "give" in their pillows. Back and stomach sleepers usually appreciate a slightly firmer and flatter pillow more than side sleepers.

Cotton or blend material. 100% cotton offers moisture-wicking and natural cooling benefits, while synthetic blends last longer and are easier to wash and maintain. We recently dramatically expanded our options for cover materials with the newer developments in cooling technologies for bedding. Pillows, sheets, mattress pads, comforters, and even mattresses themselves are available as "cooling" options. A good starter package of cooling bedding would include a mattress protector, mattress pad, lightweight comforter, and pillows.

Heavy or light comforter. The important thing is to suit yourself and your partner. Some like it hot, some like it cool. Whichever you choose, be sure to get a duvet cover and insert "with tabs;" you won't regret it! If you would like to try a very light comforter, consider putting one of our cozy blankets inside a duvet cover for some lightweight warmth.

Buying guides to help. Downlite has buying guides for our major product lines that will provide additional information to help you with your decision:

One final idea to assist the undecided - the next time you are in a hotel, pay close attention to the bedding - and even ask for a variety. Trying hotel bedding such as hotel pillows or hotel comforters is a great way to test drive new bedding. Afterward, check on the bedding you prefer with our hotel bedding finder.

If you would like personalized assistance or professional advice before making your choice, you may contact our customer service representatives, and they will assist you in your decision-making.

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