Bamboo cotton sheets, made from the fibres of the bamboo plant, are still a relatively new thing but many people are already becoming convinced of the benefits of choosing this material for their bedding. Yes, these kinds of sheets may be more expensive than manmade fibres but they also have a large number of benefits. So whether you’ve previously stuck to cotton sheets or have always been a silk enthusiast, it may be time to try something new – and here are just some of the reasons why:
• Eco-Friendly: One of the best things about bamboo for bedding is that it is a completely natural product farmed using renewable methods. In fact, not many people are aware that bamboo is actually a member of the grass family and grows extremely quickly so it’s very easy to cultivate and maintain without depleting resources (some strains of bamboo can even grow up to an impressive foot a day). In addition to this, pesticides do not need to be used on bamboo crops so farming it will not release harmful chemicals into the atmosphere. All in all, this makes bamboo a fantastic eco-friendly alternative to other kinds of bedding material.
• Soft On Skin: Bamboo fibres are very soft which means bamboo sheets are perfect for those with sensitive skin. If you choose a high thread count then they will feel very luxurious indeed, although if you are working to a strict budget, even a low thread count bamboo sheet will feel far better to the touch than its equivalent in a synthetic fabric. In addition, the sheets will maintain the same softness even after washing so they also have excellent durability.
• Anti-Bacterial: Yes, it’s true: bamboo bed sheets really do have inherent anti-bacterial properties. This was proven back in 2003 by the China Industrial Testing Centre, which placed a live bacteria on 100 per cent bamboo sheets for a period of 24 hours and then tested the amount remaining. It was found that the bamboo sheets had managed to kill 99.8 per cent of the bacteria. Reason enough to buy them if you are a person with a horror of germs! And if course, as mentioned above, this particular property of bamboo means that no pesticides are needed to grow it, which makes it much better for the skin.
• Insulating Properties: Sheets made from 100 per cent bamboo can be used year-round as the material itself is thermo-regulating and wicks away moisture. This means it will keep you cool during the summer months and cosy throughout winter.
• Aesthetics: Bamboo sheets are beautiful to look at and come in a wide variety of colours so they can fit in with any bedroom colour scheme. So not only will they be kind to your skin and help you get a better night’s sleep, your bedroom will also look stylish at the same time.
• Surprisingly Economical: Most people, when they think of ‘natural’ or ‘organic’ fibres, usually assume that bedding made from these kinds of materials is going to come with a premium price tag attached: something that only those with a large disposable income can afford. Think again: probably one of the key things to remember about organic bedding is that it costs almost the same as mid-quality cotton sheets. If you combine this with the fact that 100 per cent natural sheets will last much longer than synthetic or partially-synthetic options, it really is one of the most economical choices out there.
If the above has convinced you and you’ve decided to go out and buy some bamboo cotton sheets, the best thing to do is to look for suppliers online. Because this is still a relatively ‘specialist’ product you may find that there aren’t many stockists in your area, or if there are they may be obliged to charge a little more than online retailers because of their increased overheads. Looking online also means you can do it from the comfort of your own home without having to waste time hunting around the shops, and you can compare prices to meet your own budget.
