High Quality Bedding: Egyptian Cotton, Bamboo, or Silk?

Getting a good night’s sleep is one of the key foundations of health and wellbeing [1].  If you’ve resolved to take better care of yourself and improve your quality of life, you’d be wise to upgrade your quality of sleep.

One way to get better rest is by investing in high-quality, organic bedding [2].  You may have considered buying luxury bed sheets for their restful advantages, but felt overwhelmed by the details – what’s the difference between Egyptian cotton, bamboo, and silk sheets, anyway? How do I know which kind of luxury sheets are best for me? 

When it comes to buying upscale linens, you want to make a smart choice – and that’s what this guide will help you do.  We’ll weigh the pros and cons of each type of luxury bed sheets so you can make the best possible investment for you.Alt=

Organic Egyptian Cotton Sheets

PROS:

• Soft, smooth and comfortable
• Machine washable
• Little to no shrinkage
• Retains softness after multiple washings
• Proven durability – lasts for years
• Breathable, allowing for natural body heat to regulate temperature in bed
• Absorbs perspiration, keeping you more comfortable
• If you’re dealing with organic cotton, you know the cotton was grown and processed without chemicals
• You can get 100% U.S. grown & made organic cotton, which means less energy is expended on transportation from overseas

CONS:

• Wrinkles easily

Bamboo Sheets

PROS:

•  Extremely soft – often compared to cashmere
•  Machine washable
•  Gets softer with every washing
•  Resists pilling
•  Breathable, allowing for natural body heat to regulate temperature in bed
• Absorbs perspiration, keeping you more comfortable
• It’s said to be 3 to 4 times more absorbent than cotton
• Eco-friendly [3], at least in its growth stage.  Bamboo grows quickly, so its supply cannot easily be exhausted. 
• Fiber has antibacterial, antifungal properties
• Fibers are odor resistant
• Has a natural sheen that bamboo enthusiasts say doesn’t occur in cotton

CONS:

•  Can experience shrinking
•  Even though it’s organically grown, bamboo requires chemicals in its processing stage
•  Some Chinese factories are uncertified, and the regulatory process of bamboo fabric’s development has caused concern. 

Cultivated (Mulberry) Silk Sheets

PROS:

• Legendary softness and luxury
• Absorbs perspiration, keeping you more comfortable
• Naturally resistant to mold and mildew
• Dust mites [4] don't like silk
• Naturally hypoallergenic
• Naturally fire retardant [5]

CONS:

• Very expensive
• Silk traps heat, so sheets can get uncomfortably warm
• Easily damaged by rough skin (like on heels and elbows) and jagged toenails and fingernails
• Requires special care.  Handwashing or drycleaning is recommended; must be air dried
• Fades easily in direct sunlight
• Some people don’t like their “slippery” feeling

When it comes to comfy bed sheets, it’s an issue of “to each his/her own”.  So if you’re going to invest in high-end luxury bedding, you’ll definitely experience a better quality of sleep – if you choose the sheets that are right for you.