American Bed
The American Bed and Bedding - a User's Guide
Beds and bedding vary greatly around the world. Many newcomers to the United States may find themselves perplexed when they first see an American bed. Why are there so many (or so few) layers? Where exactly am I supposed to sleep? If I get American bedding for my bed how do I take care of it?
American beds, in this land of plentiful water and automated washing machines, can be quite comfortable and practical. The information below may be useful for you when you first arrive to help get your own bed set up, or useful when staying at a friend's house or at a motel for the first time. Here is a description of how an American bed is set up with American bedding, starting at the bottom and working up.
Mattress - this is about 15 to 30 cm thick and provides support for your body when sleeping. It is constructed of many different materials and usually covered with fabric or plastic. In a home, it usually will be two pieces - the lower one called a box spring which is hard on top to support the main mattress, and the main mattress you actually sleep on. In the residence hall usually there is a metal spring frame holding up the main mattress. Mattresses should be flipped or rotated every several months, and can be spot cleaned as necessary.
Mattress Pad - this is made of fabric and covers the top and sides of the mattress. Oftentimes it is white, made of thicker material, and can be quilted. They might be waterproof. The main purpose is to protect the mattress and keep the mattress clean. These can be laundered, but because your body is not in contact with them are usually laundered every month or so rather than weekly. Not every person will use a mattress pad, but they are quite common and convenient.
Fitted Sheet - this covers the top and side of the mattress and mattress pad. You sleep on top of this layer. It is usually made of fabric and comes in many colors or patterns - many people prefer cotton, or in winter flannel cotton to feel warmer, because it is next to their body. This is usually machine washed once a week.
Flat Sheet - as the name implies this sheet is flat, and usually made of the same fabric and matches or compliments the fitted sheet. It is commonly tucked into the bottom of the bed and sometimes partially tucked in on the sides. This layer is most immediately on top of you when you sleep, and like the fitted sheet is usually laundered weekly.
Blanket or Comforter - A blanket or comforter usually is on top of the flat sheet to keep you warm. These can be made from various materials/fabrics and come in various thicknesses. In a warm place these may not be used. A blanket may have a bedspread over the top to make the bed look nice and also to help keep you warm. A plain white comforter may have a comforter cover completely covering it. The blankets, bedspread, comforters, and / or comforter covers can be laundered using the appropriate method on the label. Because these parts are not commonly in direct daily contact with your body, they can be laundered less frequently than sheets and still be clean.
Pillows - these support your head when sleeping or are decorative. They are made from a variety of materials, and should be periodically cleaned as directed for the type of material. A white pillow cover with a zipper to hold the pillow in may be used to protect and keep the actual pillow more clean. The cover can be washed in a washing machine.
Pillowcases and Shams - Generally match or compliment the flat and fitted sheets, these slip over the pillow. Pillows inside shams (a special case that has a frill or ruffle around the edge) are often primarily decorative and taken off the bed when sleeping. Like sheets, pillowcases are typically washed weekly by machine.
Sheets and pillowcases are often sold together in matching sets. Sometimes roommates may wish to coordinate the look of the room with complimentary bedding items, and other times each person in a room would independently purchase bedding.
When you visit friends or have friends stay with you, typically you would use freshly laundered sheets each time, and it may be polite to offer to wash the sheets you used on the day you leave.
Have a good night's rest, and now you don't have to lose any sleep about your bed!
