When you’re looking for the ultimate night’s sleep, your first step is finding suitable bedding that doesn’t just feel great on the skin, but can also actually help you nod off easier, so you can enjoy a better and deeper sleep every night. While alternatives to cotton sheets like bamboo and Modal are all the range, which fabric is better when it comes to aiding healthy sleep, promoting better skin and promoting better health?
In the following comprehensive guide, we’re going to compare the benefits of bamboo sheets and modal sheets, not only so you can make an informed choice, but so you can also get one step closer to the healthy sleep cycle you deserve. Let’s take a look.
Why is bedding important?
We all know the most common recommendations when it comes to getting a good night’s rest - reduced screen time, hot beverages, and meditation all have their benefits in helping you nod off. But did you know that your bed sheets can also play a role in how easily and deeply you fall asleep?
This is because temperature regulation - also known as your thermal environment - is a crucial factor when it comes to sleep hygiene. Studies have shown that exposure to heat when sleeping (or trying to sleep) can lead to ‘increased wakefulness’ and a reduction in slow wave sleep, which is essential when it comes to promoting healing, memory, and immune function in your body.
Put simply, if your bed sheets are non-absorbent and leave you feeling sweaty, clammy or uncomfortable at night, this could lead to interrupted, disturbed or inadequate sleep. This is where alternatives like bamboo bed sheets and modal sheets can come in useful - but which is better? Let’s explore further.
What are Bamboo Bed Sheets?
Made with natural crushed bamboo plant, bamboo sheets are a sustainable alternative to cotton sheets, and offer a range of health and wellness benefits to those who use them:
Thermal regulation
As we just mentioned, thermal regulation is one key aspect of good sleep hygiene, but obtaining the ideal sleeping temperature can be difficult - especially for those in warmer climates or poorly-insulated homes. While some might opt for a fan to keep them cool on warm nights, bamboo bed sheets can actually provide thermal regulation all year round; this is because bamboo is naturally cool to the touch, and also wicks away moisture (aka sweat) from your skin, allowing your skin to breathe even in humid temperatures and during hot summers.
Hypoallergenic and Antibacterial
Bamboo is naturally antifungal, antibacterial and hypoallergenic, which makes it the perfect bedding option for those who suffer from allergies. Bamboo’s antibacterial properties also reduce your likelihood of developing skin infections caused by lingering bacteria on your bed sheets, while also reducing acne breakouts for those prone to pimples.
Sustainable
Aside from being good for your sleep cycle and your skin, bamboo sheets are also great for the environment; this is because bamboo plants grow incredibly fast, and don’t need pesticides, fertilizers, or irrigation. At Hush, our manufacturing process is wholly eco-friendly, with a closed-loop production ensuring almost zero byproduct waste; our viscose bamboo isn’t just good for your sleep and your skin, but it’s also great for the planet.
What are Modal Sheets?
Made from spun beech tree cellulose, Modal sheets are a popular alternative to cotton sheets, and are generally considered environmentally-friendly and sustainable. Here are just some benefits of Modal sheets:
Soft Touch Fabric
Unlike the crisp feel of cotton sheets, Modal sheets have a smooth, soft touch that makes them perfect for those who enjoy a more luxurious sleeping experience.
Breathable
Like bamboo sheets, Modal sheets are absorbent, meaning they’ll absorb your body heat and sweat if you’re feeling clammy or warm; this can help regulate your thermal environment and promote longer slow-wave-sleep. While they’re not as absorbent as bamboo sheets, Modal sheets do tend to be around 50% more absorbent than cotton sheets.
Eco-friendly
As we mentioned above, Modal sheets are generally considered an eco-friendly option in the world of bedding; this is because beech trees grow fairly quickly, and when compared to the production of cotton sheets, the manufacturing process of Modal sheets requires around 10-20 times less water.
Modal vs Bamboo Sheets: Key Differences
So, when it comes to some important touch points - such as breathability, durability and sustainability - which bedding fabric is better, Modal or bamboo? Let’s compare.
Durability
If you’re going to be making an investment in your sleep, you’re going to want to ensure you’re actually getting your money’s worth. In terms of durability, we have to give the upper hand to bamboo; wrinkle-resistant, simple to clean and unchanged after frequent washing, bamboo is simply more durable than Modal. This is also the case when it comes to Bamboo vs Tencel - this is because Tencel has a higher susceptibility to mildew, thanks to its hydrophilic properties.
Breathability
When it comes to bamboo rayon vs micro modal, both fabrics are considerably more breathable than cotton sheets, and both can help you obtain deeper, longer slow wave sleep. While Modal may be more absorbent than bamboo, the natural cold-touch-feel of bamboo can be highly beneficial for warm sleepers, or those who experience hot flashes at night.
Hypoallergenic
When comparing bamboo and Modal for their hypoallergenic properties, bamboo is the clear winner again; bamboo is naturally hypoallergenic, while some people can have allergic reactions to modal sheets.
Sustainability
When it comes to sustainability, bamboo is the clear winner here; bamboo is the fastest growing plant in the world, and doesn’t require the use of harmful pesticides, irrigation or toxic chemicals in the manufacturing process. Plus, bamboo is entirely natural, while Modal is a semi-synthetic fibre.
The Verdict
Overall, while both Modal sheets and bamboo sheets can promote better sleep quality, bamboo sheets offer the perfect blend between sustainability and comfort; with hypoallergenic properties and better durability, bamboo bed sheets are your key to deeper, more rewarding sleep.
