Do you wish your bed felt as soft and cozy as a cloud? Who doesn’t want to sink into a bed that feels like you’re floating on air at the end of a long day? With the right bedding and accessories, you can easily transform your bed into a heavenly oasis.
In this beginner’s guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know to make your bed deliciously comfortable. We’ll explore the best mattresses, bedding, pillows, blankets and more to help you create a dreamy sleep sanctuary.
Why It’s Important to Have a Comfortable Bed
The average person spends around a third of their life sleeping, so your bed plays a huge role in your overall health and happiness. Sleeping on an uncomfortable mattress can lead to back and neck pain, poor sleep quality, and increased stress and fatigue.
Investing in a comfortable bed is one of the best things you can do for your mental and physical wellbeing. The right bedding can help you:
- Fall asleep faster and sleep more soundly through the night
- Wake up feeling refreshed and recharged
- Reduce muscle tension and joint pain
- Improve mood, focus and energy levels
Elements for a Perfectly Plush Bed
A cloud-like bed is made up of multiple ultra-soft components working together to cradle you in comfort. Here are some of the key elements to create the perfect plush sleep setup:
1. Plush Mattress
This is the foundation for comfort, so opt for a soft mattress that contours to your body. Memory foam and latex mattresses provide excellent cushioning. If your mattress is already firm, a thick mattress topper can instantly make it plusher.
2. Fluffy Comforter
Goose or duck down comforters are light yet warm, with an indulgently soft feel. Alternatives like polyester and cotton comforters can also work well.
3. Soft Sheets
Look for sheets made of extra-fine fabrics like Egyptian or Pima cotton with a high thread count of 400-600. Tencel, silk, satin, and flannel sheets are other soft options.
4. Plump Pillows
Down and down-alternative pillows have an ultra-soft consistency. Memory foam contours gently. Experiment with different loft and firmness levels for maximum comfort.
5. Cozy Blanket
A fuzzy blanket at the end of the bed completes the cloud-like experience. Try a lofty duvet, plush throw, or velvety fleece blanket.
Now let’s explore these elements in more detail and provide specific product recommendations.
Plush Mattresses for Cloud-Like Comfort
Your mattress sets the foundation for your entire sleep experience, so take the time to find one with a soft, cushiony feel. Here are some top options:
Memory Foam Mattresses
Memory foam gently cradles the body, relieving pressure points for side sleepers. The material also minimizes motion transfer if you share the bed.
Our top pick: Leesa Legend Memory Foam Mattress
- Made of premium memory foam for perfect contouring
- Provides both softness and support for all sleeping positions
- Great motion isolation and minimal partner disturbance
- Promotes spinal alignment
- Sleeps cool compared to other memory foam
- 100-night risk free trial
Price: $1,699 for Queen
Latex Mattresses
Latex naturally conforms to your body shape while providing uplifting buoyancy. It’s also antimicrobial and dust-mite resistant.
Our top pick: Saatva Zenhaven Latex Mattress
- 100% natural Talalay latex provides superb pressure relief
- Luxurious 5-zone latex comfort layer for soft, gentle support
- Durable and long-lasting 20-year lifespan
- Sleeps cool and breathable
- 180-night trial period
Price: $1,899 for Queen
Hybrid Mattresses
These combine soft foam layers with pocketed coil springs for comfort, breathability and bounce.
Our top pick: Helix Midnight Luxe Hybrid
- Features a plush memory foam top layer for cloud-like softness
- Hundreds of individually wrapped coils add support and airflow
- Gel visco and quilted foam provide pressure relief
- Reinforced edges prevent sagging
- 100-night sleep trial
Price: $1,949 for Queen
Luxurious Mattress Toppers for Added Softness
If your current mattress feels too firm, adding a plush mattress topper can instantly give it a softer, fluffier feel.
Memory Foam Topper
Memory foam molds to the contours of your body for customized cushioning.
Our top pick: TEMPUR-Topper Supreme 3-Inch Mattress Topper
- Made from premium TEMPUR material that adapts to your shape
- Provides pressure relief for joints and curves
- Minimizes motion transfer between sleep partners
- Washable cover is cool to the touch
- 10-year limited warranty
- Works well for all sleeping positions
Price: $299 for Queen
Latex Topper
All-natural latex foam has a responsive bounce that makes it easy to move around on top of the bed.
Our top pick: PlushBeds 3″ Natural Talalay Latex Topper
- Talalay latex offers cloud-like plushness with support
- Zoned design is softer under shoulders and firmer under hips
- Certified organic materials
- Antimicrobial and dust-mite resistant
- 25-year warranty
Price: $939 for Queen
Featherbed Topper
This ultra-soft layer of real feathers provides snuggly comfort for an opulent feel.
Our top pick: Continental Bedding Goose Down Featherbed Mattress Topper
- Filled with hypoallergenic white goose down feathers
- Baffle box construction keeps feathers evenly distributed
- 500 thread count cotton sateen shell
- Anchor bands keep topper securely in place
- Machine washable
- Adds 3 inches of cozy loft
Price: $379 for Queen
Wool Topper
Wool regulates temperature and wicks away moisture for a comfortably dry, breathable sleep surface.
Our top pick: Sleep & Beyond Merino Wool Mattress Topper
- 100% natural merino wool insulates against heat and cold
- Ultra-soft feel but provides support for spine alignment
- Reduces motion transfer between sleep partners
- Organic cotton sateen cover
- Available in 2 or 3 inch thickness
- 10-year warranty
Price: $359 for Queen 2-inch
Down & Down Alternative Comforters
When it comes to fluffy softness, down comforters are the gold standard. The fine feathers create an airy, billowy feel. Down alternative comforters mimic the lightweight warmth of real down at a lower price point.
Down Comforters
Our top pick: Brooklinen Down Comforter
- Shell made from lightweight, breathable cotton
- 700 fill power premium European down clusters
- Baffle box construction prevents shifting
- Ultra-soft, warm and comfortable
- Machine washable
- Available in 3 warmth levels
Price: $271 for Queen
Down Alternative Comforters
Our top pick: Buffy Cloud Comforter
- Shell made from soft eucalyptus fabric
- Plush microfiber fill offers warmth without weight
- 100% recycled fiber fill is hypoallergenic
- Provides hotel-style luxury comfort
- Machine washable
- Available in 3 sizes
Price: $159 for Queen
When shopping for down or down alternative comforters, look for:
- Fill power: This measures the loft and quality of down. Higher numbers like 600-800 have the most airy softness.
- Fill weight: This determines the warmth level based on the amount of fill inside. Lightweight options work well for hot sleepers.
- Shell fabric: Cotton, cotton sateen and eucalyptus are soft, breathable outer fabrics.
- Construction: Baffle boxes with reinforced walls prevent fill from shifting inside the comforter.
- Care: Many down and down alternative comforters are machine washable for easy cleaning.
Luxuriously Soft Sheet Sets
High quality sheets with a smooth, silky finish will make your bed feel like you’re sleeping on a cloud. Look for these features when shopping:
Materials
- Egyptian cotton: Prized for its softness and durability, with long fibers that improve with washing.
- Pima cotton: Supima® is an extra long staple cotton known for its softness and strength.
- Modal: A type of rayon made from beech trees that is smoother than cotton.
- Tencel: An eco-friendly fiber made from wood pulp that is extremely soft and breathable.
- Silk: Natural silk has a luxuriously smooth, temperature regulating feel.
- Satin: Made from silk or polyester, satin has a glossy finish and slippery texture.
- Flannel: Brushed cotton flannel has a soft, cozy warmth perfect for winter.
Thread Count
Threads per square inch determine the sheet’s softness and durability. For ultimate plushness, look for:
- 400-600: The ideal range for balance of softness and strength
- 800+: Perceptions of higher luxury but can be less durable
Weave Styles
The way threads are interlaced affects the feel:
- Sateen: More thread on top creates a silky smooth surface
- Percale: Crisp, cool-feeling weave with a matte finish
- Jersey: Knit construction creates stretchy softness
Our top picks:
- Brooklinen Luxe Core Sheet Set – 480 thread count, long staple cotton with a smooth sateen weave and finished buttons. $149 for Queen.
- Parachute Percale Sheets – Crisp, breathable 100% Egyptian cotton. $149 for Queen.
- Slip Silk Pillowcase – Mulberry silk pillowcase ideal for hair and skin. $85 for Queen.
- Cozy Earth Bamboo Sheets – Viscose from bamboo is ultra-soft and temperature regulating. $255 for Queen.
- L.L. Bean Pima Cotton Flannel – Cozy cotton flannel with napped finish. $129 for Queen.
Plush Pillows for Cradling Comfort
Pillows provide padding for pressure points like your head, neck and shoulders. Balance softness and support by choosing the right fill:
Down
The fine filaments of down feathers create a squishy yet supportive feel.
Our top pick: East Coast Bedding Premium Down Pillow
- 750 fill power white down for superior loft
- 100% cotton cover is soft on skin
- Available in soft, medium and firm densities
- Machine washable
- 5-year warranty
Price: $109 for Queen size
Down Alternative
Microfiber fill mimics the soft consistency of down at a lower cost.
Our top pick: Beckham Hotel Collection Gel Pillow
- Plush gel microfiber fill offers cloud-like comfort
- No-shift construction maintains shape
- Cotton cover is machine-wash safe
- Won’t flatten like traditional down alternative
- Queen size fits most pillowcases
Price: $39.99 for 2 pack
Memory Foam
Heat-sensitive memory foam gently cradles the curves of your head and neck.
Our top pick: Coop Home Goods – Eden Memory Foam Pillow
- Shredded memory foam with microfiber blend
- Removable fill for adjustability
- Medium soft feel suitable for all positions
- Cooling gel-infused technology
- Machine washable cover
- 5-year warranty
Price: $79.99 for Queen size
Latex
Natural latex foam provides bounce, breathability and antimicrobial properties.
Our top pick: Malouf Zoned Latex Pillow
- 100% natural Talalay latex filling
- Zoned internal design for aligned support
- Plush feeling with buoyant lift
- Removable bamboo cover
- 5-year warranty
Price: $109.99 for Queen size
Look for adjustable fill pillows so you can modify the loft, and experiment with different shapes like body pillows for enhanced comfort.
Cozy Blankets for Extra Softness
Blankets at the foot of the bed add an extra layer of plushness. Look for these snuggly styles:
Fleece Blankets
These synthetic microfiber blankets have a soft, velvety feel.
Our top pick: Bedsure Fleece Blanket
- Cozy fleece with plush micro sherpa finish
- Provides lightweight warmth
- Durable, pill-resistant material
- Machine washable and tumble dry safe
- Available in wide range of colors and patterns
Price: $29.99 for Queen
Faux Fur Blankets
For indulgent coziness, faux fur blankets mimic the lush feel of real fur.
Our top pick: Chanasya Faux Fur Throw Blanket
- Super soft long pile shaggy faux fur
- Provides elegant style and texture
- Warm and lightweight for year-round use
- Durable material won’t shed easily
- Machine washable on delicate cycle
Price: $29.99 for 50″ x 65″
Wool Blankets
Natural wool has insulating properties to keep you warm yet breathable.
Our top pick: Arcturus Military Wool Blanket
- Made from soft yet durable 80% wool
- Provides efficient warmth even when wet
- Breathable and moisture-wicking
- Heavyweight 12 lb thickness
- High-quality stitching prevents shedding
Price: $67.99 for Queen
Cotton Blankets
Lightweight cotton blankets have a soft, breathable feel.
Our top pick: Natural Home Cotton Thermal Blanket
- Made from 100% organic cotton
- Provides breathable warmth
- Textured waffle weave design
- Machine washable on gentle cycle
- Available in range of colors
Price: $29.50 for Queen
The Best Materials for a Soft, Cloud-Like Bed
Here is a comparison of the top materials used in ultra-plush bedding:
| Material | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Down | Ultra-soft with superior insulation from feathers |
| Down alternative | Mimics down loft with hypoallergenic polyester fibers |
| Cotton | Breathable and soft especially in sateen weaves |
| Wool | Naturally moisture wicking with temperature regulation |
| Silk | Extremely smooth with luxe shine |
| Fleece | Velvety soft synthetic microfiber |
| Memory foam | Heat-responsive for customized contouring |
| Latex | Buoyant cushioning from rubber tree sap |
| Flannel | Soft, brushed napped cotton great for winter |
| Eucalyptus | Cool, silky fabric made from wood pulp |
Pairing multiple materials allows you to experience the benefits of each. For example, a eucalyptus and cotton comforter provides both breathability and softness.
Caring for Your Cloud-Like Bedding
Follow these tips to keep your bedding soft and fluffy:
- Wash sheets weekly and comforter covers monthly in cold water on a gentle cycle. Use a mild detergent.
- For down comforters, use a large commercial washer on the delicate cycle 1-2 times per year. Line dry.
- Fluff pillows daily and replace every 1-2 years when they become misshapen.
- Use a mattress protector to prevent stains and a mattress topper to extend mattress lifespan.
- Spot clean blankets as needed and wash according to label instructions to avoid damage.
- Fold and store bulky bedding properly to avoid clumping or flattening soft fills.
- Consider professional dry cleaning for silk pillowcases and comforters.
Sleep Your Way to Cloud Nine
You spend a lot of time in bed, so make sure it’s a space designed for indulgent comfort. With the right combination of plush mattresses, soft sheets, fleecy blankets and fluffy pillows, you can easily transform your bed into a heavenly oasis.
Follow this guide and say goodbye to restless nights. A comfortable bed encourages deeper, more restorative sleep so you wake up refreshed and full of energy. Your body and mind will thank you.
Sweet dreams!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best mattress for a soft, cloud-like feel?
The best mattresses for a plush, cloud-like feel are typically memory foam or latex. Memory foam contours to your body shape and relieves pressure points. Latex provides responsive cushioning and bounce. If your mattress feels too firm, a thick mattress topper can also instantly make it feel softer.
What type of pillows are softest?
The pillows with the softest feel are down and down-alternative styles. Down pillows are filled with feather filaments that provide squishy yet supportive comfort. Down-alternative pillows use microfiber fills to mimic the soft consistency of down. Memory foam and latex pillows also adapt to the curves of your head and neck for cloud-like cushioning.
What is the best comforter to get a fluffy feel?
Down comforters made from real goose or duck down provide the ultimate in lightweight warmth and fluffiness. The fine down clusters create air pockets that make it feel like you’re sleeping under a cloud. If you want a down-like feel for less, down alternative comforters filled with microfiber are a great option.
What thread count and sheets are the softest?
For the softest sheets, look for a thread count between 400-600. This range provides the optimal balance of softness and durability. Egyptian cotton and Pima cotton sheets with a sateen weave have an especially silky, plush feel. Silk sheets, flannel sheets, and Tencel sheets are other luxuriously soft options.
What type of blanket provides the coziest feel?
Fleece blankets and faux fur blankets provide an indulgently soft, velvety feel on the bed. Wool blankets offer breathable warmth and comfort. Lightweight cotton blankets are also ideal if you prefer a cooler, more breathable cover. Look for materials like micro sherpa fleece or super soft faux fur that mimic the plush feel of a cloud.
