Shoppers expect products they purchase to contain the materials listed on the package. Unfortunately, when it comes to bedding, manufacturers have a habit of being less than scrupulous with their customers. In particular, Walmart and Kohl’s have been accused of false advertising when it comes to their bamboo bedding and bath towels. According to lawsuits by the Federal Trade Commission, both of these retail giants have sold products advertised as bamboo that actually contain rayon. Keep reading to learn more about what’s in your bamboo sheets and discover how they compare to Egyptian cotton.
What’s Really in Your Bamboo Sheets
Think that your bamboo sheets and pillowcases contain pure bamboo? On the contrary, many bedding products that have the bamboo label are actually made with rayon, not true bamboo fiber. The FTC uses the generic term rayon for manufactured fiber made from cellulose. During the manufacturing process, purified cellulose is dissolved in chemicals and converted into a viscous solution. Next, spinnerets and an acid bath work to solidify the solution into fibers. According to the FTC, Walmart has continued to market and sell rayon textile products advertised as bamboo despite receiving numerous warning letters.
Along with misleading customers about bedding product content, retailers have been less than honest about the environmental effects of bamboo-based goods. Despite claims that bamboo bedding is more eco-friendly, the truth is that producing rayon requires an array of toxic chemicals. Customers looking for high-quality sheets and pillowcases need to do their research to ensure they’re getting what they pay for.
Bamboo Vs. Egyptian Cotton
When it comes to bedding, bamboo does have certain advantages over other sheet materials on the market. Manufactured using the plant’s long, slender fibers, pure bamboo is at once silky soft, and environmentally responsible. Bamboo gets high marks for health and sustainability, as it doesn’t require the use of fertilizers or pesticides. However, prospective buyers need to beware, as many of the sheet sets with bamboo on the packaging are actually made from rayon, lyocell, or another ingredient. Moreover, bamboo is known for wrinkling more than materials like cotton. If you prefer sheets that look smooth and pristine when they come out of the dryer, bamboo might not be the right choice.
Another popular bedding material, Egyptian cotton is a great choice for those seeking high-quality sheets that look as good as they feel. Hand-picked in the Nile River Valley, Egyptian cotton features extra-long staple fibers. A result is a sheet option that’s durable, silky soft, and resistant to pilling, ripping, and tearing. Unlike other bedding materials that get rough or fall apart after repeated trips through the laundry, Egyptian cotton sheets become softer with every wash. As a bonus, you can dry Egyptian cotton on the line or in the machine.
Additionally, Egyptian cotton wins acclaim due to its breathability. Moisture wicking and airy, cotton lets heat pass through. That means you don’t have to worry about waking up in a pool of sweat. And because you aren’t sleeping on damp sheets, you’re less likely to suffer from rashes and other skin irritations. The result is that those with allergies tend to sleep better in Egyptian cotton sheets than in other options available.
Overall, both bamboo and Egyptian cotton have their perks. However, the chemical processing required to manufacture bamboo sheets help make Egyptian cotton a better, healthier option. Whatever option you choose, do your research to make sure the bedding contains what it claims on the package and nothing more.
Best Egyptian Cotton Bedding for a Great Night’s Sleep
Bedding selection is about more than aesthetics. If you don’t opt for high-end sheets, there’s a good chance your sleep will suffer. Fortunately, Pure Parima offers pure 100 percent Giza Egyptian cotton sheets, so you don’t have to choose between quality and appearance. Moreover, the two different weave options mean that there’s something for everyone.
A great choice for hot sleepers, Pure Parima’s Ultra Percale Sheet Set is designed to keep you cool on even the stuffiest of summer nights. Part of the Hotel Collection, this stunning set combines the fresh, crisp texture of percale with an elegant matte finish. The result is a collection that’s at once sleek and sophisticated. Available in a wide range of colors, including new shades Bone and Slate, this bedding option works well in just about any bedroom. It’s a great option for those seeking the hotel feel in the comfort of their own homes.
Of course, some sleepers prefer smooth and silky over cool and crisp. For those who appreciate the hand feel of fine silk, it’s hard to beat Pure Parima’s Yalda Set. Made from 100 percent Giza cotton, this collection boasts luxurious double-hem stitched sheets and a sateen weave. Customers can choose from a broad array of colors, including Soft Peach, Icy Blue, and brand-new shades Canyon and Olive.
Discover the Advantages of Pure Parima
Unlike our competitors, we manufacture all our products using 100 percent pure Egyptian cotton bearing the Cotton Egypt Association seal of approval. That means every sheet or duvet cover you buy features extra-long staple cotton fibers hand-picked for softness and durability. As a bonus, all our Egyptian cotton bedding products are made free from harmful chemicals and substances to preserve your family’s long-term health. Ready to experience a better night’s sleep? Shop online today and start enjoying your bed more.