Comfort. Both bamboo and cotton sheets can be incredibly comfortable, depending on the thread count and weave of the fabric. Bamboo sheets tend to be softer and more luxurious than cotton, but some people find cotton sheets' crispness to be more comfortable.
However, the resulting fabric tends to be somewhat coarse and prone to wrinkling. Our guide to the best bamboo sheets highlights some of the best options available.
Bamboo bedding has become an increasingly popular option for people looking to improve the quality of their sleep. With its softness, comfort, and sustainability, bamboo bedding offers numerous benefits, making it a top choice for many individuals.
Bamboo is an incredibly sustainable plant to grow. It requires less water than cotton, produces much higher crop yields per hectare, and doesn't require chemical fertilizers, herbicides or pesticides to thrive. There's even more, you can read about 15 ways bamboo is better for the environment here.
Cotton is highly breathable and can be very soft, depending on weave. Bamboo sheets allow for substantial airflow and sleep quite temperature-neutral, though the hottest sleepers may prefer cotton. Cotton both circulates air and wicks moisture, making it one of the best fabrics for temperature control.
For people who get hot during sleep, choosing sheets made of bamboo, cotton, or linen — breathable fabrics that wick away moisture from the body and help maintain a comfortable temperature — can help.
Several of the sleep experts I spoke to suggested linen sheets. According to Dr. Joshua Tal, a psychologist who specializes in sleep disorders, they are very breathable and “pick up cool air.” Oks says that since linen is made of a looser weave than, say, a cotton sheet with a high thread count, it traps less heat.
While there will always be people with preferences for cotton, bamboo is overall more sustainable for the earth and better for your health as well. Due to its hypoallergenic qualities and less need for pesticides and fertilizers, it is more suitable for those with sensitive skin, like children or elderly.
While both offer a soft and cosy night's sleep as standard, bamboo has a silkier feel to touch. In contrast, Egyptian cotton sheets have a crispness that slowly softens over time.
Because bamboo sheets are delicate and soft, it's advised that you air dry them, to avoid damaging the fibres and maintain elasticity and colour. However, it is possible to machine dry bamboo sheets, so long as you choose a low heat and remove your bedding from the dryer as soon as the cycle is finished.
Bamboo sheets, in general, have natural thermo-regulating properties. This means that bamboo sheets have the ability to help regulate body temperature so they can keep people cool and warm at the same time. But first, let's discuss the cooling properties of bamboo sheets. Bamboo sheets are lightweight and breathable.
Bamboo sheets are naturally smooth and soft to the touch. Beyond just making them extra snuggly, this also means they can soothe the skin and prevent irritation, especially for people with conditions like eczema. Bamboo sheets are naturally antimicrobial, breathable, and moisture-wicking.
Believe it or not, bamboo sheets naturally get softer over time. This is due to the long thread fibres that make up bamboo sheets in contrast to the typical rough thread fibres commonly found in other bedding materials.
Bedding made of viscose from bamboo is extremely soft and silky, much more so than traditional cotton. It is also more breathable, which means it won't trap excess heat under the covers with you; you'll stay cool and comfortable no matter the season.
Bamboo bedding keeps your bed at a perfect temperature, which significantly reduces the chances of dust mites surviving. Bamboo rayon is both durable, soft and has the added benefit of protecting sensitive skin from rashes and other skin problems such as irritations and burning.
Durability. Both bamboo and Egyptian cotton sheets are known for their high quality. These sheets have been known to last for up to 15 years because of the long fibres present in both the bamboo and cotton plant.
For an article of clothing that is in your weekly rotation of laundry, you can expect to get about three to five years out of something made from bamboo. That's much more impressive than other cotton or polyester-based clothing items that barely make it through one season.
Bamboo bed linen will rarely pill or tear
All natural fibres can pile over time, however there are some factors that can make them less or more prone to piling such as the manufacturing process.
Bamboo rayon is capable of wicking away moisture and dispersing body heat, making it much more effective regarding temperature regulation. With a lower thread count than Egyptian cotton sheets, bamboo rayon provides superior temperature management by providing airflow, making it perfect for those who sleep hot or cold.
We've all experienced the shiver of getting into a cold bed with cotton sheets, but Bamboo, in contrast, is room-temperature when you get into bed. Bamboo Sheets are warmer than cotton sheets, and you'll immediately feel comfortable. Within moments you're warm, cozy and relaxed.
The silky soft texture of bamboo fibres prevents any unnecessary pulling and friction; making bamboo sheets good for your hair. Instead of waking up with a new hairstyle every day, bamboo pillowcases do not rub against the hair fibres, keeping your locks as silky soft as you left them the night before.
The NSF recommends choosing sheets with a thread count between 200 and 400, since sheets with lower thread counts aren't as comfortable, and sheets with higher thread counts tend to trap heat at night.