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94 STYLE | home<br />
Going topless<br />
Like it or loathe it, we are slowly but surely<br />
adopting the European way of dispensing with a<br />
top sheet and just having the duvet cover next<br />
to the skin, says Deb Hymers-Ross. This is good<br />
for retailers as more duvet covers are required,<br />
she says, but with most sheets in New Zealand<br />
still sold as sets (with a redundant top sheet) it<br />
can be an issue for customers. Also, single fitted<br />
sheets are not currently readily available much<br />
beyond classic white.<br />
Use-by dates<br />
You might be surprised to learn that, just like<br />
your toothbrush and milk, your pillows have a<br />
‘use by’ date. Generally they are past their best<br />
within three years, only one year if synthetic,<br />
because of the build-up of dust mites and mildew<br />
and breakdown of the fibres that support our<br />
heads, which weigh 4-5 kilos. When your pillows<br />
no longer spring back into shape to fill the gap<br />
between your shoulder and head or you’re<br />
waking up with a stiff neck, it’s time to replace<br />
them, says Dr Fairest.<br />
For mattresses, she says a good rule of thumb<br />
is to consider replacing it after 10 years. If you’re<br />
waking with spinal pain or your bed has rolltogether<br />
it’s time to look at a replacement. And<br />
perhaps book an assessment with a chiropractor.<br />
The 100% linen Finch Duvet Set from M.M. Linen’s new Texture range.<br />
The latest bed linen<br />
ranges feature ever<br />
more styles of duvet<br />
covers for those who<br />
like to go topless. And<br />
change their duvet<br />
cover more often.<br />
Demonstrating the<br />
trend to natural looks,<br />
M.M. Linen’s new<br />
Texture range features<br />
crisp, natural woven<br />
fibres in styles like the<br />
Finch and Aviana. For<br />
a pop of colour, top<br />
your duvet cover with<br />
a decorative throw.<br />
ABOVE: Aviana<br />
in Rose is crafted<br />
from 100% cotton<br />
matelassé. RIGHT:<br />
New from Sheridan,<br />
the Marramas Quilt<br />
Cover is 100% organic<br />
cotton, crafted in a<br />
jacquard seersucker<br />
weave, giving a<br />
lightweight texture.<br />
Be gentle<br />
Quality bedding doesn’t come cheap so look<br />
after your investment. Both mattresses and<br />
pillows will last longer and be healthier fitted with<br />
protectors. Give your pillow a good shake daily<br />
to fluff it up and kill any dust mites. Check the<br />
label to see if it can be gently machine-washed.<br />
“The importance of a mattress protector<br />
shouldn’t be underestimated,” says Allan Walton,<br />
citing studies showing that after five years, up<br />
to half the weight of an unprotected mattress is<br />
made up of bodily fluids, skin cells, bacteria and<br />
mould. Ick! Also heed the manufacturer’s advice<br />
on how often to rotate your mattress to extend<br />
its lifespan.<br />
Air your bed by removing all linen and<br />
protectors and vacuum the mattress regularly to<br />
prevent any dust from settling into the fibres.<br />
As for feathers and down duvets, M.M. Linen’s<br />
Kerry Jackson advises a duvet inner should be<br />
aired at least monthly. “Just hang it outside on a<br />
clear sunny day or just inside your windows in<br />
the winter. It is also good to give it a good shake<br />
weekly for maximum lofting and warmth. They<br />
can be hand-washed or gentle machine-washed<br />
but must be rinsed well, and then line dried.”
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