Bamboo fabric sheets are one of the most comforting fabrics you can get for yourself. They are light as feathers, and at the same time, they tend to stay with you for a much longer duration. Bamboo is the fastest-growing plant in the world, and here's a surprise: it comes from the grass family.
Bamboo is a renewable crop, it requires very less maintenance, it can regenerate from its original root without requiring any form of replanting. The bamboo fiber used for manufacturing bamboo sheets comes from pulping bamboo grass until it gets separated into much thinner threads. Once this is done, threads are then spun for weaving into cloth.
If you ask us, are bamboo sheets good? Then a plain and simple answer would be YES! But if you want to know what makes bamboo sheets so great, then you have to read this article.
With this article, we are diving deep into the realms of uncovering the secrets of bamboo sheets, how they are beneficial for you, and what they are. Its drawback is that we are going to give you a comparison of how it is different from cotton sheets. Finally, we will share some tips that will help you find the right bamboo sheets. So, let's begin!
Benefits of Bamboo Sheets
Given below we have provided a brief description of major bamboo sheets benefits that makes it possible for you to sleep comfortably at night.
Hypoallergenic Properties
See, bamboo fibers are naturally round and smooth; they do not have sharp spurs, meaning they won't cause any form of irritation to your skin. As a result, when you sleep with bamboo sheets you are using a fabric which is free from harsh chemicals and also provides a soothing alternative which eventually minimises lots of skin allergic reactions.
Odour Repellent
Nobody wants to face bad odor from their bed sheets when they just got out of the shower after a hectic day at work. Bamboo sheets come with antibacterial properties, which provide you with a clean and odorless sleeping space at night. As a result, your body scent and even the smell of your sweat will fade away as you sleep on bamboo sheets.
Even though bamboo sheets are odour repellent and antibacterial in nature, you still have to be vigilant when it comes to its cleaning and washing.
Temperature Regulating
One of the main factors which affects your sleep at night is the temperature. Temperature plays a crucial role in making you fall asleep. Too much of heat repressed in bed sheets will get transferred to your body as you sleep on it. On the other hand, if your bed sheet is too cold, you won't be able to sleep on it because it will drop your body temperature.
With bamboo sheets, you don't have to face the problem of regulating temperature; bamboo is naturally cool fiber; as a result, if you are a hot sleeper, you are surely going to love it as it wicks away the body heat and cools your body temps down to the required degrees so you can sleep peacefully.
In addition to this, during winter time, bamboo sheets naturally become warm and therefore it again works as a great comforter for your body making it easier for you to sleep.
Sustainable
Bamboo as we said again and again is an eco-friendly crop, it requires minimal resources for growth and regeneration, this makes it one of the most eco-friendly fabrics in the world, especially when the manufacturing of bamboo fabric is done without any chemicals.
Drawbacks of Bamboo Sheets
There is no denying in the fact that bamboo sheet quality is best in the fabric industry, it has tons of advantages and various properties which makes it a must to experience luxurious comfort in your bedding. But it does have some drawbacks and we are not going to shy away from showing it.
One of the most prominent drawbacks of bamboo sheet is that it is prone to wrinkling with time if you are not careful enough with its washing.
Secondly, when it comes to choosing the bamboo sheets you have to make sure that the brand is not using harmful chemicals in its manufacturing process.
Lastly, bamboo sheets are known to be a bit more expensive than regular cotton sheets, so if you are tight on budget, then the cost can be a drawback for you.
Comparison: Bamboo Sheets vs. Cotton Sheets
It is time for us to show you the true comparison between bamboo and cotton sheets. With the table given below, you will get to know everything which makes both bamboo and cotton sheets unique in their own way.
Comfort
Cotton is known to be comfortable, but when you compare it with the luxurious feel of bamboo then it stands no chance whatsoever. The secret of the silky smooth texture of bamboo lies in its fiber structure which is naturally strong and circular in nature. As a result, they get spun in ultra-fine yarn which also feels incredibly soft to touch.
Bamboo fibers are typically much longer in length in comparison to that of cotton fibers. As a result, manufacturers can woven it together with fewer connections. Due to this manufacturing process bamboo sheets become quite smoother and it also feels much like silk on your skin.
Durability
If you are someone who has been buying cotton sheets for a long time now you must think that cotton sheets are quite durable. In truth, it really is durable when we compare it with wool or polyester. Besides this, cotton can increase its strength when it gets wet, thus, making it a popular choice for outdoor wear. Still, it's no match for bamboo bed sheets because it is long, smooth, and made from strong fibers.
Furthermore, bamboo fiber used in the manufacturing of sheets also resists shrinking, stretching, tearing and peeling. Bamboo sheets have less wash cycle per month due to their hypoallergenic properties. Thus, it is able to maintain its high quality for a number of years and longer after cotton bed sheets show signs of wear and tear.
Breathability
When it comes to comfort breathability is the one thing which should not be overlooked at all. Especially if you are living in warm areas. Again, bamboo sheets have the upper hand in terms of breathability.
Due to the natural moisture wicking properties of bamboo viscose it helps in drawing out the sweat from your skin, thus leaving you feeling dry and comfortable in warm summers. Likewise, the way bamboo sheets are manufactured they provide much better air circulation, making it easier for your skin to breathe and thermoregulate.
Cotton on the other hand tends to absorb and retain moisture, thus when you rest on it or under it, it will make your body feel damp and sticky. This results in skin irritation and chafing.
Antibacterial
Bamboo is highly absorbent and it is quick in drying, making it an ideal bed sheet for people who sweat a lot. Furthermore, bamboo is antibacterial in nature, this helps in reducing odours and other forms of bacterial growth which could be harmful for your skin.
On the other hand, if we talk about cotton bed sheets they are the prime vectors of culturing and transferring viruses and even bacterias. It does not have any natural immunity against these two, if your cotton sheets are said to be antibacterial they are being dipped in functional additives which makes the organic compounds and metals stick to the surface of the cotton sheet to make it bacterial resistant.
How to Choose Quality Bamboo Sheets?
There are four main factors that you need to keep in mind when it comes to choosing quality bamboo sheets for yourself. Read about these four crucial factors in this section to make a wise decision:
Quality of Material
When you buy bamboo sheets, you have to check and ensure that they are 100% organic, meaning they are made from sustainable bamboo fabric. In a lot of cases, cheaper bamboo sheets are made using blended materials.
So, by choosing sheets from pure bamboo fabric, you are not only prioritizing the well-being of the environment, but you will also be enhancing your sleeping experience because 100% organic bamboo sheets come with all the features and properties of bamboo fabric that we have mentioned above.
Bamboo Sheets Durability
Another key aspect of choosing the right bamboo sheet is finding how durable it is, and in order to find that you just have to check the thread count of the bed sheet. Thread count refers to the number of threads woven into one square inch of fabric. As a result, higher thread count in clothing, and bedding material means that the product is durable, softer, and stronger.
When you are buying bamboo sheets look for those bed sheets which have the thread count of 400 and above because this is the perfect thread count which gives you both comfort and much needed durability which can make your bamboo sheets last longer.
OEKO Certification
When you are buying bamboo sheets it is necessary to check if it meets certain standard requirements and regulations. For bamboo fabric OEKO-TEX certification is the one to look at, the one certification which shows that your sheet has been tested and approved for being free from any form of harmful substances.
If you are able to find OEKO certified bamboo sheets for yourself, then your skin is completely safe from any form of rashes, irritants and other problems, thus giving you a peace of mind when you are sleeping.
Price Range
Eco-friendly bedding like bamboo sheets does come at a cost and with so many options available it does become hard for you to find the right bamboo sheet for yourself while keeping yourself on budget.
See in bedding industry prices can elope frequently, so make sure you have a budget in mind before you start looking out for a bamboo sheet. If you do your research carefully you will surely find organic bamboo sheets at an affordable price point.
Do check out small shops, try to search for the bamboo sheets online for a better deal, with little bit of effort you can save a lot of your money on the purchase and yet enjoy all the features and benefits of bamboo sheets.
Caring for Bamboo Sheets
The list of things you have to do that fall under the category of bamboo sheet care isn't that long. So there's not too much complicated science behind that keeps your bamboo sheets fresh as new for years to come.
Washing
When it is time to wash your bamboo sheets, it's a good thing to give them space, take out all the other clothes that are present inside your washing machine, and place your bamboo sheet all alone in it. Make sure to use a gentle cycle and cool temperature setting of your machine. Finally, use mild detergent for washing.
Drying
After washing is done, dry your bamboo sheet in shade, it is important that you avoid direct sunlight as it could make your bamboo sheet lose its colour. Do not go for tumble drying as it could shrink the fabric and lose that softness of your bamboo sheet.
Ironing
With time when you start using it after washing, the creases on the bamboo sheet will soften and straighten up from the warmth of your body. In case you still want to iron it out, we want you to do it from the behind and do not make the settings go anywhere above cool.
Storing
Make sure that your bamboo sheets are completely dry before you store them up. Try not to store them in plastic, because your sheets do require space for breathing.
Conclusion
Hopefully after reading this article you are in a confident position of finding the right bamboo sheet for your bedding. From pros to cons to comparing it with cotton sheets we have done it all for you to show you how good of a product bamboo sheet can be and how it is a necessity for your bedding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are bamboo sheets better than cotton sheets?
Both cotton and bamboo sheets are durable in nature because they are made from long-staple fibers. Bamboo sheets are a good choice if you are looking for a luxurious upgrade, they have all the features of cotton sheets, along with additional benefits, but they do come with a higher price tag.
Are bamboo sheets hypoallergenic?
Absolutely, bamboo sheets are hypoallergenic in nature, this particular feature comes from the unique structure of the bamboo fibre, it is adept for wicking away moisture like sweat, this reduces growth possibility of allergy-provoking bacteria and fungus.
Do bamboo sheets last long?
Bamboo viscose has the tendency to last for almost a decade or even longer if you take care of it properly. Whereas cotton sheets can only last for up to 2 to 3 years.
Are bamboo sheets worth the price?
Bamboo sheets come with a number of properties such as dust repellent, it is also hypoallergenic in nature. Apart from this, it is antimicrobial and antibacterial in nature. As a result, when you wrap bamboo sheets around you feel like you are being tugged away by a gentle hug.
How can I tell if bamboo sheets are of good quality?
To find the most comforting and high quality bamboo sheets you need to make sure that the product you are buying is made from 100% organic and sustainable bamboo.
Are bamboo sheets environmentally friendly?
Bamboo sheets are mostly environmentally friendly, yet it would be a great thing to check the brand's presence and the steps they have followed during the manufacturing of the bamboo sheets.