The Sleep Envelope

The “sleep envelope”

was first introduced around twenty years ago. It’s the idea that not one single element of your bed is the key to a good night’s sleep, but rather that every piece works together to create the perfect environment to catch some shut-eye.

We must admit, we were skeptical at first. At the time, our store almost exclusively sold mattresses. We wanted to believe that the mattress determined your sleep quality over all other products. But once we began to look at the mattress as part of a larger whole, our perceptions changed, and we’ve never looked back.

We started the 45th Street Bedding Company to bring the best of all sleep products to our customers, from sources we trust. We’re of the opinion that you deserve to have all the elements of your bed work together to keep you comfortable and supported throughout the night.

So, what’s your number?

Picture your bed set up at home. Start from the floor and count up; don’t leave anything out. How many layers/items do you have in your bedding? I bet you have more than you think.

I counted 12 layers on my own bed: a metal base, mattress, waterproof encasement, fitted sheet, comforter, blanket, three pillows, my hypoallergenic pillow encasement, a washable wool pillow cover and a regular pillowcase. Don’t know about you, but I was surprised my bed had so much stuff! But when I step back and think about why each item is there, I realize they all serve a purpose.

That purpose is obviously comfort, right!?

Well yes, but that’s only part of it. Your bed needs to do more than keep you cozy. It needs to correctly support your body while you sleep and regulate your temperature to keep you comfortable throughout the night.

You need comfort and more

I sleep with my head on one pillow, but I often prefer to sleep on my side in the fetal position, so my other two pillows are good for helping provide extra support. I like to sleep under just my comforter (I’ve never been a huge fan of top sheets), but the extra blanket is there to layer if it gets chilly in the night or my cat steals the covers again. She’s a wily one.

My fitted sheet is made of 100% Cotton, so it helps absorb moisture, helping keep me dry. The covers for my pillows, both the hypoallergenic zip cover and washable wool cover, help keep dust mites and moisture out, which keeps me happy and healthy while I sleep!

What does a sleep envelope look like?

Let’s break this down from the floor up, shall we?

Bed Frame

A bed frame is not essential; but making sure your mattress rests on a flat, even surface is! So regardless of where you decide to put your mattress, either on the ground or a bed frame, make sure it’s flat. Usually, if you’re placing your mattress straight on the floor, this isn’t too difficult to achieve. But if you have a platform bed or a box spring, you need to check to make sure the wooden slats are spaced no more than 3-4 inches apart. If they are, you risk your mattress sinking and becoming uneven.

Mattress

Make sure you purchase a mattress that contains as little poly-foam as possible. Whatever your budget will allow. Twenty years ago, our company still sold memory foam and air mattresses, both well-known brands. They were the most-returned mattresses on the floor. Stay away from foam, stay away from air beds. And, of course, look for a mattress that is two-sided and flippable. Your wallet will thank you in the long run!

Mattress Encasement

This is less for comfort, and more for peace of mind and protecting your investment. A full encasement goes the extra mile, protecting your mattress from moisture, bed bugs, and allergy-causing dust mites.

Mattress Topper/Pad

A good mattress topper gives your bed that extra “ooh-aah” factor and is a great way to customize a mattress you feel is too firm for less money than replacing the entire mattress.

Choose a topper or pad that is made from moisture-wicking materials, such as wool.

Bed Sheet

Even if you don’t sleep with a top sheet, you need a fitted sheet, especially if you don’t have anything else between you and the mattress! You never want to sleep directly on your mattress…never, okay? Your body sheds skin cells and perspires throughout the night. If nothing’s between you and your mattress, where do you think all of that stuff’s going to go?

Look for sheets made from 100% cotton or bamboo. These will help absorb moisture away from your body.

Comforter/Duvet

Moisture-wicking fabric is key here. Your comforter is the bulkiest item on your bed, which means it has the potential to generate the most heat. You want to stay comfortable while you sleep, and it’s a fact that you’re going to perspire from time to time during the night. So, make sure your comforter is designed to wick away moisture from your body. The answer is; Washable Wool, everyone! Washable Wool!

Pillows

Here’s something you may not have known: You should buy your pillow at the same time you buy your mattress, and test them out together! Think of your pillow as an extension of the mattress. It needs to support your head and neck, and your pillow needs will change depending on two things: how you sleep, and how firm your mattress is. I had never thought of this before, but it makes so much sense.

Don’t spend money on a pillow that won’t cut it with your mattress. We prefer this Shredded Latex Pillow, because you can customize it to your liking, making it a versatile option for anyone.