An important question that we ask ourselves when we purchase a new set of pillowcases is what fabric to choose from silk, bamboo, or cotton. Both silk and bamboo pillowcases are beautiful. But if one is Bentley, the other is Rolls Royce.
Well, if you guessed bamboo fabric to be a Rolls Royce, then we are sure you have telepathic abilities because you just read our minds. In older days, pillowcases were made using cotton, and even to this day, the pillowcase industry earns half of its revenue by selling them as they are more affordable. Still, there are lots of drawbacks to it, which we are not going to discuss here, as this is not a diss track of cotton pillowcases.
In this blog, we will discuss the benefits of using bamboo pillowcases over other fabrics, how they differ from silk pillowcases, and why you should choose them over silk pillowcases. So, without waiting any further, let’s reveal the secrets of bamboo pillowcases to help you sleep better.
What Are Bamboo Pillowcases?
Let’s start with the very basic question: What are bamboo pillowcases? Well, in short, they are the ones that use bamboo fabric, which is extracted from bamboo plants and then mixed with other fibers to attain the desired texture and elasticity.
Bamboo fabric is known to be naturally breathable, making it easier for the pillowcases to wick away the sweat. In recent years, the global community has shifted towards more sustainable living. The quest for eco-friendly alternatives has led the world to rediscover the usage of bamboo. There’s a massive abundance of bamboo worldwide, and its production leaves a minimal footprint, making it a great substitute for silk and cotton-based pillowcases.
What Are Silk Pillowcases?
Sleeping on silk pillowcases feels like an optimum luxury; they are useful in keeping your body temperatures down and dry during sleep. Also, silk lowers your chances of getting a bedhead in the morning and lowers the possibility of catching dust, mites, and bacteria.
Linen may seem softer to the touch, but when you look at it under a microscope, you will find it does not have a smooth texture. This is because linen and cotton are both made with short fibers that are woven together, resulting in more bulges in the texture.
Comparing Bamboo and Silk Pillowcases
Now that we are finished with the introductions let’s move on to find out how Bamboo and silk pillowcases match. Let the battle begin!!
Comfort & Softness
Bamboo pillowcases provide a comforting and soothing feel to users. The fabric resists friction against the skin, leading to soft surface contact.
On the other hand, silk provides a much more delicate sensation, as natural silk creates a more lustrous surface that enhances comfort.
It is hard to pick a winner between these two in terms of comfort and softness; the choice depends on personal preference, so we will call this one a tie.
Durability & Longevity
Due to its immense flexibility, bamboo is durable and resists wrinkle formation. Likewise, it is a more sustainable fabric; it grows at a rapid speed and does not require pesticide protection or fertilizers to thrive.
Silk as we know it is a delicate fabric which can easily snag if you are not careful with it, but how can you be careful when you are sleeping? Even with your fingernails, diamond ring, and buttons you can spoil its shimiriness and you can leave a permanent stretch on it if you pull it too hard.
If we talk about stains, silk gets more dirty than bamboo and you can’t always use a machine to wash off the stains. Bamboo pillow cases can go through a harsh laundry cycle and it also stands firm to all the everyday wear and tear.
However, silk has one special feature: it has a high resistance to pilling. Over time, bamboo pillow cases will start developing tiny lumps if the quality of the bamboo fabric is not the best.
For this comparison we think we have a clear winner and it is Bamboo pillowcases, so for durability and longevity Bamboo pillowcases is the way to go.
Hair and skin benefits
Bamboo fiber comes with antibacterial and hypoallergenic properties as they have a natural tendency of taking the moisture away. As a result, your pillowcases will stay fresh for a much longer time. This makes bamboo pillowcases ideal for people with sensitive skin.
On the other hand, if we look at silk pillowcases they do have both the properties of antibacterial and hypoallergenic, still, with the usage it becomes less effective and pillowcases will lose their antibacterial properties.
This comparison would have almost gone to tie, but the slight edge of bamboo pillowcases has made the difference.
Cost Comparison
In a perfect world, everyone would be having bamboo or silk pillowcases. But for a lot of people, finding a perfect pair of pillowcases is not as crucial as saving money. As a result, you will find linen and cotton pillowcases are most commonly sold.
Right now, Bamboo pillowcases are also considered to be a great budget option and they do come with all the qualities of silk pillowcases as well. A good quality silk pillowcase can easily cost you more than 65$. Meanwhile you can find a great bamboo pillowcase for half the price.
You might be asking why there is so much of a difference between these two. The plain answer is that bamboo fiber doesn’t require an army of moth cocoons to produce one set of bamboo pillowcases. So, if you have to go on a budget, then bamboo pillowcases are the overall best option for you.
Cons:
- Weight: Cork blocks are heavier than foam, which might be a consideration if you need to transport them frequently.
- Price: They are generally more expensive than foam blocks.
- Comfort: The firmer surface of cork blocks might feel less comfortable for some users, especially in poses where the block is under the body.
The Final Score
So the final score between the bamboo pillowcases and silk pillowcases is 3 for bamboo, 1 for silk. Thus, we have a clear winner here and it is without a doubt bamboo pillowcases.
Washing instructions for bamboo and silk pillowcases
Bamboo pillow cases can be easily washed in your home washing machine making them much easier to clean and maintain. Also, bamboo fiber can be easily air-dried and it is quite stain resistant as well, so you will have less chances of leaving permanent mark of food items on it.
Silk pillowcases are much harder to be kept clean, they can be washed in your home washing machine but it is not recommended as the fiber can permanently damage due to all the harsh movements that take place inside the washing machine. As a result, you have to ask for a professional cleaner to clean it, otherwise, the silk pillowcase will not last long.
The cost of maintaining and handling silk pillowcases is a lot because experts recommended cleaning of bed sheets and pillowcases once every week.
Conclusion
Both silk and bamboo pillowcases are worth every penny, the latter one is more affordable and it comes with all the extra features or benefits of silk fiber. These two materials are considered to be the best bedding materials in terms of their softness, hypoallergenic properties and gentle contact for your skin.
If you have the money to spend a good amount on pillowcases then definitely go with silk pillowcases, you will have to buy a new pair in a few years but they do elevate the overall looks and feel of your bedroom.
On the other hand, if you are thinking about a budget friendly option which ticks all the essential features and comes with longevity then bamboo pillow cases should be the one you need to buy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are bamboo pillowcases better than silk for hair and skin?
Bamboo pillowcases are known to be a great alternative to silk and satin pillowcases because they prevent your hair from getting frizzy and tangled. In addition to this, they become softer with use, rather than losing softness over time.
Which is more environmentally friendly, bamboo or silk pillowcases?
Bamboo fabric comes from the pulps of its plants, thus making it more eco-friendly than silk and other types of pillowcases. Also, it is less absorbent than cotton, allowing your hair to retain its natural shape when you sleep.
Do bamboo pillowcases wrinkle easily?
No, bamboo pillowcases have high resistance towards wrinkles; if somehow you do get a wrinkle on them, you can quickly fix it by ironing it on low heat. Also, these pillowcases come pre-washed, thus reducing the chances of wrinkles.
Can silk pillowcases help with acne?
People with acne-prone skin should go with silk and bamboo pillowcases as they are less observant and do not draw out oil away from your skin when you sleep at night.
Are bamboo pillowcases good for hot sleepers?
The natural tendency of bamboo fabric is to wick moisture and heat, as a result, it allows hot air to escape, which is something hard to find in other forms of pillowcases. So for hot sleepers bamboo pillowcases are a better option for keeping a sleeper’s head cool and dry.