Sources
- Li, Y. et al. (2024). "How do sleepwear and bedding fibre types affect sleep quality: A systematic review." Journal of Sleep Research, 33(2), e14217. PMC11596996. Reviewed how lyocell fibres including Tencel compare to cotton and synthetic alternatives for sleep quality.
- Canadian Textile Industry Association. (2024). Lyocell Fibre Production and Certifications. Documents FSC and OEKO-TEX certifications applicable to Tencel lyocell products sold in Canada.
8 min read
What Is Tencel (Lyocell)?
Tencel is a brand name owned by Lenzing AG for their lyocell fabric. Lyocell is made by dissolving wood pulp cellulose (most commonly eucalyptus) in a solvent and spinning it into fibres. The distinguishing feature is the manufacturing process: over 99% of the solvent is captured and recycled in a closed loop, making it significantly less chemically intensive than viscose/rayon production.
The resulting fibre is very smooth at the microscopic level, smoother than cotton or bamboo viscose. This smoothness accounts for Tencel's characteristic softness and its gentle feel on skin.
Tencel vs Cotton vs Bamboo (Rayon)
- Feel: Tencel is softer than most cotton (especially percale). It has a silky feel without the sheen of sateen. Bamboo rayon is similarly soft. Percale cotton is crisper.
- Breathability: Tencel is more breathable than most synthetic fabrics and comparable to or better than cotton for moisture management. Good for hot sleepers.
- Durability: Tencel holds up well with proper care. Wash cold or warm, gentle cycle, tumble dry low. Hot water and high heat degrade the fibres.
- Environmental: Tencel/lyocell has a more documented sustainable manufacturing process than bamboo rayon. OEKO-TEX certification is available.
- Price: Comparable to mid-range cotton or above. Budget options exist on Amazon.ca; quality varies.
Why Tencel Works for Sensitive Skin
Several properties make Tencel particularly suitable for people with eczema, psoriasis, or general skin sensitivity:
- Smooth fibre structure: Tencel fibres are very smooth at the microscopic level, reducing the abrasive friction that coarser fibres (even cotton) can cause on irritated skin.
- Moisture management: Tencel absorbs and releases moisture quickly, keeping the sleep surface drier. Sustained skin moisture from sweating can worsen eczema and skin irritation, Tencel wicks it away.
- No harsh chemical finishing: OEKO-TEX certified Tencel is tested free from harmful finishing chemicals. Important for people with fragrance or chemical sensitivities.
- Temperature regulation: Tencel regulates temperature effectively, helping prevent the overheating that worsens inflammatory skin conditions.
Where to Buy Tencel Sheets in Canada
- Crate & Barrel Canada: Carries Tencel sheet options in-store and online.
- West Elm Canada: Good Tencel selection with multiple colour options.
- Hudson's Bay: Carries some Tencel bedding options from various brands.
- Parachute (parachutehome.com): OEKO-TEX certified Tencel sheets, ships to Canada.
- Buffy: Eucalyptus Tencel sheets, ships to Canada.
- Amazon.ca: Wide range of Tencel and lyocell sheets at various price points. Check specifically for "Tencel" or "lyocell" in the product description, some listings use similar marketing language for less clean bamboo rayon alternatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Shop: Bed Sheets at Mattress Miracle
Find Your Perfect Mattress at Mattress Miracle
We are a family-owned mattress store in Brantford, helping our community sleep better since 1997. Come try mattresses in person and get honest, no-pressure advice.
441 1/2 West Street, Brantford, Ontario
Call 519-770-0001What are Tencel sheets?
Tencel is a brand name for lyocell fabric made from wood pulp cellulose (usually eucalyptus). The closed-loop solvent spinning process is more environmentally controlled than bamboo rayon. Tencel sheets are very smooth, breathable, moisture-wicking, and hypoallergenic, popular for sensitive skin and hot sleepers.
Are Tencel sheets good for sensitive skin?
Yes. Tencel is among the best fabric options for people with eczema, psoriasis, or general skin sensitivities. The smooth fibre surface reduces friction, and the moisture-wicking properties keep the sleep surface drier, both factors that reduce skin irritation for sensitive sleepers. OEKO-TEX certified Tencel also ensures no harmful chemical finishing agents.
Where can I buy Tencel sheets in Canada?
Crate & Barrel, West Elm, and Hudson's Bay carry Tencel options in-store. Parachute and Buffy ship to Canada. Amazon.ca has a wide range, look specifically for "Tencel" or "lyocell" fabric, not just "bamboo" which can be made using a different, less clean process.
Shop This Topic at Mattress Miracle
Cooling picks we carry at Mattress Miracle:
Or cooling mattresses in our Brantford showroom.
Related Reading
- Percale vs Sateen: Which Cotton Weave Is Right for You?
- Linen Sheets Canada: Lasts Longer, Sleeps Cooler
- Cotton vs Linen Sheets: Which Is Better?
- Linen Sheets Guide 2026: Breathable Bedding for Hot Sleepers
- Cooling Bed Sheets for Hot Sleepers: Materials That Actually Work
Questions About Your Sleep Setup?
Mattress Miracle
441 1/2 West Street, Brantford
Phone: (519) 770-0001
Hours: Mon-Wed 10-6, Thu-Fri 10-7, Sat 10-5, Sun 12-4
Come in to talk through mattress, pillow, and bedding options that work together for your sleep style and any sensitivities you're managing.
Brad, Owner, 40+ years of experience: "Tencel comes up a lot with customers who have skin sensitivities or allergy concerns. It's a genuinely good fabric with clean manufacturing credentials. My advice is to make sure you're getting actual Tencel or lyocell, not bamboo rayon, the feel can be similar but the manufacturing story is very different."