Creating the Ultimate Dorm Room Bed

First, remember that most dorm room mattresses are at least 5-years old.  That mattress has seen a lot of use and over-use in that time, and dorm beds aren’t known for comfort.  There are few easy things you can do to create the Ultimate Dorm Room Bed!

With rare exceptions, all college bedding linens are XL.  This means regular twin sizes sheets will be too short.  When shopping for dorm bedding read the label carefully.  You’ll want to certain you are purchasing Twin-XL sheets, comforters and padding. Twin XL mattresses measure 39 x 80 inches versus a normal 39 x 75 twin mattress. This means your sheets, mattress pads and featherbeds need to be 5 inches longer.  Remember, that your blanket or comforters need to be extra long to prevent cold toes!

University bedding is notoriously hard, so begin by flipping the mattress to see if the other side might give you a better cushion.  If possible, grab a vacuum cleaner and vacuum the mattress.  Adding a small sprinkle of baking soda before vacuuming will remove most stale odors.

After you’ve found the best side, begin creating a great college bed by adding a thick, good quality twin xl mattress pad.  This provides a layer of softness, as well as a layer of protection for yourself and your bedding.

If you find the mattress is still excessively hard, add another layer of softness.  By placing a soft Twin xl featherbed over the pad, you’ll be getting a cozy, soft mattress instantly.

Just because this is a college dorm room, don’t skimp on good quality sheets.  Even though they may only get washed twice a year, quality sheets will last through most of your college years.  Purchase an extra long sheet set that includes a fitted bottom sheet, top sheet, and pillow case.  A top sheet is invaluable during the warm days of early autumn and spring.  This is particularly true if the dorm doesn’t have air-conditioning, and only a little warmth is wanted.  Purchase two or three sheet sets minimum and do wash them regularly.

As noted earlier, residence hall linens are XL, so purchase not only XL sheets, but also extra long comforters and blankets that are at least 90-inches long.

For cold winter months, several blankets of various weights would be great.  Dorm room temperatures are never normal.  It seems they are either very cold, requiring a heavy comforter or hot enough to compete with an oven.  For late autumn and early winter nights use a extra long twin blanket.  It provides soft comfort and warmth without being heavy.

Top off the Ultimate Dorm Room Bed with an extra long down comforter.  The comforter will keep you blissfully warm during cold winter nights, and a good quality comforter will last throughout your college life.

If you’re working with a budget, try a extra long down alternative comforter.  This will give you great warmth and good quality without a lot of investment.  Remember to read all labels and look for college linens that are machine washable.

Book filled backpacks can cause havoc on your back so make sure a comfortable bed pillow is used on your dorm bed. Purchase several pillows for extra thickness, for tossing onto couches or futons in case you finding yourself falling asleep there and for tossing on the floor when having a study night. We are big fans of cool wicking pillows that use performance fabrics for a constantly cool pillow. Not only does it feel great but it helps your skin breathe and avoid skin blemishes. A reading wedge is a great add on for the college student to be able to sit upright in bed or just simply to relax against.

Living in dorm doesn’t mean you have to sleep on a too-hard mattress or do without great bedding.  A great college experience begins with a good nights sleep.