Between sleeping, relaxing and the occasional WFB (work from bed) days, we spend a lot of time in bed.
Unfortunately, with all that lounging, the area can get pretty gross. Things like dead skin cells, hair, dust mites and sweat can accumulate on your bedding, pillowcases and mattress over time, says Dr. Philip Tierno, a professor of microbiology and pathology at the New York University Grossman School of Medicine. While it's pretty disgusting to think about all those things hanging out with you in your bed, it's more than just the ick factor you should be concerned about: The particles in your bedding can also exacerbate allergies and asthma or even cause you to develop new allergies, Tierno says.
How often should you be washing your bedding?
To prevent this build-up, it's important to wash all your bedding regularly. Tierno recommends washing sheets and pillowcases every two weeks, and comforters every three months or so.
How often should you replace your bedding
Turns out, washing only goes so far. To maintain good bedroom hygiene and stay on top of the wear and tear that comes with frequent cleaning, you should also be upgrading your bedroom essentials pretty regularly. As previously reported by TODAY, you should be replacing your pillows every year, your mattress every five to 10 years and your bedding every 18 to 24 months.
With that in mind, we rounded up some of our favorite sheets, duvet sets, mattresses and pillows to shop when yours need an upgrade — because you really don't want to be thinking about those dust mites as you drift off to dreamland.
Sheets
Amazon Basics Microfiber Sheet Set
- Exceed reviewers' expectations for a simple sheet set
- Easy to care for
- Some had delivery issues with wrong sizes
- Not cooling; reviewers got too warm
Sizes: Twin-California King | Colors: 30 | Fabric: Polyester microfiber
Quality bedding usually comes with a pretty hefty price tag, but these bestselling sheets provide a luxurious level of comfort, without leaving a huge hole in your wallet. There are 30 colors and patterns to choose from, and the set includes a flat and fitted sheet along with two pillowcases. One Shop TODAY writer who put them to the test compared the soft feel to silk and said they held up even after multiple washes.
Mellanni Sheet Set
- Durable
- Shoppers are repeat buyers
- Size up for your mattress
Sizes: Twin to California King, including "extra deep" pocket sizes | Colors: 45 | Fabric: Double-brushed microfiber
Shoppers truly cannot get enough of these bestselling sheets! They have more than 256,000 verified five-star ratings on Amazon, and reviewers say that they're not just a great price, but also "amazing quality."
Commerce editor Vivien Moon says, "I sound like a broken record because the reviews speak for themselves but these are reallyyyyyy great sheets. I love how soft and cozy they are and genuinely have zero notes because they keep me cool and comfortable no matter how hot I run or how cold it might get; they're a treat to climb into each night."
Sijo AiryWeight Eucalyptus Sheet Set
- Cooling
- Can buy with/without top sheet
- Asthma/allergy friendly
- Requires delicate wash setting
Sizes: Twin-California King | Colors: 13 | Fabric: 100% TENCEL Lyocell
If you tend to run hot while you sleep, cooling sheets are a must. Senior SEO editor Jess Bender calls these “pretty much the perfect sheets for hot sleepers due to their cooling and moisture-wicking properties, but there’s more to love about these beyond that. In short, these are probably the silkiest bedsheets I’ve ever owned — you could even see the sheen bouncing off the bedroom lights!” she raves.
“They’re also made with sustainable, soft eucalyptus fibers that won’t irritate or scratch sensitive skin. I’ve owned these for a little over two years and they’re still in great shape beyond a slight bit of pilling from washing them.”
PeachSkinSheets Night Sweats Sheet Set
- Easy to clean and care for
- Best for hot sleepers, according to reviewers
- Thin material
Sizes: Twin-California King | Colors: 32 | Fabric: Breathable polyfiber
Sweaty sleepers will appreciate these moisture-wicking sheets, which are made from high-quality performance fabric. They’re designed to be quick-drying and breathable to keep you cool all night long. Plus, the fabric is said to be stain-resistant and pill-resistant, too, so the sheets will stay looking their best, even after plenty of nights of wear.
Brooklinen Luxe Core Sheet Set
- Ultra comfortable and soft
- Shoppers say worth the splurge
- Hem tends to wrinkle and twist
Sizes: Twin-California King | Colors: 16 | Fabric: Cotton
Upgrade your sleep setup with these buttery-soft sheets from Brooklinen, beloved by several members of the Shop TODAY team. Choose from 10+ different color and pattern options, including a few fun limited edition releases. The best part? The fitted sheet has labels for the “short” and “long” sides, to eliminate the annoying process of figuring out which way to put it on.
Greenleaf Organic Bamboo Bed Sheets
- Fits deep mattresses
- Extremely soft
- Washes well/doesn't pill
- Not many sizes
Sizes: Queen-California King | Colors: 6 | Fabric: Organic bamboo viscose
Associate editor Kamari Stewart says these are the "softest sheets she's ever had." According to the brand, they're produced with responsibly sourced, sustainable bamboo and are even hypoallergenic.
"I run warm at night and these sheets have managed to keep me cool every single night without fail. I also love that I don't have to fight to get them onto my 12-inch thick mattress," Stewart raves.
Naturepedic Organic Cotton Sateen Sheets and Pillowcases
- Soft, organic cotton
- Can buy separates or full set
- Some say white has a blue tint
Sizes: Twin-California King | Colors: 7 | Fabric: Organic cotton sateen
Associate editor Shannon Garlin says these sheets are worth the investment. "I find them to be extremely soft after the first wash and very breathable. Also, the brand uses certified organic cotton, which makes me feel like I'm helping the planet."
Plus, if you're team "no top sheet," you can buy a set without it or just individual pieces!
Cozy Earth Bamboo Sheet Set
- Environmentally-friendly
- Soft, comfortable, cooling
- More costly than other brands
Sizes: Twin-Split King | Colors: 17 | Fabric: Viscose bamboo fabric
These sheets made Oprah's Favorite Things list in 2018, so you know they're bound to be good. Lightweight and breathable, they promise to keep you cool throughout the night. And according to the brand, they’re “the world’s softest bamboo sheets, guaranteed.”
You’re sure to love the luxurious feel, but if you’re not totally convinced, the company has a 100-night sleep trial policy. If you don’t love them, you can send them back (also for no cost).
Duvet sets
Amazon Basics Down Alternative Duvet Insert
- Affordable
- Comfortable
- Dirties easily due to color
Sizes: Twin-King | Colors: 1 | Fabric: Polyester
For a hotel-quality duvet cover for an affordable price, associate editor Allie Wise recommends this easy-to-care-for option from Amazon Basics.
Not only does it have over 6,000 verified five-star ratings on the site, but it rivals fancy hotel comforters, according to Wise.
Nestl Three-Piece Queen Duvet Cover Set
- Doesn't wrinkle easily
- High-quality after many washes
- A little short on the sides
- Some colors don't match pics
Sizes: Twin-California King | Colors: 40 | Fabric: Microfiber
Love sleeping next to your furry friend? This bedding set is designed to be pet-friendly, which means their paws won’t tear or snag the material and pet hair and fur won’t cling, the brand says. Plus, it’s super comfortable. “It is cushiony soft and almost cloud-like,” wrote one of the more than 65,000 people who gave the set a five-star rating.
Jellymoni Natural Cotton Duvet Cover Set
- Sizing is consistent
- Soft, lightweight fabric
- Zipper sometimes malfunctions
Sizes: Twin-Oversized King | Colors: 21 | Fabric: Cotton
Bring a cute and casual feel to your room with this affordable, top-selling striped duvet cover set. It includes two pillowcases and a cover which has corner ties to secure your comforter in place.
Greenleaf Organic Bamboo Duvet Cover Set
- Super soft
- Fits overfilled comforters
- Not many sizes
Sizes: Queen/Full-King/California King | Colors: 3 | Fabric: Organic bamboo viscose
Stewart pairs the organic bamboo sheet set from the same brand with this duvet cover set to get the full experience. "Every night, I'm swathed in the softest cooling sheets and it's such a luxurious experience," she says.
Bonus: Each set comes with a sleep mask!
Parachute Brushed Cotton Duvet Cover Set
- Breathable
- Durable
- Stains easily
- Color bleeds
Sizes: Full-California King | Colors: 5 | Fabric: Cotton
Made in a family-owned factory in Portugal, Parachute’s bedding delivers on quality and comfort. The lived-in feel of their duvet set is said to be like sleeping in your favorite t-shirt. The 100% cotton set comes in three different neutral color options that will easily match any bedding you already have.
Cozy Earth Bamboo Viscose Comforter
Sizes: Twin-King | Colors: 1 | Fabric: Bamboo viscose
Deals editor Rebecca Brown says this comforter "will transform sleep, hands down. I always thought I'd found the perfect blanket, but this comforter is in a class of it's own. It's beyond soft, silky to the touch and incredibly warm — all without being heavy."
If you like a fluffier duvet, you can opt for the extra filled version. You can also choose from three different fabrics: bamboo viscose, silk or down alternative.
Pillows
DreamyBlue Premium Pillow
- Adjustable; "most comfortable"
- High-quality
- Doesn't fully dry when washing
- Packaging and delivery issues
Sizes: Standard, Queen, King | Colors: 1 | Fabric: Memory foam
For a customizable option, look no further than this top-rated memory foam pillow. This one comes with shredded memory foam that can be added or removed, so you can find the most comfortable fit.
Osteo Cervical Pillow
- Good for side sleepers
- Felt a difference immediately
- Pricey compared to others
Sizes: Standard, queen | Colors: 6 | Fabric: Memory and polyurethane foam
Side sleepers unite! While the sleeping position is often advised against, this pillow helps provide support for those of us who still do it. From the first night, writer Emma Stessman felt a difference in the comfort and support this pillow provided compared to others she's used.
Plus, the incorporation of multiple amounts of foam allows it to hold its shape and remain comfortable and breathable, according to Stessman.
Pillow Cube Side Cube
- Long for switching sides
- Comfy yet firm memory foam
- Hard to find a long pillowcase
Sizes: "Ice cube," "Side cube" options; plus 4-, 5- and 6-inch options available | Colors: N/A | Fabric: Memory foam
Traveling often? Stewart totes this as her "ride or die," no matter if she's in a hotel room or her New York City apartment. As a self-proclaimed side sleeper, Stewart appreciates the length of this pillow, allowing her to turn from side to side and remain on it.
"Since it’s a cube shape, it tucks in comfortably between your head and shoulder," she says. "It’s the perfect height to keep everything aligned throughout the night and keeps me from waking up with aches and pains."
Coop Home Goods The Original
- Easy to add or remove foam
- Provides excellent support
- Has a weird smell to it
- Can be hard to find best fit
Sizes: Queen, King | Colors: 3 | Fabric: Memory foam, microfiber
Searching for the perfect pillow can often turn into a Goldilocks situation. Firm pillows feel way too hard, but the softer options don’t provide enough support. This adjustable pillow solves all those issues. The inner fill, which is made with microfiber and memory foam, can easily be added or removed, so you can create the perfect size and shape to suit your sleeping style.
Tuft & Needle Foam Pillow
- "Uniformly shaped"
- "Cooling, soft, high-quality"
- Packaging and delivery issues
Sizes: Standard, King | Colors: 1 | Fabrics/Materials: Memory foam, microfiber
A cover can double the life of your pillow, and this one comes with one that’s said to be soft, breathable and machine-washable to make cleaning easier. The foam pillow is made with cooling beads which will pull heat away from your body to help prevent you from getting too hot during the night, the brand says.
Buffy Wiggle Pillow
- Comfortable; easy to maneuver
- Machine-washable cover
- May be too long for some
Sizes: One size | Colors: 1 | Fabric: Recycled plastic filling, eucalyptus Lyocell cover
Moon says she was new to body pillows before trying Buffy's but is "not sure how I've lived this long without it. I love how easy it is to contort to my liking and how comfortable it has made naps and sleep in general. I also like that the cover is removeable to be washed and you can pick from a variety of covers to update to your liking."
According to the brand, it's designed for pregnancy to help you (and baby) get the best sleep each night. Like Moon noted, it can be easily contorted to provide support wherever you need it.
Ostrichpillow Memory Foam Bed Pillow
- Ergonomic shape
- Effective for any position
- Awkard shape for pillowcases
- Too flat for some
Sizes: One size | Colors: 1 | Fabric: Memory foam
Rather than stack pillow on top of pillow to provide her with the utmost comfort while sleeping, Bender opted for this one pillow to solve her sleeping woes.
"Since getting this memory foam pillow, though, I’ve never needed to worry about achy mornings," she says. "I especially adore that it perfectly hugs and positions my head, even when I toss and turn in the middle of the night."
Mattresses
Linenspa 8-Inch Memory Foam Mattress
- Some are repeat buyers
- Still comfy after many years
- May not unfold properly
- Strong smell when unpacking
Sizes: Twin-California King; 8, 10 and 12-inch options available | Fabrics/Materials: Bonnell Coil, comfort foam, memory foam
Finding a quality mattress that won't cost an arm and a leg sometimes seems like an impossible task, but this bestselling option has more than 90,000 perfect ratings and rings in at under $250. The hybrid mattress combines memory foam and inner springs to provide a medium level of firmness.
Allswell The Brick
- Has enough cushion to remain comfortable over time
- Not overly firm or hard, if that's what you're looking for
- Packaging and delivery issues
Sizes: Twin-King | Fabrics/Materials: High density foam
Just as the name would suggest, this Allswell mattress provides a high level of support, thanks to a two-inch layer of high-density foam and a firm top layer, the brand says. It also features individually-wrapped inner coils, to help minimize motion transfer, so you can sleep through the night even if your partner is tossing and turning.
Casper Original Mattress
- Easy to unpack
- Reviewers are "satisfied" with this brand and mattress; multiple of them are repeat buyers
- Packaging and delivery issues
Sizes: Twin-California King | Fabrics/Materials: Memory and polyurethane foam
The foam in Casper's Original Mattress is divided into three ergonomic zones to help keep your spine aligned. It also features thousands of miniature perforations throughout the mattress that allow air to circulate through, so you'll stay cool, the brand says.
Puffy Lux Mattress
- Ideal for all sleep types
- Cooling technology
- Delivers in a box
- One firmness level
Sizes: Twin-Split King | Fabrics/Materials: Cloud foam, contour-adapt coils, cloud comfort pressure-relief foam, firm core support foam, cool touch quilted cloud cover, cooling cloud foam
Moon has had this mattress for over a year and says she still loves it. "With my previous mattress, I don't think I got a proper full night of good sleep and once I switched over to this one, I have been actually able to sleep comfortably every night," she raves. "It was so easy to remove from the box and has been the right mix of plush and firm so my back and neck are always in alignment. An added bonus? The pillows that came with it have replaced my previous favorite pillows as my first pick now."
How we chose
From side sleepers to constant travelers, the Shop TODAY team recommended bedding items that are not only comfortable from the moment you lay down, but will have you itching to return home from vacation to.
As an editorial team, we independently create content and determine coverage based on research, reporting and what we think TODAY.com readers would like to read about. The goal of our content is to provide a service and inform readers who are on the hunt for the latest products to help make their life better.
Meet the expert
- Dr. Philip Tierno, PhD, is a professor of microbiology and pathology at the New York University Grossman School of Medicine. He has more than 40 years of experience in the field of clinical and medical microbiology, and is the author of several books, including "The Secret Life of Germs" and "First, Wear a Face Mask."
