~Hello Everyone

I've noticed that a few individual soldiers will, on occasion, ask for such things as pillows and twin sheets. What are the restrictions on these items? Will anything work? For the sheets: Are only certain colors allowed (Army/National Guard)? Do they have to be a specific brand or thread count? 

 Thanks,

~Shannon
 

Hi Lady Shannon
I’ll add some things here and hope others will join in...
I guess like everything else it varies.  
Some request darker color sheets since they look “cleaner” longer.  Some will request solid colors/no prints.  Others have no color/print preference.  While still others will request specific patterns like colorful children’s bed sheets [see Sponge Bob postings for Themed Care packages in What to Send:  Food Items]

I’ve yet to see a specific request re: thread count.  A higher count is probably more comfortable to sleep on but given the environment, I wouldn’t think really expensive sheets would be appropriate.  The rule of thumb is to pick something in between -- not the cheapest but not the highest quality either.  I’ve had good feedback from the sheet sets from Sears/Kmart for teens/children . . . these probably don’t have thread counts on the package. :-) Some can buy sheet sets but report that they are overpriced at the PX or not available in twin sizes.

Pillows don’t seem to be available in any size -–travel size or full size.  I remember reading that one group got one pillow from a supporter and had to have a raffle for it!  I’ve only sent travel size and decorative pillows but I have sent zippered pillow covers to try and extend the life of someone’s pillow.  In general, I send more pillowcases than pillows.

Finally, big bedding bonus is the foam eggshells; or even better, the pricey contouring mattress pads.  Some of the mattresses have gotten very worn out and the coils have punctured the layering and the sleeping soldier! 

Hope this is helpful. Like many here I have to let my pocketbook be the guide 

My prayers are with your boyfriend,
betc

The sheets don't even have to match; I've bought them at yard sales/Goodwill/thrift stores. I just wash/dry them before I send them. (You may want to do that even if you buy a new set--to remove the itchy sizing.)

Regarding pillows, I saw this trick on another site but never tried it:  The woman wrestled a leg of a cut off panty hose over a pillow and swung the pillow, by the "tail" rapidly.  Supposedly, it compressed the pillow into a smaller size and she kept it that way by wrapping and typing the "tail"/leg of the pantyhose around the pillow.  Not sure if this was only a travel size pillow or if she accomplished this with a full-size. . . .  If anyone can copy this maneuver, please let us know here!!

Hi Shannon,

I attempted to send pillows straight from the retailer on a couple of occasions, only to be told after the whole process that they won't deliver them to an APO/FPO address.

BUT...

I saw them on sale at Linens 'n Things online store and I was finally able to send 12 pillows to a group I've been supporting.  The shipping cost was $19.55 for the whole order, but I see that it was send via Parcel Select.  (My order total came to $110, but it was a group effort, so we were able to do it.) Linens n Things frequently have buy one get one 1/2 price sales.  I've also gotten some great deals on sheet sets that I've sent.  Serta pillows, among others, are on sale for $9.99 (buy one get one 1/2 price) if you wanted to try it.

Good luck,

Maggie

I was thinking about buying some pillows at Target for $6 each and putting them in those bags that you compress stuff with for traveling. I wonder if I could get it to roll up and put in those flat rate boxes.

Other people have talked about sending small pillows that will fit in a knapsack. I was thinking maybe a 6"x8" travel pillow. I could make those up easily.

momof6

~Hello

Thanks everyone for the info. Like I said, I've only had a few special requests...I had no idea it was such a big demand. And to think such a simple thing could be so prized!!!

 God Bless,

~Shannon

P.S. Thanks "BETC" for your prayers...we both appreciate it!!!
 

I send the cheapest sheets in America, LOL.  $2 for fitted or flat.  They are muslin...not exactly silky smooth, and very thin, so they probably don't last long.  When the alternative is a dank, lumpy, buggy (ugh) mattress, muslin doesn't seem so bad.  I first sent them to a unit of 20 or so soldiers that had just arrived in Iraq.  I figured it would be quite some time before they all got nice sheets (and I couldn't afford 20 or so nice sets myself) and that these would help tide them over. Also good for the newbies who show up with nothing to use until they can write home to Mom.  And as a set to switch out when they send their good set to the laundry service.

When the need is smaller and less urgent, I usually write and describe the sheets and tell them I'll be happy to send however many they need if they don't get better ones. I have had some write back and request them. One soldier even requested more.  The guys in that unit must be really tough! LOL I have asked for feedback on how long they last, but so far either the sheets last longer than I expected, or the soldiers are too polite to tell me they were tatters inside a week.

I am less thrify with pillowcases because Ithat's where they lay their sensitive little baby cheeks.

I've only sent sheets once so I'm probably not the best person to give advice about that.

But, one bedding item I've sent that's been a hit is a (faux) feather mattress.  You can get extra-long twin ones from Bed, Bath, and Beyond for about $40.  No, this is not ideal to send multiple contacts (especially since they're kind of bulky shipping is little bit more expensive).  But if you have just one contact, a family member, or a significant other who is deployed I would highly suggest sending them one.  I've found these to be a good investment worth splurging on, I've sent about 4 of them, and everyone commented how much more comfortable and easier to sleep it made their "rack".  They get lot of use out of them and when it's time for them to come home they can leave it there for the next guy to enjoy.  Just something to think about if it's within your means.

I did hear about a bed bug epidemic in NYC.
But I thought that Camel Spiders eat bed bugs

I’m not sure the difference between “brand new” and “gently used” sheets is discernible after washing…and washing them first was recommended on here.

-betc

P.S. You iron sheets?  And still find time to post? I'm adding you to my Hero list WranglerGirl!

I think it depends on the soldier and their situation.  Often you can tell from the information in their post if they are in farily primitive conditions or not so bad.  If they are "out in the middle of the desert with nothing," they are probably more likely to be quite happy with gentle used bedding.  Someone who is in pretty good conditions might be a little more picky.

Either way, I think you rarely offend a soldier by showing your support.

I've asked friends and family for bedding they don't use anymore.

One package, specifically requested back in October, was for pillow cases, we sent these:

And we got the MOST AWESOME picture back of this burly rugged Soldier sleeping on the pink one!  My theorie is, anything they ask for, I'll do whatever I can to make it extra special.  I mean really, do they deserve any less?

Kevntosh,

I don't know which is cuter - the pillowcases or your kids!

Great idea!

Jenifer

I too have wondered about the gently used.....

If any one stumbles upon any outrageous sales or clearances for sheets or any supplies frequently requested, it would be great to post it. I always look for a steep clearance, but so far have not seen any good ones for sheets-pillowcases.

 I know for example, that a while ago some top brand deoderants (like ban, arrid, etc) were on sale for 94 cents.

 Needless to say, I might not have planned on sending a bunch of deoderants, but how could I not??