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Table of Contents
- What Are The Best Bed Sheets For Sensitive Skin?
- Are There More Options Of Hypoallergenic Bedding?
- Are There Other Properties To Consider For Hypoallergenic Materials?
- FAQs
- Final Thoughts
Sensitive skin can be troubling and highly uncomfortable. If you have sensitive skin, choosing bed sheets to alleviate your condition rather than worsening it is vital.
The right bed sheets will ensure better sleep quality, fewer flare-ups, and overall comfort. With over 50% of the UK population suffering from sensitive skin, there is a massive demand for hypoallergenic sheets.
This article will look at the best bed sheet materials for people with sensitive skin, as well as some other bedding options to give you a peaceful night's sleep.
What Are The Best Bed Sheets For Sensitive Skin?
Hypoallergenic bed sheets are the best for sensitive skin. These materials are made from natural fibres that help prevent allergic skin reactions, unlike synthetic materials. Hypoallergenic materials have a tight weave, which prevents specific microscopic allergens from coming into contact with a person's skin.
These fabrics also have advanced breathability, which helps create a temperate sleeping environment, preventing mould and bacteria growth.
Let's look at the best hypoallergenic bed sheets for sensitive skin.
Bamboo
Bamboo sheets are an excellent option for sensitive skin. They are made from 100% natural fibres and are free from chemicals and dyes that cause skin irritation. The fibre structure and tight weave pattern block dust mites, pet hair, and pollen from touching the skin, making them ideal for individuals with sensitivities. On top of this, bamboo is also a natural antibacterial and antifungal material.
Bamboo bedding is highly breathable and has excellent moisture-wicking properties. Since they provide more airflow and keep your body dry, they inhibit the growth of allergens, like mould or dust mites.
The soft texture of bamboo sheets means less friction on the skin, which prevents itchy skin irritations from occurring or flaring up.
Silk bed sheets
If you are looking for hypoallergenic sheets with a touch of luxury, silk bed sheets are a great choice. Silk is naturally hypoallergenic, as its tightly woven fibres act as a barrier to common allergens like mites, mildew, and mould. This keeps sensitive skin issues at bay and promotes a more comfortable sleep.
Silk's texture is extremely soft, ensuring little to no friction on the skin. This makes it ideal for those suffering from visible, active skin irritations like eczema or dermatitis. Silk also contains naturally occurring ingredients that nourish the skin through contact.
It is breathable and free from harsh chemicals (if produced naturally), resulting in a cool sleep environment and inhibiting the growth of allergens.
100% cotton bed sheets
100% cotton bed sheets are another good option if you suffer from skin sensitivities and allergies. There is, however, a difference between cotton blends and 100% cotton. Cotton blends often contain chemicals, such as dyes and pesticides, which are major skin irritants.
100% cotton is breathable, soft, and free of harsh chemicals. These properties ensure sensitive skin is well looked after.
Go for Egyptian cotton with a 200 or 400 thread count, 100% cotton or 100% Pima cotton bed sheets.
Are There More Options Of Hypoallergenic Bedding?
While the right bed sheets are important for sensitive skin, some other types of bedding will aid in more comfortable sleep. Hypoallergenic mattress toppers and duvet inners can work with your hypoallergenic sheets, ensuring your skin is extra safe from flare-ups.
Mattress Toppers
A mattress topper provides more than extra support and comfort for your bed. It is also an excellent bedding accessory for those with sensitive skin! It enhances protection against allergens like mites, dust, and mould.
A hypoallergenic mattress topper is usually made from material like 100% cotton, natural latex, bamboo, or silk blends. These materials ensure advanced breathability, which keeps your bed cool. This inhibits the growth of allergens that thrive in heat, like mould or mildew.
These materials also have a tight weave, which acts as a physical barrier to mites and other bedbugs that irritate the skin.
Belledorm's hypoallergenic mattress topper is made from a silk blend, is resistant to mites, has a 100% cotton twill cover, and assists in regulating body temperature.
Duvet
A hypoallergenic duvet inner is another way you can protect your sensitive skin from flare-ups and irritation.
The best fabric for duvets is silk, but wool or microfibre are also good options. These have anti-allergen properties like breathability and a tight weave pattern.
Our hypoallergenic silk-filled duvet also contains a natural protein called sericin, which helps repel mites. On top of this, silk's temperature-regulating properties add to its resistance to mould and mildew.
Alternatively, you could try our hypoallergenic wool duvets, which come in lightweight or medium weight. Our microfibre duvets are also available in thermal overall grades (tog) of 4.5, 10.5 or 13.5, depending on whether you're a hot or cold sleeper.
Pillows
Hypoallergenic pillows are designed to decrease skin and bacteria buildup and naturally combat allergens like mould, mildew, dust mites, and pet dander. These pillows are usually made from silk, wool, bamboo, latex, buckwheat, memory foam, or polyester. They are breathable, soft, and temperature-regulating, which ensures comfort for sensitive facial skin.
Below are a few other benefits of using hypoallergenic pillows:
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Improved skin health: Hypoallergenic material is gentle on the face (less friction) and prevents bacteria build-up. This causes fewer acne breakouts and irritations while promoting healthier skin and hair.
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Improved sleep quality: Allergen-free pillows promote comfort for more restful and undisturbed sleep.
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Improved respiratory health: Hypoallergenic pillows help maintain uncongested airways by preventing mucus buildup due to allergens, reducing the risk of respiratory issues.
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Reduces internal allergic reactions: These pillows reduce symptoms such as sneezing, wheezing, coughing, nose itching, and congestion. This can significantly improve sleep quality for individuals with skin sensitivities or asthma.
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Longevity and durability: Hypoallergenic pillows tend to be durable and maintain their shape and health-supporting qualities over time, providing long-term health benefits and comfort.
Are There Other Properties To Consider For Hypoallergenic Materials?
When it comes to choosing hypoallergenic bedding, the thread count and weave pattern are just as important as the overall material it's made out of.
Here are some additional factors to consider when choosing the best bed sheets for your skin condition:
Weave
Weave refers to the pattern in which a fabric is woven. Hypoallergenic fabric has a weave that is tight enough to prevent mites from coming through but loose enough to be breathable.
Thread count
Thread count refers to how many threads there are in one square inch of a particular material. Hypoallergenic materials should range from a 200 to 400 thread count. In this case, a higher thread count may actually reduce a material's ability to be hypoallergenic.
Below are the estimated ideal thread counts and momme weight (for silk) for hypoallergenic fabrics:
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100% cotton: 200-400
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Bamboo: 250-350
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Microfibre: 90-120
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Silk: Silk doesn't have a thread count; it is measured in momme weight. A momme weight of 19-25 is ideal for hypoallergenic purposes.
FAQs
Why are my sheets irritating my skin?
Your sheets are likely made of synthetic or coarse fabrics like polyester or nylon. This means there's more friction against your skin, which causes irritation, specifically for those with skin sensitivities. These fabrics are also less breathable than some other natural fibres. This traps heat, making your skin moist, and leading to irritation.
Is TENCEL fabric good for sensitive skin?
Yes. TENCEL is a soft (frictionless) fabric that's hypoallergenic and great for sensitive skin, specifically for eczema sufferers. TENCEL sheets are also highly breathable and moisture-wicking.
What is the best hypoallergenic fabric?
Silk is the best hypoallergenic fabric for sensitive skin. It contains properties like good breathability, softness and a tight weave. Additionally, silk has active proteins and amino acids that nourish the skin.
Can dirty sheets cause skin irritation?
Dust mites and bodily bacteria play a massive role in affecting the health of your skin. Bacteria buildup on your sheets can cause pimple breakouts, redness, swelling, and intense itching. They can also lead to chronic skin problems like eczema or worsen/trigger existing skin conditions.
How often should you wash your sheets if you have sensitive skin?
If you have sensitive skin, it's recommended that you wash your sheets at least once a week in hot water (54°C) to properly remove dead skin cells, allergens and bacteria. Using a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic detergent also contributes to comfort and decreases flare-ups for those with sensitive skin.
Final Thoughts
Investing in the best bed sheets for sensitive skin can make all the difference in the quality of your sleep and the frequency of flare-ups. That's why hypoallergenic sheets are the best choice.
These materials include bamboo, silk and 100% cotton for their breathability and tight weaves. They will ensure you are protected from allergens like dust mites, mould, and mildew all year round.
Additionally, anti-allergy mattress toppers (made from silk, bamboo, natural latex, or 100% cotton) and duvets (made from silk, wool, or microfibre) are also incredible for extra-sensitive skin. They serve as a barrier against allergens and ensure your skin is protected and free from discomfort.
