Quick Answer: Microfiber sheets are made from ultra-fine polyester filaments rated by GSM (grams per square metre). For Canadian bedrooms, 90–120 GSM brushed microfiber offers a soft, affordable option for cool-climate sleepers. Hot sleepers and those with sensitive skin typically do better with cotton percale or bamboo — microfiber traps heat and wicks moisture poorly in warm conditions.
In This Guide
Reading Time: 9 minutes
Here is something microfiber marketing almost never tells you: the thread count number on the package means nothing. With microfiber, the marketing industry discovered that individual filaments within a single yarn can be counted separately, which is how you end up with "1800 thread count" microfiber sheets that cost $25. That number is not a lie, exactly. It is just a number that does not tell you anything useful.
The number that actually matters is GSM — grams per square metre. It tells you how much material is in the fabric. We will get to that.
But first, a broader context: microfiber sheets are not a scam and they are not the best thing in your bedroom. They are a budget-entry synthetic option that works well in specific conditions and poorly in others. For a lot of Ontario households, especially during the seven or eight months of cooler Canadian nights, they do exactly what people need them to do. For hot sleepers in July and August, they can make sleep noticeably worse.
That is the honest version of this guide.
What Microfiber Actually Is
Microfiber is made from synthetic filaments — almost always polyester, sometimes a polyester-nylon blend — that are finer than one denier in diameter. One denier is thinner than a strand of silk. The manufacturing process splits or wedges the filaments so they spread slightly, which increases surface area and gives the fabric its characteristic softness.
"Brushed" or "double-brushed" microfiber has been mechanically raised to lift the surface fibres, creating a velvety texture. This is the most common type sold for bedding, and it feels noticeably different from unbrushed microfiber, which is smoother and slightly cooler to the touch.
Why Thread Count Is Meaningless for Microfiber
Thread count was designed as a quality metric for woven cotton fabric — specifically, the number of threads per square inch. Microfiber is a different construction entirely. A single microfiber yarn contains dozens or hundreds of filaments, and some manufacturers count each filament individually to inflate the number. Regulatory bodies in Canada and the US have not standardized thread count labelling for synthetic bedding, so a "1200 thread count" microfiber sheet and a "150 thread count" microfiber sheet may be from the same factory on the same machine. Look at GSM instead.
The GSM Number You Should Actually Check
GSM tells you how heavy the fabric is per square metre of material. For microfiber sheets, it is the closest thing to a reliable quality indicator you will find on a label.
| GSM Range | Quality Tier | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| 80–90 GSM | Budget / Lightweight | Thin and prone to pilling after 20–30 washes. Surface softness fades quickly. Suitable for guest bedrooms, camping, or short-term use. |
| 90–120 GSM | Standard Consumer | The sweet spot for everyday use. Holds up through 100+ washes with minimal degradation when washed on gentle cycles. Soft without being heavy. |
| 120–160 GSM | Premium Density | Heavier and more durable. Rated for 150+ washes by most manufacturers. Velvety weight; good for winter months but noticeably warm in summer. |
If a listing does not specify GSM, ask the retailer or skip it. Any brand confident in their fabric weight will tell you the number.
The Cold-Climate Case for Microfiber
We are in Brantford, Ontario. From October through April, most households keep bedrooms between 18 and 20 degrees Celsius — sometimes cooler. In those conditions, the main thing a sheet needs to do is feel soft, stay in place, and hold some warmth without being as heavy as a blanket. Microfiber does all three things well.
The dense polyester weave that creates heat problems in summer is actually useful in winter. Microfiber traps air well, creating a slight insulating effect at the sheet surface. It is not a duvet, but compared to cotton percale on a cold November night, a 120 GSM brushed microfiber sheet feels meaningfully warmer against the skin.
What Dorothy Hears at the Showroom
Dorothy, our sleep specialist, says the most common sheet question she gets from customers is some version of: "I bought these expensive cotton sheets and they feel cold when I first get in." That is not a defect in the cotton — cotton percale is genuinely cooler to initial touch than synthetic microfiber because it does not trap heat at the surface. For people who hate the cold-sheet feeling on winter nights, microfiber's warmth-holding properties are a genuine advantage, not marketing copy.
Microfiber also resists wrinkling more than cotton, which means lower maintenance for households that do not iron sheets. It dries faster in the dryer, which matters if you wash bedding frequently. And at typical retail prices of $25 to $60 for a queen set, it allows families to keep multiple sets in rotation without a large investment.
Canada's home textile market is growing at roughly 4.9% annually through 2030, according to Mordor Intelligence's 2025 industry report, and much of that growth is in the mid-range segment where microfiber competes. It is not going away as a category.
When Microfiber Works Against You
Hot sleepers have a legitimate problem with microfiber, and it is worth being direct about it.
A 2024 systematic review published in the Journal of Sleep Research (Li et al., PMC11596996) examined nine studies comparing bedding and sleepwear fibre types across sleep outcomes. The finding that applies here: natural fibres — wool in particular — showed lower sleep fragmentation and shorter sleep onset latency compared to polyester under warm or humid ambient conditions. The mechanism is water vapour permeability: natural fibres absorb sweat, wick it away from the skin surface, and allow evaporative cooling. Dense polyester weave does not do this efficiently.
What happens in practice is that moisture accumulates between your skin and the sheet rather than being drawn away. Some people describe this as a "clammy" feeling. Others just notice they feel warmer than they should. For sleepers who already run hot, or for anyone using microfiber in July and August in a bedroom without air conditioning, the heat-trapping effect is real and measurable in sleep quality.
Material Comparison for Ontario Sleepers
| Material | Breathability | Moisture Wicking | Winter Feel | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Microfiber (polyester) | Low | Poor | Warm and soft | Cold sleepers, budget buyers, winter use |
| Cotton percale | High | Good | Cool to touch | Hot sleepers, year-round use |
| Bamboo (viscose) | High | Very good | Neutral | Temperature-sensitive sleepers |
| Linen | Very high | Very good | Feels cool | Hot sleepers, humid summers |
If you are already sleeping with a cooling mattress protector, a breathable duvet, and a mattress with good airflow and then adding microfiber sheets, you may be offsetting some of that work. It is worth thinking about the whole bed system, not just one component.
The Microplastics Question
This is the part of the microfiber conversation that most bedding articles skip, and we think that is a mistake. Not because we want to alarm anyone, but because it is real information that belongs in a buying decision.
Every wash cycle releases synthetic microfibers into wastewater. Research published in Toxics (2023, PMC10221355) estimated releases ranging from 700,000 to over 6 million fibres per wash cycle depending on fabric construction, wash temperature, and machine type. Those fibres pass through standard municipal water treatment systems and enter waterways. Microplastics have been detected in drinking water, seafood, human blood, lung tissue, and placentas — though research into direct health effects from bedding specifically is still developing.
A 2024 study in Science of the Total Environment confirmed that functionalized synthetic textiles shed microfibers at higher rates than untreated synthetics, meaning wrinkle-resistant or antimicrobial microfiber sheets (common marketing features) may release more fibres per wash.
This does not mean microfiber sheets are dangerous. The research has not established causal harm at typical household exposure levels. But it is worth knowing if environmental considerations matter to your household, and it is worth washing microfiber sheets in a laundry bag designed to catch microfibers if you want to reduce the release.
New Sheets: The First-Wash Rule
New microfiber sheets, particularly those treated with wrinkle-resistant or antimicrobial finishes, can off-gas volatile organic compounds (VOCs) including formaldehyde and benzene on first use. These come from the chemical finishing process, not the polyester itself. Washing new sheets before sleeping on them — and airing them out before the first use — significantly reduces this exposure. People with asthma, chemical sensitivities, or respiratory conditions should be especially consistent about this step.
What to Look for Before You Buy
Setting aside the marketing numbers, here is what actually matters when evaluating microfiber sheets:
GSM between 90 and 120. Below 90 and you are buying disposable bedding. Above 120 is worth it if you want warmth and durability, but it will be noticeably warm in summer.
Double-brushed vs. brushed vs. unbrushed. Double-brushed has been raised on both sides for maximum softness. Single-brushed on the top side only. Unbrushed is slightly cooler and less soft. For most buyers, double-brushed at 90–120 GSM is the right choice.
Deep pocket depth. Standard fitted sheets are designed for mattresses up to 25 cm deep. If you have a pillow-top or a mattress with a topper, check that the fitted sheet is rated for at least 35 cm (14 inches). A sheet that pops off corners overnight is a known source of sleep disruption.
No antimicrobial or wrinkle-resistant treatment if you have chemical sensitivities. These finishes add chemical coatings that affect both off-gassing and microplastic release. Plain microfiber without special treatments is the lower-impact option.
Care instructions: cold wash, no fabric softener. Fabric softener coats microfiber fibres and reduces their already-limited breathability. Low heat in the dryer or air-dry extends lifespan significantly. High heat causes fibres to break down and pill faster.
Dorothy, Sleep Specialist at Mattress Miracle: "One thing I always ask customers is whether they're buying sheets for the whole year or for a specific season. If they're replacing worn-out sheets and want a budget option that feels soft in October, microfiber at a reasonable GSM is perfectly sensible. If they tell me they wake up sweaty, I point them toward our cotton or bamboo options instead. The material has to match how the person actually sleeps, not just how the package looks."
Bedding at Mattress Miracle
We carry a range of bedding including pillows, mattress protectors, and sheet sets at our Brantford showroom. Our bedding ships Canada-wide with shipping included. If you have questions about which sheet material suits your sleep style, Talia can walk you through the options — call her at (519) 770-0001 or stop in.
For related reading, our guides to organic cotton sheets, linen sheets for hot sleepers, and mattress protectors cover the complementary bedding decisions that affect how your sheets perform.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is microfiber good for people with allergies?
Microfiber has some advantages for allergy sufferers: dust mites colonize natural fibres more readily than tight synthetic weaves, and microfiber is easy to wash frequently at temperatures that kill allergens. However, the chemical treatments applied to some microfiber products — particularly antimicrobial finishes — can trigger reactions in people with chemical sensitivities. If you have skin or respiratory allergies, look for untreated, plain microfiber and wash before first use.
How long do microfiber sheets last?
With regular washing (once a week) and proper care, a 90–120 GSM microfiber set typically lasts two to three years before noticeable pilling and thinning. Cotton percale sheets generally last five to ten years under the same conditions. If you want bedding that stays in good condition longer, the higher upfront cost of quality cotton or bamboo often works out to a lower cost per year of use.
Can I use microfiber sheets with a heated mattress pad?
Yes, but be aware that microfiber already retains heat well, and adding an electric mattress pad under microfiber sheets can create an uncomfortably warm sleep surface for most people. If you use a heated pad primarily to pre-warm the bed before sleep and then turn it off, microfiber works fine. If you run the pad through the night, a more breathable sheet material would give you more control over your sleep temperature.
What is the difference between microfiber and jersey sheets?
Jersey sheets are made from knitted cotton or cotton-polyester blend fabric — the same construction as a T-shirt. They are stretchy, soft, and good for cool sleepers who want warmth without weight. Microfiber sheets are woven polyester. Jersey cotton has better breathability and moisture wicking than microfiber, and it ages better in terms of feel. Microfiber is typically less expensive and dries faster.
Are microfiber sheets safe for children?
Microfiber sheets are safe for children in general use. The main cautions are the same as for adults: wash before first use to remove chemical finishing residue, avoid antimicrobial or fragrance-treated versions for young children, and check for pocket depth if the child's mattress is deeper than standard. Children who sleep hot — which is common — will likely be more comfortable with breathable cotton.
Sources
- Li, Y., et al. (2024). How do sleepwear and bedding fibre types affect sleep quality: A systematic review. Journal of Sleep Research. PMC11596996.
- Browne, M.A., et al. (2023). Microfiber emissions from functionalized synthetic textiles. Toxics. PMC10221355.
- Roche, N., et al. (2016). The effects of fabric for sleepwear and bedding on sleep at ambient temperatures of 17°C and 22°C. PMC4853167.
- Mordor Intelligence. (2025). Canada Home Textile Market Report 2025–2030.
- CGK Linens. GSM vs Thread Count Guide. cgklinens.com/blogs/home.
Visit Our Brantford Showroom
We are located at 441½ West Street in downtown Brantford. Free parking available, wheelchair accessible. Our team does not work on commission, so you get honest advice based on your needs.
Mattress Miracle — 441½ West Street, Brantford, ON — (519) 770-0001
Hours: Monday–Wednesday 10am–6pm, Thursday–Friday 10am–7pm, Saturday 10am–5pm, Sunday 12pm–4pm.
If you are weighing microfiber against cotton or bamboo and want to feel the difference before you buy, bring your questions to the showroom. Talia can show you examples from our bedding collection and help match the material to how you actually sleep. Outside store hours? Use our chat box — we're available almost any time we're not sleeping.