Lochmess
New Member
Joined: June 2008
Posts: 55
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Post by Lochmess on Nov 7, 2009 14:47:56 GMT -5
What about something which covers and protects the mattress, like this one? The material is cotton, the consistency is that of a bath towel. It is generally used under a normal sheet, but you could use it instead of a sheet.
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Post by yearning4order on Nov 7, 2009 15:23:40 GMT -5
This is a very interesting thread, mostly from the stand point of wondering--what in my house/life would I move around if I had a romantic interest? Part of me thinks "NOTHING! I MOVE NOTHING!" and then the other part of me knows that there is always a little something we move around to make room in our hearts and hearths for other people. For myself I like flannel sheets, I don't like the feel of most bare mattresses and I especially like *weight* on me at night. Even in the summer. If I could find a 25 pound cotton sheet for summer use, I'd be in heaven! The reason I mention this is texture--I was just wondering if you ever decided what textures of mattress you like? Dear Lioness,
I know you are trying to think of alternative bedding...but have you considered an alternative bed? Maybe then you could just avoid the need for traditional sheets altogether?
*hammock *Japanese futon with washable futon cover *I can't think of more at the moment, but I know there are many other kinds of beds out there. I would guess that the majority of people in the world sleep in something other than what we in America would consider to be a "standard" bed.
Hope this helps...
-Polar Bear I thought this was pure genius!! For all we know you are channeling your past life living in South America or the South Pacific or Japan! I recommend this kind of hammock, much more comfortable www.hammocks.com/hammocks/handwoven-hammocks/xlbrazilianfabrichammockwithfringe.cfm
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Post by howardsgirlfriend on Nov 7, 2009 16:37:46 GMT -5
I think I've got it! I'll bet you could purchase the kind of fabric used to cover mattresses, and make or have made a washable slipcover for your mattress!
You could use just the slipcover for everyday, launder every 2 weeks or so, then throw on a bottom sheet when you expect visitors.
Stores that sell mattresses could almost certainly arrange for you to acquire that fabric.
If I were doing this, I'd cover the mattress with a waterproof cover first, or line the slipcover with rubber sheeting. With pets on the bed, I have to plan for pet mess.
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Post by CourageouslyLion SeeksSerenity on Nov 7, 2009 17:42:56 GMT -5
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Thank you to everyone for all your insights and ideas!
I'm still pondering what everyone has said.
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Post by serenitynow on Nov 8, 2009 16:14:55 GMT -5
You probably know about "body pillows". They're the size of a body and similar to a comforter I think, but look like a big,long pillow to lie on- sort of a pillow top. Or how about a bear skin rug? Talk about romance! I tend to psychoanalyze everything and would wonder what sheets represent to me. Is it the "act of putting down roots?" Or oppositional defiance to a parent for some reason? Or not wanting something ELSE to clean? Or keeping the bed yours alone? I think this is an interesting thread,Lioness. But then, most of yours are! serenitynow-putting off laundering the sheets today
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hopehope
Banned
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 3,815
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Post by hopehope on Nov 8, 2009 20:45:47 GMT -5
hi cl the name of the fabric hgf wrote of is mattress ticking. I too was originally inspired by futon covers. am sort of dizzied by all the responses -- this has come up in some forms before I think? -- here it is. futon covers are made of heavy nearly canvas-like cotton. they usually tie on one side (very Japanese) they ARE NOT SHEETS. Don't have the feel of sheets. have the feel of the mattress. but they are removable and washable. (and yes, the deal is that your skin cells come off you and hang around and thereby hangs a tale.) they don't slip and slide. and they come in colors. and they are not expensive. nonetheless, i thought the mattress ticking idea was brilliant.
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Post by xievajohnson on Nov 9, 2009 18:54:10 GMT -5
If I'm reading your post right, you can cover the bed with anything pretty - quilt, sleeping bag, duvet, anything will work, for making the bed appear "normal". Whether or not there are sheets on the bed is not going to be noticeable.
As far as the future romantic partner, the only thing I can think of that would sort of feel like a bare mattress is a thin quilt made out of a satiny material. If it were tucked in tightly, it might not get to out of place. It might have a texture similar enough to the mattress because it has the quilting like a mattress and the silky-ness that mattresses have. I would not be cottony like flannel sheets or smooth like most other sheets.
0.02 Hope you figure out something that works!
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Post by puppybox on Nov 9, 2009 19:42:01 GMT -5
I suggest putting the japanese thing on top of your mattress and box sprign and bed.
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Post by CrimsonKat on Nov 9, 2009 21:42:19 GMT -5
not sure what to do about how it looks, but i second the idea of one of those hand-held steam cleaners. you can put vinegar and a touch of lemon juice in there too. the temp of the steam is supposed to sanitize, and the other stuff will cut any smell that may be there.
as far as looks... not sure. i am a super sheets person myself, although more for keeping it clean than for looks, i guess. i have a foam temperpedic mattress (love it), and have water/liquid proof cover on that. then i sleep on top of both the fitted sheet and the top sheet using only a personal light comforter. i don't like sleeping under sheets at all. too claustrophobic.
good luck with everything. beds are important, and one needs to get it right to feel good about it. it can make all the difference.
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Post by AnnieOkie on Nov 10, 2009 11:27:21 GMT -5
I have been trying to come up with a thoughtful response to your post, but will just have to say this: You have gotten some wonderful advice!! I agree with these suggestions.
-Start with having the mattress professionally cleaned if you aren't ready to steam the entire thing yourself and you can afford it. Have this done periodically.
-Having a cover made out of the mattress ticking....that one is genius!! If you don't sew, contract it out. Not sure these are machine washable, but a great idea!
-Keep a nice set of sheets on hand for when you have visitors.
I would also say this: Continue to use your quilt or whatever you are using for cover now, just launder them occasionally. You might add a dust ruffle to your bed (it goes underneath the mattress, between it and the box spring). That, with a neatly placed quilt, and possibly pretty shams or pillowcases, will make your bed look neat while you aren't sleeping.
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Post by howardsgirlfriend on Nov 10, 2009 12:08:42 GMT -5
Vacuuming your mattress every couple of weeks helps keep the dust mites down, too.
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Post by queencobweb on Nov 11, 2009 18:18:15 GMT -5
I use a feather duvet with cover in all weather instead of all those layers of sheets and bedspread, and I have to admit the "old skin smell" is easier to keep "down"! (duck) The duvet is easy to air outside on the line and the cover can be washed. The main problem is just keeping the cover ON. The duvets have a habit of making their way out of their covers.
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Post by Polar Bear on Nov 11, 2009 21:50:27 GMT -5
Or how about a bear skin rug? No!!! Lioness, pay her no heed!!!
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