Best Materials to Look for in Bedding

We frequently think about our mattress, our pillow, or even our bed frame as what has the greatest effect on the quality of our sleep. Unfortunately, many of us have a tendency to forget about what our skin touches when we sleep: our bedding. Bedding can have an immense affect on our skin health, the temperature at which we sleep, and even how much we move while we doze off each night. Picking the right bedding, sheets, and pillow cases can make or break our sleep, and in many cases, it’s a game of finding the right materials. Here are some of the best materials to look for when selecting a new bedding.

What Your Skin Needs

Before we delve into specifics, selecting a material has a lot to do with your individuality. If you have sensitive skin, you may need a different pillow case. If you sleep really hot, it might be better to get a cooling bedding. If you toss and turn a lot in your sleep, something like a weighted blanket, or sheets that aren’t slippery could be a wise choice. Take some time to address how your skin reacts to different materials, and what your needs are as you rest. All of this will help you best select quality materials for you. Now, with this out of the way, let’s talk about a number of the best materials for your bedding.

The Many Kinds of Cotton

Cotton is possibly the most common material for sheets, pillow cases, and bedding, and for good reason! Pure cotton is naturally hypoallergenic, making it a great choice for those with sensitive skin. There are different types of cotton though, and these can affect the quality of your bedding. Upland cotton is the most common type of cotton, but is not the best go-to choice for your bedding.

Egyptian cotton, however, is incredibly soft, has cooling properties, and typically lasts for a long time. If you have sensitive skin and are looking for something that feels good on your skin, Egyptian cotton is the way to go.

If you tend to be very cold when you sleep, or you live in a climate with cold winters, flannel sheets may be another form of cotton to add to your arsenal. Flannel is a little bit more coarse than Egyptian cotton, and is much warmer. It is a great option for people who move a lot in their sleep, as it will keep you from sliding around. Additionally, curling up into flannel sheets in the dead of winter is an incomparable feeling.

Infused Cotton

There are a number of cottons that are infused with other materials to make them more effective at heating, cooling, or resisting bacteria. For instance, Miracle Made has a natural silver infused cotton pillow cases. They utilize Supima cotton, which is a middle ground between Upland cotton and Egyptian cotton. This infusion helps the pillow naturally thermoregulate, and helps it to prevent bacteria growth, such that you don’t have to worry about acne, or a quick wear of your pillow fabric.

Microfiber

For some people, microfiber is the most convenient bedding material. These fibers are usually made of synthetic linens, and woven super tight. This makes them wrinkle-resistant, and usually quite difficult to stain. If you are a bed sweater, microfiber can be an excellent choice, as you are less likely to wake up in a puddle, or with sweat stains. However, microfiber is usually not the best option for those with hefty skin sensitivities, as it is not an organic fabric. If you sleep on microfiber with no issues, then excellent! It can be a great fabric, especially for those who don’t want to worry about wrinkled sheets.

Silk

Silk sheets are amongst the most expensive, and most luxurious bedding options available. They are made from silkworms, and are incredibly smooth, as well as boasting a highly effective natural cooling. Additionally, silk is hypoallergenic, and is such a light fabric that it does not cling to the skin. If you are looking for a sheet that you can barely even feel, silk may be the choice for you. However, it is slippery, and requires intentional caretaking, so think carefully before you make your purchase.

Linen

Last but not least, linen is a great bedding option for those looking for a comfortable night’s sleep. Linen is made from flax, and is an immensely effective cooling fabric. It is also incredibly durable due to the thick flax fibers it is made with. While linen sheets line on the expensive side, many people who utilize linen love them, and keep them for this reason. They are also fully biodegradable, making them a great choice for anyone who wants to take care of the environment.