Get that Sheet Count: How To Up Your Bed(ding) Game
While there are plenty of places to get sexy with someone outside the bedroom, the bedroom obviously sees the most action. And with all the friction, fluids, and feistiness going on, it’s not a good idea to neglect your textiles.
Here are some things to keep in mind when buying bedding in China - because good bedding is important for sleep & your sexcapades!
Why is Bedding Important?
Gone are the days of the cheap set of rags in your college dorm. Aside from a good night’s sleep, decent bedding is important for your sexcapades. Some sheets are better for sex than others. You may be enjoying the minimalist lifestyle without sheets right now because it can get really sweaty in summer, but transitioning to your comfy flannel sheets for the cold of winter could make staying in bed with your partner the best place to be.
When looking for sheets that are best for sex, but also comfy and luxurious enough to sleep on year-round, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Breathability: You want the perfect temperature for your tumbling around.
Durability: Sheets that can last many rounds in the washing machine – cause sex can get nasty.
All-around comfort: the feeling of coarse material is not sexy.
Staying cool so you can get heated with your lover is important, and to manage this it’s all about that material!
Keeping Cool
Throughout history humans have always sought comfort. Here’s a helpful chart showing you when different materials came into use. You can use these words casually in conversation the next time you find yourself on a date with a bedding expert. What? It could happen.
Radiocarbon dating from a cave in Georgia suggests prehistoric humans used linen fabric. Think of your room as your ‘cave': keep it cool to get good ZZZs. The ideal room temperature for adults is between 15-19 degrees Celsius.
In summer months, lyocell (Tencel), jersey cotton and to a lesser extent, silk, will keep you cooler due to a high moisture absorption rate, in that order. IKEA has a large selection of sheets, duvets, duvet cover sets, and pillowcases made of lyocell, cotton and cotton blends.
Got Air? No, Thanks
Uniqlo’s ‘AIRism’ bedding line, including duvet covers, fitted sheets, sheets and pillowcases made of cupro, a type of rayon no longer made in the USA due to its toxic manufacturing process (cupro products are marketed as Ammonia Silk in China) and potential by-products. Furthermore, this second-generation rayon material is prone to pilling and this can be seen on Uniqlo Singapore and Malaysia reviews of AIRism products.
Industry Lingo: Sheets labelled as “bamboo” typically consist of rayon, lyocell, or modal fabric derived from bamboo fibers.
Every thread (doesn’t) count: Thread count means the number of threads woven into one square inch of fabric. Ranging from the 100s to the 1000s, it’s recommended to buy within 200-800 as manufacturers may use inferior thread or multi-ply yarns to overstate actual quality.
It’s not White, it’s ‘Off-White’
Why are basic colors all the rage?
White/off-white colors make up about 90% of bedsheet sales in the USA (thesleepjudge.com), and this trend may have started because it’s easier to bleach the stains out of these light colors. Hold on for another advantage, these colors do really well at hiding semen and vaginal fluid stains.
Black, its non-color opposite, is ideal for hiding menstruation stains, while dark brown is versatile in hiding most stains, including bedwetting. Dark colors like black and navy blue are recommended if you sweat a lot (bustle.com).
Dermatology Questions Answered
OASIS International Hospital Dermatologist Dr. Peng Yang answers these 3 FAQs:
(1) As a Dermatologist, how often do you recommend that we wash our sheets and mattresses?
Sheets should be changed, and pillowcases should be washed regularly to avoid bacterial buildup. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) suggests washing sheets once per week, but pillowcases should be washed 2-3 times a week. Those who have sensitive skin, however, including acne or allergies to dust mites, etc. should change sheets every 3 days or use dust-proof bed stuff.
Mattresses can accumulate dead skin cells, hair, sweat and saliva which can lead to mold and dust mites. For those with dust mite allergies who experience allergic symptoms, it may be time to throw away that old mattress; others may change about every 6-8 years.
(2) Will putting my quilt in the sun actually clean it?
Ultraviolet light kills bacteria, fungi, parasites, and growth that can be found in water, on skin, blankets and bed sheets. Hanging bed stuff out in the sun is a simple, cheap, chemical free way of disinfecting it. Of course, to achieve this effect, you need very sunny weather.
(3) What types of materials are best for allergy sufferers?
Those with sensitive skin like eczema or hives should choose natural fibers over man-made fibers such as rayon or polyester. The right bed sheet may be silk, cotton or linen.
How Can You Save Money at IKEA?
The ‘Circular Hub’ has great deals on returns and exchanges. See below for how to find it at the Siyuanqiao location:
Perfect Pillows and Pillow Talk in Pinyin
It takes an average of 10-20 minutes to fall asleep (Dement 1999), with memory foam and cooling gel pillows having a cooling effect lasting 5-10 minutes (hullopillow.com, among other sources).
For those of you who fall asleep soon after hitting the covers, this may be a worthwhile annual investment. Otherwise, a buckwheat pillow (荞麦枕头qiáomàizhěntou), which stays at a comfortable temperature and is available at many retailers and online, may be a perfect choice for most wanting a year-round pillow that will last about 10 years.
Finally, here are some helpful Chinese words when buying bedding in China:
A four-piece bedding set 四件套 includes the following four items:
2x pillowcases; 1x quilt cover;1x sheet.
To conclude, whether you’re enjoying time in bed or your bedtime, chose the right material to make your nightlife your best life.
Find Out More About OASIS:
Information on OASIS can be found on many social media platforms.
WeChat (OASIS_hospital)
Facebook
LinkedIn
Official website (www.oasishealth.cn)
As well as a convenient App for OASIS patients providing easy access to booking appointments, medical results and payment.
For more information about our services or to book an appointment, please visit www.oasishealth.cn or call 400-UR-OASIS (400-87-62747). New and existing patients can book appointments on our official WeChat account: MYOASIS and hospital App.
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Date Night China is a digital media platform and events organization based in Beijing that aims to build a positive community and share stories about relationships and dating in China. Follow our Wechat Account for the latest articles, new podcast episodes, and upcoming events.