When discussing sleep quality, bedding is often overlooked as a factor. Little did you know that it contributes to creating a sleep environment that could potentially make or break your slumber. This is why some can compare sleeping in hotels to heaven because these establishments invest in higher quality bed sheets ensuring your snug and cozy sleep. Choosing the right bed sheets, then, becomes an arduous challenge. With the multitude of choices available in the market, we’re set to find out which one comes out as the best sheet.
In today’s trends, bamboo sheets have become the talk of the town and now, people are wondering whether or not it lives up to their hype, especially when pitted against trusted and traditional cotton bedding. Here, we’ll compare bamboo sheets to their premium Egyptian cotton counterparts.
What Are Bamboo Sheets?
These bed sheets are made from their namesake, the fibres of the bamboo plant. Due to the sheer length of the bamboo fibres, long and thin threads could be spun from it. This allows more space for the thread to be woven together, essentially increasing the thread count. Unlike cotton, however, thread count weighs less in the softness and overall quality of bamboo sheets because even with a lower thread count, bamboo bedding continues to provide the luxurious feel that people look for in their sheets.
What Are Egyptian Cotton Sheets?
Egyptian cotton, on the other hand, is known for serving the highest quality and the most durability among its cotton counterparts. Egyptian cotton is an extra-long staple, high-quality cotton. Like Pima cotton, Egyptian cotton is derived from the distinguished cotton plant species known as Gossypium barbadense.
Handpicked, the Egyptian cotton plant produces long threads with the smallest diameter possible. The thin yarn enables the manufacturers to create material with a high thread count that never sacrifices strength and softness. This is where the well-known rule-of-thumb comes in where the higher the thread count, the better the quality of the sheets. Among the different types of cotton, Egyptian cotton sheets are the ones that are best known for their silky feel and durability.
The Comparison: Bamboo vs. Egyptian Cotton Sheets
In this battle between the sheets, we’ll look into five different criteria to see which bedding is the best match for you.
Durability
Both bamboo and Egyptian cotton sheets are known for their high quality. These sheets have been known to last for up to 15 years because of the long fibres present in both the bamboo and cotton plant. Instead of sewing small patches of fabric together, bamboo and Egyptian cotton sheets are made out of long and thin threads that stretch throughout their entirety covering the whole length of the sheet. This manufacturing process allows the bedding to resist pilling and tearing — both of which shorten the sheets’ life.
However, with great power comes great responsibility. Both types of bedding require lots of care, particularly when washing. Gentle cycles are a must to uphold the bedding’s quality.
Tip: To be able to maximise your sheets’ lifespan, make sure to take note of the care instructions that go with them.
One difference that the two sheets have is that cotton is more likely to discolour because it absorbs sweat and oil from our body while you’re asleep. These yellow and grey stains in our sheets could be countered with deep cleaning but some opt to throw it away after discolouration for sanitary reasons.
Winner: Bamboo sheets
Feel
One of the benefits of bamboo bed sheets is the silky feel due to the sateen weave, but unlike silk, the material isn’t slippery at all. It is naturally light and breathable, especially because of its moisture-wicking capabilities. This means that even in the hottest of temperatures, the bamboo fabric will not stick to the skin similar to working out in a dry-fit shirt. It also has temperature regulating features which enable it to keep you warm in the winter but cool in the summer.
Egyptian cotton bedding, especially those with a higher thread count, has a remarkably soft and luxurious feel to it. Like fine wine, the longer you have your Egyptian cotton sheets, the softer it gets because washing them makes them softer than ever. Unlike regular cotton varieties, Egyptian cotton is breathable making it thin, lightweight, and one of the softest types of fabric. Another differentiator of Egyptian cotton is its ability to resist wrinkles which adds to the luxurious feel of having them as your bedding.
Tip: For maximum softness, pick Egyptian cotton sheets with a minimum thread count of 400 or bamboo sheets with a minimum of 200.
Winner: Personal preference
Health
One aspect that draws a number of people to bamboo linens is the fact that it is hypoallergenic, perfect if you have sensitive skin. Its aforementioned moisture-wicking ability also prevents the growth of bacteria in your bedding which in turn, prevents odour from clinging to your sheets. Not only that but it makes sure that you’re not sharing your bed with anyone — or anything — else because it keeps bugs, dust mites, and pathogens away from your bed.
While bamboo sheets bring in a variety of health benefits, cotton sheets aren’t known to have any. Egyptian cotton sheets, however, are known to be gentle to the skin which also makes it suitable for people with sensitive skin.
Winner: Bamboo sheets
Check out: Ecosa’s Bamboo Sheet Set
Environmental Impact
Made from bamboo plants, bamboo bedding products are said to be eco-friendly, seeing that bamboo grows rapidly with little to no aid from pesticides and other agricultural chemicals. To make sure that the negative effects of chemicals don’t affect your health, it is still recommended to choose sheets that are made from organic bamboo.
Some Bamboo sheets still undergo a chemical process. So to be extra sure, go for Ecosa’s bamboo bedding products that are made of 100% bamboo lyocell fabric. This method of manufacturing bamboo is the greenest and results in a soft fabric. Bamboo Lyocell, also known as Tencel, is made from bamboo cellulose. Tencel comes from processing the bamboo until the grass becomes a pulp. Cellulose is then extracted from the pulp, threaded into long fibres and woven. The benefit of this process is that it produces a biodegradable product that contributes to a more sustainable society.
On the contrary, cotton is a plant that uses extensive amounts of pesticides and harmful chemicals. If you are concerned about the sustainability of your choices, this doesn’t mean Egyptian cotton sheets aren’t for you. Alternatively, you can opt for some bedding options that are made of organic cotton.
Winner: Bamboo sheets or organic Egyptian cotton sheets
Price
From affordable prices to luxurious price tags, both bamboo and Egyptian cotton bedding have a broad price range but in the end, it really depends on what you need in terms of features and comfort. The most common in the market are blend sheets — a combination of different materials. Although more expensive, getting 100% bamboo or 100% Egyptian cotton is crucial to make sure you reap all the benefits that the sheets provide. If you’re on a budget, picking 100% bamboo sheets with a low thread count is an alternative. As mentioned earlier, with bamboo beddings, thread count doesn’t matter as much to the quality and softness delivered by these products.
Winner: Bamboo sheets with a low thread count
Is Bamboo Breathable Fabric?
Yes. bamboo that has been made into fabric intended for sheets, bedding or clothing is typically breathable. However, its breathability depends on many factors beyond just its fibre contents. These factors can include the structure and density of the fabric and the finishing processes applied to it.
What is Cooler to Sleep in — Cotton or Bamboo? Which Is Better for Hot Sleepers? Which Is Better for Warm Climates?
Egyptian cotton and bamboo are both absorbent fibres that are comfortable to sleep on in hot weather. However, according to research published in the Journal of Applied Research and Technology, bamboo appears to have an edge over cotton in warm climates. The researchers determined that bamboo’s heat storage rate is more appealing than cotton’s in warm environments. Although this research examined which fibre is better for clothing, the same logic could just as easily be applied to bedding; based on their findings, we can conclude that sheets made from bamboo fibre would be preferable to cotton bed sheets in hot environments.
Winner: Bamboo sheets
Conclusion
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!
Check out: Ecosa’s Bamboo Sheet Set
