Typically, when we think about bamboo, the images that come to mind are those of house plants and happy pandas, but as you probably already know, they also make for an excellent bed sheet material. The process of converting bamboo into a bed sheet material is fascinating, so it’s no wonder that it has sparked the curiosity of many. This is why we created this comprehensive article about the process, so if you’ve ever asked yourself “How are bed sheets made from bamboo?”, continue reading to find out all about it.
In addition to going over this process, we have included a section where we discuss the pros and cons regarding bamboo sheets, a comparison between cotton and bamboo sheets, as well as some bamboo sheets recommendations to help you save time during the browsing process.
With that out of the way, let’s start by explaining what bamboo sheets are exactly.
What Are Bamboo Sheets?
Bamboo sheets are sheets that are made out of bamboo fibres. Bamboo sheets have become a staple in many households due to the multitude of benefits associated with the material, such as breathability and sustainability.
There are four main types of bamboo fabric that are used today: bamboo modal, bamboo viscose, bamboo linen, and bamboo lyocell. Let’s explain each.
Bamboo modal is made with a chemical process and it’s considered to be better than bamboo viscose. It’s easy to maintain and it’s considered to be extremely durable. One of the drawbacks associated with bamboo modal is that it can be a little too thin for some sleepers.
Bamboo viscose is becoming increasingly more frowned upon due to the negative environmental impact. In order to obtain bamboo viscose, the bamboo fibre has to go through severe chemical processes that can be harmful for both us and the environment. For that reason, you should be extra careful when shopping for sheets made of bamboo viscose and ensure that they’re regulated.
Bamboo linen is ideal for anyone who wants their products to be on the natural side. Unlike the other types of bamboo fabric, it’s made without chemicals, making it great for the environment. Throughout the process, the longest fibres are extracted from the bamboo fiber to be later spun into yarn. Because of this process, the end result is high-quality and durable fabric. With that said, sheets made of bamboo linen are more prone to wrinkles than other types of bamboo fibres.
Last but not least, bamboo lyocell is an amazing alternative to bamboo viscose that is both soft and durable, and it’s free from any harmful chemicals that can have a bad impact on both people and the environment.
How Are Bed Sheets Made From Bamboo?
The process of creating bamboo bed sheets is quite long and exhaustive. The plant goes through various steps needed to ensure the safety and quality of the final product.
Unsurprisingly, the first step in the bamboo sheet making process is harvesting the plant. The majority of bamboo bed sheets are made in China and India because that’s where bamboo is mostly grown. The best bamboo sheets are those made of bamboo that doesn’t contain any chemicals or pesticides, which is why most companies require a natural certification when looking for manufacturers.
Bamboo sheets are made of bamboo fibres which are obtained by crushing the bamboo and soaking it in sodium hydroxide. This allows for the cellulose bamboo to be completely dissolved from the mixture. Following this process, the fibres are extracted and dried. These fibres are later used to create the fabric that bamboo sheets are made from, with the number of fibres used determining the thread count of the bamboo sheets.
The Benefits of Bamboo Sheets
If you’re still undecided whether bamboo sheets would make for a good investment, here are some of the benefits you can expect.
Temperature Regulation. If there’s one thing bamboo sheets are known for, it’s their outstanding temperature regulating benefits. Bamboo sheets are breathable and lightweight, ensuring that you don’t get too hot during humid and hot weather. They will help keep your sleeping environment cool and fresh, making them an amazing investment for hot sleepers.
Hypoallergenic Benefits. As you know by now, bamboo is naturally hypoallergenic, which means that bamboo sheets can be used safely by those who suffer from allergies, asthma, or have sensitive skin. The temperature regulating properties also help prevent allergies because they keep the moisture at bay which is known for attracting germs and allergens.
Sustainable. Most bamboo fabrics are made in a sustainable manner, which means that bamboo sheets are an excellent option for anyone who cares about the environmental impact of their purchases. What’s more, bamboo plants are known for absorbing carbon emissions from the atmosphere, and they’re grown without the use of pesticides which is better for the environment.
Durable. Another benefit of bamboo sheets is that they’re incredibly durable and can last up to several years, assuming you follow the maintenance instructions diligently. They’re also quite stain-resistant, which is a contributing factor to their durability.
Soft. One of the most important features of a sheet is softness. Luckily, bamboo sheets are soft and skin-friendly. Granted, their softness may vary depending on what fabric is used and what the thread count is.
Bamboo Sheets vs. Cotton Sheets
A common question that buyers ask themselves is whether to opt for bamboo sheets or cotton sheets. By exploring the key differences between these two materials, we hope to help you make an informed decision about what type of sheet will benefit you more.
Breathability. In terms of breathability, it’s safe to say that bamboo sheets are superior, all thanks to their moisture-absorbing properties. Cotton sheets usually have a higher thread count which makes them automatically more likely to cause overheating. With that said, cotton is a perfectly breathable and lightweight material in and of itself, so if you’re not a hot sleeper and you’re really keen on owning cotton sheets, we recommend you go for it.
Durability. Cotton sheets with a lower thread count are susceptible to tears and damage. Due to the way bamboo fabric is made, they’re more likely to last you for a longer time.
Price. Generally speaking, cotton sheets are more affordable than bamboo sheets. If you’re on a tight budget, we recommend opting for a 100% cotton sheet in order to maximize the benefits of cotton. If, however, you’re set on purchasing a bamboo sheet, you can opt for a lower thread count which is usually more affordable so you can reap the benefits of bamboo.
Environment. The environmental impact of cotton versus bamboo differs greatly. A lot of chemicals and pesticides are used in the process of making cotton sheets, so they’re not the best option if you’re looking for sustainable bedding.
Does Thread Count Matter in Bamboo Sheets?
Thread count refers to the number of threads contained in a square inch of fabric. If you’ve ever shopped for cotton sheets, you might have noticed that they come in different thread counts. But does the same apply to bamboo sheets?
The sweet thread count spot for cotton sheets is between 200 and 600. The general advice for sleepers is to go higher in terms of thread count if they want to get soft and high-quality sheets. However, unlike cotton sheets, bamboo sheets have a lower thread count. When shopping for bamboo sheets, look for a thread count between 200 and 350. Bamboo as a material differs from cotton, so it’s natural that different thread count rules apply.
Who Should Consider Buying Bamboo Sheets?
If you’re still wondering whether bamboo sheets are right for you, we have included some pointers to help you make a decision.
Bamboo sheets will make a wonderful addition to your bedroom if you’re prone to allergies or you have sensitive skin. Struggling with allergies entails that you have to be extra careful when making a new purchase, but, luckily, the hypoallergenic nature of bamboo sheets will help you avoid any adverse reactions.
If you’re someone who appreciates durability in their sheets, consider investing in bamboo sheets. They’re known for being stain-resistant and maintaining their appearance for years to come, so you will have no problem preserving their amazing quality.
Hot sleepers will also enjoy the incredible temperature regulating benefits of bamboo sheets. As we mentioned earlier, bamboo is a lightweight material that seamlessly helps keep the heat and night sweats at bay. No more waking up in the middle of the night drenched in uncomfortable sweats.
Bamboo Sheet Recommendations
If you’re new to bamboo bedding and you don’t know where to start looking for bamboo sheets, here are some of our favourite products on the market.
The Pure Bamboo Sheets are luxurious, 100% bamboo sheets made from organic bamboo. They’re OEKO-TEX certified, which means that they don’t contain any harmful chemicals or substances. In this bundle, you will receive a set including a fitted sheet, a flat sheet, and two envelope-style pillowcases. They provide incredible comfort and durability, so you won’t have to worry about any discomfort during the night. Pure Bamboo grants a lifetime guarantee with every purchase.
The Bambaw Ivory Fitted Sheets is another one of our favourite bamboo sheets on the market. It’s hypoallergenic, soft, and provides amazing temperature control. On top of that, they’re more affordable than the standard bamboo sheets, which is great if you’re on a budget.
Panda is one of the best brands if you’re looking for bamboo bedding. Known for their luxurious products, organically grown bamboo, and incredible softness, these sheets will maximize your comfort and ensure that your sleeping quality remains intact regardless of the weather. Panda offer a one-year guarantee with every purchase, as well as a 30-night trial. Apart from sheets, they also offer duvets, mattress toppers, and even pillows.
FAQs
Are Bamboo Sheets Made from Real Bamboo?
Yes, bamboo bed sheets are made from the fibres of bamboo plants.
Are Sheets Made from Bamboo Good?
Bamboo bed sheets come with a myriad of benefits – they’re breathable, hypoallergenic, and sustainable.
What Are the Disadvantages of Bamboo Fabric?
A common con that is associated with a bamboo fabric is the use of chemicals in creating certain bamboo fabric such as bamboo viscose.
Final Thoughts
Now that we’ve reached the end of this read, let’s sum everything up.
There are four different types of bamboo fabric: bamboo modal, bamboo viscose, bamboo linen, and bamboo lyocell. Each fabric involves a different process and comes with its own set of benefits and drawbacks. Overall, bamboo sheets are ideal for hot sleepers, those who suffer from allergies, and sleepers who’d like to be as environmentally friendly as possible.
Just like cotton, bamboo can come in different thread counts. However, the thread count doesn’t go as high as cotton – the average thread count of quality bamboo sheets is 250.
Bamboo sheets come in different price ranges, but if you’re on a tight budget, consider investing in cotton sheets instead of bamboo sheets because they’re usually significantly more affordable. The main difference is that cotton sheets aren’t as durable and breathable as bamboo sheets.
We hope our guide on how are bed sheets made from bamboo has been useful in learning about the process of making bamboo fabric and helped you decide whether it’d make for a good investment.
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