College students moving into their first dorm are often met with an unfortunate surprise – the school-issued beds are incredibly uncomfortable. Well, it isn’t the bed, precisely, that is so uncomfortable. Rather, it is the mattress.
See, these mattresses are mass produced with little focus on comfort. Instead, colleges are only interested in acquiring durable mattresses that can withstand years of use without needing to be replaced. As you can imagine, this doesn’t really translate to comfy or cozy beds.
Fortunately for you, there is no need to suffer with these mattresses any longer. Instead, there are several changes that you can make to ensure that you are sleeping on a much more ergonomic bed. Here are some ideas that you can try out:
Clean Your Mattress
It is important to remember that plenty of students have been sleeping on that mattress before you. So, your first order of business is to clean it out. Knowing that your bed is clean and safe will offer you peace of mind in the long run.
The easiest way to clean out your mattress is to vacuum it thoroughly on all sides. If it smells a bit musty, liberally sprinkle baking soda on both sides. Let it sit for about an hour and then vacuum the mattresses. It is also a good idea to flip the mattress to the other side before using it.
As a final precaution, place a mattress protector as the very top layer. This way, you can be certain that your bed sheets will stay cleaner for longer. It is also a good way to ensure that you don’t leave any stains on the mattress as well.
Add a Layer of Padding
Not only college dorm mattresses notoriously rigid, your bed may feel quite lumpy as well. Once again, this is because so many other students have used it. Therefore, it has lost any and all sense of comfort. To overcome this, find yourself a mattress topper.
For the most comfortable sleep, consider getting yourself a memory foam mattress topper. What is great about these is that they offer excellent support while you sleep. And, considering that you will be spending many hours on your bed, it is nice to know that the mattress is going to bounce back into shape without a problem.
If you are someone who tends to get hot during the night, then you should get a cooling mattress topper. This kind of topper is great for moderating your body temperature, ensuring that you stay at the perfect temperature. Needless to say, this does make for a better night’s sleep.
In general, though, any good quality mattress topper will work. These all add a layer of padding which negates any problems with college-issued mattress. The only thing that you need to do is to make sure that you are getting the right size.
Typically, colleges have an XL twin size mattress. Nevertheless, you shouldn’t guess at this. Always speak to your dorm director about the exact size and dimensions before you go shopping. This will help you to prevent making any mistakes.
The best way to get the right size is to measure your mattress and to then compare these with the mattress topper that you wish to buy. After all, various manufacturers may have different ideas about what an XL twin mattress actually is.
If your dorm mattress does feel like it is beyond help, speak to your dorm advisor about buying your own. This may be a necessity if you suffer from certain neck or back issues and need to make sure that you are properly supported while sleeping. Just remember to select the right size for you.
Invest in Good Quality Sheets
Most college students tend to buy the cheapest sheets possible, mostly because they don’t see any reason to waste money here. What many people don’t realize, though, is that the material and quality of the sheets can actually make your bed far more comfortable than it already is.
The good news for you is that high quality sheets don’t always have to be expensive. With the right knowledge and a little bit of research, you can find a set that fits your budget and feels great against your skin.
Now, if you don’t have sensitive skin, microfiber sheets (made from ultra-fine polyester fibers) are both comfortable and affordable. As an additional bonus, there is less risk of pilling even with lots of wear and tear.
If you are looking for something that is a bit more breathable but still super soft, then cotton jersey will be a good fit for you. It is essentially like sleeping against a soft, old t-shirt. In case you have sensitive skin, though, investing in cotton is the best. As an added bonus, cotton sheets are also great at staying cool and crisp all night long.
The final thing to pay attention to is thread count. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to buy pricey sheets with a high thread count. You can actually find good sheets with around a 200 thread count. The trick, though, is to buy a well-known or good quality brand to know that you are getting the most bang for your buck.
Get the Right Pillows
Pillows aren’t just about comfort – the right pillow can help you get a good night’s sleep and ensure that you don’t suffer from any neck or back issues. Therefore, it is a good idea to learn how to choose the right pillow for you.
When selecting a pillow, you first need to narrow down what kind of sleeper you are. Do you sleep on your back, side, or stomach? Depending on how you sleep, you are going to need specific levels of support.
If you sleep on your back, choose a pillow with medium loft and firmness. In case you sleep on your side, then select a pillow with high loft and firm support. Stomach sleepers should find a pillow with low loft and soft support.
Of course, these aren’t the only features to look for. If you tend to get hot while sleeping, choosing a cooling pillow with moisture-wicking fabric can make all the difference. In the event that you have sensitive skin or allergies, find yourself a hypoallergenic pillow.
As a college student, you are probably going to be doing a fair amount of studying in your bed. You are going to require back support for this. So, find a pillow that specifically holds your back in the proper position. You will be surprised to learn just how much more comfortable you will be.
Make an Effort with Your Comforter
Don’t skimp on your comforter quality as you are probably going to be using it for quite a while. So, if you do want to splurge on a good one, there should be no guilt in doing so.
The first thing that you will need to do is to find the right size. A good comforter should cover you completely so that no part of your legs are hanging out. At the same time, they need to fit on your bed and not touch the ground, at the very least.
This is where measurements come in useful again. While you shouldn’t have any trouble in finding an XL twin comforter, it is a far better idea to focus on the dimensions instead.
If your college is in an area where the temperature can fluctuate from one season to the next quite drastically, then a single comforter will not do. Rather, you are going to have a thicker winter option and a thinner summer one. Otherwise, you are going to end up being rather uncomfortable for at least half the year.
In the event that you live in an area where it does get quite cold, a heated blanket can save the day. This is especially true if you tend to feel the cold more strongly than others. This blanket can have you feeling cozy all night long.
Another way to stay toasty is to have a fleece blanket instead of a cotton one. Not only are fleece blankets soft against your skin, but they also stay warm even when you aren’t in bed. This way, you don’t have to wait for your blankets to warm up when you want to go to sleep.
Struggle with sleep problems? Then you may want to get yourself a weighted blanket. These have shown to help you sleep longer and better. They are also great for people with autism, ADHD, anxiety, and other issues. You should be aware that they aren’t suitable for individuals with sleep apnea or asthma.
These are all the tips and tricks that you can try to make your dorm bed more comfortable. They are actually quite easy for you to manage and won’t cost too much money or time on your part. Making even the smallest changes can help you to get settled into your dorm more quickly. At any rate, it will definitely ensure that you have a better night’s sleep.
