BambougieBedSheets

Ultimate Guide to Bamboo Sheets 2019

Updated 9/26/2019
What are the best bamboo sheets?

How is bamboo rayon different than bamboo lyocell?

This guide will explain everything you need to know!

Bamboo: nature's super Material

Bamboo plants contain natural moisture wicking, hypoallergenic, antibacterial and antimicrobial properties.

These properties make them the perfect material to use to manufacture various products.

When you add the fact that bamboo is also strong and silky, it’s only natural that it would be used to make bed sheets.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore how the bamboo plant becomes a woven fabric and give you the information you need to select the type of bamboo bed sheets that are right for you.

BEST BAMBOO SHEETS

With so many Bamboo sheet options to choose from, we’ve compiled a list of quality bamboo sheets that excel in a variety of areas:

  • Price
  • Durability
  • Low-maintenance
  • Softness
  • Coolness
  • Eco-friendliness

ROYAL HOTEL BAMBOO COTTON SHEETS


Boasting a solid 4-star rating from multiple online sources such as Amazon, the Royal Hotel Bamboo Cotton Sheet is a safe bet when looking to select a specific variety of bamboo sheets.


The main element that makes these sheets comfortable in all temperature environments is the fact that the material is 60% viscose and 40% cotton. The healthy balance of content in these sheets provides users with breathability, as well as a feeling of luxury.


A significant issue in the market of both sheets and mattresses is the assembly process used to create these products and how they impact buyers’ health.


The hybrid material of bamboo and cotton in the Royal Hotel sheet creates resistance to dust-mites and is additionally assembled in an environmentally conscious manner. 


Those who have issues with allergies and are worried about chemicals during the sheet assembly process can literally and figuratively rest easy when owning this product.


CARILOHA CLASS BAMBOO SHEETS



Since the price-tag of Cariolha Class Bamboo Sheets is slightly more expensive than other bamboo sheets, it’s essential to know why this product is worth dishing out some extra dough.


Comfort via softness is what defines Cariloha Bamboo Sheets. The feeling of Cariloha Class Bamboo Sheets is described as both silky and soft. With these sheets being 100% bamboo viscose, users will sleep with a sheet that combats moisture, which virtually eliminates cases of odor.


The confidence that Cariloha has in this variety of sheet is reflected in their life quality guarantee. If you experience wear and tear or any other issues with Cariloha Class Bamboo Sheets, you can swap them for a new set.


Buyers of Cariloha Class Bamboo Sheets can also receive a 90-day sleep trial to access whether or not the sheets are a correct fit. To obtain the 90-day sleep trial, order the sheets from Cariloha’s website.


COSY HOUSE COLLECTION BAMBOO SHEETS


Those looking for an economical bamboo sheet option that doesn’t sacrifice quality for a lower price should look toward the Cosy House Collection.With a silky-soft feel and a material that is easy to keep clean, Cosy House Bamboo sheets give users a lightweight product that is created as a result of combining bamboo with additional microfiber blends.


Nobody likes stains or wrinkles on their bedsheets. Sheets should always be clean to ensure an exceptional sleep experience. Cost House Bamboo Sheets provide a material that is both wrinkle and stain-resistant.Size and fit are factors that impact whether or not a sheet set is going to get the job done. 


With thick corner straps, deep pockets, and an elastic strap that surrounds the sheet, Cosy House sheets are sure to stay in place throughout a night’s sleep. When browsing Cosy House Bamboo Sheets, a wide selection of colors and designs are available. Lifetime full replacement warranty with Cosy House Collection helps owners reach the highest level of satisfaction.


ZEN BAMBOO LUXURY BED SHEETS


Eco-friendly and easy on the wallet, Zen Bamboo Luxury Sheets provide both comfort and easy maintenance to ensure longevity. Microfibers, in combination with eco-friendly bamboo material, create a sheet that’s both cozy and breathable.


Zen’s combination of bamboo with microfiber blends additionally creates a durable product. Why are these sheets durable? The durability lies in the fact Zen Bamboo Luxury Sheets are: 


  • Stain-resistant
  • Wrinkle-resistant
  • Fade-resistant


Wrinkle resistance is a considerable asset when shopping for sheets as the goal is to throw your sheets in the wash with little-to-no work to do afterward.


Durability also means that with the Zen Bamboo Luxury Sheets, owners can maintain the quality of the product that initially existed upon purchase.Those who struggle with allergies and our worried about dust-mites should look into Zen Bamboo Luxury Sheets as the product is hypoallergenic in addition to its various durable qualities.


ELUXURY BAMBOO SHEET


The process of manufacturing bamboo fiber varies depending upon the desired fabric production.

In laymen’s terms, creating bamboo fiber involves gathering the bamboo plants and taking them to a manufacturing plant where they are crushed and submerged in sodium hydroxide.

This causes the bamboo cellulose to dissolve, and fibers are taken from the plant.

These fibers are then exposed to a chemical agent to lighten its color and prepare it to be woven into a fabric.

The types of fabrics made from bamboo are bamboo rayon (viscose), bamboo modal, and bamboo lyocell. Bamboo blends with cotton are also available.

The process used to manufacture fibers and to weave the material is what distinguishes one type of bamboo fabric from the other.

eLuxury Bamboo Sheets are an excellent alternative to standard cotton bed sheet options. Available in a variety of sizes that start at the twin size, you won’t have to worry about eLuxury sheets being an improper fit for your specific mattress.


Made of 100% natural fiber, the bamboo elements of this sheet creates a material that is both sustainable and absorbent. The threads of eLuxury Bamboo sheets are rounded, which creates a fabric that is smooth and soft.


With a higher than average thread count of three hundred, eLuxury Bamboo Sheets are going to be more durable. The higher the thread count, the more tightly woven the sheet.


Even though the thread count is high on this sheet, the actual feeling of the sheet is lightweight. The thickness of the sheet strikes a perfect balance between thick and thin.


While these sheets are a little more pricey than some of the other options listed, your money will be well spent as your sheets will feel soft and fresh.


How Is Bamboo Turned Into Fabric?

The process of manufacturing bamboo fiber varies depending upon the desired fabric production.

In laymen’s terms, creating bamboo fiber involves gathering the bamboo plants and taking them to a manufacturing plant where they are crushed and submerged in sodium hydroxide.

This causes the bamboo cellulose to dissolve, and fibers are taken from the plant.

These fibers are then exposed to a chemical agent to lighten its color and prepare it to be woven into a fabric.

The types of fabrics made from bamboo are bamboo rayon (viscose), bamboo modal, and bamboo lyocell. Bamboo blends with cotton are also available.

The process used to manufacture fibers and to weave the material is what distinguishes one type of bamboo fabric from the other.
When bamboo is turned into rayon, there is no material evidence left of the original bamboo plant.

Viscose and rayon are both names that refer to the same thing.

In the USA, the name rayon is used, and in Europe, the textile is more commonly referred to as viscose.

Modal and Lyocell are different methods used to produce the viscose to either improve it or reduce the impact on the environment.

Types of Bamboo Fabric

Bamboo Rayon (Viscose of Bamboo)

Bamboo Rayon
Most bamboo bed sheets on the market are made of bamboo rayon.

There really isn’t much difference in the process used to create other rayon fabrics and bamboo rayon.

While rayon mainly comes from wood pulp, bamboo viscose comes from bamboo grass.

The first type of cellulosic fibers to be manufactured was bamboo rayon.

To make bamboo rayon, the bamboo is mashed together to extract the cellulose, which is dissolved to create a viscose solution.

That liquid solution is then spun through small holes to make long, thin filaments that are placed into another solution that removes the solvent.

The product that remains is pure cellulose formed into long thin viscose strands. Therefore, it’s a chemical process that converts the natural material from the plant cellulose into a fiber.

The main criticism of bamboo rayon is that the chemicals, such as carbon disulfide, used in the manufacturing process are toxic.

That makes bamboo rayon less environmentally friendly than Bamboo Lyocell.
Does Viscose Shrink?
Yes.

If you wash viscose bedding sheets or any other fabric in hot water, there is a good chance that it will shrink, unless the fabric was preshrunk before manufacturing.

Still, it’s a good practice to wash the sheets in hot water at least once when you first purchase them so they can shrink to their intended size.

Bamboo rayon fibers lose their natural anti-microbial and anti-bacterial properties during the manufacturing process.

This is why the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) does not allow bamboo rayon sheets to be labeled as 100 percent bamboo.

The correct label for bed sheets and other products made by this process is “rayon made from bamboo.”

Bamboo Modal

The initial process of manufacturing bamboo viscose and bamboo modal is basically the same process, using the same type of chemicals.

Most often, the cellulose is taken from beech tree pulp, and the fibers are stressed as they are spun to increase its molecular alignment.

Because of this, the fibers produced are also stronger, yet more delicate and thin. They are also more resilient to being tumble dried without damage or losing its shape.

Aside from that, bamboo viscose and bamboo modal are similar products.

Bamboo modal is not used very much anymore due to durability concerns after several washes, which is why we do not recommend bamboo modal sheets.

However bamboo modal is very common in underwear (we recommend these for men and women)

Bamboo / Cotton Belnds

As the name implies, Cotton is a short staple fiber that is sourced from the cotton plant.

The methods used to produce cotton are labor intensive, involve a lot of chemicals, and waste fresh water.

The most common bamboo blend with cotton is 40 percent cotton and 60 percent bamboo or 30 percent cotton and 70 percent bamboo rayon.

This blended fabric is stronger than 100 percent pure bamboo, however the softness of the material is compromised.

Combined with cotton, the bamboo blend becomes a less sustainable bedding choice.

Bamboo Lyocell

Again, like bamboo modal and rayon, bamboo lyocell is created in basically the same way.

The difference with Lyocell is that a non-toxic solvent is used to dissolve the cellulose from the wood.

Instead of the toxic sodium hydroxide (caustic soda) used to produce bamboo rayon, Methylmorpholine N-oxide (NMMO for short) is used to manufacture lyocell.

This non-toxic solvent is easier to filter, recycle, and re-use in a closed loop, which is better for the environment.

Therefore bamboo lyocell sheets are the number one choice for comfort and sustainability.
Does Lyocell Shrink?
Yes, but it does not shrink as much as cotton.

Any pre-shrunk fabrics can shrink a little if they’re placed in very hot or boiling water.

To be on the safe side, bamboo bed sheets should ideally be washed in cold water and line dried, if possible.

NOTE: In lyocell, hot water also increases the possibility of pilling.

Advantages of Bamboo Bed Sheets

When you’re in the market for new bedding, there are many considerations in choosing which sheets to purchase.

If you are both health and environmentally conscious, bamboo lyocell sheets are much better-quality than traditional sheets or even rayon or modal.

Earth-Friendly

Bamboo is one of nature’s most versatile, sustainable, and renewable plant materials.

Because of the thickness of the bamboo bushes, the plants grow better when they are pruned and thinned out.

During the harvesting process, the roots are not destroyed, and the stalks grow back fast.

This means that not only is the bamboo very easy to replace, but also by using the bamboo to create certain goods, we are actually helping the bamboo to grow and offset more CO2.

Also, bamboo plants do not require as much water as other plants, which is yet one more benefit for the environment as water shortages caused by climate change and waste are one of the major threats we face today.

Toxin-Free

Because bamboo is naturally anti-bacterial and anti-microbial, growing bamboo does not require the toxic chemicals and pesticides that growing cotton requires.

You know that when you bring bamboo bed sheets into your home, you have peace of mind that the plant was grown without the use of pesticides and other related products.

More Comfortable Sleeping Temperatures

Bamboo bed sheets are naturally temperature controlled.

These sheets have what’s known as “wicking” properties, which pulls moisture away from the person’s body.

Many people feel as if bamboo sheets prevent them from sweating, and that is sometimes true as the fabric is more breathable than cotton sheets.

However, what is also happening is that the wicking properties absorb and dissipate the moisture as well, keeping you dry and comfortable all night.

How these wicking properties get transferred from the bamboo plant into the fabric is unknown, but it is hypothesized that the thin fibers and threads allow bamboo bedding to breathe more naturally than cotton and other materials.

So, if you are prone to experience extreme body temperature changes that keep you awake at night, you could see a big improvement in the amount of sleep you get by switching to bamboo bed sheets and especially lyocell where the moisture wicking is most seen.

Antimicrobial Characteristics

Numerous studies (see here, and here, and here as well) show that bamboo bed sheets block bacteria growth by wicking the moisture that makes germ growth possible.

This is good news for people who tend to sweat at night or are prone to infection.

Soft, Silky Comfort

One of the main selling points to bamboo sheets is the pure softness of the material.

Regardless of how long you’ve had them or how many times they’ve been through the wash cycle, these sheets will never feel hard or binding. They will always maintain their lightweight and silky softness.

Hypoallergenic

Bamboo products are naturally hypoallergenic, again due to their anti-microbial properties.

That makes them a good choice for people who suffer from asthma, allergies, and other breathing issues.

Mite Resistant

It’s been reported by some users that bamboo bed sheets resist bed mites.

Most of these users praise the sheets for their allergen-resistant abilities. These persons feel as if they have fewer episodes of itching and sneezing.

Stain Resistant

Some users of bamboo bed sheets have commented about the material’s resistance to stains and other bacteria.

Usually, the comments are made in reference to stains from oily skin. This is not a universal claim, and it is understood that any type of material will stain under the right conditions.

Long-Lasting

Although no sheets are expected to last forever, bamboo bed sheets last longer than traditional sheets.

You can expect bamboo bed sheets to last for several years, but ideally and for obvious hygienic reasons, you should replace your sheets about once every two years.

We offer a 90-day to a one-year return policy from the date of purchase.

Two types of weaves

In addition to the type of material used in the manufacturing process, you can tell the difference between the quality of bamboo bed sheets by the type of weave used in the fabric.

The weave affects the look and the feel of the fabric. The two most common types of weaves on the market are bamboo twill and bamboo sateen.

Woven fabrics are any type of fabric made by interlacing two or more threads at right angles to one another.

They are usually created on a loom by weaving the threads together on a warp and a weft.

The integrity of the fabric is maintained by the mechanical interlocking of the fibers.

The style of the weave controls the fabric’s stability, smoothness, and its ability to conform to a complex surface.

While both are made with 100 percent bamboo fiber, bamboo sateen and bamboo twill are different in texture.

twill

Twill Weave
The twill weaving pattern contains a classic row structure, which consists of a series of diagonal, parallel ribs.

These diagonal, parallel ribs affect how the fabric feels and gives it its long lasting and attractive quality.

In twill, one or more warp fibers weave over and under two or more weft fibers, alternating in a regular repeated pattern.

Visually, this creates a broken diagonal or straight ribbed effect to the fabric. Better wet out and drape are found in the twill weave versus the plain weave with only a small reduction in stability.

Because of the reduced crimp, the fabric also has a slightly smoother surface and higher mechanical propertiesIf you are planning to purchase a good set of sturdy sheets, then the Bamboo twill weave will be a good choice.

With twill, there is the risk of more shrinkage during the first few washes because of the loose weave structure.

As long as the fabric is pre-shrunk before sewing, there should be no problem with it fitting on your bed.

Pre-shrunk fabrics will still shrink a little if it’s placed in very hot or boiling water.

To be on the safe side, bamboo bed sheets should always be washed in cold water and line dried when possible.

Sateen

Sateen Weave
1 over, 3 under pattern
Sateen is a weave where the pattern of a one-yarn-under is alternated with a three-yarn-over weave to produce a higher thread count with a thick texture that’s smooth and lustrous.

The characteristic exposed yarns make sateen a little more delicate than twill.The way both sateen and satin are produced are fundamentally the same.

The feathery soft sateen weaves are modified to produce fewer intersections of warp and weft.

If your primary concern in choosing bamboo bedding sheets is softness, then the bamboo sateen is the way to go.

Sateen sheets are twice as soft as twill weave sheets.

You can also compare the softness of sateen to silk.

However, sateen is made of plant material as opposed to the silkworms used to produce silk.

Sateen also costs less than silk.

Thread Count of Bamboo versus Cotton Sheets

Does Thread Count Matter?

When you see the thread count labeled on a set of sheets, it is easy to be confused. In short, thread count is referring to the number of threads per square inch on the fabric.

Typically, the higher the thread count is, the softer the sheets are.This becomes complicated when trying to compare cotton sheets with Bamboo sheets.

Typical thread counts available for sheets made from bamboo are 320 and 500, whereas cotton sheets routinely reach up to 1000 thread count.

So does that mean you cannot get bamboo sheets that are just as soft as cotton?

To answer this question, you need to understand that thread count is not the only important metric here.

The softness of the actual thread itself matters as well. So, a line of bamboo bed sheets with a thread count of 320 can feel softer than 1,000-thread-count Egyptian cotton sheets.

This is especially true if you are comparing the cotton sheet with bamboo lyocell.

It is for this reason that not as much emphasis is put on thread count with bamboo sheets.

What is more important is to focus on the quality of the manufacturer and what kind of bamboo sheet they are producing.

Is it Rayon or Modal or are they producing the much higher quality Lyocell? What kind of warranty do they offer and how much do they care about the environment?

But in short, when it comes to bamboo, extremely soft sheets could have a low thread count.

How to care for bamboo sheets

If you want your bamboo bed sheets to retain their high-quality softness, you must use the correct care when washing them.

Here are some general guidelines in caring for bamboo bedding sheets.

Use natural cleaning products

Natural cleaning products like baking soda should be used to clean sheets made from bamboo because vinegar and bleach can damage the sheets.

Use cold water

Bamboo bed sheets should be washed in cool water on the gentle cycle before you use them.

Cold water will get your sheets just as clean as washing them with hot water, and they won’t shrink from being washed in cold water; using less hot water is also better for the environment.

However, the one exception to this is if your sheets have not been pre-shrunk when you first purchase them.

In that case, wash them in hot water once before you use them. The sheets will need to shrink a little so they can fit correctly on the bed.

Additionally, some manufacturers may recommend warm water washing.

In this case, you should follow the instructions on the label.

Wash like colors together

Make sure you wash like colors together.

You should never wash whites with colored fabrics or light-colored fabrics with dark colored ones. This will keep the color on your sheets from bleeding and staining.

Fabric softeners are not necessary

Because of the softness of the bamboo, it is not necessary to add any fabric softeners when washing the sheets.

They are as soft as they can be already, so save your softener for other, less quality materials.

Dryer strips or bleach should not be used

To help keep your sheets looking and feeling like they are supposed to, don’t subject them to harsh chemicals like the ones found in dryer sheets or bleach.

This is especially true of Bamboo lyocell. These kinds of chemicals weren’t necessary to make the sheets and they aren’t necessary to clean them either.

Use natural stain removers

If your sheets should happen to become stained, you should pre-treat the stain with all-natural cleaners that are free from harsh chemicals.

For example, hydrogen peroxide can be used to soak a blood stain before the sheet is washed.

You can also use a little vinegar mixed with water to remove a stain.

Conclusion

When trying to find the best bamboo sheets for you, you have lots of options. Depending on several factors, certain bamboo sheets will be better for some people.

After browsing different popular options, and reviewing our buying guide, you'll be able to find the sheets of your dreams.

Happy sheet hunting!