Tag: sleep week 2022

The best white noise machines of 2023 | CNN Underscored

This article is a part of CNN Underscored’s Guide to Sleep, a week-long focus on everything you need to sleep better. We’ll be featuring new products and exclusive deals all week, so check in every morning to see what’s new.

Noise can affect sleep for better or worse. White noise machines that emit just that — consistent noise — fall squarely in the “better” category. Constant white noise, like the kind produced by a white noise machine, has been shown to improve sleep quality because it helps mask sudden bursts of noise that may help some people more easily fall and stay asleep.

“White noise machine” is a blanket term that consists of basic machines that do the bare minimum (that is, emit white noise at varying volumes) to high-end pieces of tech that feature lights, automations and more. We tested 12 top-rated white noise machines (and four white noise apps), aiming for solutions with a variety of sound options and great volume control for heavy and light sleepers alike. After several months, four stood above the rest:

Best white noise machine overall

The Sound+Sleep Mini white noise machine contains 48 different sounds like rain, brooks, fans, ocean sounds and white noise. The other devices we tested feature some of these sounds, but the Mini is one of the only ones that has them all.

Best upgrade white noise machine

While our overall pick is a classic sound machine, the Hatch Restore white noise machine packs extra features like a color-changing light on the front, a digital clock display and routines to help you wind down and fall asleep easier.

Best white noise app overall

We liked the White Noise app for its ease of use, handy timers and alarms, and large selection of various types of sounds. You can download additional sounds in its marketplaces.

Best upgrade white noise app

The Calm app offers white noise and other sounds, and also meditation and breathing exercises, daily movement videos, music, motivational talks and tons of sleep options. The app also offers a free trial period.

If you’re looking for a plethora of sounds to soothe you into sleep, the Sound+Sleep Mini will fit the bill with more than 48 tracks across 12 categories that range from the standard (white and pink noise) to the environmental (rain or ocean).

It would be a lot to list out 48 individual sounds, but here are a few highlights: Fireplace inspired the same warm, cozy vibe you get from a nearby crackling fireplace. Crickets with light rain filled the space with a medley of natural sounds, transporting us to a relaxing night outdoors (without any of the actual bugs and rain). All of the soundscapes under the “Crowd” category reminded us of when we could go out to a café with a laptop. With such an array of sounds — more than any other we tested — it prevented the mundanity that we experienced hearing the same sounds over and over with most of the other machines.

Speaking of mundanity, some sound machines, such as the SoundSpa Portable and the Hatch Restore, have somewhat short soundtracks where you can recognize where the loop restarts. Sometimes hearing that tiny glitch when a soundscape has restarted made it more difficult for us to relax. With the Sound+Sleep Mini, we never recognized those repeats.

Of course, if you can’t set the volume just right, you’ll be adjusting it all night. And few devices offered as many gradations between whisper quiet and booming loud as the Mini. You can thank the high-fidelity 2.5-inch speakers for the latter. It’s not necessarily room-filling, but it does pack a punch on the audio scale and can sound bigger than it appears — helping to better mask ambient noises that could disturb sleep. The Sound+Sleep Mini features an upfiring speaker on the top, so it’s directionally pushing the sound upward. Thanks to its comparatively wider volume gradient, we were easily able to pick out a precise volume that we preferred.

The device also features an adaptive sound mode, wherein a built-in microphone detects environmental sounds and increases the volume in an attempt to cover them up. We tested this by clapping near the machine, then farther away and finally while having people converse loudly in the next room. We only noticed a significant volume change when the sounds originated in the same room as the machine. So if you have a noisy roommate, it could help, but with loud neighbors, you may have to change the volume yourself.

The sound quality is decent. The Mini is more than capable of reaching high and low notes, which greatly helped our immersion once we closed our eyes and listened to each track. It handled the tracks better than most of the others we tested, and there wasn’t a tinny quality to the sound, even when the pitches rose. Still, the Hatch Restore, which is nearly double the price, bested the Sound+Sleep Mini in this regard. The sound it puts out has more depth, and is produced with a much higher level of clarity, whereas the Sound+Sleep Mini is less crisp overall.

The Sound+Sleep Mini, as the name may suggest, is a compact device, with an asymmetrical teardrop shape and a flat top upon which the speaker resides. Like most of the sound machines we tested, it’s a cinch to set up. All you have to do is plug the included power cable into the bottom of the Mini, then plug that into the wall. Alternatively, you can insert 4 AA batteries beneath a bottom panel.

The device’s controls are laid over a flat surface on the side. They may look complex, but they’re not. A central circular button cycles through each category, while another button, labeled “selection,” controls which track is playing within that category. LED lights inside this panel intuitively indicate exactly which selection is currently playing. There’s even a snooze timer with 30-, 60- and 90-minute options. This particular timer is unique, lowering the volume gradually as it nears its end. It’s not a feature we often noticed, as we were asleep before it kicked in. The LED lights fade out too, so as not to distract you — although, they didn’t distract us at their full brightness either.

On the side near the controls are two audio ports: one is for audio input if you want to use the Mini as a speaker; the other is a headphone jack, a feature we wish more machines included. Using this option, you can become even more immersed in your selection of choice. The sound quality is even a little better with headphones on if you have a half-decent pair.

Overall, the Sound+Sleep Mini has everything you’d want in a sound machine. It comes with a multitude of soundtracks, expansive volume control and a timer for dozing off. In terms of design, it’s a sleek piece that will go well on your nightstand with controls that you’ll learn in a flash. At $64.95, it isn’t the cheapest option out there, but its multitude of features can appease any sleeper.

Boasting a companion app, class-leading soundscapes, routines that help you fall asleep and wake up easier, along with several lighting options (to, again, lull you to sleep or gently wake you up), the Hatch Restore is the ultimate sleep gadget. It also comes at a premium price: $129.99. But when you put all its functionalities together, that cost is justified.

We were blown away by the Restore’s 31 sound choices, consisting of soundscapes, music and narrated selections for meditation and rest. The tracks are high-quality in both fidelity and composition. Ocean Sounds in Maine, for example, consists of waves that you can hear splashing underfoot, with overtones of oceanic bird calls and an implacable yet soothing hum. If you close your eyes, then any one of the Restore’s soundscapes can whisk you away to another place. Even better, the tracks were long enough for us to fall asleep to before they ended and started over the loop, lasting longer than those of any other machine we tested. Oceans of Maine is a whopping 45 minutes in duration.

And while its maximum volume is a smidge lower than that of the Sound+Sleep Mini, the volume control is even more precise with 100 levels of volume to choose from, which is easily adjusted in the app or on the side of the device.

The Hatch Restore has a very pleasing design, resembling a semicircular dome with a woven strip along the bottom to house an LED dot display and a sizable light above. Then there’s the large light on the front of the Hatch Restore. Using the companion app, you can change this light to any color or brightness you want. You can go for a bright light for reading before bed, a dull warm light to simulate a sunrise or anywhere in between. The color can’t be controlled on-device (only through the app), but the brightness can.

In addition to sounds of rain, waterfalls, whale calls and other beautiful soundscapes, you can also select relaxing music and narrations. The music is primarily composed to induce feelings, and the tracks are named accordingly. Acceptance contains hopeful string instruments and synth notes, making you feel like you’re floating on a cloud. A Stormy Cabin, on the other hand, has a lower, more somber tone with a deep violin. The narrated segments have mindfulness training on being aware of your breathing and muscles as well as techniques for clearing your head after the day and many more options. You can even listen to stories, such as readings from famous novels or calming tales about fictional events. We, for one, enjoyed one about taking a vacation to a warmer place; it helped us escape the winter under some cozy sheets.

To tie it all together, there are what the app calls Routines. These are customizable sequences that can be activated with a tap or scheduled for a specific time. For example, we relied on a built-in sequence called Bedtime to relax us before bedtime. With that, when you tap a touch control on the top of the Restore, a warm white light comes on for reading. When you tap it again, a 10-minute track called Meeting Sleep With Ease plays, wherein a narrator helps you calm your mind with visualization meditation before bed. Lastly, a track called Light Rain rings out with the pitter-patter of rain until you tap again the next morning, or until your morning routine begins. You can have any number of steps happen in any order you’d like for as long as you’d like. And you can schedule them to occur on specific days of the week too. It’s a feature that we found endlessly useful, helping us keep our sleep regular and allowing us to wake up feeling refreshed.

We loved the ability to control all of this — from volume to the light color to soundscapes — through the app. But there is a catch: You only get six months of the app for free, after which you’ll have to add $49.99 annually (or $4.99 monthly) on to the already high price tag to keep the full library of ever-changing sounds and features. If you opt not to subscribe, you’ll keep fewer than 10 free options, so your library will be greatly limited.

The Hatch Restore truly modernizes the sound machine, with excellent sound quality, a customizable light, a digital clock and an app that upgrades the experience. The only setback is the $129.99 price tag. However, we think you get what you pay for — and more — with the Hatch Restore.

If you’re looking for an app that has a large selection of sounds and is easy to use, we liked the White Noise app. It has a variety of different color noises, including white, pink and brown. It also has varying water sounds, from light rain to extreme rain, campfires and different fans like box, oscillating or bathroom. We also liked that we couldn’t tell where the loop is in the sounds we tried, so there’s no sound disruption.

The app also lets you set timers to stop sounds and set alarms to wake up in the morning. While it doesn’t include meditation features like some of the other apps we tried, it does offer quite a bit for a white noise app that costs $.99. It has over 50 sounds that you can listen to individually or mix together, and if that isn’t enough, you can also download additional sounds in its marketplaces.

Unlike some other white noise apps, the Calm app offers more than just white noise and soundscapes. According to Calm, its goal is to “help you improve your health and happiness.” The app offers meditation, breathing exercises, daily movement videos, music for work, motivational and mindset talks, a section for kids and a ton of sleep options.

The options for color noises are limited to white and pink noise, but there are numerous other sleep options, including sleep stories, nature sounds, sleep soundscapes, relaxing music and sleep meditations. There are also celebrities narrating sleep stories, including Harry Styles, Black Pink’s Rosé, Matthew McConaughey, LeBron James and more.

Calm and Headspace are extremely similar, both in terms of offerings and price. However, Calm edged out Headspace since Calm was the only one that had white and pink noise. It also worked equally well on an iPhone and Samsung phone, whereas Headspace had trouble on the Samsung.

What is white noise? White noise is a type of noise that contains noise of all frequencies equally and sounds similar to static. Because it contains all frequencies, it is said that it will mask out other sounds, which is where white noise machines come in.

How white noise works. Rather than being woken up by a noisy neighbor or partner snoring, white noise machines are able to mask sudden noises with its continuous sound so you’re not suddenly jolted awake and you stay asleep. If you’ve ever had a friend who swears they can only sleep with a fan on, it’s the same concept as white noise: that the continuous sound of the fan can mask other sounds. This lull of constant noise may also help you fall asleep.

Not for everyone. That being said, white noise machines may not work for everyone. Some may find the sound of white noise irritating, which is why you’ll often find other sound options with white noise machines. Also keep in mind, some may find white noise machines work well, some may prefer other soundscapes and some may need total silence. It varies person to person and may take some experimenting to find which noises, if any, work for you.

Try different color noises. For some, white noise may sound irritating rather than soothing. If that’s the case, then you may want to experiment with different color noises, such as pink or brown, which sound deeper than white noise. It may take some experimenting to find which color noise works best for you.

Variety of sound. If you already know your preferred sleeping sound, then you may want to purchase a machine that has only that specific sound or just a few sounds. This way, you’re not scrolling through endless options to get to your favorite sound. However, if you’re new to sleeping with white noise, then consider purchasing a device with numerous options so you can figure out which works best for you. While white noise is a popular option, not everyone finds they can sleep with it; you may want to try different soundscapes instead.

White noise apps. If you’re unsure about sleeping with white noise or don’t want to invest in a device just yet, then apps are a good place to start. Many offer an assortment of sounds and are low cost compared to white noise machines. Just keep in mind that the sound quality is only as good as your phone’s speaker, and you may need to keep your phone charging at night since it will drain the battery.

To really get a grip on each machine’s capabilities, we took notes on setup, listened to every soundtrack, pressed every button and control, examined the overall design, noted and tested additional features and researched warranties. We then compared and contrasted these features to find the best of the best.

Naturally, our first step was setup. Out of the box, we wanted to know just how easy or hard it was to get each machine up and running. This included cable management, battery insertion and setting up apps.

Once the devices were operating, we dove into our sound options category. Variety was important to us — how many unique sounds can each sound machine make, and how many categories were there? As we listened, we also noted sound quality. Does the sound come out fuzzy or clear? And how much tonal range does each device have? Realistic-sounding bird calls, for example, require a lot of higher pitches, whereas a thunderstorm takes deep notes to reproduce. Finally, volume control was a big factor for us. The more volume options the better.

On top of sound quality, a lot of the devices we tested had additional features. A standard we looked for was a snooze timer so you can set your device to eventually turn off. But any functional extra features like lights, fans or headphone jacks were deemed to enhance the user experience and thus improved a device’s score.

Design and controls were our final categories. It’s important for a sound machine to have understandable controls, especially if you may be drowsy during a lot of its use. Most devices had on-unit controls in the form of buttons or touch sensors. We looked at these controls — where they were placed, how they were labeled and how numerous they were — to determine whether they were intuitive or cluttered and hard to understand. Design wasn’t a huge category, but we still considered the visual aesthetic and size of each sound machine. In general, a sleeker, more modern design caught our eyes, which most of the devices fulfilled. The real kicker was size — a big, clunky sound machine that will hardly fit on your nightstand scored fewer points here.

Last but not least, we researched the warranty of each device, be it on an included pamphlet or from the respective company’s website.

The Honeywell Dreamweaver isn’t strictly a sound machine, but instead it’s a fan. Still, we included it because many sound machines feature tracks meant to simulate fans. The Dreamweaver is a cylinder with a vent on the side; it’s about the size of a gallon of milk.

The device has three fan strengths, a timer and an oscillating mode. Naturally, since it doesn’t have to simulate a fan, it’s great for people who enjoy that sound. If you’re not interested in the breeze that comes from the vent on the side, then you can close it. It’s a nice machine, but it doesn’t feature as many sounds as other devices we tried.

The Lectrofan is another one for fans … of fans! This small, octagon-shaped device produces 18 different sounds, half of which are the sounds of various fans and vents. The other half are colored noises like white noise, pink noise and brown noise. These color labels just indicate the range of tones that each noise contains.

The sound quality is on the higher end, but otherwise, this sound machine is rather simple compared to the Hatch Restore. Plus, the Sound+Sleep Mini has more categories and total options, including both colored noise options and fan sounds, so the Lectrofan falls short there too.

The Lectrofan Micro 2 is another fan-themed device but with a twist. The cylindrical Micro 2 fits in the palm of your hand and comes with colored noise, fan sounds and ocean audio, totaling 11 built-in sounds. It also has a nifty swiveling speaker on the top that can be turned to point in any direction. Then there’s the twist: The Micro 2 doubles as a Bluetooth speaker. Thus, it has the potential to play any sound or music you can find.

That being said, you’d have to track those down on your own and keep your phone on all night for the speaker to function that way. Though the sound quality is great and the Micro 2 is the most compact device out of those we tested, it doesn’t functionally compare to our winners.

The SoundSpa Portable is the definition of a basic sound machine. It’s about the size of a clock radio but more circular and recumbent in shape. In a ring around the central speaker are the lone six sound options: summer night, thunder, brook, ocean, white noise and rain.

The Sound+Sleep Mini leaves this selection in the dust, and features better sound quality too. Fortunately, the SoundSpa at least has a few timer settings and a precise volume knob. There really isn’t much more to say about it. It’s definitely one of the cheapest options out there if you are going for a bare-bones sound machine.

The Hatch Baby Rest comes from the same family as the Hatch Restore. This sound machine is a tapered cylinder that primarily serves as a light and uses the Hatch Sleep app for control. This lets you change the color of the light as well as the sound that’s playing. You can also schedule alarms and bedtimes with it. Though it’s advertised toward babies and toddlers, adults can certainly get use out of it too, save for the fact that several of the 11 sounds on the app are gentle music and lullabies.

Like the Restore, you can operate it by touch, except it has button controls hidden on the bottom too. The Baby Rest resides in an awkward middle ground between the Sound+Sleep Mini and the Hatch Restore, both of which offer far more sound options.

The Yogasleep Dohm Classic was our least favorite sound machine. It has a plain cylindrical shape and a switch on the back that controls its internal fan. The fan has two power settings, and the actual sound comes from a series of slots on the side and top of the machine. By twisting the body of the device (an admittedly cool control scheme), you open more of these slots and can change the volume of the sound. However, that’s all there is to this machine. If you like fan sounds, then it’s a decent choice. But it doesn’t provide as strong of a breeze or as many strength options as the Honeywell Dreamweaver.

Yogasleep Dreamcenter Mini Multi-Sound

$30 at Amazon

We found this sleep machine easy to use, with intuitive illustrated buttons and almost no need to read the instruction manual to learn how to use it. It has 26 sleep tracks, including nine white noise options, 10 sleep songs and seven nature sounds and fan sounds. The sleep songs also include lullabies, plus the device has a night light, so this would work well for a kid’s room. However, it also has a headphone jack for those who sleep with a partner who does not also want to listen to the sleep sounds.

We found the sound quality muffled compared to some other machines, but it may be preferable for those who like a low pitch to their sound. But it was so muffled that it was a deal breaker for us. At its current price, it’s one of the better deals on this list for the variety of noises available and its 25-setting volume range. It also has a sleep timer with 45- or 90-minute shutoff as well as an eight-hour option. This timer feature is handy for those who do not like to sleep with noise all night or who want it to shut off after a full eight hours.

In addition to having white noise, this device also has a few meditation features. There’s a guided breathing soundtrack that has a soft voice that gently tells you to breathe in, hold and breathe out. After a few rounds, the voice fades off, leaving you with the sounds of a soft inhaling and exhaling sound to guide you on your own. We found it to be very relaxing to use on occasion. But if you’re looking for a lot of meditation options, then you’re better off going with one of the apps like Calm or Headspace.

There are also two other melodies that, according to iHome, mimic brainwaves. The “Zen” tonal melody is said to mimic Delta brainwaves of a mind in meditation or healing sleep. The “Dream” sound supposedly mimics the theta brainwaves of a mind in dreaming REM sleep. While we didn’t measure the brainwave activity while listening to the sounds, the sounds did lull us into a pleasant afternoon nap.

In addition to these soundtracks, it also has ocean, storm, nature, brown noise, pink noise, white noise, white noise combined with melodies and heartbeat sounds. We found the sound quality was crisp and, because the whole device is a speaker, it sounds more like it’s filling the room compared to some other devices. It doesn’t get as loud as some other devices, so this is best for someone who sleeps next to or close to their device. It can also run on four AA batteries for portability, and it’s lightweight if you want to travel with it.

$60 at Ulta

With this machine, you get a sunrise alarm clock and white noise machine in one. We found it was easy to set up and program different functions such as “Wake to Sunrise,” but we did need to refer to the instruction manual in order to program it, which was clear and easy to follow.

It comes with 15 soundtracks, including nature sounds like ocean waves and storms as well as relaxing music. It’s confusing which sound is white noise since the brand gives its sounds names like “Zen,” “Air,” “Drive,” etc., and it’s not listed in the instruction manual if any are white noise. We found the “Quiet” sound was most similar to white noise.

We liked that the clock has an auto-dim feature that changes with the brightness of the room so it’s not glaring in your face while you’re trying to get to sleep. The brightness level is also adjustable and there’s an option to turn the clock off altogether. You can program the device to wake to sunrise and wake to sound.

The one downside, for those who like to leave sound on all night, was that the
Wake to Sunrise feature turns the sound off when it starts, which can be jarring if you’re still sleeping. However, this sunrise alarm clock is about half the price of other sunrise alarm clocks with more features, so it may be worth it if that doesn’t bother you.

The Brookstone Sleep Sound Mixer does not technically have a white noise option, so it’s best for those who like to sleep to nature sounds or for someone who will use this while working in their office for background noise. There are eight sound options, including a fan that is lower-pitched and sounds similar to a box fan. The remaining sounds are ocean waves, rain, flute music, campfire, thunderstorm, crickets and birds.

It has a fun design that resembles a music mixer that a DJ would use, letting you mix all the sounds at varying volume levels. We loved that we could play DJ with our sounds and blend multiple sounds, unlike other white noise machines that allow for only one sound at a time. We liked the sound quality too; the only drawback is that the speaker is located at the bottom of the device, so, depending on what surface it’s set on, it sounds slightly different.

Headspace is equally geared toward meditation and sleep to help you relax during the day and sleep better at night. It has abundant choices for both sleep and meditation, so if you like variety, it will be hard to run out of choices with this app.

It has four main categories: meditation, sleep, focus and move, which includes guided yoga, dance and cardio workouts. Within the sleep category, there are plenty of options for sleep sounds, such as music, stories, “sleepcasts” (think sleep music and podcast in one) and typical soundscapes like jungle, forest and water sounds. There are even sleepcast options with celebrities like John Legend who’ll tell you a bedtime story.

There isn’t a plain white noise sound; when we searched for it in the app, other soundscapes came up like “warm engine” and “static with strings,” which have some white noise but are not solely white noise. If you’re looking for a white noise substitute in the app, then it may take some time to find one you like.

This app costs $69.99 per year or $12.99 per month, so it’s best for someone who will take advantage of all the features the app has to offer. If you’re unsure, it also offers a free seven-day or 14-day offer depending on which plan you choose. Samsung phone users may want to avoid this app, as we found it did not work well, taking a long time to buffer each sound on our Samsung Ultra 21 phone. However, it worked well on our iPhone.

The MyNoise app offers the most sound customization of the apps we tested. It comes with a set of eight noises, including white noise. Within each sound, there are sliding buttons to adjust the sound to your liking. Some soundtracks also have the ability to adjust the frequency and “color” of the sound, both of which can make the sound higher or lower pitched, depending on the option chosen. The app also offers different scenarios for some sounds like rain, which lets you choose options such as “distant storm,” “under porch” and more.

There are additional free sounds available and some that cost $.99 to download. There are also sounds that are only included in the “bundle-only” option, which costs $11.99 and includes all sounds. Unfortunately, we found that this app is not as intuitive or straightforward to use as others. Also, unlike most apps, swiping out of the app does not close it; it requires you to manually pause the soundtrack and then close out.

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March 18, 2023
How to sleep comfortably outdoors, according to experts | CNN Underscored

Picture this: Crickets lull you to sleep as a cool breeze flows through your tent windows, a cloud-like sleeping pad cushions your tired muscles with much-needed support and a down comforter hugs your aching body after a long day on the trail.

Catching some solid zzz’s in nature can be one of the most rejuvenating and relaxing experiences outdoors. The problem is, until you’ve perfected your camping sleep system, you may struggle to find comfort while camping. That’s why we talked with outdoor experts to get their advice on how to get a good night’s sleep at camp, whether you’re deep in the backcountry, at the campground in cold weather or in your very own backyard.

Piece of advice number one: “Before you head out on your adventure, create a camping mindset, be ready to roll with the outdoor punches,” says Johnny Molloy, an outdoor author with more than 85 camping, hiking, and paddling guides to his credit, including “Top Trails: Great Smoky Mountains National Park.” “Sleeping in the great outdoors isn’t going to be like your bed at home — and that is the point. It’s a new adventure.”

The biggest key to sleeping comfortably outdoors is mastering your sleep system, aka your sleeping pad and sleeping bag combination. Pairing two pieces with adequate temperature ratings will majorly impact your ability to stay warm, comfortable and safe at night.

“Having a good sleep system is so important,” says Emily Ford, a winter adventurer and thru-hiker who, with her Alaskan Husky, Diggins, has completed many thru-hikes in the Midwest including the 1,200-mile Ice Age Trail. “It is one of the times where I really look at the brands before buying. The pricier brands are, generally the more true to their temperature ratings. If you can save up the money for a great bag, your trip options are limitless.”

Before you buy anything, figure out what kind of camping you’ll be doing. Are you backpacking or car camping? What temperature ranges will you be in? How much precipitation will there be? All these factors can greatly affect what sort of things you end up buying.

Sleeping bags are an essential piece of gear for enjoying a night outdoors. Down and synthetic insulation are the most common fill you’ll find in sleeping bags, and each provide varying levels of warmth, protection from damp conditions and comfort while sleeping.

But before you get set on fill, Molloy says finding a bag that actually fits your body should be the number one priority. “Make sure your sleeping bag fits your frame,” says Molloy. “I’ve seen children lost inside bags too big for them, tall campers with their shoulders exposed to chill air and wide campers unable to zip their bags up,” he says. “Make sure your bag fits you and your sleeping pad is wide enough for your body.”

Temperature ratings are the next thing you’ll want to check. To ensure comfort, a good rule of thumb is to use a bag with a rating at least 10 degrees lower than the coldest night you plan on sleeping through. However, finding the right temperature rating for a bag can be different for everyone. “Some folks are also naturally hot sleepers and might use a cooler degree sleeping bag than you,” adds Ford. “Remember that sleeping bags do not warm you up, they insulate you. If it is really really cold out, you can throw boiling water into a Nalgene and put that in your sleeping bag too.”

There’s a lot to consider before splurging on a sleeping pad, from choosing the appropriate R-Value (temperature rating) to selecting the type of material to find your preferred thickness. Without a pad you feel comfortable and warm on, you risk a restless night, which will lead to hard days on the trail or at the campground.

Sleeping pad R-values tend to range from one to seven. Warm weather camping typically calls for R-values between one and three; shoulder season camping in the spring and fall calls for three to five; winter camping typically requires an R-value of five or more.

Material and thickness depend on personal preference for how soft of a sleep you’re hoping to get outdoors. Self-inflating pads usually have an added layer of foam or padding inside, which adds extra comfort but more weight. Inflatable pads have an air chamber that requires manual inflation but allows you to compress them down small for backcountry adventures. “I’m a curvy human and I like to have a good sleeping pad under me,” says Ford. “When I started out, I used a closed-cell foam sleeping pad since that was all I could afford at the time. It didn’t take me too long to realize that I should save up for a thicker, inflated sleeping pad!”

Hardcore campers might tell you pillows are non-essential, but if you value your sleep, you’ll be happy you packed one. If you’re concerned about weight, spend a little extra on a backpacking-friendly pillow like the Nemo Fillo Elite. If you have all the space in the world, opt for a pillow that promises a luxury sleep, like the Nemo Fillo King, or just take one from your bed.

“If you are only going to do one thing bring a pillow,” says Molloy. “It is the single thing less experienced campers can add to make a difference between a blissful night under the stars or a nightmarish hell of discomfort, flipping and flopping through the endless dark.”

Ford, who tends to have to balance the weight in her pack carefully while on long-distance adventures, often opts for a makeshift pillow. “If a pillow is important to you, think about how you can use your pack or clothes as a pillow, or buy a traveling pillow,” she says.

Camping tents are an obvious choice for shelter and there’s a lot to consider when picking out a tent that will meet your needs — from seasonality and material to weight and price point. But Molloy says hammocks also have a hardcore fanbase and are a popular (and comfortable) option.

“Hammocks can be more comfortable if the weather is mild, but often hammock campers sleep colder simply because they are exposed to the night air all around their bodies,” says Molloy.

Depending on your personal preference and comfort level in colder temperatures, hammock camping could a great option for you. Avid winter campers like Ford say that with the right setup while hammock camping, you’re bound to stay warm (and comfortable) overnight.

“Even in the winter, I find camping in the hammock is a great way to go,” says Ford. “When camping in the Boundary Waters in Northern Minnesota in sub-zero temps, I had a warm bag inside my hammock and wasn’t on the ground, so my body felt great as well.”

“For me, the most important thing in terms of comfort, especially when it comes to cold-weather camping, has been my base layers,” says Shilletha Curtis, the first lesbian Black woman to complete the Triple Crown of hiking, an author, professional thru-hiker and outdoor influencer who goes by her trail name “Dragonsky.”

Base layers, or the layers closest to your skin, help wick away unnecessary moisture and sweat. Merino wool, synthetic (polyester) and fleece are the most common type of materials you’ll find in base layer options. Having high-quality base layers can be a huge factor in helping keep you warm and dry throughout the night. And if you get cold at night, don’t be afraid to throw on a mid-layer or even your rain jacket to help stay warm.

“If you are sleeping in cold weather, it’s also important to remember that you will be warmer if your clothes are dry — you sweat more than you think on the trail,” adds Ford. “I change my socks as often as possible. I would also recommend changing your base layers before bed too.”

Before you layer up and go to bed, Dragonsky also says it’s important to consider your nutrition, like having a hearty meal before you go out on an adventure and right before bed. Your body will thank you for the extra calories to fend off the cold. “While all of these pieces of advice work together as a whole, eating is really important because you have to have body fat to keep you warm overnight,” says Dragonsky. “Staying hydrated is also really important so that you don’t get hypothermia, especially at higher elevations.”

Her final piece of advice: Use the bathroom before you sleep. “When you’re sleeping, your body actually focuses on using energy to keep your bladder warm,” says Dragonsky. “That’s why it’s important to go to empty your bladder before bed so you conserve energy for other parts of your body to stay warm throughout the night.”

Test out your gear beforehand

“I highly suggest getting to know your gear, and understanding if you’re a warm sleeper or cold sleeper and making adjustments before you go out so you don’t suffer,” says Dragonsky. “When I was testing out my sleeping gear before hiking the Appalachian Trail, I tested it by sleeping in my backyard at night. If I was too cold or hot, I would go back in and then figure out the next day what I needed to adjust.”

Molloy also recommends borrowing sleeping pads from friends to test them before you buy or checking if your local outdoor retailer offers sleeping pad rentals. That way, you can test various makes and models before you dole out cash on a big purchase for a potential sleeping pad you may not end up feeling comfortable on.

“It’s important to test out different camping methods and don’t be afraid to use a sleep system that is different than everyone else — your body is different than mine,” says Ford. “All that being said, once you dial in your sleep system and start getting good sleep, you won’t want to go back indoors!”

If you’re camping on a budget, the Therma-a-Rest Z Lite is a low-entry-price-point sleeping pad. What you gain in savings, you lose in comfort. This pad is mostly used by backpackers or as an added layer of insulation under an inflatable sleeping pad. “I generally use the Therm-a-Rest Z Lite together with the Big Agnes Rapide SL for more warmth,” says Ford.

This cold-weather sleeping pad provides durability, packability and insulation on the trail. Ford uses this sleeping pad on most of her winter weather adventures, paired with a closed-cell foam pad underneath. Big Agnes designed this pad with a quilted top for extra warmth and cushion, and its 3.5-inch air chamber and 4.25-inch outer chamber baffle help keep you nestled in the center of the pad so you don’t slide off at night.

“I highly, highly, highly recommend the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm if you’re looking for a winter sleeping pad,” says Dragonsky. “It’s extremely warm and has one of the highest R-values of winter pads, which is the warmth rating system for sleeping pads. It’s also pretty thick and even though I have a bad back I sleep like a baby on it. If you sleep cold or need extra padding in general, it’s the sleeping pad to go to.”

An ultralight and ultra-packable sleeping pad that doesn’t cut back on comfort — even with how lightweight it is. Designed with Therm-A-Rest’s proprietary ThermaCapture insulating technology, it performs extremely well in cold weather by helping radiate body heat and reduces the cold from seeping in underneath the pad.

“Over the years I’ve stuck with Thermarest,” says Molloy. “They are light, simple, durable and can be used for both car camping and backpacking.”

Forget roughing it with the Nemo Roamer. This luxury sleeping pad was built with ultra-comfortable car camping in mind. We’ve reviewed the Nemo Roamer Double before and raved about the comfort, easy inflation process and warmth it provided even in cold weather camping. This smaller version is perfect for one person and provides just as much comfort and support as its larger counterpart.

Sleeping bags and quilts

“I have slept warm in -20 degrees Fahrenheit in my Western Mountaineering 0-degree Fahrenheit bag, with warm water bottles inside,” says Ford. “I usually use [this bag] and an Enlightened Equipment 0-degree Farenheit quilt together. That setup is good to -50 degrees Fahrenheit. I use this setup for versatility and I have never been upset by having too warm of a sleeping bag on a winter trip.”

This three-season down backpacking bag was built specifically for women who want to camp in comfort. Its design mimics the contour of the female anatomy and is an ideal bag for side sleepers who like camping in both the front and backcountry. Extra ventilation zips on the front and footbed of this bag allow you to trap heat in or open them up if you’re feeling warm. It’s also filled with water-resistant down, meaning you don’t have to worry (as much) about condensation or rainy days while sleeping in this bag.

“I prefer to sleep in camping quilts over sleeping bags,” says Dragonsky. “The Revelation Custom is amazing because it’s so versatile. You can cinch the foot box closed or leave it open and use it as a comforter. You can even wear it around camp or while sitting at the campfire. I also love that you can customize the quilt by choosing the color, temperature rating and even if you want a draft collar or not.”

A personal favorite, the Sea to Summit Cinder down quilt makes a perfect addition to a winter sleep system or a stand-alone blanket for warmer weather adventures. With adjustable straps and a cinch at the footbed, you can customize this quilt to fit securely over your sleeping bag or hug your body if it’s the only top layer keeping you warm. The Cinder works great for both car camping and backpacking.

We’re confident you’ll sleep soundly with this luxury camping pillow. The Exped Mega combines the soft comfort of fleece padding with an adjustable air core to inflate and deflate to your personal preference. It compresses down to half the size of a Nalgene, which means it’s a great addition to your sleep system even on backpacking trips. If you use an Exped sleeping pad, you’ll also love that this pillow comes with three eyelets to securely attach it to your pad.

Thru-hikers and car campers alike love this luxury camping pillow. Designed for extreme comfort, the Fillo Luxury is filled with synthetic foam stuffing and an adjustable air chamber to add extra loft as desired. It packs down to about the size of a Nalgene and weighs in at an impressive 9 ounces, so it’s very packable and long-distance-hiker friendly. This pillow comes in many additional sizes — from the extra large Fillo King (perfect for car camping) down to the Fillo Elite (built for the backcountry).

Another pillow combining synthetic fill and an adjustable air chamber, this pillow’s versatility makes it great for car camping, travel and backpacking. The unique shape was designed to fit into the hood of your sleeping bag for a more comfortable and secure sleep. The soft outer brushed polyester shell is nonslip, made of partially recycled fabric and removable for easy washing and care.

This extremely soft base layer will keep you warm and dry while hiking and sufficiently warm while sleeping. Arc’teryx designed this quarter-zip long-sleeve top with their proprietary Torrent performance stretch fleece material and odor control treatment so you stay comfortable and dry over long-distance trips. However, these base layers are also great for casual outdoor adventures and even lounging at home.

“I love these baselayers because I’m allergic to wool and I also find they’re very comfortable, very warm, and not itchy at all,” says Dragonsky. “I wore Arc’teryx base layers my entire thru-hike on the whole Appalachian Trail. I found that they dry out fast but did retain a little odor because they’re synthetic.”

Our go-to baselayer for all types of adventures, these super-comfortable and quick-drying synthetic base layer bottoms provide an extra layer of warmth underneath hiking pants or make a comfortable sleep pant when worn alone. The midweight polyester fabric is thicker than other base layers, which we find provides a little more warmth and durability. With four-way stretch and an elastic waistband, these tights provide ample flexibility and stretch with you as you move on the mountain (or around your house).

The REI Co-op Midweight Long-Sleeve base layer is just as stretchy and comfy as its companion base layer bottom. With the same flexibility and moisture-wicking functionality, this layer is ideal for backpackers and day hikers who want a comfy, next-to-skin layer. The rolled-forward shoulder seams also help prevent irritation from backpack straps.

A combination of merino wool and a quick-drying polyester blend makes this base layer perfect for high-intensity adventures where you expect to sweat. The fabric features knit mesh ventilation throughout the bottoms and 3D mapping to provide extra durability at the joints. If you’re looking for lightweight, moisture-wicking base layer bottoms, make these your go-to.

This top is meant to keep you warm in cold weather — even if you get sweaty. The Intraknit Thermal Merino Crew features the same merino wool and polyester blend fabric as the bottoms and was designed to dry quickly and fend off odors for days on end. It’s one of the more lightweight base layer options on the market, putting less weight on your back without sacrificing performance.

This all-in-one hammock tent comes with an integrated bug net and built-in rainfly, meaning you don’t have to spend more money to deck out your hammock system to sleep in comfort. The Mantis’ super-soft ripstop, DWR-treated nylon is both comfortable and durable. It’s also one of the most sustainable hammocks on the market since it’s made of 100% recycled materials and Bluesign approved.

A perfect trail and adventure companion, especially when sleeping in cold weather. This neckwear is made with cruelty-free merino wool, meaning it’s super soft and odor resistant.

“Never underestimate the power of a neck gaiter or Buff,” says Ford. “Even after [cinching] down my sleeping bag, there is that tiny breathing hole that freezes my nose every time! Find a neck gaiter that you can breathe through comfortably. It will be wet by the morning, but your nose will thank you!”

This little light is perfect for backpacking and car camping alike. No matter if you have to get up at 2 a.m. to “do your business” or want some light to help navigate your dark tent, quick and easy access to a lightweight lantern can make all the difference. The affordable Black Diamond Moji + has a convenient double-loop hook to securely hang the lantern in your tent and has dimming functionality to customize your preferred brightness level.

Hand warmers without all the waste? We’re into it. These eco-friendly hand warmers will keep your feet (and toes) cold on cold-weather camping trips. Each Ignik packet lasts up to 10 hours but can be stored in the resealable AirBarrier pouch to keep activated warmers hot for up to 72 hours later. The inner contents are all biodegradable, all-natural and safe. Simply cut the warmer open and dump the filling into your compost bin. A bonus: You can recycle the AirBarrier pouch too.

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March 17, 2023
The best pillows for side sleepers, tried and tested | CNN Underscored
This article is a part of CNN Underscored’s Guide to Sleep, a week-long focus on everything you need to sleep better. We’ll be featuring new products and exclusive deals all week, so check in every morning to see what’s new.

If you sleep on your side, you need a pillow that keeps your shoulder, neck and head in a neutral, comfortable position. For many side sleepers that means a different type of pillow from those meant for back or stomach sleeping.

Hundreds of pillows are sold specifically for side sleepers, so we set out to find the best ones, sleeping on 23 pillows ranging from those specifically sold for side sleepers to those that are intended to cover all sleep positions, many of which we examined in our search for the best pillows overall. We also spoke with doctors, sleep specialists and academic researchers that study sleep positions to find answers on the best shapes and fill for side sleepers. In the end, we came up with three great choices that should suit those who sleep on their sides.

Best pillow for side sleepers overall

The supportive Eli & Elm Side Sleeper pillow has a U-shaped cutout that makes room for your shoulder when sleeping on your side. It also cradled our necks well when we slept on our backs, so it’s great for anyone who shifts positions.

Best memory foam pillow for side sleepers

The squishy yet supportive Casper Hybrid pillow offers a better balance between softness and support than other memory foam pillows we tested, and it is well ventilated so you won’t overheat.

Best pillow for side sleepers on a budget

The affordable Beckham Hotel Collection pillow is just right — not too soft or too firm. The dense fill kept our heads and necks supported through the night. It’s also one of the least expensive pillows we tested.

A great body pillow for side sleepers

The plush Coop Original Body Pillow is long and narrow, giving side sleepers something to hold on to with your arms or legs, and the adjustable fill lets you customize it to your proportions.

From $105 at Eli & Elm

The supportive Eli & Elm Side Sleeper pillow has a curved cutout that creates room for your shoulder when sleeping on your side, setting this pillow apart from the rest. We found the extra room quite comfortable and also appreciated how it let us hold onto the edges of the pillow while sleeping on our side, keeping our arms and hands more comfortable too. As a bonus, we loved that we felt like we were cradled when we slept on our backs too, so it’s a great choice if you shift positions often.

The pillow is filled with a blend of latex and polyester that is adjustable and removable. Similar to other adjustable pillows, you can take out as much fill as you want to achieve the exact height and firmness level that’s most comfortable. We found the pillow came with plenty of fill for those that like a firm pillow, though we had to remove some to soften it up. If you like an extra-firm pillow, Eli & Elm offers an option to buy extra fill. It took a few nights of trial and error before we figured out the optimal amount of fill, but once we did we found the pillow very comfortable.

The Side Sleeper has two slight drawbacks. First, we found that the pillow sleeps slightly hot — not so much so it disturbed our sleep but if you are sensitive you may want to keep that in mind or plan to accessorize with some of our recommendations for hot sleepers.

Also, the odd shape doesn’t fit well in standard pillow cases. However, the cover is removable and washable so you can use it without a pillowcase (which is what we did in testing). If you absolutely need a pillowcase, Eli & Elm also sell a custom pillowcase that you can buy separately. We also appreciate the company’s 45-day return policy in case the pillow doesn’t work out.

From $89 at Casper and Amazon

Casper describes this pillow as “feeling like a marshmallow” and we couldn’t agree more; that’s exactly what this pillow feels like. The squishy yet supportive Casper Hybrid pillow has a synthetic fill core surrounded by an outer layer of memory foam, which offers the perfect balance between excellent support and comfortable plushness, unlike some other foam pillows which we found too firm or too soft in our testing. The ventilation holes in the foam layer also give the Casper Hybrid an advantage over other memory foam pillows — it never left us feeling overheated while sleeping, so it’s a great choice if you are a hot sleeper.

While the Hybrid Pillow is sold for general use, we liked it for sleeping on our side because of its rectangular shape and substantial side gusset, which helped keep our head elevated in a comfortable position but didn’t dig into our shoulder or neck. It also kept its shape throughout the night.

The Hybrid Pillow comes in two heights, regular with a 2-inch gusset and low loft with a 1.25-inch gusset. You can take a quiz on Casper’s website to help determine which loft height is right for you. Casper recommended a low loft pillow for our tester’s needs and we found it was the perfect size for our petite tester, so if you have a larger frame you may want to consider the regular loft size.

The Casper Hybrid Pillow comes with a removable and machine-washable cover and Casper offers a 30-night return policy on most pillows, although at time of testing the low loft version is on final sale.

The Beckham Hotel Collection pillow has a denser fill compared to most down alternative pillows, giving it a firmer feel but enough give that it cradled our heads comfortably as we slept on our sides. The Beckham pillow’s support didn’t fade over the course of the night, as the firm fill doesn’t fall flat, unlike some other pillows we tested.

We appreciated that it could be machine-washed, however, the instructions state it should be dried flat which is less than ideal and takes at least half a day depending on the temperature inside your living space. We did machine-dry it, however, to see how it fared and it held up without any noticeable changes, but we suspect over time machine-drying could potentially cause the pillow to degrade faster.

This was one of the most budget-friendly pillows that we tested and it’s far more comfortable than you might expect given the low cost, so if you don’t want to splurge on a more expensive pillow this is a great pick.

Popular for the extra comfort they can provide during pregnancy, a body pillow can help any side sleeper who needs more support. A supportive, stable cushion that you can wrap your arms or legs around or drape them across, the body pillow’s long length, extra cushioning and support can help reduce pain in the hips, knees or other pressure points due to the extra cushion and elevation body pillows provide.

But a one-size-fits all body pillow may not work for everyone — if it’s overfilled or flat for your taste, it won’t help. We loved the Coop Original Body Pillow because it’s adjustable — you can remove or add fill to choose the level of support you need, making it even more versatile.

The Original Body Pillow comes generously stuffed for those that like a full, thick body pillow, but the fill can also be removed to create a softer, flatter body pillow. We had to play around with the fill amount for a few nights to find the optimal level, but we found it extremely comfortable once we found the perfect amount. The fill itself is a blend of pieces of memory foam and microfiber fill, and we appreciated that it conformed to our body much better than plain fiber-filled pillows we’ve tried. With the Coop body pillow our limbs were supported but gently enveloped by the memory foam fill; with fiber-fill body pillows we found that our leg simply rested on top of the pillow, which wasn’t as comfortable.

The outer cover material is Coop’s signature quilted fabric, making the pillow feel extra plush. An inner zippered cover holds the fill, so it’s easy to remove the cover for washing and keep the fill contained.

It was hard to find fault with this body pillow. We do wish Coop sold body pillow cases in various colors to match more bedding styles, though since the Coop body pillow measures 20 by 54 inches — a fairly standard size — it should be easy enough to find a body pillow case elsewhere that fits the pillow and the look of your bedroom. If you want something to cover the pillow that offers more protection, Coop sells a breathable and waterproof body pillow protector. We didn’t try the protector but someone that needs the extra protection or likes the look of the pillow cover may want one.

Not sure a body pillow is right for you? Coop offers a 100-night sleep trial and you can return it if you find it doesn’t work for you.

While many brands design and market pillows tailored specifically to back, stomach or side sleepers, all of the experts we spoke to told us that pillow comfort is very personal, and just because a pillow is marketed for side sleepers doesn’t mean it will work for you. According to Dr. Andrew Varga, neuroscientist and physician at The Mount Sinai Integrative Sleep Center, “There is limited, if any, scientific evidence regarding pillow types.”

After testing dozens of pillows, we have found that the way pillows are labeled can give at least some indication of how the pillow will feel, and that makes a good starting point when shopping for side sleeper pillows (or for other sleeping positions). In general, pillows meant for side sleepers — like those for back sleepers — are often firmer and loftier than pillows for stomach sleepers, which helps keep your head elevated properly when laying on your side. And some contoured or cutout designs may provide better comfort for some side sleepers.

According to Josh Tal of Josh Tal & Associates Sleep and Health Psychotherapists, people who sleep on their sides need to look for a pillow that provides support for the shoulder, neck and head, and allows for a neutral, supportive position. Because of this, Tal says, “side sleepers usually prefer a pillow with more loft to cradle the head, paired with an indentation to comfort the shoulder and a potentially an elevated bump in the bottom of the pillow to support the neck.”

Also, keep in mind that everyone’s neck is different, so the type of contour or density of fill that achieves this will vary from individual to individual. If you’re smaller-framed, you may need a lower loft pillow; if you’re bigger, you may need a higher loft pillow to keep the neck aligned with the spine.

We found that pillows for side sleepers come in more unique shapes than other types of pillows and can offer certain benefits such as allowing more room for your shoulder or more neck support.
Cutout: Some pillows for side sleepers have a semi-circular cutout at the bottom. This allows more room for your shoulder when you’re laying on your side without the pillow getting in the way. We found that this design let us lay our head more comfortably on the pillow when sleeping on our side.

Gusset: Gussets are extra rectangular side panels sewn into the edges of the pillow; these create a more structured feel than the flat sewn edges of traditional pillows. These gussets help the pillow maintain its shape and offer extra elevation to keep the head supported, which can be more comfortable when sleeping on your side.

Contour: Some pillows are designed with an upper face meant to match the contour of your head, neck and shoulder. These curves and indentations they are meant to support your neck and cradle your head. Most of these pillow types are made with firm foam so they keep their shape and don’t shift.
Fill and firmness

For side sleepers, Tal recommends a medium to soft fill that allows the head, neck and shoulder to fall gracefully into the pillow, with enough balance to keep the head and spine neutral. Good fill materials to achieve this include memory foam, down and down alternatives. If you’ll be adding or removing fill, make sure to balance the amount of fill throughout the pillow to achieve the correct alignment — you don’t want a lumpy pillow.

Susan J. Gordon research professor at the Flinders University College of Nursing and Health Sciences in Adelaide, Australia, who has studied the effect of pillow types in relation to sleep quality and their effect on waking back and neck pain, recommends laying on a pillow for at least 15 minutes to try it out. That’s the time it takes for the body to fully settle so you’ll know whether or not the pillow is right for you.

Since one pillow will not work for everyone, make sure to check the brand’s return policy. Many brands offer a trial period or returns, but some brands do not allow you to return the pillow. You’ll want to choose a pillow with a good return policy in case the pillow does not work for you, unless you’re willing to take the risk of not being able to return it.

After narrowing down our list to the most popular pillows and brands, we slept on each for a minimum of two nights, noting factors like construction quality and comfort. We evaluated each using the following criteria.
Comfort: After sleeping on each pillow for a few nights, we judged how comfortable each pillow was to sleep on, noting if we had to make adjustments throughout the night, the pillow fell flat or retained a lot of heat.

Durability: In order to assess the durability of each pillow, we washed and dried each pillow twice, if applicable, according to the manufacturer’s care instructions. If the pillow indicated it was not machine-washable, we washed the cover where possible. We evaluated each pillow for how much it flattened or changed shape after washing and sleeping on it. We also looked at the overall appearance of the pillow after wash and use and noted if anything broke in the process.

Ease of cleaning: For each pillow, we scored it on how easily and if it could be cleaned, taking into account if it’s machine-washable, dry clean, spot clean or not washable at all.

Firmness options: We looked at how many firmness options are available for each pillow or if it can be adjusted to anyone’s fill preference, which makes it more likely you’ll be able to find the right fit for you.

Trial and return policy: Since pillows are highly personal, we also scored each pillow brand on its trial policy, whether or not you could test it out and how many days you had to return it.
Coop makes this pillow specifically for side sleepers with a cut-out for your shoulder, a feature that made the Original Cutout Pillow more comfortable than a traditional pillow and one of our favorite pillows for sleeping on our side. The Coop’s cutout is smaller than the ones used on several other side sleeper pillows we tested, which gave us more surface area to grab when sleeping on our side, which we found comfortable.

It may not be the best choice for someone who rolls onto their back occasionally since it’s not quite as roomy in the shoulder area as the Eli and Elm side sleeper pillow, and though the fill is adjustable we couldn’t make it quite as firm as the Eli and Elm — so overall we give the edge to the Eli and Elm. That said, if you sleep exclusively on your side or you’re a side sleeper who prefers a softer pillow, the Coop makes a great choice.

We liked the Coop Original Crescent pillow, which features a crescent-shaped cutout similar to the one used on our preferred overall pillow for side sleepers, the Eli and Elm. As with the other Coop pillows, the fill amount is adjustable, and we were able to find a comfortable amount of support with a little experimentation. It was edged out by the Eli and Elm side sleeper pillow since the Coop doesn’t have a gusset around the perimeter, so it didn’t keep its loft as well over the course of the night. As with the Coop Original Cutout Pillow, we found it softer overall than the Eli and Elm, and if that’s what you’re looking for you might prefer the Original Crescent Pillow.

We loved the Garnet Hill Heirloom European White Goose Down Pillow, so it’s no surprise we also liked their down-alternative pillow as well. It’s more plush and supportive than most other synthetic fill pillows we tested and keeps its shape throughout the night. It’s washable and comes in three firmness levels. Garnet Hill also has a 90-day return policy.

Down pillows can fall flat throughout the night, but the Parachute down side sleeper pillow has a side gusset, and when we tested this pillow it kept its shape fairly well. It contains some feathers as opposed to 100% down, which is not ideal, but we found the feathers didn’t poke through the material or make too much noise. It also comes in a down alternative version for those that are allergic to down or prefer synthetic fill.

The Saatva latex pillow has two components: an inner core filled with shredded latex that’s removable and a surrounding outer layer that’s filled with down alternative. This allows for some adjustability in how high and firm you want the pillow and makes it easier to adjust than other pillows, where you’re taking out bits and pieces of fill, but it’s limited to two options. All of our testers found the pillow most comfortable without the inner core.

Like many other adjustable pillows, the Layla Kapok pillow can be adjusted by adding or removing fill to achieve a personalized height and firmness level. It’s filled with a combination of shredded memory foam and kapok fibers that come from a kapok tree and feel similar to a mix between cotton and wool. The honeycomb-patterned cover adds an extra layer of plushness and it can be removed and washed. One of our testers noticed a slight musty smell, though it seemed to get better over time as the pillow aired out. Another tester didn’t notice a smell at all on their pillow, so keep in mind this pillow may need to air out for a while if it has a smell.

Snag 30% off the Layla Kapok Pillow using the code CNNSLEEP at checkout through March 18.

The Brooklinen Marlow pillow immediately caught our attention with its side zippers that allow you to adjust the firmness by opening or closing the zippers. We were intrigued by this unique system, however, we found only a slight difference in firmness when the zippers were closed versus open. We found it too firm for side sleeping; it may be better-suited for a larger-framed side sleeper, as our petite sider sleeper found it too high. It only comes in one firmness level but does come in standard and king sizes.

Tempur-Pedic recommends this pillow for back and side sleepers, saying its molded contoured design follows the curve of your body, supporting your head and neck. It comes in small, medium and large sizes and has a guide on its website to help you choose the correct size based on your body measurements. While we found the contour pillow supported our neck and allowed our head to lay in the dip, it was also extremely firm, much more so than most Tempur-Pedic beds and pillows we’ve tried, with little to no give. This is great for someone who wants an extra-firm pillow that won’t change shape at all, but it’s likely too firm for most.
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March 17, 2023
Moon Pod’s zero-gravity seating is on sale right now for Underscored readers | CNN Underscored

This article is a part of CNN Underscored’s Guide to Sleep, a week-long focus on everything you need to sleep better. We’ll be featuring new products and exclusive deals all week, so check in every morning to see what’s new.

Moon Pod’s zero-gravity beanbags are even more comfortable than the ones of yesteryear — and they have a grown-up look, quality fill and versatility for any space. Best of all, with an exclusive code for Underscored readers, Moon Pod bean bags majorly marked down. Simply use code CNNSLEEP for an extra 10% off the current sitewide offer of 25% off or code UNDERSCORED15 for $15 off your order.

Now is a great time to save on a Moon Pod bean bag chair. Simply use code CNNSLEEP for an extra 10% off the current sitewide offer of 25% off or code UNDERSCORED15 for $15 off your order — whichever saves the most money on your particular purchase.

The company says that the bags help reduce stress, and our reviewer went so far as to say that they reminded her of flotation pods. Filled with high-density beads, the Moon Pod keeps its shape for years — it doesn’t squish out like the beanbags we grew up with. Plus, the original Moon Pod is more lightweight than normal beanbags, so you can easily plop it in different spots.

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March 16, 2023
Moon Pod’s zero-gravity seating is on sale right now for Underscored readers | CNN Underscored

This article is a part of CNN Underscored’s Guide to Sleep, a week-long focus on everything you need to sleep better. We’ll be featuring new products and exclusive deals all week, so check in every morning to see what’s new.

Moon Pod’s zero-gravity beanbags are even more comfortable than the ones of yesteryear — and they have a grown-up look, quality fill and versatility for any space. Best of all, with an exclusive code for Underscored readers, Moon Pod bean bags majorly marked down. Simply use code CNNSLEEP for an extra 10% off the current sitewide offer of 25% off or code UNDERSCORED15 for $15 off your order.

Now is a great time to save on a Moon Pod bean bag chair. Simply use code CNNSLEEP for an extra 10% off the current sitewide offer of 25% off or code UNDERSCORED15 for $15 off your order — whichever saves the most money on your particular purchase.

The company says that the bags help reduce stress, and our reviewer went so far as to say that they reminded her of flotation pods. Filled with high-density beads, the Moon Pod keeps its shape for years — it doesn’t squish out like the beanbags we grew up with. Plus, the original Moon Pod is more lightweight than normal beanbags, so you can easily plop it in different spots.

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March 15, 2023
We asked sleep experts what products help them sleep: Here’s what they said | CNN Underscored

This article is a part of CNN Underscored’s Guide to Sleep, a week-long focus on everything you need to sleep better. We’ll be featuring new products and exclusive deals all week, so check in every morning to see what’s new.

We live in stressful times, and one thing that’s been so challenging for many of us is putting worry aside and relaxing into a good night’s sleep. Things like work, stress and your sleep hygiene can impact your quality of sleep, so we talked to experts in sleep and comfort to find helpful tips and tricks so you can rest easier every night.

“The most important thing for a good night’s sleep is to make sure that you set yourself up for success,” says Dr. Michael Grandner, Casper sleep adviser and director of the Sleep and Health Research Program at the University of Arizona. “That means removing barriers to sleep like caffeine, reducing distractions close to bedtime, giving yourself enough time to wind down and keeping your bedroom cool, quiet, dark and comfortable.”

“Something that I was taught through my years of physical therapy is called a spring test,” explains physical therapist Karen Joubert. “If you take your pillow and you fold it in half and it doesn’t bounce back, it means that the pillow’s lost its integrity. And it’s probably time for a new pillow.”

However, what kind of pillow is right is up to you, says Grandner. “A good pillow is one that is firm enough but soft enough,” he says. “That may differ from one person to another, but the ideal pillow is one that balances comfort with the ability to maintain its level of support throughout the night.”

See our picks for the best pillows for every sleeping position here.

Joubert strongly recommends this tiny pillow, saying, “It’s a tiny little pillow, and it goes in between your legs. When you sleep on your side and your knees are together, your knee is kind of pulling on your hip. You really want to lift that leg so that the knee is in line and level with a hip.”

For side sleepers, this firm foam pillow is ideal for keeping the spine straight, says Grandner.

Writes one reviewer: “For over a month, I’d been waking up with a sore neck and tight shoulders, which I knew had to be caused by my pillow. Since finding a good pillow is even more difficult than finding a good bra or pair of jeans, I asked my chiropractor for a suggestion. She told me about the Casper foam pillow, I went right home and ordered it, Amazon delivered it the next day and I’ve had one full week of great, pain-free, comfortable and uninterrupted sleep.”

Hot sleeper? This bestselling Casper pillow is an Underscored editor favorite, with microfiber fill and cotton that we can vouch helps wick away moisture and keeps you cool all night. We’ve bought four at a time. You can take your pick between a low loft for a flatter pillow (great for back sleepers) or a high loft for a fuller one that’s ideal for side sleepers.

Eye masks are some of the most effective, inexpensive pieces of sleep technology out there, according to our experts. They are very effective at blocking out environmental light, helping to protect the “nighttime” signal in your body. This one is beloved on Amazon for its molded eye cups that relieve pressure on your eyelids.

Our pick for the best sleep mask of the year, this cotton eye mask features a nose wire that blocks out all — and we mean all — of the light. It received top marks in our testing because it’s soft on the eyes and never budged at all throughout the night, no matter our sleep position.

“Many people, especially light sleepers, appreciate the noise-masking effects of noise machines, drowning out and absorbing other sounds from the environment,” says Grandner, who likes this machine.

“So many of us have gone to bed watching the news, or on our phone, and we can’t shut our brain down,” says Joubert, who recommends this machine. “When you use something like white noise, it retrains the brain. You can focus on something else. It also helps to quiet and slow the brain and the mind down. I think they’re highly effective.”

Joyce Azzaline, a psychiatric nurse practitioner at Minded, also recommends white noise machines, like this one from Hatch, to encourage better sleep. “The noise allows consistent humming, so that you are not disturbed by any random noises in the environment like a siren or a horn,” she says. “It keeps your brain occupied with a dull sound that is soothing. Something like the Hatch Restore is good because it’s a sound machine that also has a mediation app and an alarm clock built in, so you can leave your phone on the other side of the room.”

Our favorite white noise machine? After months of testing, we chose the Sound+Sleep Mini due to its white-noise-and-then-some capabilities, with 48 different sounds, like rain, brooks, fans, ocean sounds, white noise, and many more. The other devices we tested feature some of these soundscapes, but the Mini is one of the only one that has them all. Our other favorite feature? The fact that it was basically built for travel, so you can take it anywhere.

“Another trick I use is to get white noise from my air purifier or humidifier,” says Azzaline, pointing to this air purifier. “Cleaner, less dry air can help you breathe better, which in turn can lead to better sleep.”

Not an Amazon product but fantastic nonetheless, Azzaline recommends this humidifier and diffuser. “Some humidifiers, like this Canopy, also have a diffuser option for essential oils,” explains Azzaline. “You could use it with a lavender essential oil, which has sedative properties and has been found to promote better sleep.”

Through March 18, take 10% off any Canopy device over $70 when you use code CNNSLEEP at checkout.

“Blackout curtains are another great way to protect your sleep from environmental light that can disrupt it,” says Grandner. “They can help keep you asleep at night, even when the sun comes back up. Just make sure you open them in the morning!” This highly rated set also blocks out the cold.

These equally-beloved blackout curtains with grommets at the top for easy sliding come at a bargain price and promise to block out light, cold and noise from the outside world, leading to a better night’s sleep.

Azzaline talks to patients every day who have trouble sleeping. “In addition to practicing good sleep hygiene (think: going to bed at the same time every night and putting your phone down at least 30 minutes before nodding off), I often recommend a weighted blanket to my patients. It provides a sense of security as it enfolds you, so you feel protected, and it helps to calm any restlessness in your legs that may keep you awake. I use one personally and always say it feels like a soft hug over my body and lulls me to sleep. There are a lot of good ones on the market, but the one I use at home has two removable covers, one for winter and one for summer, and they’re washable.”

One of our favorite weighted blankets on the market, the blanket comes in three different colors and its luxurious-looking stitching ensures that the fine-grade beads get evenly distributed throughout the blanket. Gravity even has its own weighted robe.

“There is something comforting about a weighted blanket,” says Joubert. “I think that’s a really smart product out on the market.” This weighted blanket is unique in that it comes with its own super-plush cover that’s machine-washable, and it even comes in weights up to 30 pounds.

Weighted blankets “work by providing a consistent, enveloping layer of pressure, not only giving you the weighted sensation, but also restricting your movement,” says Grandner. And this editor-approved one, among the most beloved on Amazon, is a real bargain for its quality.

“A lot of people wait too long before replacing an old mattress. Sometimes, this can make a big difference in nighttime comfort,” says Grandner.

Weight and sleep style can also make a difference, explains Joubert. “Someone who’s lighter, or you sleep on your side, you’re going to want to maybe go with a more medium-soft or a medium-firm mattress.” Check out our guide to the top mattress-in-a-box brands here.

You may want to look for a firmer mattress like this one if you’re a bigger person, or sleep on your back, says Joubert. “The heavier you are, let’s say you weigh 200 pounds or more, or you’re a back sleeper, you’re going to tend to maybe fall in the guidelines of the medium-firm to firm mattress,” she says. Layers of breathable foam plus springs add a little lift, support and airflow to this highly rated mattress.

This medium-firm mattress is also one of the most popular on Amazon, not only because of its true bargain price tag but also because its combination memory foam and innerspring construction that helps align the spine and minimize pressure points to offer you your comfiest sleep yet. It’s available in heights from 8 inches to 12 inches.

Known as the most durable mattress on Amazon, the foam in this Zinus 12-inch is infused with active charcoal and even green tea to offer pressure relief and form right to your body. Specifically great for side sleepers, though it really seems to please just every reviewer, it even comes with a 10-year warranty.

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March 15, 2023
Dodow sleep aid review | CNN Underscored

This article is a part of CNN Underscored’s Guide to Sleep, a week-long focus on everything you need to sleep better. We’ll be featuring new products and exclusive deals all week, so check in every morning to see what’s new.

If you’re like me and countless others, you may have trouble falling asleep at night. Dodow is looking to change that, one insomniac at a time, with its sleep aid that focuses on calm breathing.

The device aims to help you relax and clear your mind as you prepare to fall asleep. It takes the form of a small disk, and tapping on the top will activate a slowly pulsing blue light. This dim light projects onto your ceiling to help you pace your breath.

As it expands, you inhale, and as it contracts, you exhale. When you follow along with this slow breathing, you allow your body to relax and help it enter a calmer neurophysiological state. This is often referred to as “rest and digest,” wherein the muscles relax, heart rate slows and the body generally conserves energy. You can use either an eight-minute or 20-minute light cycle and three levels of brightness.

The Dodow device costs $60 on Dodow’s site. The company also has bundles that shave the individual unit prices. And through March 18, when you buy one Dodow sleep aid, get another one free when you use our CNN exclusive offer code CNNSLEEP at checkout.

The Dodow sleep aid is a unique and useful device. It helped me fall asleep faster, and more consistently. It isn’t hard to learn to sync your breath with the light, and once you get used to the process, you’ll feel the results. Just breathe in when it expands and out when it contracts. Today, CNN Underscored readers can take advantage of an exclusive buy one, get one free offer when ordering through Dodow.

The sleep aid has a simple, elegant design. The white disk measures a little under 3.5 inches in diameter and about three-quarters of an inch thick.

There is a pattern of small perforations on the top that includes a touch control for starting a light cycle, turning it off and changing the settings. The top also features a small set of LEDs that emit the blue light, and around the edge of this surface is a thin lip that slopes upward.

On the bottom of the device is a light blue disk that serves as a base with grip. The Dodow logo is engraved on it, and below that are two images that show you how to activate the eight-minute or 20-minute light cycles.

Below that, there’s a horizontal divot you can twist to unlock the battery compartment. The device runs on three AAA batteries that you insert in this compartment, which is easy to unlock with a coin or screwdriver. It’s a nice, minimal design with a pleasing color scheme.

Once you’ve inserted the batteries, you’re ready to start. It’s hard to overstate the simplicity of this device’s operation. For an eight-minute cycle, just tap the top once. For a 20-minute cycle, tap it twice.

From there, all you have to do is focus on the light and match your breathing to it. If you want to manually turn off the light before the cycle ends, you can hold your finger on the surface for three seconds. It will also automically turn off the light once either of the cycles concludes. A pamphlet provides detailed instructions.

Although the light isn’t very bright, you can switch between three brightness settings with ease. While the device is off, hold your finger on the top for three seconds. Once the light turns on, release your finger and then tap the surface to switch between the brightness levels. When you’re happy with the level, hold your finger on the surface for three seconds again to turn it off and save your setting.

I have been using the Dodow for over two months and have not had to replace the batteries. And considering how little power it uses and how infrequently I run it, I don’t anticipate the batteries running out for a long time. Plus, since it runs on batteries (and it’s so small), you can take it with you wherever you go and don’t need a cable.

Staring at a pulsing light and breathing to the rhythm might sound like an odd ritual, but I found it was easier to get used to than I anticipated.

The light is a gentle color and less than one lux, so it isn’t harsh on the eyes. And it’s easy to get used to the breathing pattern the light dictates. It doesn’t go too fast or too slow, just slow enough to get you relaxing. I found it most helpful not to worry too much about being exactly right — just do your best to follow the pattern. You may want to use the 20-minute cycle when you’re getting started. After a while, it should become easier to sync with the light and easier to fall asleep. After just a few nights, I used the eight-minute cycle and dozed off before it ended.

When I said earlier that I had trouble falling asleep, I meant it. Not only am I a light sleeper, but I often have trouble falling asleep even with a consistent schedule. Using the Dodow has made a noticeable improvement in my ability to fall asleep.

In the pamphlet, Dodow suggests concentrating on your body in addition to the light and attempting to breathe with your lower abdomen. I found that this technique, combined with the light, provided me with full, deep breaths as well as a way for my mind to concentrate and tune out distracting thoughts. You can even try, as the pamphlet suggests, reciting “inhale” and “exhale” as you breathe in and out. It’s all about relaxing your body and quieting your mind.

Dodow also advises not “trying” to fall asleep. If you concentrate specifically on trying to fall asleep, you may become occupied with that thought, thus sabotaging yourself. Instead, try to focus on the techniques, and sleep should come naturally. Don’t be discouraged if your first attempts don’t work very well. With practice, you should improve.

If you’re wondering if this is all mumbo jumbo, the science behind it is sound. Deliberately slowing your breathing can, in fact, shift your body into a relaxed state. This state, which operates on circuitry called the parasympathetic nervous system, slows your heart rate, relaxes your muscles and halts the release of excitatory chemicals in your brain. Breathing from your abdomen is also an efficient mode of breathing. And finally, focusing on syncing with the light and your body can help you tune out other thoughts and environmental distractions.

The Dodow sleep aid is a unique and useful device. It helped me fall asleep faster, and more consistently. It isn’t hard to learn to sync your breath with the light, and once you get used to the process, you’ll feel the results. Just breathe in when it expands and out when it contracts.

And it doesn’t hurt to try to breathe from your abdomen and follow the other advice included in the pamphlet.

Try one for $60 from Dodow’s site. If you love it, you can buy a bundle on the website that lowers the cost of the individual units and share your secret for better sleep with family and friends.

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March 14, 2023
Editors’ picks: Our favorite sleep products we’ve tested and actually loved | CNN Underscored

This article is a part of CNN Underscored’s Guide to Sleep, a week-long focus on everything you need to sleep better. We’ll be featuring new products and exclusive deals all week, so check in every morning to see what’s new.

Our editors test and research hundreds of products a year, but the stuff that we get the most excited about? The items that claim they can get you “the best sleep of your life,” and actually do just that.

It’s a rare occurrence, sure, but when we find a sleep product we love, we just can’t shut up about it. We’ve already talked about our nightstand necessities that changed the way we sleep, so now let’s get into the sleep products we now literally cannot sleep without.

I’m a terrible sleeper. I wake up half a dozen times throughout the night and toss and turn. I’m always looking for products to help me get a better night’s rest and bought the NodPod weighted sleeping mask on a whim. When I was little, I used to put a homemade heating pad made with cherry pits on my eyes to help me fall asleep, and this has the same effect (just don’t heat it up). I’m honestly incredibly impressed by how comforting this feels on my eyes and found that I sleep deeper when I use it. — Lindsey Smith, associate editor

My brain never shuts off and I’m incredibly jealous of people who don’t have an inner monologue. The voice inside my head tends to work overtime when I’m trying to doze off. I downloaded Balance on a whim when I saw you can get your first year free. I know can’t sleep without guided meditations. The app also offers sleep sounds — like rain and white noise — to help you drift to sleep. My favorite is the “Back to Sleep” exercise which is helpful for me since I never sleep through the entire night. — Lindsey Smith, associate editor

Coop’s Original Pillow is one of the most highly rated out there — but the brand’s newest offering has become my latest bedtime obsession. The brand has ingeniously created a crescent-shaped pillow made specifically for side sleepers who also rotate to their back (a.k.a. me), and it’s been a comfort game changer. Plus, like other Coop pillows, its fill is completely customizable. — Chelsea Stone, senior editor

Take 15% off sitewide at Coop Home through March 18 using code CNNSLEEP at checkout.

I never have enough time to read, so having a large-screen e-reader next to my bed not only allows me to catch up on my favorite novels before I fall asleep, but if I wake up in the middle of the night (which, unfortunately, is more often than I’d like to admit) I can turn on the built-in nightlight and read myself back to sleep without waking up my husband. I especially like the more expensive Kindle Oasis, because it comes with a roomy 7-inch adjustable Paperwhite display that doesn’t bother my eyes like a phone or tablet. Plus, it’s even waterproof, so when it’s not on my bedside table, I can bring it with my on holiday and safely tote it to the beach or the pool. — Tobey Grumet Segal, reviews editor

I can have a hard time falling asleep. On those nights when I’m tossing and turning and I just can’t turn my brain off, I love turning on the sleepcasts on the Headspace app. They have a short meditation exercise, where you either focus on your breathing or “turning off” your muscles one by one, then they launch into a cute and relaxing story. They’ve definitely helped me calm down at night and get better sleep when I’m stressed. — Kai Burkhardt, associate editor

There is no worse feeling to me than waking up in the middle of the night feeling overheated and sweaty. But, finding the perfect balance between breathability and warmth, especially in colder months, is a fine art. When I got this Sleep Cloud comforter, it was love from the very first sleep. Always cool to the touch, the nylon and spandex fabric is silky and lightweight and helps create a little pocket of warmth between your body and the comforter. I’ve never shelled out more than probably $80 on a comforter before, but now I’m really seeing a difference between this and my previous bedding. As a temperature sensitive sleeper, this comforter just gets me and lulls me into a deep slumber night after night. Plus, it’s easy to throw in the wash and is good looking enough to stand on its own or layer with other blankets and throws. — Jillian Tracy, editorial coordinator

I’ve had this velvet napper for more than two years now, and I absolutely love tucking my feet into it every night. I found that sleeping with a weighted blanket on top of my entire body felt a bit, well, heavy. Then once I figured out that if I just tuck my feet under it at night I fall asleep almost instantly, I’ve never been the same. It’s also just gorgeous splayed out on my bed. — Rachel Lubitz, senior lifestyle editor

I’m a total linen sheets fanatic, and also a firmly anti-white-sheet individual, which means that I go bonkers for brilliantly colored bed linen whenever I can. Cultiver has been on my must-try list for a while, and I finally got the pleasure of trying out its duvet cover and sheets. And all I can say is: wow. Not only available in rich colors like mahogany, rose, baby pink and more, but right out of the box they’re buttery soft. I went with a cedar brown duvet cover and blush pink sheets, which I think go together really nicely. You can’t ask for a cooler-looking set than this. — Rachel Lubitz, senior lifestyle editor

Since I spend most of the day working at my desk — which just so happens to be located 18 inches from my bed — I find that winding down at the end of the day requires a more intentional vibe shift. Mrs. Meyer’s products have long been staples in my kitchen and bathroom, but now I’ve found an essential for my bedroom, too. I like to spritz my sheets and pillows a few times before getting under the covers. Words cannot express how good this room spray smells (I highly recommend the Geranium scent too), and the scent lasts without being overly potent or perfumey. — Caroline Curran, associate deals editor

I never realized how much a good pillow could change how I sleep. But after years of using limp, unsupportive pillows, I finally made the switch to a Casper pillow and I’ll never go back. I sleep better, don’t wake up with neck pain and feel supported all night long. — Kai Burkhardt, associate editor

I bought this peanut-shaped memory foam pillow on a whim a few years ago (it was on sale!), and now I can’t envision my life without it. It’s the ideal shape for propping up your head and neck if you want to watch TV or read in bed (or if you suffer from neck pain or soreness), and it also relieves pressure on your back if you hold it between your knees while resting on your side. — Chelsea Stone, senior editor

These bamboo sheets from Cozy Earth are both a blessing and a curse — they are so soft that I fall asleep faster, but that being said, they also make it absolutely impossible to get out of bed in the morning. I’ve had them for a couple months now, and even after washing, they’ve remained as soft as they did when I first got them. They’re worth every single penny! — Stephanie Griffin, social lead

Get 35% off sitewide at Cozy Earth when you use code CNNSLEEP at checkout through March 18.

The first Instagram ad to ever “get me” was for the Buffy Cloud Comforter. I wanted to make a swap to an eco-friendly (and animal-friendly) comforter that didn’t include down feathers. Buffy is equally comfortable as it is environmentally conscious. It’s crafted entirely from plant-based and recycled materials and is lightweight and fluffy. The brand went the extra mile to also include loops at the ends so you don’t have to wrestle as much with a duvet cover. — Lindsey Smith, associate editor

Use code CNNSLEEP through March 18 to save 20% off sitewide at Buffy.

I’ve never slept better than I have with this mattress underneath me. The DreamCloud Premier is both firm and cushiony, and the top layers of memory foam help cut down on motion transfer — which means you won’t feel a thing if you live with a restless sleeper like I do. Each night, I look forward to sinking right into bed and getting a good night’s rest. — Stephanie Griffin, social lead

Save 30% on the DreamCloud Premier mattress when you use code CNNSLEEPWEEK at checkout through March 18.

I know, $150 is a LOT to pay for an alarm clock. But Loftie is a thoughtfully designed, gorgeous clock that makes sleep feel like self-care. It features an ambient night light, soundscapes and meditations to help you fall asleep and a two-phase alarm that gradually wakes you up in the morning instead of jolting you awake. — Kai Burkhardt, associate editor

I love a beauty product that works overnight, and these cute pimple patches help banish breakouts by the morning. The star-shaped hydrocolloid stickers absorb the fluid and gunk within the pimples, reducing the inflammation and size of the zits. While I’ve tried several brands of pimple patches, I always come back to these because they’re honestly a joy to put on, they come with a fun case that has a compact mirror inside and there are limited-edition drops of the stickers, so you can mix it up with new colors. — Sophie Shaw, associate beauty editor

This sauna blanket from HigherDose has become a key part of my nightly ritual. I tuck myself inside of it for 45 minutes each night, and not only does it result in TONS of sweat and glowy skin, but it also leaves me feeling super relaxed — which ultimately leads to much better, deeper and longer sleep. It’s super easy to use, and the cleanup is quick too. — Stephanie Griffin, social lead

Ever since I was a little girl, I always loved walking around my parents’ house in a cozy pair of slippers. Years later, I still love to add that extra element of cozy to my feet as I walk around my apartment. My latest addition to my slipper collection are these Frankie Slippers. The first thing that stood out to me when I first wore these slippers was how snug they felt on my feet. I can walk freely without worrying that the slippers will slide off. They exceed in the comfort department, and aren’t they adorable?! — Sarai Thompson, former social coordinator

I swear by Aesop skin products, and this body balm is no exception. I love this rind concentrate scent — it’s the perfect combination of fresh, citrus smell with nourishing powers for softer hands. One small dollop and I feel immediately relaxed. — Emily McNutt, senior travel editor

I’m big into matching pajamas, and these remain my all-time favorite pair. Expensive, yes, but consider that this silk pajama set is machine-washable, making them actually easy to care for too. My favorite part, however, is actually just how versatile this set is. I wear the cropped top alone with jeans in the summertime, and in the winter I layer it with a turtleneck. I always feel incredibly chic, and the fabric really is buttery soft. — Rachel Lubitz, senior lifestyle editor

Through March 18, you can score 15% off orders of $100 or more at Lunya with code FOR-CNNSLEEP-15.

Day or night, I always have a blanket wrapped around me (I run cold). But ever since I got my hands on Casper’s new Snoozewear line, I’ve tossed my blankets to the side and wear this cloudlike robe all day long. It features large armholes and convenient pockets for my phone — or snacks, perhaps? — and also comes with buttons so it stays secure all day long. It practically doubles as a puffy duvet, so oftentimes, I take it off before bed and place it over me since it’s so warm and comfy! — Stephanie Griffin, social lead

I’ve always wanted to try linen bedding, but most options are way out of my price range. This Casaluna set is budget-friendly and super soft. Since it’s a heavyweight style, it’s perfect for chilly winter days. — Lindsey Smith, associate editor

I’ve been using this simple eye mask for years, and it’s still my favorite one. The overall mask is slightly puffy and pillowy, and I find that it sits really nicely on my face. The real game changer here, however, is the extra lining at the bottom of the mask that blocks out all light. This is technically made for travel, but it’s so good that I sleep with this mask every single night. — Hayley Saltzman, former head of social

Nothing winds me down after a hectic day quite like a nice cuppa herbal tea. I tend to switch between peppermint tea and camomile tea, depending on the day. There’s really no better start to a sleep routine than a piping hot tea and a good book. — Emily McNutt, senior travel editor

At this point, I’ve tried linen sheets from Casaluna, Parachute and Magic Linen. But my all-time faves remain this set from Citizenry. It’s the most buttery-soft linen I’ve ever felt, and it seems to get softer with each wash. I also just simply cannot get over the rich brown color (called Sienna), which totally transformed my room. I used to be an all-white-everything sheets girl, and these are what permanently changed me. — Rachel Lubitz, senior lifestyle editor

Take 10% off bedding at The Citizenry with code CNNSLEEP through March 18.

These naturally dyed sheets from one of my favorite bedding brands, Buffy, are hands down the softest I’ve ever felt. They’re made from 100% eucalyptus fiber (that contains no essential oils and is safe for pets and kids), and they’re incredibly breathable, so they’re ideal for hot sleepers too. Best of all, they only get softer the more you wash them. — Chelsea Stone, senior editor

I like to be moisturized from head to toe before I get into bed, and this Everywhere Balm from Hello Bello is a great part of my nighttime routine. It is incredibly moisturizing and silky, and it’s completely fragrance-free, so I don’t have to worry about an overpowering scent while I’m trying to fall asleep. I use this on my hands, elbows, heels and anywhere that needs a little extra moisture before bed, and my skin feels super soft when I wake up. — Hayley Saltzman, former head of social

I had no idea just how different a foam mattress was compared to a traditional spring mattress until I swapped mine for the Tuft & Needle Original Mattress. It is incredibly comfortable, and as a hot sleeper, it helps keep me cool. Plus, since it comes in a box, all 5 feet of me was able to bring it up a flight of stairs and set it up with no problem. — Lindsey Smith, associate editor

I’ve never spent more than $12 on a pillow, but I was having a terrible time sleeping on my cheap ones. From neck aches and lumps, these pillows were not doing it for me. Instead of buying a new pillow every few months, I splurged on the Coop The Original Pillow and haven’t looked back. You’re in control of how soft or firm you want it, and it’s so comfortable. It’s also easy to wash and maintain. — Lindsey Smith, associate editor

I love tea any time of the day, and the Twinings Nightly Calm Tea blend is comfort in a cup. Some herbal teas can taste bland, but Twinings gets it right with a blend of chamomile, spearmint and a subtle hint of lemongrass. It may not be the secret elixir that knocks you out for a full eight hours, but it helps me relax before bed. — Lindsey Smith, associate editor

This lavender-scented eye pillow feels like heaven after a long day. I try to avoid looking at my phone or electronics right before I go to sleep, and this pre-bedtime eye mask helps me unwind. You can put it in the microwave if you want a heated mask, and pop it in the fridge for some cooling/de-puffing action. — Hayley Saltzman, former head of social

I have big, curly hair, and I simply can’t sleep if it’s in my face. Thus, I only trust these luxe silk scrunchies by Slip to hold back my mane at night. Not only do they gently keep my hair held back without pulling, allowing me to remain headache-free, but they also ensure my hairstyle survives the night. — Chelsea Stone, senior editor

As someone who feared the dark until she was in her mid-teens, it’s ironic that I now can’t sleep without blackout shades. I had first used them to help with drafty windows but soon realized the darkness really improved my sleep. I’ve had the same ones for eight years and they still look brand new and are a great deal. — Lindsey Smith, associate editor

This CBD-infused body cream is one of those products that I will never let myself run out of, it’s that good. You can actually feel the relaxing effects of the CBD (it packs in 500 milligrams) after massaging it into sore muscles or just a generally tired body, making it easier to drift to sleep. I usually apply it just before I go to bed, and within minutes my body is chilled out. It also has a light lavender and cedarwood fragrance that adds an extra dose of calm. — Sophie Shaw, associate beauty editor

These slippers are new, but I’m already a huge fan. I was going to include them in my monthly editor picks’ roundup, but they’re so good that I had to include them here. They’re one of my instant favorites because they’re simple and classic, but more importantly, they’re the most comfortable, supportive slipper I’ve ever worn. I generally find most slippers to be pretty comfortable, so I was expecting some level of coziness when I first slipped these on, but they quickly surpassed my expectations after about two days of wear. I now wear these before bed every single night, and sometimes all day long as well. — Hayley Saltzman, former head of social

I switched to this silk pillowcase a few months ago and it has helped to clear up my skin and make my hair so much healthier. It’s also very cooling and so comfortable to sleep on! — Hannah Lauson, TikTok strategist

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March 14, 2023
Best silk pillowcases in 2023 | CNN Underscored
This article is a part of CNN Underscored’s Guide to Sleep, a week-long focus on everything you need to sleep better. We’ll be featuring new products and exclusive deals all week, so check in every morning to see what’s new.

Silk pillowcases are having a moment, bolstered by claims they can help reduce wrinkles, acne and even frizziness in hair — all while giving you a better night’s sleep. And beauty benefits aside, there’s no doubt that these silk pillowcases are ultra soft, smooth and a wonder to sleep on.

To find the latest and greatest silk pillowcases that are worth your money, we slept on cases from 13 popular brands for weeks and spoke with experts to find out whether the added beauty benefits are real or clever marketing myths. We laundered each pillowcase, carefully noted texture and fit, and more importantly slept on each one, checking on how our skin and hair looked following each night of rest. In the end, we found four silk pillowcases that stood out:

Best silk pillowcase overall

The Fishers Finery pillowcase felt luxuriously silky, fit our pillows perfectly, offered beautiful nights of sleep and were easy to wash and dry both by hand and in the machine.

Best affordable silk pillowcase

The MYK Silk Natural Silk Pillowcase, featuring silk on one side and white cotton on the other, offered a good fit and restful sleep for about half the price of the Fishers Finery option — though it’s notably less luxurious-feeling.

Best luxury silk pillowcase

We couldn’t get enough nights of sleep on the Lunya Washable Silk Pillowcase, it was so pleasant. Lunya’s silk surface case was lavish to the touch, and design details made it feel significantly elevated.

A great luxury alternative

The Company Store’s silk pillowcase was the smoothest we tried, with a shiny, satiny feel, and it left our hair the smoothest in the morning. It’s a great alternative to the Lunya, though it is only available in a standard size.

Far and away the best silk pillowcase we tested, the Fishers Finery 100% long-strand, luxurious mulberry silk is an excellent, easy-to wash pillowcase with great fit on our pillows, that felt better against the skin than anything we tried and is so well constructed it should last for years to come.

The first time we slept on Fishers Finery, it was almost like we didn’t notice the pillowcase — the silk felt noticeably softer against the skin and hair than any other pillowcases we tested. The cases are weighted at 25 momme (momme count is a standard unit to measure the weight and quality of silk), the upper end of desirability for silk pillowcases. They’re spun from 100% pure grade 6A Mulberry silk, which is generally considered smoother, stronger and more uniformly colored than other silks.
Fishers Finery’s cases also had the best fit on our standard pillows: well-fitting but slightly loose, so they’re easy to put on and pull off. The case has an envelope closure that looks nice and makes the bed feel neater than a loose, open pillowcase end.

We also found these easiest to wash and wear. Like all of the brands we tested, the Fishers Finery cases are both machine- and hand-washable. These cases were the least wrinkly after hand washing — a plus if you’re someone who is never going to iron or steam a pillowcase. We also machine washed (on delicate) and hung dry these pillowcases, which led to less wrinkling than hand washing.

These come in three sizes (standard, queen, and king) and 11 colors––more than most of the brands we tested. Fishers are priced solidly in the middle range of the brands we tested, and we found these to be an excellent mid-range pick that ranks above its price.

MYK Silk’s Natural Silk pillowcase is less luxurious than Fishers Finery’s lush Mulberry silk, but terrific in lots of ways, including its affordable price. For a third of the cost of Fishers Finery, you may not get the most luxurious feeling pillowcase, but you’re not giving up a lot, and you’re getting plenty of color options, and a fantastic night of sleep.

Despite only being silk on one side (the back is constructed from OEKO-TEX certified cotton), the MYK Silk pillowcase felt amazing to sleep on and kept our hair smoother than all-cotton pillowcases. Made from 19 momme mulberry silk — lower weight than Fishers Finery but still quite nice to the touch—these are well-made pillowcases for the price.

The MYK cases are also easier to maintain than many we tested and they were a great fit on our pillows. MYK can be machine or hand-washed and line dried––they showed no signs of wear after a gentle cycle.

These cases fit our queen-size pillows snugly both width- and length-wise. They have a zipper closure, which is a nice functional touch, but because the zipper’s opening and closing points are placed about an inch in from the actual end of the pillow, the opening of the case is a bit shorter than the length of the pillowcase. This meant that inserting a fluffier down pillow with more volume into the pillowcase was slightly more difficult than doing so with some of the looser, larger pillow cases we tested. Once fitted to the pillow, though, MYK Silk’s looked nice on the bed. The MYK Silk pillowcases are sold in three sizes (standard, queen, and king), and nine colors.

The Lunya Washable Silk pillowcase was just downright dreamy, offering the best night’s sleep and keeping our hair the smoothest of all the pillows we tested. The Lunya pillowcase is now made from 100% silk (when we first tested it, it was silk on the front and cotton on the back), making it even more worth the additional cost.

The Lunya pillowcase is so soft and touchable it was downright evocative to use. Sleep felt so restful on Lunya’s silk we didn’t want to lift our heads out of bed. But once we did, our hair seemed noticeably less frizzy, even compared to other pillowcases we tested.

This pillowcase hits all the right notes on fit and care. The Lunya fits a bit more loosely than the others we tested with a narrow width, but extra-long length. We didn’t mind this, since the pillowcase was still easy to put on or remove.

The Lunya is easily machine washed on cold, or by hand, and Lunya’s site says you could even put this case in the dryer on low, but we didn’t test that out. Lunya’s silk pillowcases only come in two sizes, standard queen and king, and in just one color, Tranquil White, which may be too limiting for some customers. It may not be for everyone, but if you want the absolute best feel and don’t mind the limited options, the Lunya Washable Silk pillowcase is worth the money.

And, you can save 15% on orders of $100 or more with code FOR-CNNSLEEP-15 through March 18.

The Company Store’s silk pillowcase is satiny smooth, and was a delight to sleep on. Made with high-quality 22 momme, 100% mulberry silk, this model had a pleasant weight to it, and the fabric was smoother and silkier than anything else we tested, with a visible shine that feels delightful on clean skin, and imparts a feeling of luxury that other pillowcases lacked. The Company Store’s fabric is also a bit thicker, which made it feel more durable, although we didn’t encounter any wear issues with any of the silk pillowcases we tested.

Like others, this pillowcase also has an envelope enclosure, for a clean look, and gave us a roomy, but not saggy fit on most standard pillows. Company Store recommends hand or machine washing inside out on cold (ideally in a mesh laundry bag), and air drying. We followed these instructions and didn’t encounter any issues.

Although this pillowcase is the most expensive we recommend, the price is borne out in its quality. The silk feels more ample and luxurious than our other high-end recommendation from Lunya, which was a bit thinner, in comparison. It’s well constructed, with high quality stitching. And the maintenance is no more labor intensive than any other silk pillowcase we liked. The Company Store silk pillowcase comes in three colors, but only a single size (standard), which is a bit limiting, but if you’re in pursuit of the absolute highest quality and don’t mind paying the higher price, this pillowcase is worth it.

There’s a lot to consider when buying silk pillowcases. Whether you’re wondering about the type of silk, possible benefits, ease of care or price point, we’ve compiled all our research to walk you through exactly what you need to know before buying.

While studies have suggested silk pillowcases might reduce acne, other skin benefits — such as reducing wrinkles — are mostly anecdotal. Dendy Engelman, M.D., a cosmetic dermatologist with the NYC-based Shafer Clinic, said that no one should expect silk pillowcases to completely eliminate wrinkles, but adds that they can “help to slow down the formation of them,” especially “sleep wrinkles,” the lines some dermatologists believe develop from sleeping on your side or your stomach as your face scrunches into your pillow. “Silk creates fewer wrinkles and indentations on the skin as you sleep because it helps reduce strain or friction,” Engleman says.

Silk is less absorbent than cotton, Engleman adds, so it doesn’t drink in our nighttime skin care products the way cotton can, which means night serums and moisturizers stay on the skin doing their work there, not on the pillowcase.

We did not see any short-term difference in the condition of our skin while sleeping on silk during our testing. That said, whereas the acne study we cited above lasted 12 weeks, our testing process lasted only six, took place during winter, when skin is more dry, and during a pandemic, when stress levels have been higher than normal. In other words, our first-hand experience wasn’t long enough for us to definitively assess the impact sleeping on silk has on skin. There could be long-term benefits to our facial skin that we’ll see accrue over a longer time, including that we are getting better nights of sleep sleeping on silk — it’s just impossible to say without more research.

The decreased friction of silk is thought by many to aid in managing frizzy hair. The smoother surface of silk can potentially mean “less messing, fuzzing, split ends of your hair,” says textile expert Deborah Young. This benefit is more pronounced for those with thick and curly hair. Simply put, Young says, “less texture equals less bedhead.” Our testers both noticed a reduction in dryness and frizziness while sleep on silk pillowcases, and our hair seemed more supple and healthy during the weeks of the testing process, though we didn’t find that one specific pillowcase brand was quantifiably better in its treatment of our hair.

To those worried that silk bedding is too high maintenance, Young outlined a simple care routine. “Silk can absolutely be machine washed – inside out, in a mesh lingerie bag, with a detergent formulated for silk on a delicate cleaning cycle and absolutely no bleach – ever!” Young advises washing separately, or as she prefers, by hand and in cold water, gently squeezed out in a rolled up towel, lay flat or hung to dry. We washed all of the cases we tested both by hand and in the machine, with fine results from both. Though most of the care instructions for these pillowcases indicate that drying in a machine on low heat is OK, as an option to line drying, we adhered to our expert’s advice and only line-dried. Machine washing was less laborious than hand-washing, but took about the same time to complete.

If you’re shopping for silk pillowcases, Young advises, you’ll find the highest quality if you select real silk (which includes most of the pillowcases we tested, including our winners). Young notes though that some “silk” pillowcases are actually made of 100% polyester, which “could be a budget, but successful, alternative.” (A couple of the cases in our testing pool were polyester, a noticeable difference from real silk in terms of touch and quality, but still effective in terms of offering good, comfortable sleep and less flyaway hair.) Pure silk is perceived as more valuable and luxurious, Young says, but silk blends may be more affordable and still quite effective when it comes to pillowcases.

There’s a range of types of silk you’ll hear about when shopping. A momme number, as noted above, denotes the thickness and durability of the fabric, a higher momme being a heavier weight, Young explains. Mulberry silk comes from cultivated silkworms that eat only leaves from the mulberry tree. “There are other silks that are rougher and more cotton-like, but the shiny stuff is mulberry or cultivated silk,” Young says. Charmeuse is a lighter weight silk. And the grade of silk rates its quality. Silk is graded on an A, B or C scale, A being the finest quality. A number attached to that grade is a more specific marker of quality, 6 being the highest (and the number linked to our top winner.)
Sleep feel: We slept on each pillowcase noting things like how comfortable the pillowcase felt on our face and hair, whether the fabric was too slippery, if the fabric felt cool to the skin, and whether it absorbed any skin care products we applied before sleeping.

Post-wash feel: We washed and dried each pillowcase at least once. After laundering, we observed how soft the pillowcase felt, and if anything had changed.

Durability: After multiple sleeps and laundering, we noted whether the pillowcases pilled, shrank, or faded in any noticeable way. We also noted if fit remained consistent.

Fit: We noted how each fit on our standard-size pillows, and tried each case on different types of pillows (down, polyester, and memory-foam filled).

Ease of care: We read the washing instructions on each pillowcase and noted how simple they were to care for. We paid special attention to whether the cases were machine washable, and what the drying instructions included. We also noted if the pillowcases wrinkled after line-drying.
Reduction in hair frizziness or skin improvements: After each night of sleep, we surveyed the condition of our facial skin and the texture of our hair, looking out for any improvements in complexion, or changes in hair texture. We should note that while we experienced that sleeping on silk reduced frizziness and could understand how they might even help soften facial wrinkles, we couldn’t discern significant differences in these benefits from one brand to the next.
Sizes: We noted how many sizes each pillowcase is available. Most come in standard or queen, and king (or all three), at a width of about 20 inches, and length ranging from about 26 to 40 inches. Some cases have a smaller travel or toddler size, or a slightly longer than king size.

Colors: We recorded how many colors are available for each case. Some of the higher end brands are only available in white, and many of the more affordable ones have upwards of 25 colors, and some patterns.
This pillowcase came recommended from dermatologist, Dr. Engelman. The Slip is, aptly, more slippery than some of the other high-end brands we tested, reminding us of a silky robe––it’s soft and sleek to the touch and against the skin and hair. Slip, while deliciously soft and wonderful to sleep on, didn’t feel necessarily more pleasing than Fishers Finery, nor did it feel more over-the-top fantastic than Lunya, which is why, at its price point of $89, Slip didn’t end up one of our winners.

A highly ranked option recommended Young, Blissy’s silk pillowcases cases are 100% silk, 22 momme 6A grade — indulgently soft for sure, and similarly high quality, but more of a satin finish than that washable silk feel of Fishers Finery or Lunya that we loved so much. Blissy’s silk offered amazing nights of sleep and comes in a range of sizes, but only one color— that limitation, plus the almost-double price as compared to Fishers Finery, kept Blissy from being one of our winners.

We like Brooklinen’s bedding, including their linen sheets and plush bath towels, and enjoyed using their 100% long-strand pure mulberry silk pillowcases too. The brand’s specialty charmeuse weave, generous in width and length, and multiple color options were all points in favor of this pillowcase. They came in just under our top pick because we loved the Lunya’s silk touch just a little bit more.

SpaSilk 100% Pure Silk Pillowcase for Hair and Skin Beauty

SpaSilk’s silk pillowcase is a bargain option but it feels high grade, silky, and even sumptuous. We like that SpaSilk comes in travel size, in addition to standard size options, and a broad range of colors. Ultimately, though, SpaSilk didn’t feel quite as nice to the touch as MYK Silk did, which is why it didn’t come in as our first-place bargain pillowcase.

Made of 100% silk charmeuse and finished with piped hems and French seams, Cuddledown’s cases look minimalist chic, feel divine and fit our pillows perfectly. They offered several restful nights of sleep, and didn’t seem to dry out our hair and face. They didn’t rank as high as some of our winners only because we didn’t love them quite as much to the touch, but they were more than satisfying.

Quince’s 100% mulberry silk pillowcase is soft to the touch, but it didn’t feel nearly as luxurious as our main pick from Fishers’ Finery. Despite being 22momme mulberry silk, we didn’t find it quite as satiny as our other recommendations. That said, this pillowcase comes in six colors and two sizes, and the price is a steal for 100% silk.

Parachute’s silk pillowcase feels similar to our luxury pick from The Company Store. It’s made from 100% mulberry silk, although Parachute fails to disclose the weight of the fabric. We liked this pillowcase overall, but as with other Parachute pillowcases, it was slightly too small on our pillows. The envelope enclosure didn’t overlap on the back of the pillow and at $89 for a single pillowcase, that was a dealbreaker.

The Casper pillowcase is made from 100% mulberry silk, but regrettably it had an unnatural and almost synthetic feeling in our hands and on our face when we were testing it. Although the pillowcase is well-made, and fits well on our pillows, we didn’t find ourselves reaching for this option compared to the others we tested.

Blissford’s satin pillowcase, made from 100% polyester, is less luxurious than the 100% silk cases we tried. It feels synthetic compared to many of the silk brands, and we felt the difference against our face during sleep. Blissford cases fit our pillow perfectly, and look nice, with a zippable flap closure. These were a breeze to hand wash and line dry, and they’re machine washable as well. Perhaps because they’re satin and not silk, they stand up to being wrung out by hand better than silk, and hardly wrinkled at all once air-dried.

Bedsure is another decently-made 100% polyester satin option that we dismissed because they felt far less luxurious than the silk pillowcases we tried. Bedsure’s cases come in a package of two for less than Blissford’s one. They are looser and drapier than some we tested, but they also have an envelope closure at the end for a neatly-made pillow. On their Amazon page, Bedsure looks cheesy and lower quality, but in person, the packaging is attractive and the product is quite decent, especially for the price.
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March 13, 2023
The 10 best sustainable mattresses, according to experts | CNN Underscored

This article is a part of CNN Underscored’s Guide to Sleep, a week-long focus on everything you need to sleep better. We’ll be featuring new products and exclusive deals all week, so check in every morning to see what’s new.

Shopping for sustainable mattresses shouldn’t have to keep you up at night. From their cooling and supportive materials to their environmentally sound manufacturing and discarding processes, sustainable mattresses may be a far wiser investment than their non-eco-conscious counterparts. With all the rigorous testing that goes into certifying a sustainable mattress, most brands make it easy for consumers to identify their status as a sustainable mattress brand, or which mattresses among their organization meet the appropriate criteria.

Start by looking at certifications like Made Safe, GreenGuard, organic, GOTS/Oeko-TEX and B Corp, says Anna Turns, an environmental journalist and author of “Go Toxic Free: Easy and Sustainable Ways to Reduce Chemical Pollution.” In addition, Logan Foley, sleep science coach and product expert at SleepFoundation.org recommends taking a look at The Rainforest Alliance Certification, which adheres to economic, social and environmental sustainability.

Beyond certifications, Turns says to ask two questions when shopping for sustainable mattresses: how were they made and how will they be disposed of? Bob Willard, a sustainability expert and founder of Sustainability Advantage says to look for recycled and renewable materials, a reduced carbon footprint and embodied carbon, multi-use packaging, and a take-back program at its end of life.

Opt for materials like wool, which Turns says is naturally waterproof and flame-resistant, and latex, which Foley describes as a natural alternative to poly- and memory foams that are often synthetic and non-renewable. “Sourcing of these renewable materials should be as local as feasible and from farms that utilize sustainable methods that do not harm the habitat around them,” says Jay Cohen, a sales associate at Healthy Choice Organic Mattress, adding that local manufacturing reduces the environmental load of delivering it. Willard also recommends looking beyond the attributes of the mattress itself, and instead, asking “how sustainable its manufacturer supplier is, like where it was made and under what working conditions,” he says.

While the mattress’ materials are crucial to consider, true sustainability addresses the entire life cycle of the mattress, according to Turns. “Consider whether your company will recycle your old mattress,” she says. “Real sustainability stems from designing out waste, so if a mattress has been made with its end of life in mind, the company will have a plan for that mattress to be dismantled so materials can be reused or recycled again.”

Shopping for the right sustainable mattress is equally about looking for the right criteria as it is about avoiding certain ones. Turns suggests staying away from anything that claims to be waterproof or stain-resistant, which often involves the addition of toxic PFAS forever chemicals like Teflon. She says to avoid antimicrobial nanosilver because “it just isn’t essential,” to skip solvents like formaldehyde that will then be released or off-gassed into the air, and to avoid mattresses made from synthetic polyurethane foam, which is derived from fossil fuels soaked in flame-retardants (Cohen says, however, that while many of us are advised to avoid flame retardants in mattresses, they have been required by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) since 2007 to prevent mattress fires).

Foley reminds us not to conflate an organic mattress with a sustainable one. “Just because something has been made with organic materials, it does not mean it’s sustainable,” he says. For example, he says organic bamboo is used in bedding materials but requires more processing than other fibers, which means it requires more water and energy to produce.

Because terms like eco, green, sustainable and chemical-free aren’t regulated, Turns says to look for transparency and documentation of any proof of claims. “Don’t be duped,” and “avoid the greenwash,” she says.

If you already own what our experts might define as a non-sustainable mattress, hope is not lost. Turns recommends investing in a mattress topper made from natural fibers like wool or latex (allergies permitting). But if you’re building out your dream planet-friendly bedroom from scratch, the following sustainable mattresses are a great place to start.

Related: How and when to clean your mattress, according to experts

Avocado is widely known as the gold standard when it comes to sustainable mattresses thanks to its GOTS-certified organic and non-toxic materials, its status as a Climate Neutral certified brand that offsets more emissions than it generates, and its factories powered by renewable energy. “As a fellow Certified B Corp, I would lean toward Avocado to produce a sustainable mattress in a responsible way,” says Willard. And during CNN Underscored’s Guide to Sleep, our readers can score $225 off orders of $2,000 or more with code CNNSLEEP.

The brand’s bestselling mattress is made with GOLS-certified organic latex and GOTS-certified organic wool and cotton. It uses hand-sewn stitching instead of synthetic adhesives, and provides unmatched back support and comfort with its naturally sourced cushioning.

As a member of the Sustainable Furnishings Council, you can be sure a Saatva mattress is a kinder addition to your home. It uses certified organic cotton on all its mattresses that are topped with a plant-based antimicrobial solution, as well as sustainably harvested latex. Due to its 19 factories strategically established around the US, your mattress only travels a limited number of miles to you, thus reducing its carbon footprint. Plus, CNN Underscored readers can get $550 off orders of $1,000 or more when you use this link.

Opt for the organic cotton mattress that earned the brand a “Sustainability Product Of The Year” award from Business Intelligence Group. It comes in your preferred height and comfort level from plush soft to firm, uses a plant-based thistle pulp flame-retardant in place of toxic chemical sprays, and provides ultimate support and buoyancy through its recycled steel coils.

Turns recommends Happsy for its “transparent approach at explaining why [it doesn’t] include toxics and opt for safer, healthier alternatives.” As the first certified organic mattress in a box, Happsy boasts numerous certifications including GOTS, GOLS, Rainforest Alliance Certification, and Made Safe, and it’s also a member of the Sustainable Furnishings Council.

This bestselling organic mattress checks off numerous sustainability boxes: it’s made with certified organic cotton, wool and latex for better temperature regulation and pressure point relief, it’s free of any synthetic glues, adhesives or foams and it uses natural flame barriers. Plus, it comes in a compressed box for easier handling.

Cohen is a fan of Naturepedic mattresses, which are GOTS, GOLS and Made Safe certified. “The mattresses are handcrafted in Ohio utilizing high-quality, natural and organic materials,” he says. “The quality and longevity are amazing, and the beds are comfortable and supportive.”

$underscored Naturepedic EOS Organic Latex Mattress$

Cohen says the customizable nature of this luxurious mattress contributes to its longevity, thus making it a more sustainable option. You’re able to swap in as many three-inch interchangeable layers as you’d like — even if they differ from that of your sleeping partner — for personalized, long-lasting comfort.

Cohen recommends Vispring as a high-quality sustainable mattress with a luxurious feel. “The mattresses are handmade in England and use all-natural and sustainable materials like Shetland wool, cotton, silk, cashmere and mohair. [It features] no plastic, polyester, foam, or other artificial products or chemicals in manufacturing. Vispring’s goal is to be carbon neutral by 2025, and it is currently implementing policies company-wide to make that happen.”

Made of British fleece wool and cotton and virgin Vanadium steel, the Elite Mattress combines comfort and durability. It’s made-to-order and designed to last up to 30 years, which reduces waste.

Obasan uses organic rubber, cotton and wool, the latter of which is harvested using animal-friendly shearing methods, making it a full-fledged sustainable mattress brand. “Obasan hand makes the mattresses in Canada, and there are no chemicals in any part of the process, and the mattresses are customizable,” says Cohen. “If your needs change through the years, you do not need to get a whole new mattress and dump the old one, but only buy one or more of the components to make it more firm or plush.”

This double-sided mattress provides both a medium and firm sleeping experience to switch up your comfort on a whim and extend its shelf-life. Its natural wool material serves as a fire barrier, which omits the need for toxic chemicals.

Birch mattresses use several sustainable elements in its products, from sustainably sheared and traceable New Zealand wool to renewable latex from trees and flame retardants sourced from wool fibers that transform into carbon. The brand is certified by GOTS, Oeko-Tex, GreenGuard Gold, and is certified organic.

This breathable and all-natural mattress won several awards for its supportive yet plush feel to eliminate back pain and breathable hypoallergenic materials ideal for hot sleepers. The mattress comes with steel coils that limit motion transfer, plus two free eco-friendly pillows.

Brentwood Home creates mattresses that are kinder to the planet by integrating the likes of upcycled denim scraps, wood pulp-derived polyesters, coconut fiber padding, and recycled plastic that uses fewer greenhouse gas emissions. All options are GOLS and GOTS certified, Rainforest Alliance Certified, and CertiPUR-US certified.

The brand’s bestselling mattress has a super cool secret: cooling gel made with botanically derived renewable foam. It boasts a medium-soft feel ideal for most sleepers, a 100% carbon offset, and a plant-based Tencel cover made from sustainably grown eucalyptus trees that’s said to be softer than silk.

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March 13, 2023
Don’t sleep on this exclusive deal: Yana’s famous body pillow is 25% off right now | CNN Underscored

For those of us who love to curl up with a body pillow at night, Yana has one of the best around. Made from organic, luxurious textiles, it’s a great little or big spoon at night and can curl around you for lower back support. Plus, it provides a place to prop up your book or laptop while you work from the sofa during the day.

Now, with the exclusive code CNNSLEEP, you can save 25% on the well-engineered pillow — plus everything else the site has to offer — now through March 18. It’s the perfect opportunity to make an investment in your sleep (after all, it makes up about a third of your life!).

25% off with code CNNSLEEP

If you toss and turn for hours trying to find a comfortable sleeping position, you’ll love Yana Sleep’s marquee product, the 360° Body Pillow. Get it now for 25% off with code CNNSLEEP.

The brand says that it has worked hard to “perfect the art and science of tonight’s sleep,” and the contours of this U-shaped pillow reflect the thought the brand has put into its ergonomics, which “promote deep, transformative sleep.”

Hot sleepers, this is your jam too: The organic cotton and bamboo velour will help keep you cool at night, whether you’re just a bit sensitive to high summer temps or you’re in that night sweats stage of your life. It’s also great for anyone who needs a little extra relaxation in their knees or joints.

Best of all, it fits in a queen bed, even with a partner sleeping in it too. Share it with them or use it as a barrier on the hottest of summer nights — it’s made for use alone or together.

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March 13, 2023
The best down comforters of 2023 | CNN Underscored
This article is part of CNN Underscored’s “The Reset,” an editorial package featuring all of our articles aimed at giving you the information and product recommendations to help achieve any and all new year resolutions.

In a time when many are finding it harder to get quality sleep, the right bedding — including the perfect down comforter — can truly make a difference between a great night’s sleep and a tossy-turny night.

To find the best comforter that will give you that ideal night’s sleep, we tested 11 of the most popular, highly rated options. All the comforters we tested had a similar fill power (basically a warmth rating, which you can read more about below in our buyer’s guide section) and either a sewn-through or baffle box construction (more on this below too). After a few frigid months of testing, evaluating everything from warmth to softness, we found three dreamworthy comforters that can upgrade anyone’s sleep:

Best down comforter overall

With the Brooklinen Down Comforter, we truly felt like we were sleeping on a cloud and never wanted to get out of bed. Between the softness of the outer material and the fluffiness of the fill, it’s one of those comforters that make you want to stay in bed all day — 12 months a year.

Best down comforter for warmth

If you’re looking for a comforter to give you that extra warmth, The Company Store Legends Hotel Alberta Down Comforter is on the heavier end, giving you the extra weight needed during colder months.

Best down-alternative comforter

Not a fan of down and feathers in your comforter? If so, then the Buffy Cloud Comforter is the best down-alternative option. This quality-made comforter will give you a great night’s sleep, thanks to its soft, lightweight build that provides plenty of warmth.

Have you ever wished you could sleep on the clouds? Well, the Brooklinen Down Comforter is the closest thing to that. From the moment we took it out of the packaging, we had a hunch that this would be a favorite. And we were right.

The comforter comes in three different weight options: lightweight, all-season and ultra warm. We tested the all-season comforter, and despite it being the middle of winter with temperatures dropping indoors and out, we found it to perfectly balance snuggly warmth with breathability. Though on the heavier end of the spectrum (it boasts a 700 fill power and baffle box design), we never found the comforter to trap too much heat or cause nighttime sweating. The comforter, with its 100% cotton sateen shell, was one of the softest we tested — and the one we kept coming back to cuddle into most nights.

We also found this machine-washable comforter to be one of the easiest to wash and dry. Since the comforter is lightweight, it fits into a washing machine better than some others and air-dries much quicker.

Brooklinen offers some of the best return policies. You have an incredibly long 365 days to return or exchange your item if you’re unhappy with it. On top of that, there’s an additional one-year warranty. Compared to all of the other comforters we tested, this is one of the best sleep trial periods we saw. With such an expensive purchase, you’ll want to love your comforter, so the fact that you have a full year to try it out with no strings attached is great.

If the budget allows, this is a comforter not to miss, especially if you want to snuggle up with the clouds.

When it comes to warmth and coziness, the Legends Hotel Alberta Down Comforter from The Company Store is unrivaled.

Full disclosure: This comforter is for truly frosty climates, or especially cold sleepers. Though available in three different weights — light, medium and extra, all of which sport a baffle box construction — we tested and recommend the extra warmth option (which has a 650 fill power). While our main tester, who tends to sleep hot, found this lofty comforter slightly too heavy to sleep with throughout the night, a cold-sleeping family member absolutely loved the warmth the Legends Hotel Alberta Down Comforter provided.

Aside from the weight, we found that the comforter didn’t crinkle at all when moving around in bed (an annoyance we found with others we tested). Since it’s made with a cotton sateen cover, it is incredibly soft — in fact, it was one of the comfiest of those we tested, in a way that might have you staying in bed for an added snooze cycle.

This comforter can also easily be used with or without a duvet cover. It comes in five colors — white, ivory, alabaster, cloud blue and platinum — and from a design element looks rich on its own. Most of the other comforters we tested were plain white and truly looked like an insert, requiring a duvet cover to up their aesthetic appeal. We still added a duvet cover to this comforter to make sure one would fit, and it worked perfectly.

The Company Store also offers a 90-day rest easy guarantee. This allows you to fully use the product — including sleeping with it and washing it — and if it doesn’t work for you, you can return it. On top of that, the company also offers a lifetime guarantee. This allows you to exchange or receive merchandise credit toward a new product if something happens to your comforter. This doesn’t allow you to simply one day decide you no longer like the comforter, but if the seams are coming undone or if the down feathers are clumping together, for example, you can return the product.

The heavy filling does have a drawback; it was on the larger size for our washing machine. We have a top-loading washing machine, and in the directions it does state “for best wash and dry, use a front-loading commercial washer and dryer.” While this didn’t cause any damage to the comforter or to our machine, we did feel like our washing machine was working harder than normal. If you have a small washing machine, in which bulky items could damage the machine, you might want to steer away from this comforter — and, in fact, any other bulkier comforters.

While this comforter doesn’t come cheap, if you have the budget, we believe it’s worth it for the sheer warmth it provides.

The Buffy Cloud Comforter was like no other comforter we tested. This down-alternative comforter was by far the best alternative version we tested — and the only one we’d recommend, as the other down alternatives we tested lacked in both quality of construction and comfort.

The Buffy comforter prides itself on being very environmentally friendly as well. The shell is made from 100% eucalyptus, and the fill is made from 100% recycled PET bottles (BPA-free). On the Buffy site, the brand states that “this keeps 50 plastic bottles out of landfills and protects 12 geese from live plucking.”

Although this was a new type of material for us — as we typically sleep with a down comforter in our nontesting days — we thought the fabric was very soft and lightweight but still heavy enough to keep us warm throughout the night. The comforter was also very quiet, emitting no crinkling sounds when shifting sleeping positions.

Buffy also offers a seven-day trial so you can fully test out the comforter before committing to such a large purchase. While this might be on the shorter side when compared to some of the other comforters, within seven days you should get a good sense as to whether or not this comforter works for you.

If you’re looking for a down alternative, then this is your best bet — especially since the price point is much more reasonable than some of the other luxury comforters on our list. The comforter is well made with quality stitching, is soft to sleep with and has the right warmth to it.

The basics

A comforter (or duvet) is two pieces of fabric — a bottom layer and a top layer — sewn together with a certain type of filling material in the middle (most often down, feathers or synthetic materials, known as down alternative) to provide warmth while sleeping.

While the words “comforter” and “duvet insert” are typically used interchangeably, there are some differences between the two. Typically, a duvet is used with a duvet cover, adding a design element to your overall bedding, whereas a comforter is used on its own, providing both aesthetic appeal and comfort to your bed. Duvets usually have loops on all four corners (some offer even more loops on the sides), allowing you to tie the comforter to the duvet cover. This ensures all materials are secured easily to one another and that the insert won’t shift while you’re sleeping.

Fill power

A numerical representation of a comforter’s insulation abilities, fill power is the amount of space that 1 ounce of down occupies (in cubic inches). Therefore, the higher the number, the warmer the comforter. Fill power can range from around 500 (considered lightweight, and ideal for warmer climates) to more than 700 (usually the fluffiest, warmest comforters).

Pricing

We were sure to test a wide range of price points, with our testing pool spanning from $30 to upward of $300. After testing so many comforters, we realized that the inexpensive comforters are just that: cheap. They lacked in quality construction, were less effective at keeping us warm throughout the night and, perhaps most important, were mostly downright uncomfortable.

Therefore, when shopping for a down comforter, we think it’s important to invest in quality — so expect to pay more than $100.

Sewn-through versus baffle box stitching

The way in which a comforter is constructed is another important aspect to consider when shopping. Two common terms you’ll see: baffle box and sewn-through. While similar — both work to hold the filling in place — there are minute differences. A baffle box design features thin strips of fabric that connect the top and bottom layers and form box shapes that keep the filing in place while also giving them a bit more room to stretch out. Therefore, comforters with a baffle box construction tend to be fluffier and trap more heat. With a sewn-through construction, the bottom and top layers are sewn together to form down-filled pockets. Though you won’t have any worry about down shifting around with a sewn-through design, it can lead to some increased airflow (and therefore less insulation than baffle box) between the seams.

After scouring editorial and user reviews, we picked 11 of the most highly reviewed comforters to put to the test. To truly figure out which one was the best, we slept with each one for three nights. Similar to our duvet cover testing, we slept with the comforter right out of the packaging on the first night. The next day, we washed the comforter and then slept with it again for the next two nights. With so many different options, this meant we got some great sleeps along with some not-so-great shut-eye.

We compared everything from performance to quality, making notes on what we liked and disliked. We also tested comforters in every price bracket to see if price is actually a driving factor to getting a good night’s sleep. While a high-end price didn’t necessarily mean it was our favorite, we did find that the budget options fall into the “you get what you pay for” bracket.

Here’s how we evaluated each duvet cover to find our winners:

Performance
Sleep feel: We wanted to gauge how each comforter felt while sleeping. Was it soft or stiff? Light or heavy?

Initial feel: Immediately after taking each product out of the packaging, we wanted to see how the comforter felt. Is it super stiff and scratchy, or is it already soft and bouncy?

Warmth check: Does the comforter provide the right amount of warmth? Or is it too hot or cold while sleeping? We also wanted to determine if the comforter was breathable.

Weight: Is the comforter too heavy to maneuver, either while sleeping or storing?

Post-wash: After washing each duvet cover, we slept with the duvet cover again to see how it felt.

Noise: Even before getting in bed, we rolled the comforter around to see if the comforter was loud and crinkly. Then, when sleeping with the comforter, we noted when the comforter was noisy to sleep with.

Washing: We washed every single comforter to see how easy (or difficult) it was to wash each comforter.

Storability: After using each comforter, we folded each comforter to see how cumbersome it was to store. We also considered if each came with a bag for easy storage.
Build quality
Materials: We analyzed each comforter to see if it was made up of quality materials and workmanship.

Filling: After sleeping and washing each comforter, we noted whether or not the filling stayed in place.

Size options: We wanted to make sure that the comforter came in sizes for all bed types.

Replacement: Is there a generous return policy or warranty?
If we had to pick a fourth favorite, then this one from Riley was the best goose down comforter we tested. The comforter offers two different weight options: all-season and extra warmth. We tested the all-season option and thought it was perfect for our sleep needs. The comforter is high-quality, with evenly distributed fill and no crinkling noise. It was also extremely comfortable to sleep with.

The comforter also came with a perfectly fitting plastic bag for storage purposes. And instead of opening up on the top, which would make it difficult to try to squish the comforter into, it opened on the side, giving you more space to fold up the comforter and just plop it in.

Although we preferred the Brooklinen thanks to its slightly lighter build, for an all-purpose down comforter, this one was a close second. In fact, if you prefer one with slightly more weight, then the Riley might be a better option for you. You also have 60 days to try out the comforter and a five-year warranty.

This Pottery Barn duvet insert states that its Sleepsmart technology “continuously adjusts to help maintain a climate of personal comfort at the ideal 37.5 degrees Celsius all night long, so you can wake up rested and refreshed.” Even though we didn’t test this comforter during all four seasons — just the winter months — we felt like this comforter maintained the perfect temperature throughout the night, as we never got overheated — making it the best down comforter for hot sleepers.

With that being said, the comforter is loud and rigid. Sleeping with a comforter that crinkles all night is never ideal. There’s also no softness to the comforter, which didn’t give us that cozy feel while in bed.

Even though we like the technology behind the comforter, the lack of softness and the crinkles throughout the night were deal breakers for us. The comforter also only comes in two sizes: full/queen and king/California king.

This is the second comforter we tried from The Comforter Store. For this particular comforter, the LaCrosse Down Comforter, we tried the ultra warmth weight. This is the brand’s heaviest weight — of four different weight options — and, you guessed it, we found this one to be too heavy for our liking. And we even tested this in the middle of winter in the Northeast.

Although we did find this comforter to be a little noisy, especially compared to the other The Company Store comforter we tested, it by no means kept us up at night. But if crinkly noises are something you’re looking to avoid altogether, this is something you’ll want to be cautious of.

The comforter comes in a rainbow of color options — 17, to be exact. This allows you to use the comforter on its own without a duvet cover. Unlike many of the other comforters and duvet inserts we tested, this comforter looks complete on its own. It also comes in every size — twin, twin XL, full, queen, king/king Cal — so it’s a comforter you get for every bed in your house.

We really wanted to love the Casper duvet, especially since its duvet cover was our absolute favorite one we tested, but this product didn’t do it for us. First, the pros: It’s extremely well made with quality stitching. It also comes with smaller sewn-in boxes to keep the fill from shifting.

But now, the cons: It’s extremely crinkly, and by far the worst we experienced. It was incredibly noisy, not only while sleeping with it but also while laying it out and putting on the duvet cover, to the point where it didn’t allow us to get a good night’s sleep. The entire night we were too focused on not moving so the comforter wouldn’t wake up ourselves or our sleeping partner. And even after washing this comforter, it didn’t get better. We also found this comforter to be very heavy; thus, we were quite warm throughout the night.

This duvet did come in the nicest bag of the bunch, allowing it to be stored quite easily. Instead of a plastic bag (which was the case for the others, if the comforter even came with a bag), the Casper comforter came in an extremely durable cloth bag. There was no plastic smell after taking the comforter out of the bag — if stored for a long time — and no chance of the bag breaking.

If you do want to try it out, then Casper does offer a 30-night risk-free trial. So, if you end up not loving it, you can always return it for a full refund.

Lands’ End Essential Down Comforter

From $175 at Lands’ End

The Lands’ End Essential Down Comforter is perfect for most seasons, although we’d probably steer away from it during those warm summer nights. We tested this comforter in the middle of winter and appreciated the weight it provided. The downside is that it’s slightly crinkly and noisy, but nowhere near as bad as what we experienced with the Casper comforter, and it didn’t impact our sleep. The comforter is filled with 75% down and 25% feathers, which made the comforter nice and fluffy.

One component that really set this comforter apart is the eight “corner” tabs. Instead of loops on just the four corners — as with most of the comforters we tested — this one offers four additional ones in the middle of each side of the comforter. This means on the top and bottom, along with the right and left side, there are additional loops to keep your duvet insert even more secure. While this is great in theory, when we tested a dozen popular duvet covers, none of them offered these extra ties to secure everything together.

The Egyptian Bedding Luxurious Siberian Goose Down Comforter arrived in a vacuum-sealed bag. While this was perfect for shipping purposes, it meant we had to let the comforter sit out for a few hours to revert back to its normal fluffiness. If you have an immediate usage, keep this in mind. And even though the packaging came airtight, it came with a larger bag big enough to store the comforter for storage.

This comforter is very lightweight in feel and quite thin. If you’re looking for a comforter during the summer months, then this will do, but if you’re looking for something for those cold winter nights, this one most likely won’t give you the warmth you’re looking for.

The comforter was also very lumpy compared to others. The fill within each box bunched up quite a bit and left some areas with absolutely no fill at all.

Similar to the Lands’ End comforter, there are four extra ties to keep your duvet cover secure, although these ties were much smaller loops, which would make it difficult to use.

This hypoallergenic comforter is made from 100% microfiber on the face and 100% polyester in the filling. Like most of the down alternatives we tested, this comforter didn’t really make you want to snuggle up with it and didn’t have the same soft and fluffy feel that many of the other comforters provided.

The comforter came in a vacuum-sealed bag and it was impossible to get it back in after it was taken out. So, even though it arrived in a small package on our front door, there’s no bag for storage purposes.

The biggest con with this comforter were its corner loops. They were the smallest out of all the comforters we tested, which caused frustration when trying to tie the duvet cover to the insert. This comforter comes in nine solid colors so, while we would definitely recommend using a duvet cover with the white color option, if purchasing one of the other color options, then you might not need a cover from an aesthetic perspective — just keep in mind that the material is sheen.

As the most budget comforter of the bunch, the quality unfortunately shows. This comforter is a down alternative and is 100% polyester. And similar to the Utopia comforter that we tested, we really don’t love the feel of polyester for sleeping purposes.

This comforter also has very small loop holes at all four corners, making it very difficult to secure the duvet cover ties together. And while the holes are slightly bigger than the Utopia comforter, it was still too small and caused frustration. With that being said, the brand did offer extra ties on each side of the comforter, but those were also small, too — and, truthfully, unnecessary.

One of the pros to this comforter is that it folds extremely compact. It comes with a smaller-size plastic bag, which makes storing the comforter easy and takes up less space in your closet.

The comforter also comes in sizes that the other comforters on this list don’t offer: twin, twin XL, full, queen, oversized queen, king, California king and oversized king. This means if you have a unique bed size, then this comforter could provide you with the necessary solution. There are also 12 different color options, many with reversible designs.
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January 22, 2023
The best flannel sheets of 2022 | CNN Underscored
This article is a part of CNN Underscored’s Guide to Sleep, a weeklong focus on everything you need to sleep better. We’ll be featuring new products and exclusive deals all week, so check in every morning to see what’s new and be sure to subscribe to the CNN Underscored newsletter to see it all.

For those living in colder climates, in homes with a chillier average room temp in winter, there’s good news: It’s flannel sheet season.

Popularized as an outdoor work garment after the Industrial Revolution, thanks to its warmth, sturdiness and affordability, flannel was popularized in the United States by the mid- to late 19th century when it was used to make long underwear and household items like bedding.

Flannel is constructed from cotton and machine-made fibers, and is brushed on one or both sides, which gives it its soft, cozy feel. That brushed surface is what allows flannel to trap air and retain body heat while still remaining breathable — and that’s what makes it a popular bedding material, specifically in winter. Like linen, flannel is intended to be absorbent and moisture-wicking, so well-made flannel in theory should not cause sweaty sleeping. So, while they’re generally warmer than basic cotton sheets, their softness does lend them to year-round use.

One user note about flannel sheets: Similar to linen sheets, washing flannel does create significant lint buildup in the dryer, particularly after the first wash. This reduces with subsequent washes, in our experience. And because of the brushed-on-both-sides nature of good-quality flannel sheets, consumers can expect some pilling — a shedding of the residual fibers — especially in the first few uses of the sheets.

Overall, we tested 10 sets of top-rated flannel sheets in a range of prices. After weeks of testing, these proved to be the best:

Best overall flannel sheets

Luxurious without feeling overly thick or too weighty, Garnet Hill offers a delectably comfortable flannel sheet at a mid- to high-end price point, starting at $197 for a queen set (which includes two pillowcases, a fitted sheet and a flat sheet). These flannels come in lots of varieties of color and size, and instill confidence you’re getting a quality product that’ll last for years to come.

Best lightweight flannel sheets

Very close to our overall favorite because it is both supremely cozy and the most lightweight of all the sets we tested is West Elm’s organic flannel sheet, which starts at $135 for a full set. These sheets didn’t come out on top because they’re available in only two colors and cannot be ordered à la carte like Garnet Hill’s sheets.

Best heavyweight flannel sheets

If you’re sleeping in really cold weather and you want to feel positively bundled, then L.L.Bean makes a weighty flannel sheet for you — at a competitive price for the level of craftsmanship therein at $129 for a queen set.

Best bargain flannel sheets

Also delivering an excellent and very warm night of sleep, Pinzon by Amazon turns out a substantial flannel sheet at just $79.95 for a queen set. That’s half the price of some of the other higher-end brands, but you won’t feel like you’re sacrificing quality.

From straight out of the packaging through to waking up on a chilly morning, Garnet Hill’s Hemstitched Supima Flannel sheets were our best overall. Garnet Hill’s product offered a warm, restful night of sleep without feeling overheated, which was a factor with some of the other sets.

Garnet Hill’s flannel sheets are crafted in a family-run mill in Portugal from 100% American-grown Supima — that stands for superior pima, which is a first-rate type of cotton grown in the USA, with an extra-long staple fiber that promises increased strength, softness and color retention. Supima is combed to remove impurities, and brushed multiple times for extra softness. It’s then treated with a “velvet” finishing process that seals the color and richness of the fabric, ensures the quality of the drape and reduces any pilling. And indeed, the Supima cotton here translates into a luxurious softness and smoothness without feeling overly fuzzy or clingy.

The design of the Garnet Hill sheets is simple and pretty, with a stitched hem on the top of the top sheet and on the pillowcases, and they’re available in 11 tasteful colors, more than any other brand we tested, including some untraditional options like a cool green and light pink. At 60-inch-by-80-inch width and depth for a queen set, these felt roomier than some of the other sets. The fitted sheets are elasticized for a better fit; we found a bit of gap on the fitted sheet with plenty of width overhang on the top sheet to tuck. Some may prefer a tighter-fitting sheet, but we didn’t mind not having to struggle to make the bed.

We didn’t personally experience any pilling after washing this set, and they continued to feel extra soft to the touch after the first few washes and dries, perhaps even more than right out of the packaging. While we can’t say with certainty that Garnet Hill would last years longer than the other sets we tested, they felt of substantial quality and durability, like bedding we would happily take out of storage at the first sign of a crisp autumn chill.

What set these over the top, in addition to their comfort and high-end feel, is their variety: You can buy individual fitted and top sheets and pillowcases for ease of replacement, and in a generous five different sizes. And bonus: You can get them monogrammed (which makes a sweet gift).

At $197 for a set of queen sheets, the price of these was on the steeper side for flannel sheets, but that price tag delivers a high-end, very well-made, satisfying product.

West Elm’s Organic Flannel sheets were among our favorites to sleep in. Also made in Portugal, and brushed and sheared for greater softness, West Elm’s flannels felt less fuzzy as well as smoother and sleeker than most of the other brands, if sleekness is a thing you can say about a flannel. Because of the lower fuzz factor, these felt higher end than a lot of the others. Like a lot of the West Elm catalog, these sheets felt sophisticated, modern and cool.

West Elm’s sheets were one of the cooler sets of sheets — which is to say, they were still warm and cozy, providing a comfortable, restful night of sleep without any overheating. These were easy to sleep in even when temperatures outside were still in the 70s, making these our flannel pick for warmer weather. Some of the other sets we tested felt equally high-quality and lovely to the touch but were heavier and thus less comfortable when the weather was warmer. In fact, for warmer sleepers like our tester, this was a set we wanted to return to night after night — they were snuggly and inviting like your favorite pajamas.

These are also Global Organic Textile Standard and Oeko-Tex certified to a standard of 100, which means they’re tested in a third-party lab, assured to be free from 300 harmful substances and meet strict standards, such as having a minimum of 70% organic fibers. Like the Garnet Hill sheets, West Elm’s are generously sized, with plenty of room in both the fitted and top sheets. After multiple wash and dry cycles, we did see a bit of pilling, which is to be expected even with high-quality flannels. But through laundering and continued sleep, these maintained an excellent bed fit and retained their softness and high-quality feel.

These ranked slightly lower than our highest only because you can’t buy replacement sheets or pillowcases, and because they’re available in just two colors: light gray and stone white. The color limitation didn’t bother us that much, though, as it feels on-brand for West Elm in that neutral-palette chic-comfort kind of way. The sets come in four sizes (twin, full, queen and king).

If you’re looking for cozy sheets that won’t have you waking up sweaty (and you don’t expect to order individual sheets), then West Elm’s Organic Flannel Solid Sheet Set is the one for you.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, our favorite flannel sheet in the toastiness department came from winter wear go-to L.L.Bean. At the unboxing of this set, our first impression was, well, the name fits — these are in fact ultrasoft and they do exude comfort. This L.L.Bean set feels higher end, thanks to woven-in-Portugal brushed cotton and a Bean-exclusive process that removes surface fibers to create a velvet-like finish. These cost two-thirds of the price of two of our other top winners but don’t feel like a compromise in quality at all — and that was of course appealing as well.

The Ultrasoft Comfort sheets feel even softer and more comfortable after going through the washer and dryer, without any pilling or fading. They’re a more snug fit than our other winners, with little gap on the fitted sheet and less extra length on the top sheet, and they seemed to fit the bed slightly better after the first washing and drying. They’re also available in a generous nine colors and four sizes — a good amount of variety.

These are a warmer sleeper than some of the other sets, which is why we picked them as our best for cold winter nights. (They’re not as warm, we found, as L.L.Bean’s Premium Supimas, which we also tested, but they’re also not as expensive.) These felt like a midweight flannel — which translates to perfectly comfortable on a warmish early fall evening, and on a chilly winter morning, we still wanted to linger with these and a hot cup of tea.

One of our favorite warmer flannel sheet sets was the Amazon Pinzon Signature Cotton Heavyweight Velvets. Right out of the box, these were a thicker, warmer, durable-feeling sheet. They’re extra insulated and fluffy, kind of like a new stuffed animal but without feeling like you’re sleeping in children’s bedding.

Pinzon sheets are made from 100% cotton velvet with a double-napped finish on both sides, rendering them extra soft and velvety to the touch. They’re 190-gram heavyweight flannel, a detail that reflects the number of ounces it takes to make up a yard of fabric, which explains why they feel heavier and are longer-lasting. They provided a restful, comfortable night of sleep in both colder and warmer weather — we didn’t feel weighed down by these on early fall nights like with some of the other sets. These were a roomier fit on the bed, not tight but not baggy either. They wash and dry without shrinking or pilling and retain their sturdiness after laundering.

Pinzon are available in 11 different colors or patterns, but only queen, king and California king sizes, and you can’t buy replacement sheets or pillowcases, which cost these a few points in overall rank. If a mid-price, good-quality, snuggly sheet is on your list, these hit the mark.

These admirably held their own among all the sets tested, but unlike some of the higher-priced sheets, these are not made from Supima cotton, nor are they certified organic — a factor reflected, fairly enough, in their price. For close to $80, though, the Pinzon feel — and sleep — more pricey.

We tested 10 sets of flannel sheets based on two primary criteria: quality and variety.

We unwrapped each set and snuggled right into them to record initial impressions. We made notes, prepared a bed with the sheets, slept on them straight out of the packaging, washed and dried them in the dryer and reapplied them to the same bed and slept on them again, multiple times. (Note: As did the linen sheets we tested, all the sets of flannel sheets created a lot of dryer lint during the first drying cycle — like, a “stop the dryer cycle and scoop out the lint partway through” amount of lint.) We noted how they felt to touch, against the face and the body, as well as when tossing, sleeping and waking up, and how they felt after laundering and reusing. We took note of which sets felt warm and cozy, which felt sturdy or maybe too heavy and which may have prompted any noticeable body temperature issues.

Quality and feel
Initial feel: How do they feel right out of the box: Are they soft? Are they thick or about average? High-quality-feeling or less so? We opened each set of sheets asking the following questions: How do they feel in your hands? Is this a product you’d want to put on your bed and against your skin?

Sleep feel: How do they feel to sleep on? We made notes on each set of sheets as to whether they were soft (or too soft), fuzzy, cozy, heavy and high-quality, and ultimately, how they promoted a night of sleep.

How they feel after washing: We evaluated if the sheets softened a great deal after washing and drying, and the wrinkle factor. (Note: The wrinkle factor was medium to high for most of them after being dried without ironing.)

Durability after sleeping and washing/drying: We assessed if each set felt durable after multiple washing and drying cycles, and if the sheets began to pill or fade or get worn in any way.

Fit on bed: We made a bed with each set of sheets multiple times, assessing how well they fit, noting if they were tight or loose, gapping or sagging. (Note: many of the sets, even the more expensive ones, were roomier in both width and length than the regular cotton sheets we usually use.) We noted if the fitted sheet was marked with which end is top or bottom, if there was enough width and length on the top sheet to tuck under the top mattress and, overall, if the bed-making process was laborious at all.
Options
Number of sizes: We evaluated how many different size options there were for each sheet brand (nearly all included at least full, queen and king, and those that offered twin, California king or other specialized sizes were awarded higher scores).

Colors: We noted how many colors each sheet set was available in; some were available in only two, while others were available in upward of 10.

Availability of individual replacements: We assessed whether you can buy individual sheets and pillowcases for each set for those consumers who need replacements, want to mix and match colors or styles or simply do not want or need a top sheet, for example.
On the higher end of both quality and price of the sheets we tested fell L.L.Bean’s Premium Supimas. These felt thicker than most of the sets and sumptuous to the touch, with a pretty stitched hem at the top of the top sheet and pillowcases. This set was exceedingly cozy, but in warmer weather, perhaps just too warm — we imagined these are a perfect fit for a cold Northeast night in a cabin. And if that is your reality, and you get these, they’re likely to last for years to come. These sheets were wider and roomier than a lot of the other sets. They’re available in only three sizes — full, queen and king — but you can order separate full- and king-size pillowcases.

A more affordable option that also offered a restful night of sleep were The Company Store’s Legends Hotel Velvet Flannels. They were soft, snuggly, comfortable and warm, and woven from 100% combed cotton — a cotton made from removing the shortest fibers and impurities — in Portugal. But they felt slightly less luxe to the touch and flimsier of fabrication than some of the more expensive brands mentioned earlier. These sheets fit our bed perfectly, and are conveniently labeled TOP at one end of the fitted sheet. They’re available in four sizes and in 11 colors, and can also be monogrammed.

$278 for a queen set at Boll & Branch

Luxury bedding maker Boll & Branch also turns out a lovely flannel set from fair trade organic cotton that is GOTS certified and Oeko-Tex certified to standard 100. Boll & Branch prides itself on sourcing from ethical factories with fair wages and environments. Its flannels are also made in Portugal, and are brushed and sheared for a more velvety finish. The quality of these was noticeable to the touch, and they were sturdy and warm, without overheating, at least in colder temperatures. On warmer nights we found these to be a little too heavy, though, and for the higher price there were other sets we enjoyed just as much as these. They’re a wider fit like many we tested, though not noticeably so. They do come in six different sizes, but only five colors, and you can’t purchase replacements.

If you’re looking for a kid-friendly, more affordable set of flannel sheets, Home Fashion Designs at Walmart are a good destination. These 100% Turkish cotton flannel sets are comfy and warm without being too hot and sturdy without being too heavy, and they deliver solid nights of rest. They come in eight cute patterns, including the moose-pine-tree motif we tested, along with penguins, polar bears, winter wonderland and a number of others. Perhaps expected based on the price, Home Fashion Designs did feel of a quality notch below many of the others we tested, but they were certainly comfortable and more than satisfactory. These served a tighter fit than many of the others, which we didn’t mind, per se, but wouldn’t have objected to a little more length on the sides of the top sheet either. You can’t buy replacements, but the price point here makes buying multiples a bit more feasible.

Another solid choice in the lower-price category is the cotton flannel set from Mellanni. The main descriptor we noted in evaluating the Mellanni sheet set was “fuzzy” — imagine sleeping with a child’s teddy bear enveloping you. They started out very soft, and after a washing and drying, they got even softer. These fit the bed narrower than a lot of the sets we tested, and we would like a little more to tuck on the sides, thank you very much. These were a runner-up to the Pinzon by Amazon set in the best bargain flannel sheet category, but they just didn’t feel as high-quality as the Pinzon. They offer a lot of variety, though, with six sizes and nine colors at an attractive price.

At $29 for an entire set of twin sheets, the Threshold Printed Sheets are the least expensive set we tested. For this price range, these are solid and satisfying, but they didn’t rank as our bargain winner because the quality doesn’t feel as high as the other sets. These were the only set that came in a cute bag with a Velcro closure, which is a nice touch. They come in nine cute patterns (floral, plaid and stripes), but note that the pattern is printed only on the top side of the top and fitted sheets, and the pattern-printed side is softer and snugglier than the nonprinted side. These are a warmer sleeper but suitably comfortable, particularly for the price. If this is the price range you seek and you don’t need your sheets to last for decades to come, then we do recommend these.
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December 3, 2022
Everything you need to sleep better on an overnight flight | CNN Underscored

Long-haul flights can feel neverending, particularly if you don’t get any sleep. If you’re like us, you wind up completely despondent at some point during your journey. Counting down the hours or minutes until you can finally get some relief off the plane becomes an obsession. And, even if you do manage to get some rest, sitting upright in close quarters can wreak havoc on your neck and back.

Frequent travelers will agree that sleeping upright is no easy task. But, add into the equation that you’re on a tube flying about 500 miles per hour, 35,000 feet above the ground with the hum of an engine in your ear, and sleeping on a plane can be impossible for some.

When it comes to getting better sleep on a plane, it ultimately comes down to two factors: the mindset you’re in and the steps you take to prepare yourself for the long journey ahead combined with the travel products you have with you. We talked with experts to find out all of the best products and tips to help you sleep better on your next long-haul flight.

First, the products you have with you can make all of the difference. Whether they help with a firm place to rest your head or an eyemask to block out the overhead light of the passenger in front of you, what you have with you matters.

~~$35~~ $30 at Amazon

Don’t be afraid to bring your own cozy blanket and pillow on your next long flight. Just make sure you have a set that won’t take up too much space in your carry-on luggage.

The EverSnug Travel Blanket and Pillow works great for long flights because it’s lightweight and dual-purpose. You can leave it in its case for use as a comfy pillow, but you can also unzip your EverSnug to use the plush 65-inch by 40-inch blanket inside. This product is not only affordable, but it’s perfect for those times you may need a pillow or a blanket but not both.

~~$60~~ $46 at Amazon

Travel advisor Nicole LeBlanc of Mon Voyage Travel says she always gets on a plane wearing long, loose-knit clothing akin to wearing a nightgown. Then, layer up with this cozy travel cardigan from Imily Bela, which can give you an extra layer of comfort during overnight flights. Not only is this cardigan machine washable, but it’s less than $50 on Amazon when on sale and comes in 17 different colors.

$30 at Amazon

LeBlanc also recommends the Travelrest Ultimate Pillow for superior comfort when you’re trying to sleep upright. This travel pillow is uniquely shaped to provide support whether your seat is on the aisle, next to the window or even if you’re in the dreaded middle seat.

“I can’t explain how this bizarre comma and banana shape works better for me, but I love it,” LeBlanc says. “It’s easily stored when deflated, rolling up like a croissant.”

~~$17~~ $15 at Amazon

LeBlanc also wears a sleep mask, specifically the Bucky 40 Blinks No Pressure Beauty & Travel Eye Mask. It’s lightweight and has a molded foam that’s contoured to avoid putting pressure directly on your eyes. It won’t smudge makeup and allows you to blink freely while also blocking out light.

Other sleep masks to try include the Mulberry Silk Sleep Mask from Brooklinen or the Cotton Sleep Eye Mask from Mavogel, which topped our list of the best sleep masks of 2022.

$40 at Amazon

In our testing, we dubbed the Cabeau Evolution S3 the “Goldilocks of travel pillows.” The pillow is firm enough to support your head and neck while also being soft enough to fall asleep on. Better yet, it’s made of a springy memory foam material that allows you to compress it into a small travel carrier to easily fit in your bag. This pillow is the perfect mix of comfort and portability.

$33 at Amazon

There’s nothing worse than feeling dehydrated several hours into your long-haul flight. Instead of hoping for a flight attendant to come around with water, it makes sense to have your own water bottle along for the ride.

This collapsible water bottle from LifeStraw is excellent for travelers. In our testing, we found that the collapsible nature of the bottle is great for storing in your travel backpack or another carry-on bag. Once you’re through airport security, fill up the bottle and stay hydrated during your travels. Plus, it’s got a filter to ensure you’re drinking clean water.

$45 at Amazon

Derek Hales has been testing sleep-related products for his company NapLab since 2014. He swears by a good travel pillow for getting better sleep on a long flight, adding that his favorite is the Huzi Infinity pillow.

“The pillow wraps around your neck and is adjustable, allowing you to get the right support where you need it,” he says.

The pillow is made of soft bamboo fabric and layers of microfiber, so it’s more breathable than cotton. Better yet, caring for the pillow is easy — it’s machine washable. It also comes in eight different colors, so you can find the perfect one to match your carry-on bag.

~~$329~~ $249 at Amazon

Noise-canceling headphones can make all the difference in creating a good sleeping environment while you’re on a flight. Hales adds that his favorite noise-canceling headphones are the Bose QuietComfort 45, which he’s been using since 2016.

“They are incredibly well built, high performance, and compact for easy travel,” he says.

$17 at Amazon

If you’re not in the mood to spend hundreds on noise-canceling headphones, you can still get some protection from plane noises with a good set of earplugs. Alpine FlyFit Airplane Pressure Relief Earplugs are less than $20 on Amazon, and they block out noises while also preventing ear pain while in the air. They’re made of reusable hypoallergenic material that are designed to fit in your ear canal. Pair them with a comfortable neck pillow, and your sleeping situation is sure to be immediately improved.

$348 at Amazon

In our testing, this set from Sony won the title of the best overall noise-canceling headphones. That is thanks to their class-leading sound and phenomenal noise-canceling ability. So if you’re trying to down out the crying baby three rows ahead or the loud conversation happening the row behind you, you’re in good hands with these headphones.

“I was skeptical at first, but the device actually fits under the seat as long as you’re not storing a large item under the seat,” she says.

Zaytseva adds that this one product has single-handedly improved her flying experience in economy more than anything else. When in use, it’s made to feel like you’re seated in a recliner with your feet resting on pillows, offering lower back support and preventing swelling and stiffness.

Not only can adults use this inflatable footrest, but it could be the perfect addition if you’re traveling with kids. The footrest fills the gap between two seats, allowing children to lay flat. Better sleep for them almost always means better sleep for you, and especially if you have a second for yourself.

It’s worth noting that some airlines don’t allow this product on their flights — Emirates, Virgin Atlantic, Air France and Qantas, among others. You’ll want to check to ensure your next long-haul carrier does allow this product before purchasing.

~~$11~~ $10 at Amazon

This 10-piece convenience kit offers everything you need to feel comfortable and clean on your long-haul flight. From a comb for your hair to lotion, a toothbrush and toothpaste and deodorant, you’ll arrive feeling fresh.

The best part? All the items in this amenity kit are TSA-compliant, so you can keep the whole kit in your backpack or carry-on bag.

“It keeps the blood circulating, which actually helps you sleep and reduces jet lag,” she says. “I was in total disbelief until I tried it myself, and now it has become a staple.”

While you can pick up compression socks almost anywhere, this three-pack from Bombas is made of extra durable yarn and comes in three different sizes and a few different colors and patterns.

While the travel products you have with you can help, sleep experts and researchers agree that your travel mindset and the steps you take the day of your flight can impact your experience more than anything else. If your goal is getting some shut-eye during a long-haul flight, consider these tips.

Arrive well-rested and don’t try to force it

Colin Espie, co-founder and chief scientist at Big Health and Professor of Sleep Medicine at the University of Oxford, says that you shouldn’t try to force yourself to sleep. Even though it may seem counterintuitive, it’s important to try and let yourself fall asleep naturally.

“Sleep is a natural biological process, and it is much easier to let your body naturally take over, which can be challenging when you’re uncomfortable,” he says.

Espie also adds that you’ll recover from sleep loss more quickly if you’re well-rested before you fly.

“If you start with a sleep debt, it could make you more prone to jet lag,” Espie says.

Being well-rested before you fly will ensure you’re fully aware and alert during the travel process, while also allowing yourself a better chance at getting sleep on the plane.

Sleep Medicine Specialist Dr. Peter Polos, who serves as an expert consultant for Sleep Number, says maintaining your normal bedtime ritual can also help you sleep on a plane. This tip will work best if you choose a flight itinerary that aligns with your regular sleeping habits. For example, choosing a transatlantic flight that departs at 7 pm might give you just enough time to eat something and get several hours of sleep on the plane before you arrive at your destination.

Not only do you want to try to sleep at the same times as you normally would, but Polos adds that shutting down electronics 60 minutes before sleep time to avoid blue light exposure from tablets and phones can help.

“Using these kinds of devices close to bedtime can inhibit melatonin release and delay sleep onset,” says Polos. “Instead, try relaxing or unwinding with music, reading or meditation before going to sleep.”

Similar to your sleep routine at home, you’ll want to be in the right mindset for sleep on a plane. Cutting out screens — yes, even the seatback entertainment screen — can help.

If you get the chance to select your own seat, Espie says you should be choosy when it comes to where you sit. Specifically, try to secure a seat away from busy areas on the plane, such as near the lavatories or other service areas where flight attendants may move around at all hours.

You should also try to select seats with extra legroom if you can, which can be difficult to know ahead of time. However, websites like SeatGuru can help. You can look up the type of plane assigned to your itinerary and see which seats might have a little more space and more room to recline.

Remember, too, that you may not be stuck with the seat you selected when you booked your flight. You can always keep an eye on the seating chart to see if something better opens up. Or, you can use various online tools to see how available seats change as your trip approaches. ExpertFlyer even lets you set up free seat alerts to notify you when the seat you want becomes available.

If you’re currently stuck in a middle seat on an overnight itinerary, moving to an aisle or a window ahead of time can make a big difference.

Polos knows that many frequent flyers like to bring travel snacks along, especially on long flights. However, snacks with sugar and substances like caffeine, chocolate and alcohol can all affect sleep.

While it’s common knowledge that caffeine keeps some people from falling asleep, alcohol may help you fall asleep initially, which can be confusing. However, Polos says alcohol can have a negative effect on sleep architecture and sleep cycles, even if it helps with the onset of sleep. Swap that glass of wine for water, or consider a cup of peppermint tea to soothe the senses as you prepare to drift off to sleep.

It’s also worth noting that meals with excessive amounts of fat can lead to abnormal sleep breathing patterns and other side effects. As a result, Polos says you should skip the extra plane snacks before bed.

Ultimately, sleeping on a plane doesn’t have to be as dreadfully bad as it may seem. If you come prepared in the right mindset and with the right tools, catching some Zs in the air may be easier than you think.

Looking for a travel credit card? Find out which cards CNN Underscored chose as our best travel credit cards of 2022.

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November 5, 2022
The best air mattress in 2023 | CNN Underscored

This article is a part of CNN Underscored’s Guide to Sleep, a week-long focus on everything you need to sleep better. We’ll be featuring new products and exclusive deals all week, so check in every morning to see what’s new.

You may not use an air mattress often, but when the time comes, you’ll want one that’s reliable, comfortable, and easy to inflate and store. You don’t want to struggle to set it up, you need it to be supportive enough to provide a good night’s rest and the last thing you or your guests want is to wake up in the middle of the night, floundering in a half-deflated blob of vinyl.

We set out to find the best air mattress, putting seven top models to the test, judging them on their comfort while sleeping, as well as their overall usability when it comes to setting up, inflating, deflating, and storage. If you haven’t shopped for an air mattress in a while, you’ll be surprised to find how comfortable and convenient they are nowadays, but even among this impressive group we found an outstanding choice that should make you and your guests happy.

The Best Air Mattress Overall

In addition to providing the most comfortable night’s sleep during testing, the King Koil Luxury Air Mattress uses a built-in pump for quick and convenient inflation, and features a raised pillow that helps mimic the feel of a real bed.

While many of the air mattresses I tested were similar in design, pump operation, and dimensions, the King Koil Luxury Air Mattress was a clear winner when it came to overall comfort. Not only does it feature a soft, velvety flocking covering the top, it’s designed with a raised pillow area on one end. This area provides just enough head and neck support to mimic the effect of a headboard, making it feel much more like a real bed to me than any other option.

The King Koil Luxury Air Mattress provided a comfortable amount of full-body support as well. I’ll admit, the “coil-beam construction” sounded a bit gimmick-y, but these internal, air-filled coils seemed to work as advertised. They really provided the ideal amount of support for me, mimicking a real mattress more convincingly than the other mattresses we tested. Since these coils are spaced throughout the mattress, edge to edge, I never felt like the sides were going to give way and cause me to roll out, which is sometimes the case in less-supportive mattresses. I did experience a small amount of deflation over my 48 hours of testing, but it was minimal enough to chalk up to standard stretching of the new material. In fact, in addition to the two nights of sleeping, I also found myself laying down on it throughout the day, just to experience the comfort and support.

At 20 inches high, the King Koil Luxury Air Mattress is convenient to climb into at night, and more importantly, comfortable to roll out of in the morning. Air mattresses that are lower to the ground were just more difficult to get into and out off, and the process involved more grunting and bending than we were prepared to do first thing in the morning. This was definitely not the case with the King Koil.

The pump was both easy to use and quick to fill, fully inflating the mattress in just 1 minute 50 seconds. You simply twist the valve you want to use—either inflate or deflate—press the power switch and you’re all set. The power cord also conveniently stores inside a little storage cubby with a latching door, keeping everything nice and tidy when it’s time to store the mattress away.

As for storage, despite its luxurious height and internal structure the King Koil packs up very tidily into a storage sack small enough to tuck into the back of a closet. Some competitors were stiff and difficult to fold up easily, and others were too large even folded away into their stuff sacks to store away easily.

The materials used in the mattress and pump appear to be of high quality, and I never felt like any elements or components were flimsy, loose, or weak. Deflation was a breeze as well, taking just 1 minute 50 seconds to go from full to completely empty. It took me less than a minute to fold it up and slide it back into the included storage bag too, thanks to the illustrated instructions in the manual.

The King Koil Luxury Air Mattress is not cheap relative to the competition, but the overall comfort, build quality and speedy inflation makes it worth the money.

How do you take care of an air mattress?

Even high-quality air mattresses won’t last forever, but there are things you can do to extend their lifespan. Make sure to not only avoid punctures by keeping your pets off the bed—even small dogs can have sharp toenails that can puncture or scratch through an air mattress—but also avoid unnecessary pressure by preventing rambunctious kids from jumping or walking on it. This extra pressure can place more stress on the seams, causing splits and cracks over time. Insta-bed also advises you to avoid placing the mattress against the wall, to avoid hidden carpet tacks.

You should also take the time to vacuum your mattress after every use. Accumulated crumbs and other small debris can also pose a potential puncture threat, especially when you’re folding it up and squeezing it down during deflation.

The most important thing to remember is that cold temperatures can make vinyl stiffen, so if it’s being stored in a cool area, like a basement or attic, make sure to allow your air mattress to come to room temperature before inflating. If not, the vinyl may lack the flexibility it needs to expand safely, which can cause cracks or splits in the material. The Insta-bed manual also recommends this warming up period after your bed is delivered to your doorstep, since it could have been sitting outside for longer than you think.

If your bed does get damaged, it’s not a lost cause. Every mattress I tested included a patch kit for leaks, which, if applied properly, can easily fix the problem. And should your built-in pump go haywire, some mattresses allow you to still fill them manually with a separate pump.

Yes, you can take an air mattress camping. If you’d prefer to sleep well off the ground and not have to worry about roots and uneven ground impairing your sleep, they could be a great choice. However, you’ll need to be aware of their limitations and the effects they may have on your trip.

First, since air mattresses are extremely vulnerable to punctures, you won’t want to lay it directly on the ground, and take care to keep it clear of stray campfire embers that could melt the vinyl. While patching holes is a solution, it’s not really a project that’s ideal to perform out in the wilderness. Keep in mind that you can just as easily puncture your mattress when it’s folded up, so don’t pack it with sharp objects. Air mattresses are also relatively heavy, and depending on how long you plan on carrying them to your site, this weight can be more trouble than it’s worth.

Perhaps most importantly, you’ll need to make sure you have a reliable way to inflate your air mattress. If you want to take advantage of the convenience and quick performance of built-in pumps, you’ll need to have a power source, like a car cigarette lighter, or a campsite power hookup. If you’ll be away from electricity, you’ll need to go with a mattress that comes with a battery-powered pump, like the Intex Dura-Beam Standard Single-High Air Mattress, or a mattress with a manual foot pump. If these limitations sound like they won’t work with you and your trip, you’ll probably be better off with a camping pad.

To help better understand the benefits and drawbacks of the air mattresses we tested, we ran each mattress through a comprehensive battery of real world tests, from setup to packing and unpacking and, of course, sleeping, evaluating them across a range of criteria but focusing on comfort and convenience.

Since air mattresses are frequently set up in areas not typically used for a bed, and sometimes last-minute, it’s really important that they’re easy to use. Nobody wants to fumble around with a confusing air pump or have to go digging for an instruction manual when you just want to get to sleep. I paid close attention to how simple—or complicated—each mattress was to operate, from unboxing, to setup, inflation, deflation, and finally storage. Specifically, I noted any specific issues with the pump operation controls, and the helpfulness of each mattresses instruction manual.

To accurately judge each mattress on the most important measure performance — it’s comfort and support while sleeping, I slept on each model for two nights, noting both how comfortable their soft topper was, as well as overall stability. I also paid close attention to any deflation issues overnight. Although minor deflation is expected with new air mattresses—the vinyl material stretches—I did my best to notice any significant deflation that could indicate actual issues down the road. I compared each mattresses pump as well, evaluating them on how easy they were to setup, notable noise differences, and how long it took them to fully inflate the mattress.

After testing each mattress, I then deflated, rolled (or folded) up each mattress and stored it and any pumps in their included storage bag. I noted how easy this process was from start to finish, paying attention to how well the pump deflated the mattress, if there were any included instructions that made it easier to fold up the mattress correctly, and how easy it was to fit into the storage bag.

During all of this testing, I kept track of any issues that caught my eye when it came to build quality. Flimsy switches or valve openings, and any noticeable seam or molding issues with the vinyl or soft topper all helped me evaluate one mattress vs another.

In addition to these testing categories, I also compared specific metrics like overall weight, the dimensions of each mattress when folded up, and warranty lengths.

A solid runner-up, the SoundAsleep mattress gave us a comfortable, supportive night’s sleep, and was a breeze to setup and inflate. Once you unfold it, you simply plug in the power cord and turn the control dial to “inflate” and you’re all set. That’s it. The velvet topper was nice and cozy, and I could definitely tell that it had some kind of structural support inside that helped keep it’s shape. Although I did experience some deflation after two nights of sleeping, it didn’t appear to be leak-related and could be chalked up to some standard stretching of the material. The only real drawback I had was a minor design issue with the power cord storage. Unlike other mattresses that provide a small latched door to keep the folded cord inside, this mattress only provides an open hole that you just kind of cram the cord into. It’s also worth noting that this model doesn’t include instructions for folding/rolling up the mattress for storage. This was a fairly straightforward process, so certainly isn’t a dealbreaker, but a diagram could certainly come in handy if you don’t remember how it was folded when you unboxed it. This mattress is also just 18 inches high, as opposed to the 20 inches of the King Koil, which was the primary reason it didn’t take my top spot.

If you’re extra-sensitive to changes in air mattress inflation and prefer a specific level of firmness, this is the bed for you. The “never flat” pump will automatically power on if it detects that the bed is beginning to deflate, even a small amount, pumping it back up to your desired setting. You can choose between 3 of these settings—plush, medium, and firm—and the pump will maintain that setting at all times. If you’re worried about the noise of the pump interrupting your sleep, you shouldn’t be. I’m a fairly light sleeper and never woke up once during either night, despite the mattress remaining perfectly full the entire time. I kept the mattress next to my desk during the day to monitor the pump, and when it would power on for a few moments, I was really surprised at the low noise level. The supportive structure and velvet topper was comfortable as well, making this a favorite during testing. Keep in mind that you do have to keep it plugged in at all times to take advantage of the never-flat feature, which might limit where you can place it in your room. Plus, unlike the King Koil that covers the sides of the mattress with a soft black velvet, this model has exposed vinyl all around,giving it more of an “air mattress” feel, as opposed to the King Koil, which felt more like a real bed — but this is still a very comfortable air mattress.

If a speedy inflation time is your priority, consider this high-quality EnerPlex mattress and its built-in pump. It took just 1 minute and 21 seconds to fully inflate, which was the fastest of all the mattresses we tested. The pump itself was simple to use: you just plug it in, rotate the inflation valve to open it, and press the power button. This mattress also scored major points in overall comfort during my sleep test, and its “coil beam construction” definitely provided a good amount of support throughout the night. I also appreciated the non-skid bottom too, which kept it firmly in place when getting in and out. Its 2-year warranty is twice as long as any other mattress I tested, making it well-suited for those who plan on using it frequently. Unfortunately, its 18-inch height was noticeably less comfortable to get in and out of than the 20-inch King Koil. That being said, if the King Koil is unavailable, this mattress is a great alternative.

Intex Dura-Beam Standard Single-High Air Mattress

The ultra-low price and compact size of this Intex mattress makes it a great choice for campers or those who are on an extra-tight budget. I was surprised at how comfortable this model felt during the night too, and the inner support system provided more structure than I expected at this price point. That said, its 10-inch height was definitely more of a challenge to get in and out of than the taller options I tested. Although the battery-powered pump took the longest to inflate—4 minutes—it was by far the quietest among the group we tested, which might be worthwhile if noise is a concern (apartment dwellers take note). I do wish the intake valve fit the pump a bit better, as I had to continually press the valve adapter into the port the entire time it was operating. Another drawback: Intex doesn’t include the six “C” batteries required for the Dura-Beam’s pump. I had to purchase these separately, so keep that in mind if you don’t already have them on hand.

I really enjoyed the subtle “bumpers” on the edge of this mattress, which created a cozy, secure sleeping surface, and gave me the confidence that I wouldn’t accidentally roll out in the event of overnight deflation. At 22 inches, it was also the tallest of the models I tested, which made it really easy to get out of in the morning. The internal horizontal support beams gave it a nice and sturdy feel, and provided a really comfortable sleep overall. The pump was simple to use too, with just a simple dial to rotate from side to side. The main drawback to the this mattress was its inflation time. It took the longest to fill up, 4 minutes and 10 seconds, so keep that in mind if speedy inflation is a priority. At 21 pounds it’s also the heaviest of my testing pool, though not by much.

The Coleman GuestRest mattress, unlike most of the competition in this price range, uses an external pump, which I found much less convenient than the built-in units. While the ability to use the pump for other items could be useful to some—like if you have pool toys, inflatable kayaks, or balloons—it was extremely loud by comparison, ultimately reaching a pitch that I would describe as “screaming”, and its ill-fitting adapter required you to hold it tightly in place during the inflation process. If you anticipate having to fill up your mattress late at night, this is not the mattress for you. I did appreciate that the pump and inflation instructions were both included in the instruction manual, as well as printed on the side of the mattress itself, which would be convenient if you lose the manual. In the pump’s defense, it did fill the mattress relatively quickly, taking just 3 minutes and 37 seconds to get a nice firm mattress. It’s also nice and compact, making it convenient to store when not in use.

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April 12, 2021