Bamboo Sheets Have Revolutionized Bedding!
If all you’ve used are cotton sheets, you may ask ‘what are bamboo sheets?’ Let’s address that here, as well as why we started the company. BedVoyage launched in 2008, at a time when there were only 2 other bamboo bedding companies in the U.S. market. Those companies focused on the commercial market, and supplied linens to hospitality and brick and mortar, but not to the public. Our goal was to give consumers a more natural and comfortable sleep experience, and offer an alternative to formaldehyde-coated cotton linens. Bamboo bed sheets offer so many sleep benefits that cotton does not, making it truly a revolution in bedding!
What is Bamboo used For?
Cotton has been the mainstay in bedding for many hundreds of years, with the only changes being adding some new weaves and finishes. Generally cotton has been your only option, besides some expensive silks and flax linens, but both are expensive and not easy-care. Bamboo has been used for centuries in countless ways: as rebar and scaffolding in construction, the making of furniture, hardwood floors and cutting boards. People have been eating bamboo shoots for eons when cooking Asian foods. Bamboo socks and golf shirts have been around for a while, but making bed linens out of bamboo is a newer endeavor.
Bamboo in Clothing:
The reason bamboo was used for clothing is due to its moisture wicking and odor-resistant properties. Bamboo socks are great for people that suffer from sweaty feet, because bamboo wicks then evaporates moisture 3 times faster than cotton. Its also naturally resistant to bacteria and odors, which make it great for workout and golf attire. For these EXACT reasons, bamboo sheets are the most incredibly perfect fabric for sleeping. And we haven’t even discussed the softness yet! Here’s a blog about the buzz on bamboo sheets, to learn more.
How are Bamboo Fabrics Made?
Bamboo fibers are made from the stalk of the Moso bamboo plant, which is pulverized and then the pulp is spun through a Spinneret. This spins out super fine, round and smooth fibers, similar to a hair on your head. Looking at a bamboo fiber and a cotton fiber under a microscope will show you a huge difference. The bamboo fibers look like a smooth tubular thread, yet the cotton fiber looks like a rough hemp rope. This is why the hand-feel of bamboo sheets is simply indescribable. People are literally shocked when they feel the difference between a bamboo sheet and a cotton sheet. We’ve spent 10 years selling our linens inside Costco so that we could educate consumers on the benefits of bamboo bed sheets and bamboo towels. You’ll be forever converted to bamboo, and never want to sleep on cotton again!
Are Bamboo Sheets Cooling Sheets?
Another natural attribute of bamboo fibers is the micro-gaps and holes in the fibers that allow heat to escape, which makes them a naturally cooling fiber. When woven together into a fabric, they create the perfect textile for bedding because they’re super comforting and soft. They allow heat to escape to keep you cooler while sleeping, and they’re hypoallergenic due to the non-abrasive structure of the fibers.
Why do Bamboo Sheets Help You Sleep Better?
Sleep is one of the most important and healing things we do each night. GOOD sleep is a critical component in experiencing the difference between a good day and a bad day. Bad sleep causes tiredly dragging yourself through the day, with limited focus and energy. Good sleep means you’ll wake refreshed and ready to take on the day with a great attitude. Many sleep studies have documented that not getting poor sleep leads to many health issues. Tossing and turning at night on bad sheets can lead to more serious issues that simply being tired. If you’d like to learn more about how dehumidifier can help you sleep better, view this informative article.
How do Bamboo Sheets Keep You Warm?
Nobody likes getting into icy-cold cotton sheets on a cold winter night. Putting on warm pajamas then lying still so your skin doesn’t touch cold sheets means you’re sleeping on the wrong sheets! Its not conducive to peacefully drifting off to sleep when you start out by bracing yourself for cold, and don’t dare move an arm or leg away from the warmth you’ve created. Bamboo, in contrast, is room-temperature so getting into bed is immediately comfortable. Within moments the fabric is warm, so you’re cozy and relaxed. Bamboo bed sheets solves those problems for you, allowing you to quickly relax and doze off into a comforted slumber.
Customer Testimonials:
We’ve had countless comments from customers about how much they love the feel and look forward to getting into bed a night. We hear they like to make snow angels because the fabric is so incredibly soft against their skin. One of our favorite comments was when a rock and roll singer told us that our sheets felt like ‘slipping into butter’ and he was telling everyone about them!
How to Make Your Bed Into a Sleep Haven:
Redfin recently posted a blog in which BedVoyage contributed, offering advice from bedding manufacturers on how to make your bed into a sleep haven. Bamboo sheets came up as most often recommended. Check out their blog and you’ll see that bamboo bedding makes for a cooler and more comfortable sleep!
How Do Bamboo Sheets Know You’re Hot, or Cold?
A ‘Smart Fabric’ is the term we’ve coined for bamboo bedding. The fibers have temperature-adjusting properties, and can sense when you are overheating. The heat is then released through those micro-gaps and holes, keeping you cooler. Similarly, it senses when you’re cold and will keep your heat in, so you stay warmer. For this reason, a couple that sleeps very differently with one being cold and the other being hot; can finally be comforted by the same sheets. Cold sleepers want jersey knits and flannels, and hot sleepers want cooling sheets. But they both struggle, as one may want the fan on or window open, and the other wants the heat on. With bamboo sheets, both people can sleep comfortably throughout the night, possibly for the first time. There’s no longer a struggle with compromises, both can finally feel a win-win in the right sheets.
Why Would You Want to Sleep on Bedding that has Formaldehyde In It?
Formaldehyde is what the cotton industry uses to make cottons wrinkle-resistant. Formaldehyde is a ‘stiffener’ which you might recall from high school chemistry class. Unfortunately, the use of formaldehyde and other chemicals doesn’t have to be disclosed anywhere on the product label. The scary truth is that the government doesn’t regulate formaldehyde levels in bedding. There’s no requirement to disclose to the consumer when formaldehyde is used. The use of, and exposure to formaldehyde produces a laundry list of possible health hazards . These include watery eyes; burning sensations in the eyes, nose, and throat, coughing, wheezing, nausea, and skin irritation.
In 2011, the National Toxicology Program, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, classified formaldehyde as a known human carcinogen. BedVoyage bedding is not coated with formaldehyde, nor flame-retardant chemicals. We want your sleep to be safe and healthy, so we have chosen to not use those toxic chemicals. A little wrinkle never hurt anyone, but toxins do!
Is Bleach Good for Sheets?
When you sleep, your pores open up and whatever is in your bedding is absorbed into your skin. This means products such as fabric softeners, dryer sheets, bleach, and formaldehydes. Likewise, breathing those in while you sleep is not good for you either. People that suffer from asthma, eczema, psoriasis, rashes, and allergies can be exacerbating their symptoms and don’t even realize that their bedding is causing them issues. Babies with brand new immune systems should not be sleeping on toxins.
We’ve designed a whole line called Panda Baby in which you can feel better knowing your baby is sleeping on eco-friendly and comforting bamboo crib sheets. We also make bamboo hooded bath towels and baby washcloths for your little one! Making the switch from cotton to bamboo is a smart and healthy choice for your entire family.
Bamboo Bedding Stays Fresher Longer
Some natural benefits of bamboo bedding are that the fibers resist bacteria and odors, so your bed sheets will stay fresh longer. Bamboo fibers have a property called ‘bamboo zhu-kun’ which means ‘naturally pest repellent’. This means that bamboo is grown without the need for pesticides or fertilizer, therefore its organically grown. Bacteria, which causes odors, does not grow on bamboo fibers either. You may change you bed weekly, but your teen may wait 1 month or longer! But rest assured; if you can’t get to changing your bed as often as you’d like; your sheets will stay fresh longer. This could save you bed-changing time, as well as utilities.
Moisture Wicking Sheets:
Moisture is wicked three times faster with bamboo compared to cotton. Some hot sleeper or those suffering from hot flashes will wake wet and uncomfortable, but Bamboo sheets will stay drier than cotton sheets. When you perspire, bamboo pulls that moisture into the sheets, then evaporate it quickly, keeping you from feeling sticky and gross.
Machine-washable, bamboo bedding is an easy-care fabric. Simply wash in warm water with an eco-friendly liquid detergent, then dry on medium. We don’t recommend any washer or dryer balls, fabric softeners or dryer sheets, as those items coat the linens and can cause discoloration. If you develop any body oil stains on the linens; simply rub Dawn dishwashing liquid into the stain, let sit for 10 minutes, then lauder as usual.
Bamboo Bedding is all All-Season Bedding
Due to those ‘Smart Fabric‘ properties, its an ideal choice from spring, summer, winter and fall. Year round the linens will be comforting, cooling, warming and soft. No need to switch bedding from summer to winter, simply layer some other BedVoyage linens such as Duvet Covers, Coverlets and bed blankets. We like to call if the Summer Bed, when all you need are your sheets, and a bed blanket, which is lightweight and breathable. But for the Winter Bed, you may want to layer your sheets with a blanket, a bamboo Duvet Cover and a Coverlet at the end of the bed. Then they’re ready to pull up for extra weight or warmth, as needed. We have the whole bedding ensemble, as well as decorative Shams, Euros and Decorative Pillows to add that touch of a designer look!
What is Viscose?
Wikipedia states that “Viscose rayon is a fiber made from regenerated wood cellulose.” So when it pertains to bamboo plants, it comes from the cellulose of the plant. Rayon is one of the most popular uses of viscose and is used to make many items, notably: tablecloths, bed linens and slip-covers. Viscose is also used in the making kitchen wrap, the type you use when storing food. Viscose has been used widely for many years, and in many applications.
What is Rayon?
Wikipedia states that “Rayon is a manufactured regenerated cellulose fiber’ which means basically the same as the definition of viscose. You’ll see both words used in the description of bamboo fiber products.
Rayon fibers are not considered natural OR artificial. The term ‘regenerated’ refers to the fact that a chemical change does happen in the processing of bamboo. So the reformed or reconstructed bamboo cellulose fiber is called ‘regenerated cellulose.’ The benefits of rayon from Bamboo bedding are many. Some are that its naturally hypoallergenic and thermal regulating. Also incredibly soft, helps you sleep cooler, its moisture wicking and resists odor and bacteria. People that suffer from skin sensitivities or allergies are comforted and soothed by bamboo fibers. They greatly reduce their symptoms, and bamboo gets softer as you wash it and is an easy-care fabric.
Shop BedVoyage for all of your bamboo bedding needs.
Sweet Dreams~
