If you're struggling to get a good night's rest, it might be time to rethink your sleep setup beyond just your mattress or pillow. That's where a sleep system comes in.
We believe that there are many components that determine how well you sleep at night. Sleeping well, feeling comfy, and long-term health are dependent not only on your pillow or mattress.
Your Sleep System takes into account how your mattress, pillow, blankets, and other materials all work together.
A well-designed sleep system can help improve sleep quality, reduce aches and pains, regulate temperature, and support long-term health. Let’s explore what a sleep system is, why it matters, and how to build one that works for you.
A sleep system is the complete collection of bedding elements that work together to create your ideal sleep environment. This includes your bed frame, foundation, mattress, mattress topper, protector, sheets, pillows, blankets, and more.
Each part of your sleep system plays a role in how comfortable and restorative your sleep is. Instead of thinking of your mattress and pillow as isolated products, think of them as parts of a layered, integrated solution. When each layer is thoughtfully chosen and works in harmony with the others, you’re more likely to fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, and wake up feeling refreshed.
You may be thinking, “How do I know what’s right for me?”
The two key considerations to keep in mind are:
The foundation of any healthy sleep system is proper spinal alignment. Your mattress and base should be firm enough to support your spine, while your topper and pillows should be soft enough to relieve pressure points—especially if you're a side sleeper. Think of your sleep system as a customizable sandwich of support and comfort layers. You want to think about how each component of your sleep system will work together to create the final firmness level. If it’s too firm, you may wake up with shoulder or hip pain. Too soft? Your spine may sag out of alignment, causing lower back pain.
Materials are one of the main factors in how temperature regulating your bed setup will be, and your core temperature at night is one of the main factors in how well you sleep. Materials will also be the main thing that affects air quality and allergies. The durability of the materials also affects how your setup will hold up and change over time. So make sure you're choosing the right materials!
Material choice dramatically affects how well you sleep. They determine how temperature regulating your bed setup will be, and your core temperature at night is one of the main factors in how well you sleep. Materials will also be the main thing that affects air quality and allergies at night. So make sure you're choosing the right materials!
The right materials can:
Look for natural, breathable, and non-toxic materials like organic wool, latex, or cotton, especially if you’re sensitive to chemicals, dust mites, or synthetic fibers.
Let’s break down each component of a sleep system and what to consider when choosing yours.
The bed frame and foundation supports your mattress and ultimately affects everything above it.
Choose a sturdy, slat-style foundation or wooden frame box foundation that promotes airflow and won’t sag or bow over time.
Avoid cheap box springs or flimsy platforms that can compromise spinal support.
This is the centerpiece of your sleep system.
Ensure your mattress is firm enough for proper spinal support. Many modern mattresses are too soft, causing your spine to be in unnatural positions throughout the night, resulting in soreness and chronic pain.
Look for a flippable mattress made with durable, breathable materials that won’t sag over time, such as latex. This ensures your investment will last longer. Choose materials that are less prone to mildew, as that is a common issue in some bedroom setups.
Avoid pillowtop mattresses, which are prone to permanent dips. Instead, opt for a detachable topper so that you don’t have to replace the mattress when the pillowtop wears out.
Make sure it’s free from fiberglass, VOCs (volatile organic compounds), formaldehyde, and silica powder to maintain good air quality and protect your health over time. Remember, you spend almost a third of your life here!
A mattress topper is known as the comfort layer and adds softness and pressure relief, which is especially important for side sleepers.
This is the layer that’s closest to you before adding the protective layers, so choose one made with hypoallergenic, breathable materials like latex or wool.
Note that some materials (like memory foam) may develop dips or retain heat, so choose high-quality, long-lasting options to avoid having to replace your topper more often.
A good mattress protector is essential to preserve your investment. Accidents do happen!
Since you can’t wash your mattress, a waterproof, breathable protector adds a layer of hygiene and longevity.
Look for natural, washable protectors that won’t trap heat or moisture. Avoid plastic.
This is the layer in your sleep system that you’ll be directly laying on, so comfort and breathability are key.
Choose organic cotton or linen for temperature regulation and skin-friendliness.
If your topper uses temperature regulating materials, make sure the sheets are breathable and thin enough that you can still get those benefits.
Don’t be fooled by high thread counts. Lower thread count sheets made with quality fibers often perform better and last longer high thread count sheets that are cheaply made.
Ensure your fitted sheet is the right size: too tight can alter the feel of your bed setup, too loose can cause bunching.
Usually used as the main top layer, your comforter - also called a duvet -makes a major impact on your core temperature throughout the night. Make sure you choose one that aligns with your sleeping preferences (do you sleep hot and need extra help staying cool at night? Do you get chilly at night and need extra warmth?)
Be sure to pay attention to materials. Temperature regulation and breathability are a must. Choose a temperature-regulating comforter made of natural fibers like wool, alpaca, or organic cotton. Avoid heat-retaining materials like polyester or down.
If you sleep hot or live in a warm climate, opt for a lightweight summer duvet. For colder climates or people who tend to get chilly at night, you may need a heavier winter option or even two different comforters to switch out for the seasons.
Look for moisture-wicking properties to avoid night sweats, which can worsen sleep and require washing sheets more often.
Beyond adding a decorative element, throw blankets are a good addition to provide flexible temperature control.
They’re perfect for layering during cold nights or adding mid-sleep without disrupting the bed.
Opt for natural, breathable fibers that complement your other bedding.
Perhaps the most important part of your sleep system next to your mattress, pillows play a huge role in your quality of sleep and soreness in the morning. Your pillow directly affects neck alignment, breathing, and pressure relief. The wrong pillow can cause neck, shoulder, arm, and back soreness, nerve issues, snoring, and worsen sleep apnea.
You want a pillow that will be the right shape and thickness to support your head just right. This is determined by your sleeping style, your build, and personal preferences.
Back sleepers need thinner pillows, while side sleepers require thicker, firmer ones to bridge the gap between head and shoulder.
People with smaller frames will be okay with thinner or softer options, while those with larger frames and subsequently wider shoulders, will need thicker and firmer pillows to hold their head up.
Choose a pillow that keeps your spine aligned and airways open. Pillows with bolsters or malleable filling can help support the neck better and keep your head from being tilted up or to the side.
Avoid synthetic materials that can trap heat or trigger allergies. A lot of pillows are made with materials that can attract dust mites or worsen quality of air, which can be one of things that worsens your sleep quality the most. Look for non-toxic, hypoallergenic, breathable fill materials like wool, latex, kapok, buckwheat, or organic cotton.
Bonus: a cool, breathable pillow helps you stay asleep longer and reduces tossing and turning.
Creating a sleep system tailored to your body, sleep style, and environment is one of the most important steps you can take toward better rest. Instead of simply upgrading your mattress, think about how each component interacts with the others to support your posture, regulate your temperature, and protect your long-term health.
Investing in high-quality, organic, and supportive sleep system components can improve your nightly rest and your daily well-being. Whether you're rebuilding your sleep setup from scratch or upgrading one piece at a time, remember: a better night’s sleep starts with the right system.
Contact us or visit one of our Seattle area showrooms for a free sleep consultation!
