Looking to hibernate this winter? You’re not alone.
With colder temperatures, darker days and long stretches without a holiday in sight, the next few months will have us all wanting to take to our beds more often than usual. And when you do, make sure you’re settling in to a cocoon that’s comfortable, cozy and primed to help you sleep well.
You can do that even if the surface you sleep on needs an upgrade. From custom- made pillows to body-supporting toppers, here are five easy ways to create the perfect winter bed without needing to shell out for a pricey new mattress.
Baloo Weighted Throw
By now, you’ve likely heard of the benefits of weighted blankets, which were first used in clinics to help those with psychiatric and depression issues, and are now widely available to all who might need a bit of a mood lift—or help falling asleep.
Designed to feel like a comforting hug, and available in 12-, 15-, 20- and 25-pound versions, the Baloo Weighted Throws are made with 100 percent cotton exteriors (no polyester or synthetic liners), natural and chemical-free materials, and glass microbead fills; they are also washer and dryer safe. The larger versions cover queen-size or king-size beds, but we like the throw size, which can be used on the couch or on the bed (by one person), and comes in three serene colors created using all-natural, plant-based dyes. balooliving.com
Pluto Pillows
While dealing with chronic neck pain in her twenties, Susana Saeliu found herself buying—and returning—a lot of pillows in search of that perfect amount of support. When she couldn’t find a “simple, high-quality pillow at a fair price,” she created Pluto, the first pillow custom-built to your body stats and sleep preferences. Customers go online to answer a quick questionnaire—you’ll input things like your height and weight, density preference and what position you sleep in—and, one smart algorithm and a few days (and free shipping) later, you’ve got a pillow made just for you. Pluto also recently launched Puff, a 100 percent hypoallergenic body pillow that offers cool, hug-like total body support without ever going flat. plutopillow.com
Ettitude Comforter
This high-quality natural bedding line’s Bamboo Comforter checks off all the boxes, as it’s comfortable, sustainably made and makes you feel like you’ve checked in to a fancy hotel. Made from a 100 percent plant-based CleanBamboo and a bamboo lyocell fiber filling, the cushy, vegan down-alternative duvet—available in summer or winter weights—has a silky, plush feel that belies its relatively affordable price point. It also is breathable and keeps you from getting too hot, and is hypoallergenic and good for those with sensitive skin—especially if you add on the equally silky-feeling Signature Sateen Duvet Cover, also made from CleanBamboo. ettitude.com
Brentwood Home Mattress Topper
The easiest way to transform your bed while still keeping your current mattress is to add on a mattress topper, which—depending on what kind you get—can do everything from add height and help keep you cool to help ease body pain. One of our favorites is the Organic Latex Mattress Topper from the excellent bedding line Brentwood Home, which is made in Los Angeles using 100 percent certified GOLS organic latex (sourced from the brand’s own rubber forests and factories in India and Guatemala) that’s been wrapped in GOTS organic cotton jersey.
Unlike memory foam, which sinks you into the mattress, the latex core offers contoured support and helps relieve pressure points, while the open-cell structure keeps things breathable and cool. The two-inch version will accent your current mattress and is good for back and stomach sleepers, while the three-inch version is great for side sleepers and for those with older mattresses. While you’re on the Brentwood Home site, check out some of its other game changers, like the Restorative Leg Lift Cushion and the Wedge Pillows, which make it easier to work and watch TV from bed, too. brentwoodhome.com
Coyuchi Sheets
Sometimes the smallest thing can be transformative—and in the case of your bed that would be your sheets and pillow cases. Whether you want to lean in to the winter vibe and go for flannel, stay cozy with jersey cotton, or keep things cool with percale or temperature-regulating linen, Coyuchi has the sheets for you—and they’re all made safely with GOTS- and Fair Trade-certified materials. Check out the online sheet guide to find the material best suited to your needs and sleep habits—and then try to decide between all the lovely, nature-inspired hues. coyuchi.com