Bamboo Bedding Myths You Need to Stop Believing

In the dynamic realm of eco-friendly textiles, the industry is embracing innovation, from food waste dyes to recycled ocean plastic. Today, our spotlight turns to a familiar yet sustainable choice: bamboo. This guide navigates into the fascinating world of bamboo textiles, comparing them to traditional cotton and exploring choices like silk or linen.

We'll unravel myths around manufacturing, durability, environmental impact, health benefits, and cost factors.

Bamboo Marvel: Sleek, Sustainable, Yet Not Always Eco-Friendly

Bamboo sheets have become a favourite, ticking all the right boxes. With a lightweight, silky texture, they offer a comfortable sleep experience by wicking away moisture and resisting odours—making them a top choice for those who tend to get warm during the night.

The bamboo plant itself is a rapid grower, regenerating swiftly. Its tall, upright growth yields a high output in a compact space. 

Today, the most common bamboo fibres are known as lyocell and viscose.

• Manufacturing Bamboo Lyocell involves several steps. First, manufacturers take raw bamboo and convert it into wood pulp. Then, they dissolve the pulp in a special liquid called NMMO, starting a dissolution process. The resulting liquid undergoes spinning through tiny holes, turning it into long bamboo fibres. Finally, these fibres are washed and dried and ready for bedding.
• Similar to Lyocell, bamboo cellulose undergoes a process of wood pulp conversion. However, the pulp dissolves using soda or carbon. 

Reputable brands prioritize customer safety by obtaining specific certifications, such as OEKO-TEX. This certification acts as a safeguard, assuring that the end product – your bamboo bedding – is free from harmful substances or chemicals that could potentially impact your health.

 If a brand is silent on certifications, it might signal production and safety concerns.

Bamboo Exposed: Debunking common myths

Question #1: Is Bamboo Hypoallergenic?

Yes, it is. The research shows that bamboo fibres have a great defence agent called "Bamboo Kun". This natural resistance allows bamboo to thrive in harsh conditions without the need for herbicides or pesticides. Does it vanish after transforming bamboo into fibres? No. The Fabrics Verification Association of Japan affirms that bamboo fibre maintains its properties even after 50 industrial washes. Tests reveal that approximately 70% of bacteria infesting bamboo fibres were annihilated, showcasing the enduring strength of this natural defender.

Question #2: Is Bamboo Durable?

Absolutely. Bamboo bedding maintains its properties after washes, though it requires more care than cotton. Cold water wash and air drying are recommended for lasting softness. Proper care correlates with longevity.

Question #3: Does bamboo prevent acne?

No, fabric alone can't prevent acne. While bamboo and silk bedding offers better anti-allergic properties than cotton or polyester, changing bedding weekly is critical. Even with bamboo or silk, you need to follow this rule.

Question #4: Does Bamboo Feel Like Silk?

Bamboo sheets are often praised for their exceptional softness. They have a silky, smooth feel that many people compare to cashmere or silk. Still, they don't feel like silk. Additionally, bamboo sheets are less costly than silk, and that's why people often purchase bamboo bedding to mimic the softness of silk without giving more strict care like you would with silk. Also, bamboo is breathable and excellent at wicking away moisture, making it an excellent choice for hot sleepers.

Showdown: Bamboo vs Cotton vs Linen vs Silk

In our pursuit of real-world insights, we entrusted the verdict to 20 of our friends. Blindfolded from any branding or knowledge of the fabric, each friend received a cotton, linen, silk, or bamboo pillowcase. They became the judges, evaluating the pillowcases based on softness, cooling, and ease of care.

 To complement their firsthand experiences, we infused our analysis with insights on sustainability, price, and hypoallergenic factors from online reports.