Like cotton sheets, there are a wide variety of microfiber sheets on the market. However, microfiber is not available in organic or long-staple cotton varieties because it is synthetic rather than natural. Also, the thread count of the fabric does not apply to microfiber the way it does to cotton.
To help you shop, we outline the types of microfiber sheets available and what to look for when you shop. As you can see from our list above, cotton and microfiber sheets have many similarities and differences. The following chart provides a side by side comparison of the two in the four categories covered above—breathability, feel, durability, and variety.
Experts suggest washing your sheets once every two weeks. If you frequently experience night sweats, you may want to wash your sheets once a week to prevent contaminants and other bacteria from building up in your bed. Most bedding is easy to wash and dry at home; however, be sure to read the care instructions before laundering. Most hotels use high-quality cotton sheets with a to thread count cotton. Higher-end hotels may use Egyptian cotton or Pima cotton sheets for a more comfortable and luxurious feel.
Cotton sheets with a percale weave have a smooth, crisp feel. A percale weave consists of a simple one under one over pattern to create a tight-knit, smooth fabric. Sheets made with a percale weave are also strong and durable and less likely to pill with multiple washes. Hot sleepers are typically most comfortable on percent cotton, microfiber, or Tencel sheets.
For those who frequently experience night sweats, microfiber or Tencel can help keep sleepers cool and dry. Cotton also has natural breathability to prevent heat-trapping and sleep disruptions. The best mattress for hot sleepers are those made with plant-based memory foam or cooling gel-infusions. Hybrid mattresses , which have a spring coil base, also have more air circulation to prevent overheating.
Those made with traditional memory foam or poly-foam tend to trap heat and moisture. Tencel is a fabric made from cellulose fibers, specifically wood pulp fibers. Tencel is produced with recyclable and eco-friendly materials and is often blended with cotton.
Bed sheets made with Tencel are soft, wrinkle-resistant, and have a luxurious, silky feeling. If you want an in-depth comparison of cotton and Tencel fabric, check out our Tencel vs cotton sheets guide. Now that you understand the specifics of both cotton and microfiber sheets, you can decide which are the best sheets for you. Ultimately, your personal preferences should determine which type of bed sheets you purchase. If you have sensitive skin or suffer from eczema or psoriasis, cotton sheets may be less likely to trigger a flare-up.
However, if you frequently experience night sweats, microfiber sheets with moisture-wicking abilities can help you stay cool and dry throughout the night. For more than 13 years, she has been involved in the beauty, health, sleep, and wellness industries. Your email address will not be published. The EachNight writing team is devoted to creating articles that are not only entertaining and easy to understand but also as impartial, accurate, and well-sourced as possible.
Whenever possible, we strive to have our articles fact-checked by our independent review board. We also do not tolerate plagiarism or ill intent from our contributors. Our writers are sleep coaches certified by the Spencer Institute , which has been training coaches since Becoming a certified sleep coach means that our writers are well-versed in various sleep science matters, taking us beyond being just a group of mattress reviewers. Bedding Guides. Cotton Sheets Since cotton is a completely natural material, it is breathable, absorbent, and keeps sleepers cool throughout the night.
Breathability percent cotton has a natural breathability, meaning air can circulate through this fabric quickly and easily, regardless of climate, body heat, or how much pressure is applied to the material. Feel Cotton sheets have a smooth finish, which is soothing to the skin, making it a good choice for those with sensitive skin, allergies, and autoimmune diseases, such as psoriasis and eczema.
Durability Cotton sheets are often made with a strong interlocking weave to make them incredibly durable without sacrificing softness. The material is synthetic, made in lab as compared to forming naturally in nature. The sheets are flammable. The fabric is rather thin. Mircorfiber sheets are made out of petroleum waste, the process that takes to convert the petroleumwaste into microfiber emits fumes which is bad for the environment.
Microfiber sheets store electrons that attract other fibers like hair, and gets worse during thewinter month. Moreover, cotton sheets are easy to take care of and get softer with every wash.
There are a number of differences between microfiber and cotton sheets to consider before making your purchase.
The quality of the product will determine the best choice for consumers: both microfiber sheets and cotton sheets come in a variety of options when it comes to weave and thread count , which will in turn affect affordability. Most people prefer cotton sheets to microfiber sheets. However, microfiber sheets can be more durable than cotton sheets, as natural fibers—particularly less expensive cotton options—can break down more easily with frequent washes.
They are a good option for a consumer who is interested in a lightweight and highly durable sheet. The cost of both sheets depends on the quality of the sheet purchased in either category, with both offering a range of cost-effective options as well as high-end selections depending on the thread count and weave.
However, cotton sheets tend to be more expensive on average. Both microfiber and cotton are highly durable and, if cared for correctly, the user can expect several years of high-quality use from either. This is also contingent on the quality of the sheet purchased for either microfiber or cotton.
Microfibers, due to the tightness of the weave, are more durable than cotton, which, due to its natural fibers, will break down with more frequent washing. Pilling can happen with either sheet and depends on the finishing process.
The warranty on both microfiber and cotton sheets are often both for one year. However, depending on the cost and quality of the sheets, the warranty might be extended to several years.
Cotton and microfiber sheets are both easy to care for, and both can be machine washed and dried. They are both highly durable and often hold colors well. Cotton becomes softer with every wash, though it is more prone to breaking down with time due to its natural fibers. Cotton might also shrink with first washing and is more prone to wrinkling. However, microfibers are more likely to stain due to their highly absorbent nature, unless otherwise specified.
Both microfiber and cotton sheets are durable and smooth-feeling options, with a variety of options when it comes to price points, style, and quality. Despite their similarities, there are a number of things to consider when you are making the final decision between the two of them. Cotton is a more breathable and allergen-free option, while microfiber is usually more durable.
When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission. Learn More. Cotton Sheets. March 3, Written by Keith Cushner. Quick Overview Quality sleep plays a key role in both physical and mental health.
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