Are you expecting company for the holidays? I start gearing up now for overnight guests, and my first priority is the sleeping arrangement.

No matter how much I love to spend time with visiting family and friends, there is a point when everyone needs a break. I appreciate having a corner set up just for me when I'm away. It doesn't have to be posh, just fresh and clean.

It's all about the bed. I've done some research and what I've learned is pretty scary! That bed in the guest room that I've just covered with clean sheets and a fluffy duvet seemed just right until I learned the dirty truth about what was going on under the sheets.

Did you know that the average mattress weighs 10 pounds more after 15 years? The extra weight is shed skin.

When was the last time you changed your pillows? The average is 20 years. (I think I still have some of my granny's.) Old pillows are full of dust mites -- pretty gruesome stuff. Experts recommend replacing pillows every six months.

Traditionally, we have made our beds around comfort and style. Nothing was better than a perfect feather mattress with our favourite designer sheets tucked in. Now a third feature should be considered -- health. What we can't see can hurt us.

I have recently discovered SilverClear, a liquid antibacterial treatment. Visit silverclearsolution.com to see how it works. The inviting bed shown is layered with a peaceful Lotus pattern comforter, sheets and pillow shams.

Q: We are doing a major renovation on our 35-year-old sidesplit and have questions about the new floors. Which direction should hardwood run? Where do we start and stop it to meet the limestone floor. Do we lay the same hardwood on both levels? The living room and kitchen are on one level and the family room is below.

A : As a general rule, hardwood planks run the length of a room. Choose the same wood for upper and lower levels as this unifies your home.

However, you can create a special look by laying it in a pattern produced by alternating light and dark stained planks. This would make a stunning accent in your living room or family room.

At the doorways, or when you transition from wood to stone, you will need a trim piece that fits neatly between the two levels and bridges the gap smoothly. Quarter-round trim around the perimeter of the rooms will tidy up the edges.

This column is produced by Debbie Travis and Barbara Dingle. E-mail questions to house2home@debbietravis.com.