Cotton sheets are not. Cotton sheets are made of natural fibers, while microfiber sheets are made of synthetic fibers. Microfiber has a lower denier than cotton. This means it will feel silkier but be less durable.
Cotton sheets are more breathable than microfiber and won't trap heat as easily, providing a more comfortable sleep. However, microfiber sheets can be more durable than cotton sheets, as natural fibers — particularly less expensive cotton options — can break down more easily with frequent washes.
Cotton is a natural fiber harvested from cotton plants, while microfiber is made up of synthetic materials such as polyester or nylon.
Microfiber. It's the best fabric for bed sheets because it breathes well and is breathable, which means your body temperature regulates itself during the night.
A microfiber comforter can be a cozy bedding favorite that looks stylish and lasts for years. Microfiber is known for its warmth, easy maintenance, and smooth, weightless feel. Comforters made from microfiber come in a huge array of designs and range in price from budget-friendly to luxurious.
Microfiber sheets are lightweight and breathable, but they trap more body heat than cotton sheets. Hot sleepers should consider a set of the best cooling sheets instead. Microfiber sheets are more affordable than cotton sheets. That said, low-quality cotton may be cheaper than high-quality microfiber (and vice versa).
Feel and Comfort
Both high-quality microfiber and cotton sheets have a good appearance and feel. Microfiber sheets are not made from natural materials but yet they are soft and smoother than cotton sheets. Based on the thread count, a cotton sheet can be soft or hard.
First of all, microfiber should not be laundered with other fibers since the other products will give off lint that will actually clog the tiny fibers and make them far less effective. Second, you should NOT use hot water with microfiber since it can actually melt or damage the product.
The State Of California And The University Of California Davis. This study found that people sleeping on microfiber sheets had elevated levels of phthalates in their urine compared to those sleeping on cotton or woolen sheets.
The main difference between the two materials is their origins. Microfiber is created from synthetic textiles, while cotton is developed from organic materials.
Like cotton, high-quality microfiber sheets are soft and comfortable. However, microfiber tends to have a silkier feel when compared to cotton. It is common for microfiber to be “brushed”—this involves gently lifting each fiber to create a soft, velvety texture.
Durability: While 100% cotton is durable enough for most residential users, 100% cotton is sensitive to high temperature wash and drying processes. The rigors of commercial laundering take a toll on pure cotton products, often resulting in rips, tears, or loss of color.
Polyester and microfiber share some similarities such as being generally comfortable and durable but there are still important differences between the two that may affect your buying decision. Polyester is more durable while microfiber is more absorbent, breathable, and more comfortable. Both are easy to care for.
The best sheets typically have a thread count between 200 and 400. Any thread count lower than 180 tends to have a rougher texture. Any number over 400 is most likely an inflated figure due to multi-ply thread, meaning you'll pay a premium price for a sheet that doesn't actually feel any softer.
Unlike cotton, high thread count does not apply to microfiber. Instead, you will want to look at GSM (grams per square meter) the higher the GSM (100 GSM and above) the stronger and more durable your bed sheets will be.
Looking for sheets with a reasonable thread count (200-600 for most styles) will typically produce the best results. Be sure to modify your expectations somewhat depending on the material used. Excessively high thread counts (600-800) likely won't change much beyond the price tag.
Wool, linen, silk, and cotton are the four most recommended textiles for sleep. Wool is an excellent insulator and can wick away moisture, but it can also be rough on the skin and costly. Linen is a breathable material ideal for warm climates.
Microfiber, [on the other hand], is more breathable than polyester, but it cannot rival natural materials such as cotton, linen, or bamboo." If you're a hot sleeper or someone who lives in a warm place, polyester probably isn't the best choice.
In fact, a UC Davis study showed that microfiber cloths can pick up to 99% of bacteria on surfaces compared to 30% with their cotton counterparts.
Microfiber is a textile made from ultrafine synthetic yarns, usually polyester and nylon. Polyester is derived from crude oil. It is also the terminal product in a chain of very reactive and toxic precursors. Most are carcinogens; all are poisonous.
As the name suggests, microfibers are extremely small synthetic fibers—usually made from polyester and nylon—that make up microfiber products. While microfiber material is versatile and durable, microfibers are essentially teeny-tiny pieces of plastic.
The biggest concern regarding microfiber is microplastic pollution. This occurs because all microfiber products can shed the microscopic microfibers in the wash and can make their way to the ocean.
It all depends on you, but bamboo sheets are a soft, durable fabric that will last you a lot longer. Microfiber sheets are crisp and soft but not as durable, and the fabric is thin, leading to snagging. However, microfiber sheets are more affordable.
It also has a long lifespan when properly used and maintained, and is lint-free. Microfiber has only a few limitations — it comes with a much higher upfront cost than cotton, and it requires special laundering. But cleaning experts say, when compared side-by-side, microfiber is clearly superior to cotton.