Ply & Thread Counts

Ply & Thread Counts?

w/ Linda McAndrews

Summer is just around the corner on the island, which means it's time to start prepping the home for warmer weather. For most of us, this will most likely involve changing out thicker bedding for lighter sheets.

I had just bought my new Serta mattress during Marine’s ‘May is Mattress Month’ sale. And I knew exactly what I wanted to buy with the $150 gift card I received with that purchase… I deserved some new sheets!

Looking through sheet sets in the Marine Home Center bedding department, I thought I would just pick a pretty color and be done. However, there were so many things to consider! Thread counts, fabrics, ply.  What should I choose that will make me feel cool and comfortable on humid summer nights?

Kelly Shay, the expert in Bed & Bath, came to my rescue. She told me that cotton is the best choice for the hot summer months.  Cotton sheets breathe well and keep you feeling cool. Egyptian cotton and Supima cotton are 100% natural cotton and absorb moisture. They are also luxurious and soft feeling.

“What about thread count?” I asked, “shouldn’t I want the highest number?”

“Anything over 250 makes for a soft, comfortable feel,” said Kelly, “but ply is also something to consider. Ply is how many threads are wrapped together to make one total thread.  A 300 thread count vs. a 300 double ply thread count, will have a different feel.  The latter one will feel more like a 600 thread count sheet and will feel thicker and richer. We carry all qualities of cotton sheets so you’re sure to find one that fits your budget,” she said, “But if you really want to invest in an excellent night’s sleep be sure to check out our Matouk luxury bedding”

New mattress, new comforter, new sheets…I was almost done. I just needed to pick up some new pillows to put in my crisp, new pillowcases.

Again, I was befuddled by choices…down, down & feather, down alternative, synthetic, memory foam! I didn’t even know what was in my pillow at home, all I knew was that it was lumpy and uncomfortable and the only thing left that was keeping me from a good night’s sleep.

Before I knew it, Kelly was beside me to help me choose.

She said that the way you sleep will determine the firmness of your pillow.

Back sleepers prefer a medium support pillow that cradles the natural curvature of the upper spine, perfectly positioning your head and neck.

Side sleepers like a firm pillow that cradles the head, neck and shoulders, providing an even surface to help keep the body in a horizontal line.

Stomach sleepers do best with a soft, plump pillow that cushions the head and neck at a comfortable angle and prevents an unnatural turning to either side.

“But what if you’re an every position sleeper, like me?” I asked.

“Generally those who don’t maintain a particular position through the night prefer a medium density pillow to accommodate all positions.” She said.

With Kelly’s help, I chose the perfect new sheets and pillows that would be just right for me, and my budget. When I got home, I put together my beautiful new  bedding and couldn’t resist slipping between those crisp cotton layers right away, convinced that it was the perfect time for an afternoon nap to test my new sheets.