Quick Answer: Bamboo Sheets
Bamboo sheets are genuinely excellent for hot sleepers. They wick moisture better than cotton, feel silky smooth, stay cool to the touch, and are naturally hypoallergenic. The main drawbacks are higher cost ($80-200 vs $40-80 for cotton), they wrinkle more, and they require gentler care (cold wash, low heat dry). Look for 100% bamboo viscose or bamboo lyocell (Tencel is technically bamboo-derived). Avoid "bamboo blend" sheets that are mostly polyester. For the average Canadian, bamboo sheets are a worthwhile upgrade if you sleep warm.
6 min read
What Are Bamboo Sheets, Really?
Bamboo does not become fabric on its own. The raw bamboo plant must be processed into fibre, and the method matters:
- Bamboo viscose/rayon (most common): Bamboo is dissolved chemically and extruded into fibres. The result is incredibly soft and moisture-wicking. The chemical process has environmental concerns, though closed-loop systems are improving
- Bamboo lyocell (best): Similar to viscose but uses a closed-loop process that recycles 99%+ of the solvent. More eco-friendly. Tencel is a branded version. Premium price
- Mechanical bamboo (rare): Bamboo is physically crushed and combed into fibres. Results in a coarser, linen-like fabric. Truly eco-friendly but not as soft. Hard to find
Real Benefits of Bamboo Sheets
Why Hot Sleepers Love Bamboo
(1) Temperature regulation: Bamboo fibres have micro-gaps that improve breathability and heat dissipation. They feel cool to the touch even on warm nights. (2) Moisture wicking: Absorbs 40% more moisture than cotton. Pulls sweat away from the body, keeping you dry. Essential in hot Canadian summers or for night sweats. (3) Softness: Bamboo viscose has a silky, smooth feel comparable to high-end sateen cotton. Gets softer with washing. (4) Hypoal
lergenic: Naturally resistant to dust mites and has antimicrobial properties. Good for allergy sufferers. (5) Odour resistant: The antimicrobial properties mean bamboo sheets stay fresher between washes than cotton.
Honest Drawbacks
- Price: Quality bamboo sheets cost $80-200 CAD vs $40-80 for decent cotton. The premium is real
- Wrinkling: Bamboo wrinkles more than cotton. If you prefer a crisp, hotel-look bed, bamboo requires extra effort
- Care requirements: Cold or warm wash, gentle cycle, low heat tumble dry. No bleach, no fabric softener (coats the fibres). More demanding than cotton that handles hot water and high heat
- Pilling: Lower quality bamboo sheets can pill after repeated washing. Spend $100+ for sheets that maintain their integrity
- Environmental claims: Bamboo grows sustainably, but the chemical processing of viscose is not inherently eco-friendly. Lyocell process is genuinely better. Be skeptical of "eco-friendly" marketing on cheap bamboo sheets
Bamboo vs Cotton: Honest Comparison
Head-to-Head Comparison
Cooling: Bamboo wins significantly. Stays cooler to the touch and wicks moisture better.
Softness: Bamboo viscose is silkier. High-thread-count sateen cotton is comparable. Percale cotton is crisper, not as soft.
Durability: Cotton wins. Especially percale cotton, which gets softer and las
ts years. Bamboo is more delicate.
Care: Cotton wins. Handles hot water, bleach, high heat. Bamboo needs gentler treatment.
Price: Cotton wins. Good cotton sheets start at $40 CAD. Good bamboo starts at $80-100.
Allergies: Bamboo wins slightly with natural antimicrobial properties.
Bottom line: Hot sleepers and allergy sufferers benefit from bamboo. Cold sleepers, rough washers, and budget shoppers should stick with cotton.
What to Look For When Buying
- 100% bamboo: Avoid "bamboo blend" which is often 40% bamboo and 60% polyester. Must say 100% bamboo viscose, bamboo rayon, or bamboo lyocell
- Weight: 300-400 GSM (grams per square metre) is the sweet spot. Under 250 feels thin. Over 400 feels heavy
- Weave: Sateen weave is most common for bamboo (silky, smooth). Twill weave is slightly more durable. Avoid plain weave in bamboo (tends to pill)
- Deep pockets: If your mattress is 12+ inches, ensure the fitted sheet has deep pockets. Nothing worse than a sheet that pops off at night
- Return policy: Since bamboo feel is different from cotton, buy from a retailer with returns. You need to sleep on them for a few nights to judge
Frequently Asked Questions
Do bamboo sheets get softer over time?
Yes. Quality bamboo sheets get noticeably softer after the first 3-5 washes. Unlike cotton percale (which also softens), bamboo starts soft and gets even silkier. This is one of the genuine advantages.
Why are bamboo sheets so expensive?
Processing bamboo into fabric is more complex than cotton. The raw material is cheap (bamboo grows incredibly fast) but the chemical conversion process, quality control for softness, and smaller manufacturing scale all add to cost. Prices have been dropping as production scales up.
Can I use fabric softener on bamboo sheets?
No. Fabric softener coats the bamboo fibres, reducing their moisture-wicking and breathability properties (the main reasons you bought them). Use white vinegar in the rinse cycle instead if you want extra softness.
Best bamboo sheets available in Canada?
Look for brands that use 100% bamboo lyocell or viscose, offer at least 300 GSM weight, and have strong Canadian reviews. Canadian brands like Ettitude and Cozy Earth are available online. In-store, check what your local bedding retailer carries. At Mattress Miracle, we carry select bamboo bedding options.
Sources
- Saunders DH, Sanderson M, Hayes S, et al. A systematic review of the effect of bed surface properties on sleep quality. Sleep Med Rev. 2020;52:101314. DOI: 10.1016/j.smrv.2020.101314
- Okamoto-Mizuno K, Mizuno K. Effects of thermal environment on sleep and circadian rhythm. J Physiol Anthropol. 2012;31(1):14. DOI: 10.1186/1880-6805-31-14
- Boor BE, Spilak MP, Laverge J, Novoselac A, Xu Y. Human exposure to indoor air pollutants in sleep microenvironments: A literature review. Build Environ. 2017;125:528-555. DOI: 10.1016/j.buildenv.2017.08.050
- Shin M, Halaki M, Swan P, Ireland AH, Chow CM. The effects of fabric for sleepwear and bedding on sleep at ambient temperatures of 17°C and 22°C. Nat Sci Sleep. 2016;8:121-131. DOI: 10.2147/NSS.S100271
Sources
- Saunders DH, Sanderson M, Hayes S, et al. A systematic review of the effect of bed surface properties on sleep quality. Sleep Med Rev. 2020;52:101314. DOI: 10.1016/j.smrv.2020.101314
- Okamoto-Mizuno K, Mizuno K. Effects of thermal environment on sleep and circadian rhythm. J Physiol Anthropol. 2012;31(1):14. DOI: 10.1186/1880-6805-31-14
- Boor BE, Spilak MP, Laverge J, Novoselac A, Xu Y. Human exposure to indoor air pollutants in sleep microenvironments: A literature review. Build Environ. 2017;125:528-555. DOI: 10.1016/j.buildenv.2017.08.050
- Shin M, Halaki M, Swan P, Ireland AH, Chow CM. The effects of fabric for sleepwear and bedding on sleep at ambient temperatures of 17°C and 22°C. Nat Sci Sleep. 2016;8:121-131. DOI: 10.2147/NSS.S100271
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We are a family-owned mattress store in Brantford, helping our community sleep better since 1987. Come try mattresses in person and get honest, no-pressure advice.
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