Germans SLEEP DIFFERENTLY than Americans?! | Feli from Germany

[@FelifromGermany]

*Go to piavpn.com/felifromgermany to get 83% off Private Internet Access with 4 months free!* 👉What do you guys think of the "German mattress setup"? And how do you sleep? Do you use a top sheet, a comforter, or a duvet? 🤔

[@haileeraestout5567]

In The Us They Are Called Wubbies

[@extract8058]

Wait a minute, did I hear you incorrectly Feli? Or did you say that Netflix, Amazon, and Disney (3 of the most vile, corrupt, and malevolent corporations to have ever existed) are your sponsors?

[@ChrisBrown-pw2lb]

HEY FELI, I got a money making idea for you. That's if you haven't already thought of it. PUTTING TOGETHER TOUR GROUPS THEN ACTING AS THEIR GUIDE. Hmmmmm.... You get together small groups of 14-20.Put together hotel, tour, and meals like an in person travel agent/tour guide/interpreter to bridge the language gaps. Have you thought about it.

[@CAP198462]

It’s too hot lately for anything more than a top sheet.

[@Trouble_2X]

Hey Feli, here in the UK it seems to be an interesting mix. For example the bedding is usually like in Germany and slat beds are more common but it isn't that unusual to find a box spring bed. Also We have mattress sizes in cm but with more options than the US and Germany as we have euro sizes as well as our own. Double beds are more common than 2 single beds however you can find single beds that zip together to form a double bed with no gap and then it is used with a full size duvet and not 2 single ones. Like the US carpet is quite common (although probably more common in older homes) and our pillows are mostly rectangular and change width with bed but I don't know of a super standard size and the rest are the same as US sizes so they aren't specific to UK bed sizes. Our windows have blinds not rolling shutters but also we rarely have AC or ceiling fans so people do sometimes sleep with windows open. I haven't really noticed how much of a mix even the bedroom is until now as the UK combinations have seemed very normal to me but also they are close enough to either one of the US or Germany that neither of those bedrooms seem weird to me.

[@tonycosta3302]

Sheets are traditionally used because people used to use blankets, which you don’t wash often. The sheets give you a clean envelope to sleep in.

[@giuliaanichini7667]

It's also an extra layer of coverage in the winter.

[@reconmodelsvaughn469]

And we're wool

[@MissAmarintia]

I grew up with sheets and blankets and where I now live that is difficult to find, there are blankets of course but not the type and size to be meant for bedding. I hate duvets. I’m in search of a blanket and top sheets mainly because changing the sheets of a double bed is so much easier than the silly duvet, which I hate soooooo much lol.

[@gearsofbaird3529]

Thats what the duvet Cover is for. Wash the Cover often and the filling rarely

[@JustMe-dc6ks]

Like a sheet, but more work. And sheets are fairly interchangeable. Do you have clean duvet covers ready to use or do you have to wait for them to be laundered?

[@nomenmortis3761]

Easy to explain the two mattresses in one bed: when you have to sleep with your sibling in one bed, the line means "you shall not pass" and if you do, it gives the other the right to push you violently back behind your side of the line

[@jacobpast5437]

It gives your sibling the right to push you violently off the other side of the bed and smack you hard with the pillow when you are trying to get back up

[@richardfrost7575]

Not when you have to share with your other 2 or 3 brothers all in one bed. I am # 9 of 10 children, being the youngest boy I usually got stuffed into the worst most uncomfortable spot .😊

[@DeathMetal918]

Sounds overly complicated. Just go to sleep. No point to bring violence into it yeah?

[@man4290]

!!!OR NOT!!!🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@jasonkenney2231]

With brother's like mine, something like that would not have worked. We'd fight to claim both mattresses and push everyone else to the floor.

[@cawinepro]

The top sheet is what separates the comforter blanket/duvet cover from your skin. You wash your fitted sheet/flat top sheet normally every weekend and that way you don't have to clean your blanket/duvet cover all the time.

[@halfsourlizard9319]

How the heck dirty is everyone in the comments of this vid that the sheets need to be washed weekly?

[@rla1000]

@@halfsourlizard9319 If "nothing else," consider sweat, body oils, and sloughed off skin cells. They can make your sheets pretty nasty in a few days. So, no, it's not like you go to bed caked in mud or something. btw, In a single night, your body sloughs off 12 MILLION dead skin cells. A lot eventually find a way to your mattress anyway (10 pounds worth in 10 years) so washing sheets and pillowcases more often is just more hygienic. I think at least weekly is kind of a norm, if not more often.

[@mtnmagic1998]

I'm in North Carolina and have a winter weight duvet and duvet cover and flat top sheet so not all US.😊 I do admit I've had to explain what a duvet is.

[@davidmann4533]

Never use a top sheet

[@afriend5994]

@@halfsourlizard9319 How gross are you that you don't wash your sheets regularly? It has NOTHING to do with dirty and everything to do with hygiene.

[@janepolcyn5395]

Thank you very much. I spent about 9 days in Germany back in 1999. I loved sleeping with a duvet, extremely comfortable, and helping with proper rest. Thank you for your videos, Feli. I live in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan near Lake Superior. Weather gets very cold here.

[@jbmcdoogle]

The first time my partner and I traveled to Prague we stayed at a AirBnB that had a king size bed with two twin duvets - one for each. He loved it so much we bought two at Ikea in the US along with covers etc and that's how our bed is made in our home. It's SO much better than pulling the covers off each other during the night.

[@kuldan5853]

I always get crazy when I travel and they DON'T provide twin duvets now. We always need to "compromise" that my wife gets the duvet and I only get the top sheet to sleep with because sharing is out of the question - we simply can't sleep US style at all.

[@stevemawer848]

Another advantage is if you generate different amounts of heat when you sleep - I can get away with a 4.5 tog all year round, but my partner needs at least a 10 in winter.

[@marthathompson2012]

I keep a folded blanket beside my bed to grab if my husband steals the covers. I’m not playing tug of war.

[@MrFlazz99]

As a duvet-stealer (I can't help it...), this makes good sense.

[@nicolelittrell2937]

I think older people in America tend to do the top sheet and comforter/ quilt. I always buy a size bigger comforter/quilt so we have more blanket to go around. My adult children do not use a top sheet which is their preference. In regards to making it I just grab the top of the sheet and blanket together and shake it up and it naturally falls down and smooth it out with my hand and fold it down. It is really pretty simple.

[@InkedGnome]

I always thought that using two mattresses instead of one large one was a matter of practicality. I've lived in houses here where it was difficult to move a large mattress, especially up stairs and around corners. If homes in Germany tend to be smaller I could see that being a larger problem there.

[@matsv201]

We have a 3 mattresse system that is pretty common here. Two bottom one on top. This way it can be diffrent hardness on diffrent side but still have one mattres over.

[@FelifromGermany]

I'm sure that plays a role as well!

[@justus8675]

Well most mattresses are easily bendable around corners. And if you buy a new foam mattress, it comes rolled up, so there is also no problem.

[@dnocturn84]

@@justus8675 Try to bend a 2m x 2m or 1.8m x 2m mattress and carry it around stairs and other narrow areas. You will only be able to bend one of the 2m sides, the other one will stay at 2 meters and bend or rolled up mattresses of that size will still end up being huge in the bend or rolled up area. You'll have to use new, factory sealed ones, to carry them around somewhat comfortably.

[@justus8675]

@@dnocturn84 Actually I've had to move several times, so I already had to carry around a big matress. 2m is the height of most doors, so there is no problem with the heigth. And bending around corners is no problem either. Just put one or two old sheets on the matress for some protection and you are completly fine, if you have a helping hand to move the matress around. Long story short: I havn't encounter any narrowness which would have blocked my way. Those might exist, but I haven't see them!

[@Cassieheartswilford]

I personally think the two single bed idea is brilliant! My husband gets up a lot through the night and wakes me up numerous times!

[@hmpeter]

Then this is the right bed for you! :-) Get two slatted frames and mattresses. Choose a mattress with foam, no pure spring mattresses for maximum movement isolation. My GF and me thought we were doomed to sleep apart forever because she moves a lot while sleeping and gets up at least 2-3 times a night. We opted then for the above construction (with hybrid mattresses, pocketed spring core base with multi-layer foam top). Now this is a complete non-issue, I can't tell when was the last time I had a bad night's sleep because of that.

[@Aine197]

If you want to try it out, I recommend getting one big bedframe with two separate slatted frames inside, next to each other. Two separate frames tend to move against each other making really annoying sounds at night. A relatively low-price way to try this out is to buy from that blue and yellow Swedish chain we all know ;-)

[@silentlyjudgingyou]

Yes both people get the mattress they like instead of an inbetween compromise. the dip in the middle is the compromise

[@karlamackey4675]

I like the idea of 2 mattresses. My husband and I always were opposites. He liked 3 pillows and I am more comfortable with just 1 pillow. He didn't care if he had a top sheet or not, and I can't sleep without one because I don't like the feel of a blanket touching my skin. But, the absolute biggest difference between us, was that he HATED sheets and blankets tucked in and I HAVE to tuck mine in. My sheets and blankets have to be perfectly tucked and wrinkle free, otherwise I won't get any sleep at all. I don't tuck in my comforter. I don't like duvet covers, because they are difficult to get back on. I'd just rather put the whole thing in the washer and dryer. I don't have a lot of money, so I just decorate the rooms in my house that people see, like the livingroom, bathroom, and kitchen.

[@Rarrkelstarr]

I studied in Germany so lived there for 9 months. My parents thought seperate single duvets and beds for couples pushed together were the funniest thing they've ever seen. So practical though! Nothing worse than sharing a duvet. 🤣

[@Lovesapuzzle]

Fitted sheet, flat sheet, blanket, quilt. The flat sheet and blanket tuck in at the foot of the bed so, they stay fairly orderly. The quilt is decorative and folded down in warmer months and used as an additional layer in colder months. The sheets and pillow cases are laundered weekly. The rest is laundered as needed.

[@veronicaquintanatorres2473]

This is how I do it too, I am in Southamerica and it is the standard, at least in my country

[@monicahamm3353]

exactly!

[@rebeccat9389]

This!

[@rosieweaselby]

After my first trip to Germany in college, I went to the German style. I always hated the top sheet getting out of place and things getting tangled. A feather duvet with a pillowcase style cover so it’s all one unit is the best thing ever and you don’t have to tuck anything, way easier to make the bed.

[@Lovesapuzzle]

@@rosieweaselby I see your point about making the bed but, isn't wrangling the duvet in and out of it's cover a pain?

[@Kittydoc90]

My mother was German so I grew up sleeping under my grandmother’s Bettdecke. When I married my very American, highly sensitive husband, he could not adjust and so I “sacrificed” and slept - for forty-one years - with a more traditional American style bed with a top sheet and comforter; however, I still used my Bettdecke on top of the comforter on my side because I needed the extra weight to keep warm. I tried fifty ways to Sunday to figure out how to not use the top sheet and just my Bettdecke, but to no avail, and my husband had his dislike compounded after a couple of business trips to Germany where he used “down alternatives” in hotels - and roasted. The first time I saw a French friend’s bed with its lovely Bettdecke, I looked at it with such visible longing that she noticed and rather than making fun of me, she completely understood and commiserated with me for my tragic circumstance (🙄), and also told me I must truly love this man. She’s a true friend. It really did bother my really wonderful husband that he seemed incapable of compromising so as to please me. BUT, forty-one years in, my soon-to-retire spouse, older now and taking more naps, used my Bettdecke alone as a cover and…liked it. So he offered to give it another go at night, albeit still under a top sheet, and after a few successful nights of sleep, he upped the ante by trying with the Bettdecke alone and…liked it. I am in Heaven.

[@LakesandOceans588]

You can also get twin sized type of bedding you like and whatever he likes and just share the bottom fitted sheet. My husband only has a top sheet and light blanket and I use a separate top sheet (so we’re not pulling it off each other at night when we roll over) and a heavier blanket and quilt cover or duvet w/down insert in the winter. Both of us are happy and no one is compromising.

[@ella9693]

What a lovely story, thank you for sharing

[@chrtravels]

A top sheet is much easier than having to change a duvet cover all the time. When I lived in Europe that was a constant source of annoyment. Obviously not the end of the world, but I found it to be a time-consuming process and I’ve never liked those. We do have them here in the states, but that’s never something I chose to buy for myself. I’m not a wild sleeper so the sheets don’t end up all over the place. Ha ha.

[@Kittydoc90]

@@chrtravels A lovely, soft, smooth top sheet can be very pleasant, but there is just a different feel to having a fluffy Bettdecke enveloping you from top to bottom. It’s hard wired in me since that’s what I grew up with and it has been a joy to enjoy that feeling once again.

[@nancywutzke5392]

@@ella9693 Lovely story???? Its a story about a man always having to have things their way and never compromising. I call divorce time! I'm a woman that can financially take care of myself. So I don't HAVE TO stay with a man to survive.

[@charliebecker9391]

Hallo Feli: My wife and I traveled to Vienna, Austria to visit friends we met while they were traveling in the US. We rented an apartment near the center of the City. We were very pleased with the beds and the fact that they were separated and we both had our own Duvet. We found sleeping very comfortable. If you fall out of bed in Austria, you will not suffer an injury, since they are not as high as the beds in the US. Approximately, 20 years ago, our son was dating a young lady from Germany, who was attending college in the US. She gifted my wife and I a Duvet. To this day, this is what we use on our bed here in the US. Although we still use the Queensize Bed and one large mattress, we love using the Duvet. During our stay in Austria, we found numerous differences, which we found very pleasing. When we first checked into our apartment, we could not locate the toilet. We found that it had it's own room, which was very sensible. Someone taking a shower did not have to put up with an unpleasant odor since the toilet had it's own room. Finding the method of "Flushing" the toilet only took a short time as we found the "Two" buttons on the wall for that purpose. (Much to my dismay, I could not locate the method to flush the Public Toilets at the Train Station). The Maintenance Man, at the Apartment House, probably found it a bit funny when I had to call him to show us how to turn on the Electric, by placing our door key in the access slot upon entry; and the fact that I was not aware that the stove was "Convection" and not just Electric. After a brief, but thorough explanation, of how to operate the facilities in the apartment, we had a really pleasant stay in Vienna and the Apartment was extremely comfortable. I've rambled on long enough, however; old people do that sometimes. I enjoy you Channel very much. Best Wishes. Bis Spater

[@iPlayOnSpica]

Definitely a long-term gripe I have with American homes is always keeping the toilet and shower in the same room. Sometimes, the toilet blocks half the entrance/exit to the shower! Such a bizarre design.

[@TheUtuber999]

@@iPlayOnSpica Depending on perspective, it could also be seen as a plus having one room to enter in order to do all the things one needs to do to get ready to start one's day in the morning, for example. Six of one or half a dozen of the other.

[@Krokostad]

I'm German and I love how fluffy the duvet is. In winter time I even have 2 duvets because yes: we sleep with a tilted window, even when it's cold outside. I couldn't sleep without fresh air. On vacations in warmer countries I hated it, when I only had a thin bed sheet. I never understood the decorations with so many pillows you never need. We don't even make our bed because noone comes in the bedroom. When we get guests I just shut the bedroom door. I get it when you are a Student and only have one bedroom. But there,'s one thing I envy the US: closets!!!!

[@pleappleappleap]

The topsheet, blanket, and comforter serve separate purposes. The topsheet is soft against your skin. Purely for comfort. The blanket doesn't have to be soft, and can be used purely to insulate heat in. In extremely cold situations, you can have multiple blankets. The comforter, on the top layer prevents drafts from reacting the blanket and carrying the heat away. I live somewhere where it gets down to -20 ⁰F sometimes.

[@Marra54277]

I learned about the German way of making the bed when I lived in Germany and I love it! Now I am back in the US, and make all the beds in my house the same way. Since I sew, I used my flat sheets to make duvet covers for my duvets. My family likes how comfortable it is, and how easily it is to make the bed in the morning. I also made my bed frame into a sled bed to only use the mattress instead of having a boxspring bed.

[@philipbrazis8732]

You fix or make your bed? I don't, l let it air and dry out during the day, l like a flat sheet to keep blankets clean

[@sternenblumen]

I feel that it's important to know that the gap between the two single mattresses in a double bed has a special name: the "Besucherritze" = "visitor's gap". It's where a little child will lie if they crawl into their parents' bed in the night. As such, I have very fond memories associated with the Besucherritze 🥰.

[@FelifromGermany]

YES thanks for mentioning that! 😁

[@monaj.simpson6710]

Or the "Gräbele" as people in my area referr to it 😊

[@rlsmith46]

or "Besuchspalte"

[@DasVoLlHoNk]

​@@monaj.simpson6710 Haha, welcome to the Länd ⬛🟨

[@TheIridescentcloud]

@@monaj.simpson6710 Also fun when you don't have a guest room in your house and you get to tell your guest "Kommsch einfach ins Gräbele"

[@ThisIsJessPaul]

The German double-mattress sounds like a solution I've been hoping for my whole life. I personally hate sleeping in a bed with another person. I feel so uncomfortable and self-conscious that my movements will bother someone else, the heat factor, blanket stealing etc. This makes sense to a wayward American like me.

[@bluetickbeagles116]

Yes! Sleeping in the same bed with SO is wayyy overrated. Sleep is essential to our health and when disrupted due to having another person snoring, moving around, sheet stealing (lol), is detrimental to wakefulness the next day/mental/physical well being.

[@michellelyman7092]

we used to have two queen sized beds in our bedroom - one for each of us and it worked out very well - now I have a kingsized bed in one room and he has a queen in another room and it works even better for us.

[@hameley12]

I learned years ago in my History class in college that men and women used to sleep in separate beds, side by side or even separate rooms from the Victorian era through to the 1950s. Then the fascination died down. Then we ladies have had to suffer through endless nights as our spouses wake up to go to the toilet or through snores, and through sleepwalking, which didn't/ doesn't help when you have to be up early to go to work. We should bring this tradition back. Sign my petition, please.... ✒ 📜 😄

[@Seralynnlewis]

I was raised in the U.S. with a top sheet with a bedspread on top. Duvets/comforters didn't come into vogue until later on. BUT... when we lived in Germany for 16 months, I was totally surprised about not having the top sheet on our beds in our temporary housing. I loved it SO much, when we returned to the U.S. I've copied the German way of making our beds. LOVE it. So simple. And it's easier to make the bed everyday.

[@Johnny-701]

My wife and I recently bought new mattresses in Germany. We wanted to get a single large mattress and just like you described, the lady at the store convinced us to get 2 separate ones. Her argument besides the different weights was that apparently wide mattress don't last as long and will need to be replaced more frequently. In the end I'm happy with our choice because each of us could get the mattress they liked best and we didn't have to find a compromise that neither of us is completely happy with.

[@Bl00dMalice]

Wouldn't you run into the problem of having an uncomfortable seam in the middle of the bed? I used to push two singles together and place a king-size mattress protector/pad on top to hold them together. This was not by choice but circumstance on where I was renting. Regardless of the padding, the seam would always be there and was annoying when rolling towards the middle of the bed.

[@Shirumoon]

@@Bl00dMalice I mean, you're not supposed to steal space from your partner's side either way sooo 😅but yeah, when cuddling in the middle, the seam is quite annoying. An option is to put a mattress topper on top though, I think they have them in larger sizes as well.

[@Johnny-701]

@@Bl00dMalice we do have a mattress protector in the full size on top. The main reason why it doesn't bother us though, is that most of the time one of our kids lays between us and we don't get to cuddle in the middle anyway 😅

[@Astrid-88]

​@@Johnny-701 Mattress protector isn't the same as a topper mattress though. I literally can't sleep without my topper mattress since it covers all the annoying things, like a seal in the middle. My current bed has two parts so I use my 120x200 topper on it (I own two toppers, 120x200 and 80x200, I take one of them whenever I move, depending what kind of bed is there, this bed happens to be 140x200) and I fill the leftover 20cms near wall with some blankets (noone uses the 20 cms closest to the wall anyway). It works great, I can barely feel the seam even if I am exactly on it. Great for cuddling.

[@JohnBlutarski]

​@@Bl00dMaliceDepends on what you're going to do in the middle of the bed (alone or together)

[@gemum4219]

I LOVE rolling shutters!!! I wish they were in all houses here in the USA.

[@elisabethvismans]

We had the rolling shutters in Germany. They were on a timer. Loved it. Miss them. I love the duvets in Germany.

[@sylvanaire]

Yes! If I could redo the windows in my house, I would have rolläden shutters on all the windows. Well, only if I could fit insect screens between the glass & the shutters. There are just too many flying bugs in America to go without, lol.

[@jaboter]

Norwegians also often do the two mattress thing and I can say it also makes moving WAY easier. Big mattresses are hard to get up narrow stairs and harder to move in general. But we add a thick top mattress that turns the two beds into one. I'm an American originally but have been living in Europe for 20 years, and I'm totally sold on the system, as well as the individual duvet system. I also love the weird square pillows in Germany :D

[@RevRaptor898]

Where I'm at using a duvet with cover over a top sheet pretty much the norm. The main advantage is you never have to take the duvet cover off, just wash the two sheets and you are good. We tuck the top sheet in to prevent it getting messy and to trap in warmth :)

[@jennenny87]

My husband and I are both from immigrant families (UK and Belgium, respectively) but grew up mostly in the US. We live in a very hot part of the country, so we use a duvet in the winter and a top sheet with a light cotton blanket in the summer. It makes sense to adapt to the climate you live in, even if you have air conditioning. That way we can keep the AC(or heat, in the winter) at a more affordable and eco-friendly level without sacrificing any comfort.

[@tqueen7131]

Most in the US are from Immigrant families since Germans, Irish Italians and others only really came over in the last 100 years or so sometimes much less. Technically speaking the US is a place of Immigrants outside of Native Americans. All brought their cultures here and every bed style in this video is used in the US.

[@davidolday704]

Smart, informative and fun. Works for me. I'm of German descent and I'm one of the 'clean look' people which has irritated more than one partner who had beds with many pillows and several blankets, etc so every night was task night carefully removing all the extraneous bedding before we could finally climb into bed. And talk about a mood killer. "Wait wait wait, we must store the pillows first." "OK, honey, you do that while I rearrange the medicine cabinet...." Thanks Feli, I always look forward to your posts.

[@jeromejanisch2500]

Thanks!

[@loramwhite7284]

No TV or any screens in the bedroom. It’s only for reading, relaxing, and sleeping…and the romantic activity you mentioned 🥰

[@hameley12]

Exactly, I grew up without a television in my room or any electronics of any kind. It gave me the chance to catch up on reading, homework, or even drawing, or journaling. Today, I share a room with my boyfriend I told him of my solution to give him a full night's sleep there should be no electronic items in the room. It took him almost a year to get used to a small manual alarm clock. We don't own a TV but we do have our phones and two laptop computers and that's it, all of these charge in a separate room for a couple of hours, unplug. And we unplug and off to bed. It makes life a lot easier and we plan to implement this when we have children too. 😊

[@marybethfrain7165]

Agreed ….. I watch a show in the living room to wind down. No TV in the bedroom.

[@TheUtuber999]

There are some kinds of video that are nice to watch in the bedroom. Just saying.

[@KevinMaxwell-o3t]

I agree! Reading, sleeping, sex. That's it.

[@freyialilian]

Hehe! British person here. We also use the same bedding as the Germans do. I think I’ve only slept in one British bed with top sheets - my Grandparents’ house when I was little, but they also used a duvet in addition. This is reminding me of when I dated this American guy very briefly and he started talking about a comforter and I was so confused! The only time I’d heard this term was in the context of kids having a “comforter” - a comfort blanket or toy, a special cloth item that made them feel safe!

[@tacotamer]

Ah, that probably explains my family growing up. I'm Canadian but My mum is British and we had fitted sheet, flat sheet (top sheet), duvet my entire life. Now that I've moved out, I've dropped the flat/top sheet because its useless.

[@Ritsumei30]

I've never heard of a child's special blanket being called a comfoter; in US English it's most frequently called a blankey. So interesting, all the different ways of doing things!

[@turquoisewitch.wild-owl]

I do have to say I love the side-by-side mattresses and set ups in Europe MUCH better than one of everything for two people. I finally told my husband we were going to have separate top blankets because if he moved in the night pulling the covers, it'd wake me up. I sleep so much better that way. We still only have one mattress, but having separate top sheets and blankets totally helps!

[@ramonvanderben8120]

Hi Feli, Here in The Netherlands bedrooms are quite similar to German setup, as to be expected since we're neighbors. My wife and I have a box spring bed with two separate matrasses of different weight support categories, because I am quite a bit taller (and thus heavier) than she is. Because of my tall size we have an extended length of 2,40 m, which isn't standard to my knowledge. Another reason for the two matrasses is that we have an electrically reclining bed frame. So whenever she wants to sit upright to read a book f.e. I can lay down and go to sleep...To cover up the split in the middle, we have a semi-split top matrass. Split at the top end to provide enough movement to recline the individual sides, and connected at the other side to cover up a split between the two matrasses... And because I am the biggest of all blanket thieves, we also have the two separate duvets.

[@nigratruo]

I'm a fellow emigrant from Germany and I'm in California, I love sleeping with feather duvets and use really big fancy feather pillows too (that are rectangular). I love how fast you make a bed if you need to, just grab the duvet and put it on the bed neatly, takes 3 seconds. With sheets, first of all, I did not learn how to handle them during sleep, so they get all messed up and one sheet might even be gone in the morning and then making the bed, arghhhh, horrible, too much work EVERY MORNING and then you HAVE to make the bed, because sheets don't work if you don't. For me the feather duvets are just superior technology, beating the sheet mess and I'm always amazed how the natural feathers cool you when you are hot and warm you when you are cold, very fascinating how well that works. I have also beautiful duvet covers that are little pieces of art, that make the bed look always different and interesting, offering vibrant colors and sceneries.

[@hameley12]

I'm not from Germany. I'm Portuguese and also autistic. I absolutely love duvets and quilts. It feels nice to have something cool or warm to wrap around it. I use the feather duvets for warm months and the quilts in the colder months. My boyfriend and I don't have to fight over the covers since he has his own and I have my own. I always recommend to my friends to invest in excellent linen or cotton, light feather duvets, they are the best! 😊

[@johnstyron6543]

I’ve been to many countries now but I was originally shocked when I first when to a destination where the bed had a duvet and no top sheet. I thought they lost it or forgot it. 😂. I guess I grew up with the cool feeling of the top sheet and I’m still totally loving my top sheet. 😍

[@kellyzarek4073]

My great grandfather came to the US from Germany. I remember my grandma always had to have a window slightly open at night for fresh air. Now I know why! You have mentioned many other things common to Germans that my family has often done. Thank you for helping fit some of the puzzle pieces together! Always enjoy your videos. 😊

[@hameley12]

Kelly, I know exactly what you mean! My grandmother was Brazilian and my grandfather was from Portugal. He always taught her and the rest of us that we did not need fancy equipment to keep cool. In fact, he knew how to sew, iron clothes, and keep cool in the summer months. When they built their first home it had transom windows. Throughout the day they would open up these small windows to let air in but not the insects. They also had what Feli showed here the rolling blinds outside the windows, they had those too. I still remember Gramps whenever he was outside washing and rinsing the clothes, he'd tell us that the sun is the best way to dry clothing and the best solution to keep white clothing bright and white for a long time. He definitely taught us a lot! You are blessed to have had your great-grandfather as well! 🙂💚👕🎽

[@C3N50R3D]

You are so likable and have a great personality. You found the perfect job for you when you decided to make this show.

[@blaue_blue]

I want to move to Germany (from the US) eventually, and your videos are so helpful for learning laws, culture, land, language, and just other general things. Thank you for your thorough and wonderful channel! Glad I found you :)

[@arnodobler1096]

Welcome 🇩🇪

[@thefeminist91]

Welcome In case you like toearn more look up Ryan Wass.

[@barrydraper]

Very cool comparisons. As a US citizen, I've been to Germany for business, so I can understand and appreciate many of these differences. It would be great to combine all of the best features from both countries, which is what it appears that you are doing here in the US.

[@Duckietwo]

… but all the best features are German. 😂 🤷‍♂️

[@lars9925]

@@Duckietwo As a German I have to disagree. Having air conditioned houses is the best of all the features.

[@valkaielod]

@@lars9925 And it's still not needed in most of Europe.

[@lars9925]

@@valkaielod We are talking about great features of modern housing in Germany and the US, nothing of that is "needed". You can live in a mud hut. And it's absolutely great to have air conditioning in the summer. I don't like to suffer in 35°C.

[@ValentinIulianAndronache]

@@lars9925 You make valid points my friend. Just throwing in my experience as a 36 year old Romanian. My dad installed two air conditioning units in our apartment in May 2008, right before the summer heat waves. And after the summer of 2007, when for 3 days straight, the thermostat in the hallway (which also has a thermometer function obviously) continuously showed 42 degrees. Outside it was around 39-40. Air con is a great feature and a life saver. And sadly, due to climate change and global warming, it will probably be needed in most of Europe within the next 5-10 years. But since you mentioned mud huts, one could also live partially underground like the hobbits of Lord of the Rings. And if you dig deep enough, you might not need air con for an even longer time 😄

[@gazlator]

From my experience, I think (from a UK perspective) that prior to the the late 70s or early 80s, blankets, quilts and a top sheet were the "commonplace" style of bed fittings; but from around that time onwards duvets became rapidly popular so that by 90s the duvet was pretty typical.

[@Redrally]

Yeah British houses see the top sheet over quilt style as old-fashioned or quaint. I remember finding such a bed charming when I saw it in my holiday house in Wales one year. Saying that, I've slept in those beds. A similar but thicker set in Peru with top sheet surrounding hard wool quilts (my favourite variant). I have winter duvets with the soft lining from Egypt. I also have satin duvets. I've noticed I seem to like changing my bed to fit the climate as my bedding alters between Summer and Winter. Saying that, the German square pillow is my favourite - suitable for supporting neck and shoulders.

[@stevemawer848]

You think (from a UK perspective) quite correctly! And we had lino on the floor which was bloody freezing in winter to put your bare feet on! And when duvets came on the scene we initially called them "continental quilts".

[@charleswelch249]

Growing up without ac. We usually had a thin sheet in the summer, which was washed from sweating in it every day. But in winter, we had a warm blanket to keep warm. Also, during the summer, we had the windows open all night and closed during the day with the curtains closed to keep the sunlight out and the heat down. But we open the curtains in winter so the sunlight would warm up the house. Anything other than just a pillow was unnecessary sense you had chores and school. You only had a few hours to sleep and get back to life again. Great video and Merry Christmas to everyone.

[@mimimonster]

As an American, I find separately mattresses and duvets brilliant. It makes total sense. So everyone can be comfortable. I support a cultural revolution 💪🏼🛌

[@PaulvanRijswijk]

Indeed, and if you add a 2-person top matras, as we do in the Netherlands, you don't have a gap in the middle

[@AngieRhilinger]

for a while my boyfriend had a bed like this but i refused to use it when we moved in together cause i’d always end up in the crack 😭 he did only have one blanket but i feel like it would happen to me either way

[@Jeremy-kg1zr]

I guess if you have a weird situation where you share a bed with a roommate, or are in a cold relationship, but for those with a romantic partner where you share love and affection and want to be close...

[@seraphiccandy21]

@@Jeremy-kg1zr sharing love and affection does not always mean wanting to be close. I am autistic and like a bit of a snuggle for a few minutes but then thats it. Being held for longer then say, 5 minutes, is sensory hell for me. Being close does not mean I am attached to my partner during our sleeping hours.

[@Jeremy-kg1zr]

@@seraphiccandy21 Well obviously there are exceptions, and I'm speaking in generalizations, from my perspective, as it would be impossible, and silly, for me to sit and point out every exception I could think of every time I make a comment.

[@Risible1]

Use a top sheet, grew up doing it. Also that way in the US military. And use a slat bed with a foam mattress. Love having window open, esp in winter!

[@viperstew7819]

Hi, Feli! Love your channel. I'm an American who has lived in Ukraine since 2011, except for a brief period from April to October 2022 when I went to Poland for medical reasons and then went back to the States for the first time since leaving in March 2011. While there I stayed in Hawaii (Maui) with relatives and the California desert with a friend south of Needles where temps were about 45 degrees Celsius from July to September. While there, in both locales, I slept with just a sheet with the ceiling fan on. On Maui, there was no AC, not really too hot so many people don't have it. I was in a middle-class level condo across from the beach. I slept with the window open there. In the California desert across the Colorado River from the hottest incorporated city in the US--Lake Havasu City, AZ--I had AC. It felt cold inside if I set the thermostat below 78 degrees Fahrenheit (about 25.5 C ). But at that temp inside I kept the window closed, AC on, and fan going. With just a sheet. Over the years living in Ukraine, I've used either a duvet or a sheet, depending on the season. Winter: duvet [or more during Russian-induced lack of heating in 2022-2023 winter (thick bath robe, stocking cap)], window closed, no heater. Prior to the full-scale invasion, just a duvet and no cap, window closed. Summer, windows/doors open, single sheet or light blanket. [For several years I had an enclosed balcony with bedroom, kitchen and living room doors opening onto it; with balcony windows open, except when some jerk would smoke on their balcony at 02:45!] Where I am now, I have AC and keep the window closed this summer, we have been having air raids at night and it gets noisy out there with Patriots shooting down Kinzhal cruise missiles. In general, I think I sleep the same as in Germany in Ukraine. But I wish I had a ceiling fan!

[@tracyb5660]

This is the first of your videos that I've seen. I really like how you mentioned the differences without being insulting to either way. Great job! I'm looking forward to seeing more of your videos.

[@StoickMcGee]

Loved the rolling shutters and also the German windows which could be opened for easy cleaning on the inside and out. Would love to have them in my house in Idaho.

[@soIzec]

God, i miss them so much. What i'd give to be able to just make my room pitch black at 12 in the afternoon again

[@markrossow6303]

there is (?was) a Rolläden supplier in Seattle they don't fit our 1893 house, but I looked them up when considering what to do with our too-bright-in-Summer West Facing bedroom windows when we 1st moved in then a tall skinny house went up on the side-yard sold separately from our house purchase -- problem solved

[@marwerno]

@@markrossow6303 There are still a number of roller shutter manufacturers in the US. Also search for hurricane shutters instead of roller shutters and you should find them 🙂

[@umbertocolapicchioni2467]

here in Switzerland, is not uncommon, at least for fairly recent homes like mine, to have motorized Rolladens on every window, including bathrooms, kitchen, dining rooms, everywhere. And they all open in both directions so yes, we always keep them partially opened on top at night.

[@chrisschembari2486]

Growing up, I used the regular (for children in the US) twin bed, fitted sheet on bottom and flat sheet on top, with just a thin woolen blanket over that - no comforter or duvet. Wool blankets are a lot easier to wash and dry than a thick filled comforter or duvet. We often had the windows open for most of the year, weather allowing, but had to close them all for Chicago winters. My father never turned the heat on until after Halloween, and set it on a moderate temperature, not very warm; so in cold spring and fall weather, we wore sweaters and the beds wore a second, thicker woolen blanket. On hot summer nights, the lone blanket usually got kicked to the foot of the bed, and sometimes the top sheet too. My father didn't like the expense of air conditioning, so we only used AC sparingly on extra-hot summer days and nights. Even on those days, the AC was set for a pretty moderate temperature, not making the house an icebox, because it would cost more. Our house had no ceiling fans, so we endured most hot days and nights with desk and floor fans pointed right at us, and the open windows, of course.

[@melanie7101]

I complain every summer when it is over 30 degrees (86F for you) that I would also like to have an AC like the people in the US 😂

[@1956jude]

I was a German exchange student in 1972. The family I stayed with had a featherbed to sleep on with a duvet on top. The mother would hang the Duvets out the windows regularly to freshen them. (I lived in Mussbach near Neustadt an der Weinstrasse)

[@BhappyD]

I love the smell of fresh air, but I would die of allergies and wake up as one big giant hive if I did that with my bedding. It sounds so lovely! 😔

[@davidfuchs97]

That‘s so cool. My girlfriend is from that area. Mussbach is a beautiful small town!

[@1956jude]

@@davidfuchs97 My memories are hazy after all these years but it was a wonderful experience.

[@NurseMJ986]

Duvet covers are so practical and easy to wash. Keeps your comforter/inserts clean. I use a fleece/sherpa blanket underneath for added warmth. Cozy.

[@Pandorash8]

Here in Australia, we typically have a fitted sheet on the mattress, then a flat top sheet and a duvet (we call them “doona’s”) and a cover. We also have a pretty even distribution of box-springs versus slatted bad frames. I love the double mattress and duvets in Germany. Makes sleeping with a partner much easier. My late husband and I ended up buying a motorised bed that consisted of two king single mattresses.

[@claires3528]

I think it is fairly varied. I'm in Aus too & we just have fitted sheets with doona & doona cover

[@jenniferk4336]

Sheets in the US are usually sold as a set, so marketing perpetuates the role of top sheet. I absolutely use and love a top sheet. It provides an option during the night to throw the comforter aside and cool down while remaining covered. So perhaps American modesty also plays a role. It’s easy to remove and wash a sheet set, and I love cuddling in the scent of a freshly bleached set of white sheets!

[@TracyKMainwaring]

I'm starting to see flat and fitted sheets sold separately here in Canada. I also like the versatility of having the top sheet still once you've warmed up under the duvet. My husband and I have separate duvets (his parents are British immigrants and that's what they used), and I also have a top sheet, he doesn't.

[@vaderladyl]

They have been selling separate pieces for many years now.

[@aeolia80]

Having lived on 3 continents and 3 countries in my life, I can tell you every culture does bedding differently, lol. And I honestly feel like this is the last part of your personal culture that you won't ever give up or it will be extremely difficult to change.

[@iddrumco]

YOU ROCK FELI! YOUR ENERGY IS NOT ONLY POSITIVE BUT IT IS INFECTUOUS (in a good way!)! AUSGEZEICHNET! 😉👍

[@jaydubdiscoveries]

Great video! As Americans, I was obviously brought up with the top sheet + comforter. My wife introduced duvets into our home, but we still have the top sheet - go figure! I've always loved the practicality of German culture. When we travel to the EU and spend time with our German friends, we adapt easily including sleeping with windows open, and honestly love having our own duvets! I'm with you on the ridiculous rows upon rows of decorative pillows. I've at least gotten my wife to reduce our bed to have just one long decorative pillow instead of two rows of 2 or 3!

[@reginac8474]

I like a duvet and a top sheet so that I have to wash the duvet cover less often. Putting a king size duvet back into its cover is quite a chore.

[@markrossow6303]

s0 n0 m0re "Home & Garden" IG-Ready in the Bedroom ?? ¿

[@TracyKMainwaring]

the two mattress thing also helps when you live in a house with a narrow staircase, or there's a turn in the stairs. We couldn't get a double bed size box spring up the stairs in our new townhouse in the 90s (Canada!).

[@maxkaffeine4225]

Although I spent two years in W. Germany, I wasn't familiar with the duvet. My introduction to duvet culture came via my Canadian friends in Toronto. They also like to tease about the U.S. not using the metric system; and I like to tease back that they still have monarchy.

[@DDBurnett1]

The U.S. does have the metric system

[@marshsundeen]

​@@DDBurnett1II certain ways, but I am 5'3, not what er that converts to in centimeters.

[@tamarah6663]

​@@DDBurnett1No, they use inch and yards!

[@maxkaffeine4225]

Where does "mile" come from? A mile is 5,280 feet, but how was that measurement derived? It comes from the Roman Army. Just as "millimetere" means 1/1,000 of a metre, "millilitre" means 1/1,000 of a litre, and "million" is 1,000 thousand, "mile" comes from 1,000 paces (which would make one Roman pace, 5.28 feet). Just as Germany, at one time, used DM as currency, Canada used to use "Imperial gallons," which were a bit more than a U.S. gallon.

[@amandahealey2216]

@@DDBurnett1 Only for science. The average person uses the standard system

[@dpsonnenberg4537]

Thank you for the video. I can't wait for the next show.

[@22craigjohnson]

I grew up in the US with a top and bottom sheet, and a beadspread. Then what touches your body are the sheets, and washing sheets is all that is needed most of the time, and the mattress cover. If more cover is needed for warmth, blankets are added. Then quilts can be used as a beadspread for more warmth in the winter. Duvets are now used in the US, but they weren’t always. Comforters are more popular.

[@chasemcintyre3528]

Seconding this -- top sheets mean you can wash your blankets/comforter less often, because they don't touch you so don't get gross as quickly. This is nice because blankets are bulky and annoying to haul to the laundry, and even in a really good dryer they can take a while to get dry.

[@chrstiania]

how do you all sleep that you don't touch the blanket/comforter while sleeping? Do you never put your arms on top of the blanket? More often than not I have my arms on top the blanket and the blanket in my armpits. A lot of times when sleeping on my side and its warm, I'll have one leg over the blanket as well. Also dust. If I don't change my covers after two weeks max I'm not sleeping well at all due to a light dust allergy.

[@FelifromGermany]

@@chasemcintyre3528 That's what the duvet cover is for. You wash/change that once a week or every two weeks. No need to wash the duvet insert.

[@ChristopherX30]

​@@chrstianiaLots of people submerge themselves below their sheets. If the room is cool/cold enough, the experience of submersion is more comfortable.

[@chrstiania]

@@ChristopherX30 I just like to cuddle with my blankets

[@ilanablumsack1752]

Growing up in the US, I always used a top sheet and blanket. When I moved to Israel, i was surprised that top sheets weren't really a thing, and not widely sold in stores. I never got used to the duvet, and ended up buying duvet covers and using those as top sheets.

[@PNL-DJ-1]

Good for you!

[@FelifromGermany]

Interesting, I've never been to Israel but I would have totally assumed that they use top sheets there!

[@marwerno]

That is what I sometimes do in hot summertime in Germany: Just using the duvet covers as stand alone. They are thicker than top sheet and quite comfy.

[@judithrowe8065]

Most people in the UK have used duvets for decades. Many of us still use a flat top sheet between ourselves and the duvet, which means we don't need to change the duvet cover so often. Easier to wash & dry than a duvet cover too. It also stops duvet hogs turning and taking the whole duvet with them.

[@fraliexb]

2:55 I was always raised to use a top sheet, but as an adult I never put it on. Plus I've never had the duvet, always a quilt or a comforter for me in Southwestern Indiana.

[@fred5784]

The double mattress in America is called a “split king”. It is two twin mattresses, which is the equivalent of a king size mattress.

[@Wud-f2r]

I’ve only seen this on “adjustable beds.”

[@davec3400]

The separate mattress makes so much sense. You each get your preference of firmness. The Sleep Number beds now even let you heat or cool your side of the bed to your liking.

[@wabash1581]

Thanks for all your videos. I am from Ohio myself, and in Stuttgart for the next few months. Because of your videos, I was able to avoid a lot of culture shock. I am surprised by how many people speak English here, and speak it well. The friend I am staying has been here 5 months already, and is a bit introverted. He has been taking German classes, and had not gone out much because of the fear of a language barrier. I can say hi to anyone and try to have a genuine smile on my face. In the first week I was here, he spoke to more German people than in the first 5 months. It is fun interacting with people, I do have to say it is mostly over a beer. It is awesome seeing peoples faces light up when he tries to speak German. This is an amazing country, I don't want to go back to America. Mostly because of how walkable it is here. I enjoy walking, but in the states, I need to drive to a place to walk for exercise. Here in Germany, it is part of life.

[@CabinFever52]

Born and raised in Ohio, too, but living in Austria now. I do not plan on returning to the states. I hope you are able to settle in the place you feel most comfortable.

[@sofiabruder]

@@CabinFever52 So you live in the country with the unfriendliest people now ^^. I am just kidding. We seem grumpy at the first glance but most of us are welcoming. (At least I hope we are) I am happy that you found your place.

[@jrstf]

Then don't live at that place in the states. I live in a small USA town (population 40,000), everything is walkable and bikeable.

[@wabash1581]

@@jrstf I am not disagreeing with you. There are walkable and bikeable places in the USA. In towns when roads get closed for festivals. It is like that here all the time. When walking or biking, car traffic is much less of a concern. There is a YT channel, Not Just Bikes. If you are interested, they explain it much better.

[@shawnczarniak2551]

Roll up shutters are common in Florida. They are mainly thought of as a form of hurricane shutter "protection" and they are great to block the heat of summer and help lower cooling/ heating cost.

[@thepacific8363]

I have always used a top sheet with no other reason that in the States top sheets are always included in sheet sets. I do prefer a top sheet as a barrier to the blanket or comforter being right on the body making it easier to keep them cleaner and less likely to have to be laundered as much as just the sheets themselves and also as a hot sleeper I can just push the blanket off and cool down. I have also used duvets in the past and trying to get the blanket or comforter into correctly seemed much harder then using a top sheet while making the bed. I have seen duvets now that have loops or clips that attach to blanket or comforter into place making the the process of using them less difficult and keeping the duvet looking evened out.

[@FelifromGermany]

Interesting, I've never bought a set where a top sheet was included 🤔

[@thepacific8363]

@@FelifromGermany Unless your buying individual sheets a piece at a time it’s rare that I’ve ever seen a sheet set not include a top sheet. BTW I’ve always slept with my windows opened year round along with a fan going, Cheers

[@FelifromGermany]

@@thepacific8363 I mean yeah I think whenever I've bought fitted sheets it was always just one fitted sheet or a set of 2 fitted sheets, but no flat sheet included.

[@markrossow6303]

buying sheet-sets was the U.S. normal, Fitted + Flat + Pillow Covers, to all be in the same color or pattern when top sheet + blanket was drawn back to go to bed for s0me reason, matching top + bottom sheets + pillow cases was #important in the U.S.

[@wardkrause9022]

I have spent a great deal of time in German hotels, and you were pretty much spot on with your information. Nice job! My wife and I have a Sleep Number inflatable mattress which allows us to dial up firmness for each side of our bed. Many king and queen mattresses now have 2 separate mattresses as they can be raised up to form a back support for reading or watching TV. We think it is easier to wash a topsheet than it is to remove and reinstall a duvet cover, so we have topsheets, blankets and a bedspread like most American homes. The one topic you did not address is window screens. No screens in Europe means mosquitoes and flies, etc. I much prefer a screen so I can leave windows open without unwanted bedfellows buzzing my face. I do love the German rollup screens and wish we had them in America. Beds are changing for practical reasons.

[@AdamCarbone1]

Sheets are designed to be washed more frequently, blankets/quilts not as often, so the sheet is designed to keep the blankets clean

[@Alyssa__01]

That’s why you have a duvet cover. It’s essentially a sheet but completely covers the blanket instead of a top sheet that’s just a layer between

[@chrstiania]

I honestly don't know why a sheet under a blanket would keep the blanket clean. My number one issue is dust. the blanket will get dusty if you don't wash it regularly and I guess I'm not the only one with a dust allergy. But the second issue: People always claim that only the top sheet touches the body. Is everyone really sleeping with their arms under the blanket at all times? Unless I'm absolutely freezing my butt off, I will always have my arms over the blanket, which puts the blanket right in my armpits.

[@joegrey9807]

Removable cotton duvet cover that is designed to be washed at the same frequency your sheets. Takes a couple of minutes to put the cover on each week, but you don't have to spend so long making the bed each morning, you don't get tangled up in the sheets, you can regulate temperature easier, you don't need to tuck sheet in or slide into the bed, it's much more practical when doing activities other than sleeping... I grew up in England in the 70s and 80s when a lot of people still used top sheets and blankets, and we had the same reservations about these 'continental quilts'. I don't know anyone who still uses top sheets and blankets.

[@b.w.9244]

@@chrstiania The top sheet makes it feel nice and smooth and cool.

[@GillesBourget]

​@@b.w.9244 I agree with this! A top sheet is nice and it gives you more options. Too hot? Throw the blanket to the side, cold? the opposite. Wash everything every week or not; either way, whatever configuration you got going will involve your body touching almost all of it.

[@timothymartin5793]

When I lived in Darmstadt, the whole two mattresses thing threw me for a loop! LOL!! Clothes washer in the kitchen, the drop down shutters, tilting windows, etc... I had a great time though! Very interesting to live in a different culture.

[@jerrihadding2534]

OK Feli…🤗 I am an American woman living in Sweden with my Swedish husband for 25 years. We sleep in an “ordinary” double bed but each of us has our own duvet. HOWEVER…. I insist on a double bed top sheet so that we can effortlessly reach out to each other without those uncomfortable moments of chill created by the gaps between one duvet to the other. And when a sheet becomes tangled in the middle of a night it is simple to push it aside. 😇

[@dramalexie]

That's what we (Americans) do in Germany. We love the double duvets for individual sleeping but put a large, heavy blanket over the entire bed to keep everything warm in the middle. I also prefer this more uniform look of the big blanket during the day.

[@katharina5484]

Haha this comparison is really hitting home for me! I’m a German living in the UK and here, I see a lot of similarities with the US! When my English boyfriend and I moved together I was really a bit shocked by the English double/king size beds because we only could get one large mattress. But worst of all, my boyfriend insisted on having one large duvet instead of two single ones which I HATED! But when he visited my parents’ home for the first time where we would have single duvets, he realised their massive benefits (me not stealing most of the blanket anymore) so once we got home we changed this. 😁 Funny thing is that my now parents in law were super confused when they saw that we had single duvets in our home 😂. The biggest thing I miss though are the German roller shutters. 😢 I never get our bedroom as dark as it was back home. Despite blackout curtains + blackout blinds. 😭 Oh and personally I really like the “American beds” as well. We call them Divan Beds in the UK and they often come with storage drawers underneath. Or you can get Ottoman beds which is essentially the same but you can lift the entire bit with the mattress up and have a massive storage area inside the bed. ❤

[@stephenmerkel7402]

If you think the Ottoman bed is crafty, you should look into the Murphy bed. In that style of American bed, meant for smaller apartments, the entire bed lifts up and is stored against the wall during the day, so that there it much more room to use your bedroom as an office, or a living room, etc, and it is only cluttered with the mattress at night. Some of them even have a pivoting style of shelves on the base, so when closed against the wall it is a bookshelf, and when extended to the floor, the shelves pivot to store the books under the bed without ever having to remove them from the shelf!

[@ThomasHetschold2]

I definitively prefer separat duvets for both. I typically travel with friends not a partner and don‘t like to use just one sheet. And what you forgot and I really hate is, that sheets are typically tugged under the matress, at least in hotels.

[@clarencejames706]

When I moved back to the States the last time, rolling shutters were the thing I missed the most in my bedroom. You can get almost 100% darkness with them and my bedroom in the States was "too bright" for about 6 months.

[@jlpack62]

I have had the bedding thing both ways, and I really gave the duvet and cover a fair shake, but I don't prefer it. I hate how the duvet itself slides and bunches up inside the cover and doesn't stay put. I'd rather have REALLY nice sheets and a durable cotton blanket.

[@maxbarko8717]

I only have this issue with one duvet. You changed clips on Amazon to hold in place. Cheap and effective.

[@hmpeter]

If the blanket and blanket cover fit well together, this is not really a problem. It can be annoying with large covers and thin summer blankets, I agree. But in the summer I usually only use a cover as a blanket, anyway. ^^

[@jc3drums916]

I think it's party due to there being no standard dimensions - everyone's duvet and/or cover are sized a little bit differently. It makes me wonder if getting a cover whose specified dimensions are ever-so-slightly undersized would solve the problem. Anyway, I'd still rather use a duvet than sheets. It makes making the bed easier. 🤣 Removing/washing/replacing the cover is a hassle, but it's not an everyday thing.

[@stephenlee5929]

I prefer duvet with cover, it make making the bed so easy. putting a duvet in its cover is easy if the cover is inside out (which it is when you take it off and wash it). Hold the top corners of the duvet through the top corners of the cover, lift it up allowing the cover to turn outside in, it will thus cover the duvet, hold the corners and shake, takes a couple of minutes.

[@jlpack62]

I get that, but the duvet often slides within the cover over time. This is especially true if you move a lot when you sleep. It's just not for me.@@stephenlee5929

[@Trifler500]

I've mentioned this before, but the main reason for using a top sheet is for convenience. Since the top sheet is the only thing that touches your skin, you can completely avoid having to monkey with a duvet cover entirely in many places. You can use a blanket and just wash it once or twice a year. Or, in colder places, we use a thin blanket most of the year, a comforter in spring/fall, and we might add a duvet cover for winter. In that case, we only put the duvet cover once a year, and only wash it once a year when it comes off. In the hottest part of the year, we often do use just the top sheet. Personally, I really don't like sleeping with nothing over me. It's not a privacy thing, I just don't feel like I'm in bed without something. The key to keeping the top sheet from getting messed up when you turn in bed is to grab the top edge under your chin before you twist roll over. We learn this as children. Then the top sheet and blanket stay in place. Tucking the top sheet in at the foot of the bed helps with this, but it isn't strictly necessary. I should also add that if you don't fold the top sheet over the blanket/comforter/duvet as I mentioned above, then yes, you will definitely have problems with it moving. To make a bed with a top sheet, you just put the bottom sheet on first, then drape the top sheet over the entire mattress, right up to the top edge of the mattress, with the back of the stitching facing up. Then most people tuck the sheet along the bottom edge of the mattress underneath, leaving the sides and the top open. If you're proper, then you would fold the corners of the sides near the bottom the same way as wrapping paper on a box to make it look neat, but that's not necessary if you don't care. Then you add a blanket or comforter, depending on the temperature, and pull it up as high as you like it. A lot of people pull it up to the top edge and then fold both the blanket and the top sheet down, leaving room for the pillow. I prefer to pull it up to just below my pillow and then fold just the top sheet over it, so I avoid doubling up the blanket or comforter. Washing is very simple. Just pull the blanket or comforter off, from the top towards the bottom, trying to leave it in an organized pile on the floor at the foot of the bed. Then strip the sheet off and wash them. Put clean sheets on, then grab the top edge of the blanket and just pull it back on. No need to get it square again or anything, since it should be in the same position you took it off.

[@bonniea8189]

This is the way. The only difference I would add is when washing the top sheet, I leave the duvet on the bed rather than on the dirty floor (yes, I don't wear shoes in the house, but the floor is always dirtier than the bed, even after just being cleaned)

[@kelsowins]

I agree with all you said, Trifler500! To me, removing the duvet cover, washing it, and putting it back on the duvet is much harder than just washing the lighter sheets. Making the bed with the top sheet as you described (with what my mom used to call "hospital corners" to tuck in both the sheet & any blanket) keeps everything aligned and neat-looking.

[@helgeschneider9069]

and your arms don´t touch the blanket?

[@vaderladyl]

I hate the feeling of a comforter or a duvet or a blanket on me without a top sheet between me and them, so I always use one top sheet, which is the one that gets washed often.

[@bonniea8189]

My grandmother even added a second top sheet, so it was fitted sheet --> top sheet --> blanket --> 2nd top sheet --> duvet. The purpose of the two top sheets is to "encase" the blanket so "you don't get a mouthful of blanket," according to my grandpa. My grandma even used a wooden cooking spoon to tuck her flat sheets in to get a tighter tuck than you can get with just your hands.

[@sjduges67]

I’m fairly all American when it comes to beds, but my wife and I have a king sized bed, but it’s one with two separated lower halves and a top mattress. Our bed has the ability to raise our head and/or our feet, plus it has a massage feature. The larger bed also makes it possible to have our 4 year old granddaughter and our dog to sleep with us.😊

[@angelastone9109]

That was fun! I enjoy learning about the day to day stuff in other countries. I subscribed.😊❤

[@Dougeb7]

I've always slept with a top sheet. I would have a hard time sleeping without one because the texture of most blankets is uncomfortable next to my skin. I prefer a blanket over the sheet if it's not too warm because the weight of the blanket makes me feel more secure. I never have a problem with the sheet bunching because I lift the bedclothes with my arm as I turn, so they're out of the way. It's second nature; I can do it in my sleep. :)

[@mmmmkkk]

duvet cover solves the texture problem

[@joegrey9807]

Duvet covers are made from cotton so have the same texture as sheets. They detach and are washed at the same time as the bottom sheets.

[@kristensaenz6421]

I grew up in iowa and we always had top sheet, a blanket(or 2) and a quilt, bedspread or comforter. I thought it was because of the climate being very variable from very hot to very cold and you could use as much or as little cover as you needed to sleep comfortably. I have german ancestry too. I have never had a duvet.

[@tonydeleon5029]

Thank you for providing the most thorough information about the difference in bedding. When I plan to travel, I will review the information again. BTW I will now consider a duvet for my wife and I. We have a sleep number adjustable bed split down the middle because I like my bed flat while she sleeps with her head raised.

[@RAWDEAL064]

Omg i love the rolling shutters! They have them here in Italy, and i love them. I also love the windows here too. You can open it a couple different ways and it's amazing

[@LaCasaAcademy]

I prefer a top sheet for a few reasons: 1. Not having to wrestle with stuffing and readjusting the duvet in the cover all the time 2. It helps the decorative (i.e. more expensive) layers of your bedding last longer before needing replacement because they aren't touching your sweat/oil/body care products every night 3. More custom sleeping temperature. You can sleep under the sheet only, feet under the blanket + torso under the sheet, or everything under both sheet and blanket. When I've stayed in hotels that only provide a duvet, I have trouble finding a comfortable temperature and staying asleep (plus I don't trust that they change the duvet cover after every guest).

[@marcokrueger3399]

For 1) I have a little tip for you: We put snap fasteners on the zipper side of the duvet. With that, it's much more simple to readjuste! It's double trouble for me usually since I have an allergy cover for the duvets as well, but with that, all the trouble is gone. It's also easier to put the cover on

[@agatalevay4151]

No worries, hotels change duvet covers same way as flat sheets. Same at home, you wash it all at once. I’m more worried about blankets in American hotels, as these aren’t washed between customers just wrapped with flat sheets. If you toss and turn you end up under cover possibly touching many bodies sleeping under it before you. Duvet is basically a sack, fully covering blanket or duvet insert, much more sanitary.

[@sandyrogers1375]

As an American that lived in Germany for 8 years, I find this hilarious. One of the things I was glad to have again when back in the US was a top sheet! I think it has to do with what you're used to, because I find it so much easier to make and keep straight a top sheet and so much easier to wash! I like duvets, but as a cover above the sheet!!! :) lol

[@m.s.3041]

Yeah, like everything, you often find the things you are used to better. For me as a German it is the opposite… for example, i love going to the south of France for vacation, but hate it everytime that there it is common to have top sheet and maybe a wool blanket, if it isn’t summer. I can’t sleep in it, especially with the comforter on top… every night the blanket and the top sheets are separating themselves and i only have the top sheet or the comforter covering me… both not the way it is meant to be… so i love my duvet with the cover, because they don’t separate at night and i have a good sleep…

[@marving.8868]

How is a top sheet easier to wash?

[@TheSandyDR]

@marving.8868 you just take it off the bed and wash it...generally along with the bottom sheet...no removing from a duvet or putting it back on when washed and dry...less steps and less work

[@TheNewGreenIsBlue]

@@marving.8868 You don't have to remove a duvet cover. Or put it back on. And it's literally half the material.

[@Divig]

​@@TheNewGreenIsBluewhat? They need to be washed at least every two weeks. Preferably every week.

[@johnmcnulty4425]

I too, was culture shocked when I first experienced what I called the 'pillow blanket' as an exchange student in Kiel. Then I realized how much easier it was to make your bed compared to the American way and I was hooked!

[@sueradke4506]

I am in favor of the two mattresses; it kind of gives you the feeling of your own space. I am looking into Duvets; I like the concept of them being together for easy making the bed in the morning. I loved living in Germany and miss many of the things they have. Windows and the rolling shades are fantastic. Thank you Feli for your videos 😊

[@zed91]

Your channel is the first place I heard of people (who are not homeless) not using 2 sheets for their beds, OMG! I was in the service: everybody got 2 sheets. I lived briefly in South America: was always provided with 2 sheets. Humph🙃.

[@renem6169]

We were never fans of two mattresses, but with increasing age the aches and pains come and we had to adapt the mattresses to our needs. That's why we now have 2 mattresses. We only had a box spring for a short time because we both found it too uncomfortable. The memory foam topper is also terrible because you sink into it and this makes turning much more difficult.

[@marcromain64]

Our German bedroom is a wild mixture: We have a single wide box spring bed, but with two toppers (my wife prefers softer toppers) and separate duvets, too. In summer, I trade the duvet for a top sheet while my wife just uses a thinner duvet. We prefer rectangular pillows, but in different heights and head support strengths. The wardrobe is big and literally covers a whole side of the bedroom. It's not from IKEA, though - we dropped that stuff decades ago and I think it's more popular with younger people or if the furnishing ist more of a temporary thing? However, we have a wall-to-wall carpet in the bedroom (and every other room except the bathroom and the kitchen) and yes, we keep it practical. The window is always open at night and most of the day, except when there's a very loud thunderstorm at night or it's just too hot outside that day.

[@Oberkaptain]

From Minnesota from a German family. We use slat beds. For bedding we use fitted sheet, top sheet, and a duvet on top of that. In Germany, my family seems to set their beds up the same way.

[@KrisJanonis]

I'm former military and after being station European countries I'm convinced that the combination of duvet, with duvet cover, and top sheet is the best. I also like slat beds, but with a memory foam mattress.

[@jdranetz]

My parents 40 years ago had a bed made up of two rollout full beds pushed together. It made making the beds easier, and allowed each of them personal space. Also facilitated mattress change out ease. They each had a box spring. In those days, we used a bed spread rather than a comforter. It went to the floor on all sides. You still see them at a lot of American hotels.

[@perpetual4958]

And they always go onto the floor. if not by the guests then by the maid service, where else to put it. Yuck.

[@jdranetz]

@@perpetual4958 I mean they are so large and shape fitted the edges on three sides reach the floor.

[@perpetual4958]

I know, but hate them filfthy things, even when the tassles don't sweep the floor by design;-).@@jdranetz

[@seadogold]

We have a different twist on the separate mattresses idea. Having slept on waterbeds since 1964, my latest bed has two water bladders and two separate heaters. This allows individual control of hardness and temperature. Getting the mattresses to play nice with each other required a little experimenting. The final solution was a double compartment mattress cover that kept the water bladders in place. No matter what type of quilt or blanket we use, we always use a top sheet. Thank you for your interesting post. It is good to get outside opinion on the American way of life. Your ability to speak Americanized English is far superior to most native Americans.

[@sapphirerain70]

Oh man I miss my king waterbed. It was so nice to crawl in a warm bed and the bed just cuddle you.

[@CharlesBurge]

The closet is actually pretty important. When selling or buying a house, one of the most important characteristics of the house is how many bedrooms is has. In most states, a room cannot be considered a bedroom unless is has a closet and a window.

[@michatheresiaprimus9972]

In my opinion, separate mattresses and bedding have more advantages than disadvantages. The only drawback is the gap in the middle. Advantages, however, are: Covering is easier, everyone can use a different mattress and blanket. My husband generally likes warmer blankets than I do, and if one of us has a fever, you don't always have to make both beds fresh, especially at night. We also have four children, so washing the bed linen is a logistical challenge in itself. Many greetings from Austria

[@stevemawer848]

Also, if you get older and have an, ahem, accident during the night and ruin a mattress you only have to replace a small, and thus cheaper one!

[@roesi1985]

I don't understand why the gap is considered a problem. We just use big sheets that cover both mattresses.

[@td389]

My family is German. I think I’m fifth generation, so quite American. I have found myself more in touch with German. In the homes I have bought and lived in, One of the first things I do is to pull the carpet out and replace with hardwood floors. To me it is easier to sweep the dirt than to attempt to vacuum the dirt. And spills are so much easier to clean up.

[@cq8822]

That’s great but hardwood is expensive so not everyone can do that

[@td389]

I learned after my first house; to ask for a loan bigger than expected. This way, I have money in the bank to update the house. :) I view it as a long term investment. No vacuum bags. With sweeping, not breathing in dust all the time. Better health, less expensive to the pharmacy.

[@leapintothewild]

And carpet is bad for folks with allergies, as is upholstered furniture, drapes, rugs, etc. I grew up with hardwood floors, sheers and curtains washed weekly, bed linens that can be washed in hot water, and no extraneous throw pillows. SO much easier to breathe!

[@leapintothewild]

@@cq8822 The point isn't really hardwood, but a smooth non-fiberous floor that doesn't hold dust and dander. Vinyl and faux wood also work.

[@darenallisonyoung8568]

I grew up with top sheets and have a hard time sleeping without one. I was also raised to make my bed in the military style (my dad was a career soldier). My son couldn't be more different. He sleeps under a comforter only and hates top sheets. If I asked him to make his bed, he'd just look at me like I'd lost my mind. LOL

[@brizzlex1919]

Yes I hate the top sheet just comforter for the win

[@brizzlex1919]

@@PeterPi-wt2uc Not really. I wash my comforter periodically

[@brizzlex1919]

@PeterPi-wt2uc If you wash your blankets then it isn't any less clean than whatever er else you sleep with thats pretty dumb to think that.

[@brizzlex1919]

@PeterPi-wt2uc Becauee something is harder to wash that means it's not clean? Your logic is very elementary. Not too bright are we?

[@brizzlex1919]

@PeterPi-wt2uc It sounds like you don't understand English much less cleaning things lmao. Good luck to you lil guy you need it

[@SandraTaylorHedges]

As a Canadian we use both top sheets and a Duvet. Personally I think it's warmer than when I visit the USA and not as heavy as several blankets or quilts. Some in Canada use a comforter but they are never the same after washing them besides duvet covers can be changed up with different colour or prints

[@gregblair5139]

The most odd bed/bedroom situation that ever happened to me was on a riverboat in China. The room was so small I had to close the suitcase to get on and out of the bed. Because of my CPAP machine I needed to sleep in the bed facing opposite the way intended. I was not able to leave a note that the maid could read, so she kept making it the wrong way.

[@jamesblanton3744]

I understand why Northern Europe doesn't normally have air conditioning but I'm surprised that ceiling fans have not become popular as they are very efficient and do a good job cooling the home

[@mikeomatic9905]

Having recently vacationed to Berlin, I was thinking how nice it would be to have some ceiling fans, especially when we had a bit of a heat wave last couple days.

[@Hamusutaru]

They had their moment in the 80s (in southern Germany at least). But, just like with the 53" duvets - Germans seem to like to suffer - and our rooms are usually just not big and high enough to install an efficient ceilling fan. My baby sis is 6'1° and bumps her head on most hanging lamps...a fan would probably decapitate her lol

[@IstadR]

In Norway too they were popular in the 80s.

[@dnocturn84]

@@Hamusutaru "They had their moment in the 80s (in southern Germany at least)" Yes, true. I'm from east Germany and they were still somewhat popular after the reunification in the early 90s, when people in my area upgraded their homes to west German standards. You saw them a lot during this time and were sold everywhere. But this "trend" didn't last for some reason. People often removed these ceiling fans when they did the next phase of renovation work some years later. Don't know why they became unpopular so fast. I always thought them to be useful and a good idea, while I also never got one myself in the first place.

[@Hamusutaru]

@@dnocturn84 I think it's mostly the room size. With the standard ceilling height being around 240cm and square footage of rooms mostly being under 20m², traditional ceilling fans are just too big. And in 'Altbauten' - where size wouldn't be an issue - you often don't need anything to cool down since the walls are efficiently insulated. I remember my uncle having one and it always scared me with its looming blades taking up most of the ceilling :D

[@gumdropgirl1]

I love the idea of sleeping with the window open. It seems healthy. However, the humidity in the US is very uncomfortable. Also, crime is a real concern here. I use a duvet, no top sheet as I get trapped in them. Yes to lots of decorative pillows.😊 I’d struggle without a closet. When I lived in the UK, I used the second bedroom as a walk-in closet. That’s what I thought it was until I learned that my neighbors used it as a bedroom.😮

[@marwerno]

Humidity high? I lived in Singapore for over 4 years, mostly slept with window open 🙂 I do not think you get more humidity than in Singapore. Water condenses on the OUTSIDE of the bus windows due to the humidity outside (when inside is Air-conditioned).

[@Starry_Night_Sky7455]

Also, there are skunks to consider, lol! I like to open my room windows at night but I just don't know when some skunk from miles around might perfume the air.

[@spacecaptain9188]

I've used all of these methods of keeping warm, (the top sheet with blankets, the comforter, the duvet). I've found they're all comfortable, and they all keep me warm, but I like the layers of sheets and blankets best because it's the most practical option. Not only is it easier to control my sleeping temperature, washing them is easier, too! As for "making" the bed, I've always preferred not to bother. That said, if I want the place to look nice, I just drop the blankets into the footlocker, and I'm done!

[@julieroyce4497]

US here - my parents had a California King size bed that consisted of two extra long twins with a filler that bridged the crack. We moved a bit so it was much easier for the movers. Also before pillow top mattresses, they were meant to be flipped over side to side and also top to bottom- this allowed you to refresh the mattress and for the mattress to last longer and not wear out in one spot from the sleepers weight.

[@GilesRafol]

The first time I went to Europe, to Barcelona for work, I stayed in this pretty nice hotel. So I was super surprised to see the bed. It was a platform bed, with no box spring. Those aren't unusual in the US, necessarily. But I feel like those are rare in hotels. But more shocking was the whole split bed thing. I had never seen such a thing and it seemed...almost cheap? Like what, the hotel couldn't afford a large single bed? Since I was there by myself (as in not traveling with a significant other), the whole bed was mine. But because of that crease or split down the center, I had to keep to one side. Which I found super annoying.

[@carolnearson7932]

Wow, that would be annoying! I know when hubby is out of town I do like to spread out in the bed.

[@japcar84]

I like to sleep with my windows open during the fall and spring time when I am not using the AC or heat. But, all of my windows have screens, and I couldn't imagine sleeping with open windows without a screen. I live in a rural/suburban area, so I am not that concerned with safety, but I would be concerned about animals / bugs coming through the window.

[@mikeomatic9905]

I recently vacationed in Germany. When we were in Berlin there were very few bugs. But when we stayed in the country side, there were quite a few bugs, and there was a screen on the bedroom window. You did have to be careful with the open windows at night if you had the light on, though. But otherwise, no screen was kind of nice. It let more light and breeze in I think.

[@boxsterman77]

I love how you relate the mattress salesperson instructing you two about not going either the single mattress. I lived in Germany for awhile. That instructive tone is soooo familiar. As an American, I used to bristle at it.