There are plenty of cheap polyester bedsheet available in the market these days, especially in Singapore. Cheap polyester bedsheets are a dime a dozen at the store. However, it is not always easy to tell the quality of a bed sheet with a deeply discounted price tag.
Cheap polyester bedsheet very often comes with a huge price in its aftermath. Let's look at some of the issues one might face when choosing the cheap polyester bed sheet route. Don't make yourself regret your decision just when you've made it - read on to learn more about why you should avoid going for cheap polyester bed sheets.
What Is Polyester?
Polyester is a synthetic fabric made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) derived from petroleum. It is made by spinning PET filaments into yarn and then weaving or knitting it. Polyester fibers are strong and resistant to abrasion, making them suitable for outdoor use. Polyester fabrics are often used in clothing because they are soft and comfortable, but they can also be used for upholstery and carpets.
Reasons Why Polyester Bedsheets Should Not Be On Your Bed
Polyester is a synthetic fabric made from petroleum byproducts. It's cheap, durable, and easy to care for. But there are a few reasons why polyester shouldn't be in your bed:
Polyester carries carcinogens
Polyester is a petroleum-based fabric that requires large amounts of energy to produce, which causes air pollution. The process also releases carcinogenic dyes and chemicals into the air, leading to respiratory infections like asthma.
Polyester can cause respiratory infections.
When you breathe air filled with dust mites and other allergens, you can develop allergies and other respiratory conditions over time. Dust mites feed off dead skin cells shed by humans. At the same time, they sleep, so when you sleep on polyester sheets or any other type of bedding containing this fabric, they will thrive in your environment because they have plenty of food sources to keep them alive and reproducing quickly. This can lead to severe allergic reactions such as asthma.
Polyester is dangerous to the environment
Polyester is made from petroleum, which takes a lot of energy to produce. This includes using our fossil fuels and creating pollution as part of its production process. This means that polyester can have an adverse effect on our environment when it goes into our landfills or incinerators after we use it up or throw it away. In addition, polyester garments take hundreds of years to break down entirely in landfills or incinerators because they are so resistant to biodegradation.
Polyester can affect sperm count in men
Polyester is a synthetic fabric, which means it’s man-made and made from petroleum and other petrochemicals. Men have found that sleeping on polyester—whether sheets or a mattress pad—can reduce their testosterone levels by as much as 10 percent. Testosterone is the hormone responsible for male characteristics and libido. The reduction of this hormone can affect sperm count, which is why researchers are concerned about using synthetic materials like polyester in bedding products.
Polyester can cause skin irritation
Polyester doesn’t breathe well and traps heat close to your body, which can cause sweating and discomfort while sleeping. This can lead to rashes and skin irritation due to excessive moisture buildup in the mattress or sheets. If you’re prone to allergies or sensitive skin, this may be an issue for you if you don’t purchase 100% cotton or natural fiber bedding products such as bamboo sheets or organic cotton blankets for your bedding needs.
How Do Polyester and Microfiber Compare?
Polyester and microfiber are both synthetic fibers, and they have similar qualities and can be used for similar purposes, but there are some major differences as well.
Polyester is more durable than microfiber, so it's ideal for heavy-duty applications like upholstery and carpeting. Microfiber is much more absorbent than polyester, which works well in clothing like socks, towels, and rugs. The fabric won't stretch out over time as polyester does, which makes it a good choice for linens that need to stay tight around corners or edges.
Another difference between the two fibers is their appearance. While they're both soft and smooth to the touch, microfiber tends to be shinier than polyester because of its reflective surface. It also has a higher luster rating than polyester, making it look better when woven into a fabric.
Are Cotton Sheets Better Than Polyester Bedsheets?
Cotton bed sheets are often touted as the "best" type of sheets. Let look into the pros and cons of cotton bedsheet vs polyester sheets.
Cotton is known for its softness, breathability, and durability. It's also hypoallergenic, meaning it won't irritate sensitive skin. However, cotton is prone to wrinkling and shrinking when washed too hot or dried on high heat. It also requires more care than other fabrics.
Polyester is easy to care for — just toss it in the washing machine and dryer — and it doesn't wrinkle easily. Polyester is also water-resistant, so you don't have to worry about your sheets getting stained if they get wet at night (but you should still wash them at least once a week).
So which is better? Well, it depends on what's important to you:
If you want softness: Cotton is softer than polyester by far. But if you're looking for a durable fabric that'll last longer than cotton with little care, polyester may be better suited for your needs.
If you want durability: Polyester can hold up better than cotton over time because it's less likely to wrinkle or shrink during washing and drying cycles.
However, do keep in mind that Polyester are made of recycled PVC with many potential health hazards. Cotton bedsheet is indeed be a more healthy choice than polyester bedsheet.
Are cotton sheets cooler than polyester?
Cotton sheets are cooler than polyester because they're breathable, which means air can flow through the fabric and keep you cool. On the other hand, polyester is a synthetic material that doesn't breathe, and it traps heat inside its fibers, making it warmer to sleep on.
If you're looking for sheet sets that are extra cool in hot weather, we recommend 100 percent cotton percale sheets. The extra-fine weave of percale sheets allows for more air circulation than regular cotton sheets but not as much as Egyptian cotton or jersey sheets. Cotton jersey also has a fine weave but feels softer and less stiff than percale.
The best way to find out if your bedding will be cool enough for you is to try it out before buying it. You might like a different material better than cotton or polyester — especially if you live in warm climates like Singapore — but at least you'll know what feels good when sleeping under the covers!
If you are looking for a cooling bed sheet, nothing beats the coolness of Bamboo Bed Sheet. Try our softest and coolest bamboo bed sheet for a good night sleep.
Conclusion
The problem with cheap polyester bed sheets and duvet covers is that they are often produced with high levels of chemicals that do not have to be disclosed on the product label. It makes them cheaper than organic options but also affects the quality. Many of these products have been banned in other countries due to laws about transparency and disclosure.
If you truly care about where your bedding comes from, you should choose organic sheets and duvets made from natural materials. After all, your health is one of the most precious things you own.
Check out Granjoy Organic Bamboo Bed Sheet Set Made of 100% Organic Pure Bamboo.