While it may be harder to come by, bamboo linen, also known as bast bamboo fiber, uses a chemical-free mechanical process that may appeal more to eco-conscious shoppers. However, the resulting fabric tends to be somewhat coarse and prone to wrinkling.
When it comes to softness, the battle seems like a tie but when all other factors come in, bamboo sheets are the clear winner. From its cooling factor to its health and sanitation benefits to its long life, you definitely get your money's worth out of these sheets!
Bamboo Bed Sheet Pros
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 sheets are less likely to wrinkle than other types of sheets. This is due to the fact that bamboo is a natural fibre that is resistant to wrinkling. Additionally, bamboo fabrics are typically tightly woven and often pre-washed, which also helps to reduce wrinkles.
Bamboo sheets are cool, breathable and absorbent
They are also cooler to the touch than cotton sheets. Beyond that, bamboo can absorb 40% more water than cotton. So a bamboo sheet is a great choice to absorb sweat. But like with other natural materials, there's only so much sweat bamboo sheets can absorb.
Bamboo sheets protect you and your bed from unwanted bacteria. Not only does this prevent the build-up of moisture, dust mites and nasty odours, but the antibacterial properties of bamboo sheets have been proven to protect against skin irritation, infection, and even cure existing damage.
Bamboo sheets can turn yellow or discoloured over time because of sweat, skin oil, bodily fluids, body lotions, topical skin products and dirt.
During the warmer months, we recommend bamboo sheets are washed every 7-10 days. In summer, we tend to sweat a lot more in our sleep, so it's essential to keep the sheets clean and fresh to avoid a build-up of dirt and bacteria.
Yes, bamboo is a very breathable fabric. In most cases, you'll find that bamboo sheets keep you cooler throughout the night. Bamboo stays about 3 degrees cooler than cotton on average. It's breathable enough to allow your body heat to easily escape.
Bamboo sheets will get softer with each wash, so long as you take the time to care for your bamboo sheets. Our laundry guide for bamboo sheets specifies that we recommend washing your bamboo sheets on a gentle machine wash cycle, with mild, eco-friendly detergents.
Bamboo has a less of an environmental impact and a smaller carbon footprint than cotton. It also doesn't rely on pesticides, fertilizer and water to grow. It is also naturally resistant to insects or infecting pathogens.
Bamboo Is Temperature Regulating
Bamboo is naturally thermo-regulating, meaning bamboo sheets will keep your body cool in summer, and warm in winter.
Oprah loves the Cozy Earth bamboo sheet set for its soft comfort and breathable, moisture-wicking fabric.
Both of these types are naturally more comfortable, with bamboo only needing thread counts of 300 to 400 and eucalyptus needing 300 to 500. The most significant difference between the two is that bamboo is inherently softer while eucalyptus is more luxurious in feel.
Bamboo sheets naturally wick moisture away, keeping your sheets fresh for longer. They're ideal for those with sensitive skin or who have allergies. While natural silk does have certain hypoallergenic characteristics, these properties become less effective the longer the sheets are worn.
Silk, bamboo, tencel, and cotton hypoallergenic bedding is tightly woven and breathable, preventing moisture and eliminating mold and dust mites from your most sacred space.
Always wash your bamboo bedding in cold water, at 30C or 86F max, and on a gentle cycle. It's important to wash them separately because zippers, hooks, and other materials can cause pilling and abrasion. Avoid washing them with towels or blankets (unless you like super linty sheets).
However, the natural fibres that make bamboo sheets soft, hypoallergenic and moisture-wicking are susceptible to heat damage. Tumble dryers can shrink sheets and create stubborn wrinkles. Drying on a low setting helps avoid shrinkage and wrinkles, but your best option for drying bamboo sheets is always on a line.
Even though they are silky and soft, bamboo fabric is durable. People can machine wash and dry the fabric but is best to avoid certain cleaning products.
Bamboo fabric can last a decade, or even longer if it's well taken care of. In comparison, traditional cotton sheets usually only last a year or two before you need to replace them.
We recommend a mild liquid detergent like Ecos, Mrs. Myers, Woolite, Seventh Generation, ECover, or Kirkland Ultra Clean. We do not recommend bleach, fabric softener, washer balls or dryer sheets/balls. Harsher detergents can break down the fibers faster, shortening the lifespan of the bamboo blanket.
Cotton. Lightweight and breathable, cotton is your best friend when it comes to bed sheets that keep you cool at night. Try swapping out your current sheets with flat and fitted cotton ones to see the difference.
Do bamboo sheets pill? Bamboo sheets aren't likely to pill, especially if they're well cared for. To keep your bamboo sheets feeling soft, wash and dry them with low heat and avoid using harsh chemical cleaners.
Some researchers believe color plays an essential role in how we feel. According to the National Sleep Foundation, neutral tones like grey, blue, charcoal and white are ideal for your sleeping quarters, as they lend to a soothing, tranquil ambiance.