by A.R. Posley

Created on: August 15, 2009

A good night's sleep is a crucial part of succeeding in college. With all the responsibilities that college students have, they need to retire each day to a bed that offers proper body alignment, durability, comfort, and easy maintenance. For this reason, it is extremely important for students to invest in the best bedding for their college dorm room beds. Some of the must-haves for quality bedding are detailed below.

Comforters

The most convenient comforter for college students is known as bed in a bag and is sold by major retailers and e-tailers. Ideally, it includes a comforter that is encased in a cover with a hidden zipper, allowing students to remove and clean the cover in the washing machine rather than taking the whole comforter to the dry cleaner. Many of the beds in bags come in sets that include the comforter, a flat sheet, a fitted sheet, pillowcases, pillow shams, and a bed skirt. The e-tailer overstock.com and the retailer/e-tailer Macy's sell a variety of bed in a bag sets, starting at around $40 and $50, with great customer reviews.

Sheets

A quality sheet is judged by its thread count, weave, and fabric. The higher the thread count, the closer the weave, which creates softness, durability, and dirt resistance. Students will want sheets with at least a 200 thread count. Specifically, Egyptian cotton sheets have the best thread count, weave, and fabric since Egyptian cotton is the most durable for washing and is luxurious in texture. These sheets, available as a set, have the added bonus of coming in lavish shades such as gold, crimson, ivory, and marine, and are a popular buy at the e-tailer overstock.com.

Pillows and head rests

Pillows and head rests come in handy for both studying and sleeping in a dorm room. Foam pillows are one of the best types that come in a variety of forms. A highly recommended foam pillow is called the Read and Relax 2-in-1 Bed Pillow that is sold on overstock.com. It has a wedge-shaped foam surface that elevates the upper body and a machine-washable cover. It is perfect for students that suffer from indigestion or acid reflux. Other foam pillows are available to place under the back and knees to reduce back pain. Another top-rated example on this website is the Dream Form Memory Foam Ventilated Contour Pillow that is made from natural hypo-allergenic material and includes a velour, zippered cover that is machine-washable. It improves sleeping posture and circulation.

Mattress covers and pads

The best mattress cover is breathable; dust mite and bacteria-resistant; and waterproof. One such example is the Tuffguard Plus Microfiber Mattress Protector that has a customer rating of 4.8 stars on overstock.com. As for mattress pads, college students will find satisfaction with one such as the Memory Foam 1-Inch Mattress Topper, sold on overstock.com, that features a squishy, gel-like texture, a hypoallergenic and dust-mite resistant material, and foam that contours to the body to eliminate tossing and turning.

Above all, the best bedding for a college dorm room bed is comfortable, convenient, allergy-friendly, and affordable. This eases college students' transitions from their customary beds at home to their new dorm beds. As mentioned in this guide overstock.com as well as other major e-tailers and retailers are offering great deals on quality bedding for the back-to-school season that students will not want to miss.

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