Which Is the Best: Cotton Vs. Microfiber Sheets
If you're in the market for a new set of sheets for your child, you'll want to know your options. Should your kiddo's bedding include cotton sheets, or would microfiber suit them better? You'll also want to buy your children sheets that last. Which material has the higher quality for a longer life? Let's take a quick look at a few of the differences between cotton and microfiber sheets.
Comparing the Two
There are some advantages and disadvantages to both cotton and microfiber. Whichever one you decide to pick will be based on what you prioritize in fabric. As we explore cotton and microfiber sheets for your child, keep in mind the number of accidents they have, how long you'll keep these sheets, and how durable you'd like the sheets to be. Here are five comparisons between cotton and microfiber sheets:
1. Softness
Both cotton and microfiber are soft fabrics, but they differ in texture. Cotton sheets are more crisp and stiff when you first buy them, but they soften over time with years of wear. Microfiber is soft, too, but in a different way. Microfiber sheets maintain more of a silky smooth texture that is soft right away. They're great for helping your child have a cozy night's sleep.
2. Durability
When you have little children, everything you buy needs to be durable. Unexpected tears, stains, and spills happen almost every day, and you can never quite predict when they're going to happen. When you're searching for children's sheets, you'll want a fabric that you can easily clean. It may help you know that cotton stains more regularly, and you could more quickly remove stains from microfiber. Microfiber sheets will also last through more washes without breaking down.
3. Temperature
Microfiber sheets are soft and durable, while cotton sheets become softer over time and are harder to clean up. Which is better for temperature regulation? That depends on your climate and preference.
If you live in a hot place, and your child often sweats when they sleep, cotton might be your preferred choice. If you keep the house cold at night and want your child to stay warm, microfiber sheets will assist their body heat and keep them comfortable.
4. Allergies
If you or your child suffers from various allergies, you probably do what you can to avoid irritants. Cotton sheets let air in through their fibers more than microfiber sheets would. The microfibers are tighter together than cotton sheets' fibers would be.
In effect, cotton sheets might welcome airborne allergens while you sleep, while microfiber sheets would do a better job at keeping them out.
5. Washing Instructions
For cotton sheets, you'll want to be more careful so that they don't shrink. Hand wash with a gentle detergent or machine-wash them on a gentle cycle. You can use fabric softener if you'd like since cotton sheets are less soft at the start. Hang dry if possible to avoid shrinking.
Microfiber sheets are more durable, but if you'd like to keep them free from excess lint and pilling, you should wash them alone. Clean them with gentle detergent on a cold or lukewarm setting. Tumble dry your microfiber sheets on a low setting or hang them out to dry. They'll dry more quickly than their cotton alternative.
Benefits of Cotton Sheets
Cotton is a breathable, cool material. If your child prefers the feeling of sheets that feel as if they're barely there, cotton might be their preference. If you plan on keeping your sheets for years, they'll become softer as they age.
Unfortunately, they stain easily, meaning they may not make it to the soft stage before having grape juice spilled somewhere on them in an accident. Cotton still may be your preference if you're looking for a lightweight option.
Benefits of Microfiber Sheets
Given the information we've shared this far, you might be starting to form your opinions about these two types of sheets. Of course, the fabric you choose in the end is dependent on your priorities and preferences. Before your final verdict, let's dive deeper into microfiber's benefits. There are several benefits to having microfiber sheets – especially for children.
They're Soft
Like we mentioned, cotton sheets usually don't come out of their package as soft as microfiber sheets do. The softness of quality microfiber sheets also makes them retain body heat. This warmth can help your kiddos stay comfy in their beds, even if you live in a cold climate or like to keep the AC on sixty-five degrees.
They're Easy to Clean
Let's say your child has an unfortunate accident in the night. Instead of being stained yellow indefinitely, these sheets will come out clean with less effort than cotton sheets would require. You don't have to worry quite as much about your kiddo ruining their sheets if they choose to use them as material for a blanket fort picnic one day. Minor drips and scuffs will come out quickly in the wash.
They're Affordable
Is cost a significant deciding factor for you? On the whole, microfiber sheets are less expensive than cotton sheets. Microfiber is a human-made fabric, so it is a resource that is plentiful. These sheets are the ideal option for you if you are budget-conscious and enjoy a good deal.
They're Easily Maintained
You don't have to take quite as many precautions washing microfiber sheets as you do with cotton. At Mallary by Matthew, our microfiber sheets are high-quality and resist colors fading in the wash. You also don't have to worry about them shrinking in your wash and dry cycle. Take them out of the dryer after they tumble on a low setting, and you'll see brilliantly patterned sheets that are resistant to wrinkles.
Which Is Better for Your Kids?
Now that you've learned more about your options, you can make the decision that will suit your child best. Microfiber is the winner for kids for a few reasons. They're easy to clean when accidents occur, they're allergy-friendly, and they'll last a long time.
Now that we know the clear winner, let's talk about where you can find high-quality microfiber sheets your kids will love.
Where to Find High-Quality Kids' Microfiber Sheets
Our Kids' Super-Soft 100% Microfiber Sports Sheet Set is the perfect option for your child's new bedding. They're made of cozy 100% polyester microfiber to help your child stay warm through the night. Our sheets are breathable, hypoallergenic, and 90 GSM microfiber. The colors will maintain their brilliance even through wash cycles, too.
The set comes in twin, full, and queen sizes. We provide a flat sheet, fitted sheet, and pillowcase for each size, with two pillowcases for full and queen sizes. You'll love how easy it is to maintain this set, and your child will love having a sheet set with a fun pattern!
In Summary
Our Kids' Microfiber Sheet Sets are sustainably-made with you in mind. They're an ideal option for children who like to have fun, sleep tight, and might be prone to spills. These sheets are easy to maintain, and they're excellent for your budget, too. The only thing you have to worry about now is which pattern your child will love the most.
Sources:
Microfiber Sheets: The Pros and Cons | Snoring Source
100 Percent Egyptian Cotton Vs. Microfiber | Home Guides
Microfiber Sheets vs Cotton: Which Have Better Quality? | Tomorrow Sleep