Best Hypoallergenic Sheets

By Geoff McKinnen Certified Sleep Coach

Last Updated On August 29th, 2024
Best Hypoallergenic Sheets

Your bed sheets may be a storehouse of dust mites and mold, triggering allergic reactions. Switching to hypoallergenic bed sheets could relieve symptoms such as itchy throat, runny nose, and watery eyes.

Fancy looking decorative bed sheets may be difficult to wash frequently, making them a convenient breeding ground for various indoor allergens. These allergens thrive in the folds and creases of your sheets.

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What are Hypoallergenic Sheets?

Hypoallergenic sheets are less likely to trigger allergic reactions. They are made of materials that are naturally resistant to dust mites, mold spores, and mildew. A tight-weave structure in hypoallergenic sheets eliminates gaps, providing an inhospitable environment for indoor allergens.

The breathable and antimicrobial properties of these fabric types, make them hypoallergenic. Natural materials such as cotton and wool make good hypoallergenic sheets. Wool naturally wicks moisture away, keeping the sheets dry which prevents allergen growth, but these sheets can’t be used in hot and humid places.

Some synthetic materials such as microfiber also make excellent hypoallergenic sheets, because they discourage the growth of indoor allergens. However, these sheets may still trigger some allergic reactions in people with sensitive skin. The extensive use of chemicals required to make these sheets may not be suitable for those with extremely sensitive skin, and users may develop some skin irritation and rashes.

Popular Hypoallergenic Sheet Types

Various materials may be used to make hypoallergenic sheets, but the most popular are silk, bamboo, Tencel®, and cotton. Sustainable growth and production processes of raw materials, easy availability, and affordable prices are some of the reasons these hypoallergenic bed sheets are popular.

Silk Sheets

Silk, a natural fiber, is extremely soft and non-abrasive against your skin. Silkworms, while spinning silk fiber naturally, produce a protein that makes silk resistant to germs, dust mites, and other allergens.

Silk is a popular hypoallergenic fabric, but maintaining it can be difficult. While some silk sheets can be machine washed on a gentle cycle, others have to be hand washed. Carefully read the instructions on the label to ensure you don’t damage the fabric when washing or drying. Silk sheets are also more expensive than other hypoallergenic sheets.

Bamboo Sheets

Bamboo plants have natural anti-microbial properties that resist the growth of microscopic organisms. Bamboo plant fibers also have excellent moisture-wicking abilities to keep bamboo sheets cool and dry. Lack of moisture and humidity on the sheet surface further inhibits the chances of microbial growth.

Though bamboo fibers are regenerated from natural sources, the production process isn’t as environmentally friendly as Tencel® fibers. Some heavy metals may get into the bamboo fibers during the production process.

Tencel® Sheets

Tencel® comes from the wood cellulose of Eucalyptus trees, grown in sustainable farms without irrigation or pesticides. The wood cellulose is dissolved in chemicals making a non-toxic solvent. This solvent goes through a “closed-loop” production process, leaving almost no waste byproduct.

These super absorbent fibers wick away moisture combating germs, bacteria, and other indoor allergens. Tencel® sheets keep you cool through the night. The smooth and plush Tencel® fabric is especially good for those with sensitive skin, preventing chances of skin irritation or rashes from a crisp, new bedsheet. Some bedsheets such as cotton may have a crisp feel when they are new but get softer with every wash.

Cotton Sheets

Cotton sheets are soft, breathable, and super comfortable. Bacteria can’t live and multiply on airy breathable surfaces. They need a damp and humid atmosphere to thrive.

Cotton is widely produced and manufactured in the United States, leading to its easy availability and popularity among Americans. There are different types of cotton fibers such as short-staple, long-staple, and extra-long staple (ELS) cotton.

The length of the fiber determines its quality. The longer the fiber, the more smooth, luxurious, and durable the fabric. Usually, Egyptian and Pima cotton varieties have fibers that are long and extra-long, making them an excellent choice for bed sheets. The long cotton fibers are less prone to breaking, preventing chances of pilling.

These sheets are easy to care for. You can machine wash them in warm water unless mentioned otherwise in the care label. The high water temperature kills bacteria, germs, and allergens.

Comparing Types of Sheets

If you’re torn between two different types of sheets, we recommend checking out some of our compare and contrast guides.

Best Amerisleep Sheets

Quick Guide: A 30-Second Summary

Best Hypoallergenic Cotton Sheets Amerisleep Cotton Sheets
Best Hypoallergenic Tencel Sheets Amerisleep Tencel Sheets
Best Hypoallergenic Bamboo Sheets Amerisleep Bamboo Sheets

Our Amerisleep Percale Cotton Bed Sheet Set

hypoallergenic sheets
We use long-staple cotton in our percale weave sheets. The tight percale weave leaves no gaps in the fabric for germs, bacteria, dust mites and mold to grow. The tight weave also strengthens the fabric, making it durable and resistant to sheets pilling.

With a 300 thread count, our percale cotton sheets feel super soft and breathable. They pair well with our mattresses to keep hot sleepers cool. Increased breathability reduces the chances of antimicrobial growth, making these sheets a good hypoallergenic option.

Amerisleep Percale Cotton Bed Sheet Set Prices

Our Amerisleep Percale Cotton Bed Sheet set includes one flat sheet, one fitted sheet with 18 inches deep pocket, and two pillow covers. All our percale cotton sheets are backed by a 5-year-limited warranty.

SizePrice
Twin$110
Twin XL$120
Full$130
Queen$150
King$170
California King$170
Split King$180
Save with Free Shipping on the Amerisleep Percale Cotton Bed Sheets with our discount code
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Our Amerisleep Tencel® Sheets

Our Amerisleep Tencel® sheets have a 310 thread count and feel extremely smooth, silky, and luxurious. This breathable fabric controls heat and moisture, making it a perfect hypoallergenic sheet. It’s also good for hot sleepers because Tencel® is excellent at absorbing sweat.

These sheets are easy to care for. You can machine wash the sheets on either the cold or warm cycle, and tumble dry on low heat. To avoid wrinkling, take them out of the dryer promptly.

The fitted sheets in our Tencel® sheet sets include Smarty-BandZz® to prevent bunching and wrinkling.

Prices of Amerisleep Tencel® Sheets

Amerisleep offers two different color options available in seven sizes. Apart from all standard sizes, we also have the difficult to find split-king size.

SizePrice
Twin$155
Twin XL$190
Full$215
Queen$230
King$275
California King$275
Split King$315
Save with Free Shipping on the Amerisleep Tencel® Sheets with our discount code
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Some Tips to Avoid Allergies

Waking up with frequent sneezing, runny nose, red, and watery eyes may leave you feeling sick and exhausted. It’s not a great way to begin your day. Apart from switching to hypoallergenic sheets, you can follow some of these tips to possibly alleviate allergic symptoms.

Wash Your Sheets Regularly

It’s best to wash your sheets at least once a week in hot water. The high temperature kills germs, dust mites and other microscopic organisms that trigger allergies. Most light-colored cotton sheets can be easily washed in hot water unless otherwise mentioned on the care label.

You can also keep some of your other bedding materials like duvets, comforters, and pillows out in the sun for about an hour, once a week. The heat and UV rays from the sun can kill bacteria and allergens breeding on your bedding materials.

Use a Dehumidifier

A dehumidifier is especially useful during the summer months when you keep windows open. It dries out the bedroom environment, making it inhospitable for germs, dust mites, and other indoor allergens.

Shower Before Going to Bed

Showering before bed eliminates all chances of carrying dust, germs, bacteria, virus, pollen, or any other allergens to the bed. It’s a good habit which not only reduces the chances of allergies but also promotes sleep quality.

FAQs

What are dust mites?

Dust mites are tiny microscopic organisms dwelling in your bedding, carpets, curtains, and all upholstered furniture. These tiny microorganisms don’t bite you, but they trigger allergic reactions in you. Dust mites feed on your skin flakes, body oil, sweat, and saliva. To avoid these microorganisms, choose bedding that is breathable to create an inhospitable climate for their growth.

What is an allergy?

An allergy is your immune system’s response to a foreign substance coming in contact with your body or entering it. Anything that triggers an allergic reaction is called an allergen. These allergens may be present in your food, drinks, environment, or bedding. Allergies manifest as runny nose, watery and red eyes, itchy throat, or in severe cases vomiting, nausea, and shortness of breath.

How can your sheets trigger allergies?

Your sheets may serve as an excellent source of food and shelter for dust mites, which trigger allergies. Since the average adult sheds 1.5 grams of skin a day, and one-third of a day is spent in bed, you can imagine how much food you are leaving for the dust mites on your bed. They multiply quickly in a warm and humid atmosphere with a bountiful supply of food.

Does thread count matter when buying hypoallergenic sheets?

Thread count refers to the number of vertical and horizontal threads on a square inch of fabric. It is generally thought that higher thread counts make more soft and luxurious sheets, but now, manufacturers use multi-ply yarns to inflate thread count, thus increasing prices.

When buying your hypoallergenic sheets, look for single-ply threads with a thread count between 200 to 700. It’s the optimal range for a soft fabric that doesn’t irritate sensitive skin.

Conclusion

There are many hypoallergenic sheet options available on the market today. To achieve the best sleep, look for hypoallergenic sheets that are soft, cool, and breathable. Excess heat causes sweating, and moisture and humidity promote allergen growth. If you have sensitive skin, choose smooth hypoallergenic sheets to reduce your chances of developing skin irritations or rashes.


About the author

Geoff McKinnen is a writer focusing mainly on the healthcare industry and has written articles on everything from foods to help you lose weight to the connection between Alzheimer’s and sleep. Geoff’s passionate about helping readers improve their well-being to lead happier lives. Outside of work, Geoff enjoys cycling and hiking and believes that by leading a healthy lifestyle, he can help others do the same.

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