Are Bamboo Sheets Better Than Cotton?
Are Bamboo Sheets Better Than Cotton?
Cotton comes in many varying qualities, from textiles which carry a very low thread count to ultra-luxurious offerings such as Egyptian cotton. You will find that mid-range cotton is far cheaper than bamboo sheets, but this does not necessarily make it better. A 300-thread count rayon or bamboo viscose is equivalent to a 1,000-thread count cotton. This is hinting towards the enhanced durability, superior stretch, and density of the fibers present in sheets made from bamboo.
When one looks towards the better-quality types of cotton fabric available, the softness and quality comes near to that of bamboo. Here we’ll be taking you through the strengths of bamboo sheets, highlighting the areas where they are far superior to cotton bedding.
Better Breathability and Silky Smooth
Egyptian cotton is often termed the ‘king of all cotton’ due to its great breathability, softness, and moisture wicking. Yet bamboo sheets are naturally more breathable than any form of cotton. They do not absorb the oils from sweat like cotton does, instead dispersing them over the surface of the fabric till it evaporates.
Bamboo fibers are much smoother and rounder than cotton fibers, resulting in fabrics which are non-irritating, even to sensitive skin. Cotton fibers have barb-like structures which can become abrasive over time. The short length of the cotton fibers combined with the hooks which they possess often results in a fabric of a low quality, being held in a smooth arrangement thanks to the use of silicon spray. Bamboo sheets need no chemical treatments and stay soft.
Superior Thermal Regulation
Thanks to the moisture wicking and unique density and arrangement of the bamboo fibers, bamboo sheets have excellent thermal regulation. They keep you warm during the winter, but cool in the hottest of weather. Those who have trouble with night sweats or hot flashes will love the temperature regulation of bamboo bed sheets and pillows.
Bamboo Sheets Are Great for Your Health
Cotton is gentle to the touch but holds no inherent health benefits. Bamboo sheets are manufactured to be as hypoallergenic as possible, taking full advantage of the natural antibacterial and antimicrobial properties of bamboo. Bamboo sheets are the best choice for anyone who suffers from lung-related disorders such as asthma, while helping any user experience a calm, healthy sleep. The fabric defies dust mites and other pathogens, while completely preventing the buildup mold and mildew as well.
Sustainable and Safe Bamboo Textiles
Cotton is one of the most pesticide-intensive crops on Earth, making the production of cotton extremely detrimental to the environment. Toxic by-products are produced when certain bamboo linen manufacturing is carried out; however even this is a fraction of the harm caused by cotton.
Organic bamboo linen is manufactured from sustainable sources which require up to 90% less irrigation than cotton, while needing no pesticides. Bamboo grows very quickly and can even be planted on arid ground. Bamboo sheets are not just the best choice for those looking for high levels of comfort, but for those seeking an eco-friendly option as well.
Are Bamboo Sheets Cooler Than Cotton?
Bamboo sheets are much cooler than cotton. There are numerous factors which contribute to the cool nature of bamboo textiles.
Firstly, bamboo cells retain 40% more water than those of cotton, which translates to 100% more than polyester. They also do not absorb oils from your skin, instead dispersing it over the surface of the fabric until evaporation has taken place. These two factors in combination with the naturally high breathability of bamboo, result in bed sheets which are wonderfully warm in cold weather, holding in the heat beneath the covers, and instantly cool to the touch when it’s hot.
They are the best sheets for anyone who battles with sweating, never absorbing odors or having their color tainted. The temperature regulation of bamboo bedding is unbeatable.
Bamboo vs. Cotton
Bamboo comes with a host of benefits which make it a far better option than cotton. From being easier to clean, as is seen by the way that hairs and dirt do not cling to the fabric, to the way bamboo sheets look brand new even after years of use, they are the clear winner. Cotton does carry a texture which some people prefer, however, the majority find the silky, smooth feeling of bamboo linen to be as close to silk as you can get, without the sheets slipping from your body.
In terms of breathability, they are far superior to even Egyptian cotton, while staying much cooler to the touch as well. You will find that bamboo is typically slightly higher priced than average quality cotton but over-delivers in terms of quality. Yet this is still far cheaper than top-tier cotton such as that of the Egyptian variety, while beating almost all varieties in all regards.