Is microfiber sheets cool?
Do you know what’s cooler than being cool? ICE COLD! But, apparently, that doesn’t apply to bed sheets. Especially not when we’re talking about microfiber sheets. In this article, we’ll be taking a closer look at the question of whether or not microfiber sheets are cool—both literally and figuratively.
What Are Microfiber Sheets?
Before we dive in deeper into the world of microfibers and their temperature regulating properties (or lack thereof), let’s first define what they are.
Microfibers refer to synthetic fibers that typically measure less than a denier. To give you some context: A single strand of silk is about one denier thick, while human hair can range anywhere between 10 to 200 micrometers in diameter—which would technically put it outside the realm of microfibers.
But why do people opt for synthetic fibers instead of natural materials like cotton or linen? One major reason is affordability; microfiber textile products tend to be cheaper due to lower production costs compared with fabrics made from natural sources like cotton or wool. Another advantage is its durability; these manmade products have excellent resistance against staining tears and wrinkles.
When it comes to sleep specifically – many individuals seek out bedding options with moisture-wicking abilities as well as longevity – two traits commonly associated with breathable textiles- which makes sense considering humans naturally lose moisture during sleep.additionally another key factor determining how much snugness you achieve when sleeping is dependent on ambient room temperature influencing our bodies given most bedrooms home heating systems adjust based on outside temperatures / time control program.
Essentially,microfiber refers to a variety of synthetic fabrics that offer affordability and durability but may come up short in other areas such as breathability and wicking away moisture.
Not All Microfibers are Created Equal
Now before you write off all kinds of microfibre bedding, it’s worth noting that not all microfiber sheets are created equal. In fact, some varieties of microfiber materials feature different properties than their counterparts.
- Breathability- The breathability or the airflow through a fabric is typically determined by its texture and construction methods.
- Polyester Dense inorganic fabrics
- Thread Count – Referring to the number of threads woven into one square inch of fabric (more fibers per square-inch translates to denser pattern resulting in softer and smoother sleep surfaces)
- More tightly woven plain weave variation
- Weight per unit area – determines bed cover insulativity against cold environment temperature changes.
But generally speaking, most common microfibre sheet models might struggle with lingering heat during use largely because they’re non-breathable.
How Warm Do Microfiber Sheets Get?
From using terms like “breathability,” you probably have an idea that microfibers don’t exactly promote cooling qualities. Membrane materials such as polyesters have dense weaves facilitated a reduction in air circulation while trapping body excess moisture thus making them feel warmer/more clammy which make them less comfortable for hot summer seasons compared to porous cotton / bamboo variations during extended heat periods.
As far back as 2013 research conducted revealed modern men fancying easily laundered non-iron/ sweat-resistant synthetic beddings; touting how economical these people view technological advancements yielding over indigenous fibres/cloth-making processes throughout vast cultures
Although these bedsheets’ cozy characteristics cannot be fully attributed to hot temperatures alone, considering factors like season heating differences between bedrooms internally regulating ACs & overall preferred clothing preference among other things are essential equally determining what influences ideal sleeper conditions.But if you’re after getting your body cooler when sleeping certainly opting for cotton-bamboo blends sound more strategic compared to pure polyester weaved-fibres including those sometimes labeled as ‘microfiber’.
What Alternatives Are Available?
If you’re looking for a cooler bedding option, there are plenty of breathable materials to consider. Below are some alternative options:
-
Cotton – A popular choice in most beddings, characterized by excellent breathability due to its open weave that enables sufficient airflow, allowing sweat/moisture from your body dissipate quickly.
-
Bamboo– Additionally bamboo textile fibers provide adequate porosity giving it natural temperature regulation capabilities but with added benefits such as being hypoallergenic and durable enough to resist pilling and stretching over months or years.
-
But who says you can’t have the best of both worlds? Some blended materials like cotton-bamboo/hemp/model will also allow for reduced prices while still affording continued durability & enhanced insulator abilities compared with synthetic only productions.
And we must not forget how good old-fashioned Linen never goes out of style either!
The Verdict: Are Microfiber Sheets Cool?
In this highly debated topic- are microfiber sheets cool?- It’s essential to note these bedsheets’ elasticity was established to cater mostly based on other factors than promoting direct Cooling attributes themselves making them not ideal go-to’s if searching solely suitable sleeping conditions under heat situations.
But there personalized advantages offered by these inorganic textiles; including economic pricing models together with guaranteed softness even using low levels fabric conditioner where cotton varieties shun chemical processes
At the end of the day though one could argue ‘cooling’ is largely subjective; however useful microfibers may be all factors considered users personal preference should be given de facto weighting when weighing material choices after considering their overall comfort under varying bound variables.
Overall? Sure, they’re not exactly “cool”–in –temperature, but these affordable-and- reliable inexpensive plastic product alternatives continue receiving mass produced demand from local & international markets would suggest something helpful many assert lovingly about inorganic pant-pilling prone-plastic bedding options.
In the end, it all comes down to your personal preference and needs. But for hot sleepers looking for a breathy alternative, it’s probably best to keep microfiber sheets out of the mix.