With so much of our lifetime spent in bed, getting a good night’s sleep is crucial to our well-being. However, if you’re prone to allergies or have sensitive skin, you may be missing out on quality sleep as a result of your bedding. Bamboo bed sheets are an increasingly popular option due to their potential environmental friendliness, but you may be wondering if you can have an allergy to bamboo sheets or if bamboo bedding is safe for allergy sufferers.
You’ll be happy to learn that bamboo sheets are naturally hypoallergenic, making them ideal for people with allergies or skin sensitivities. While it is possible to have an allergy to the bamboo plant, it’s incredibly rare. More commonly, bamboo sheet allergies are usually a result of certain fabric blends, chemicals in different care products, or extra elements in the bamboo sheets.
We’ll review what makes bamboo sheets inherently hypoallergenic and an excellent option for people with allergies or skin problems. We’ll also look at the possibility of having an allergy to the bamboo plant itself or other factors that may elicit an adverse reaction to your bamboo sheets, so that you can decide whether hypoallergenic bamboo sheets are the right choice for you.
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Are bamboo sheets naturally hypoallergenic?
Like other bamboo fabrics, bamboo sheets are considered one of the best options if you are prone to allergies and skin sensitivities. Bamboo sheets are, by nature, hypoallergenic due to a few factors:
Bamboo sheets are highly breathable
Bamboo sheets are highly breathable, so moisture can easily escape. In other words, bamboo sheets wick moisture away from the skin and through the fabric. This also makes bamboo sheets fast-drying, aiding thermoregulation and preventing sweat (or moisture) buildup in the material. All of this is not just great for hot sleepers, it ultimately prevents the growth and spread of dust mites, which are a common allergen found in the home.
Bamboo is naturally antibacterial and antimicrobial
Research shows that bamboo is naturally antibacterial and antimicrobial. These properties are preserved in certain bamboo fabrics, particularly bamboo lyocell and bamboo linen. This means that bamboo sheets can slow the growth of microbes and bacteria, which can trigger allergic reactions.
However, there is no evidence that suggests bamboo rayon or bamboo viscose sheets, which has been processed with harsh chemicals, retain those qualities. Unfortunately, bamboo rayon is currently the most common type of bamboo fabric, though there are increasingly more bamboo sheets made from bamboo lyocell and bamboo linen.
Bamboo can be grown without the use of chemicals
Bamboo is one of the fastest growing plants on the planet, with some species growing to gigantic heights (up to 50 feet or 15 meters) in the span of just a year! Bamboo plants are also highly resistant to pests and fungi, which means they can grow in their native environment without the use of pesticides, fungicides, or fertilizers. Given that traces of these chemicals can persist in clothing after manufacturing, bamboo fabric is a safer choice than, say, conventional cotton.
Bamboo sheets are luxuriously soft
One of the reasons bamboo sheets are so popular is that they are incredibly soft, making them an excellent choice for those struggling with skin sensitivity, skin irritation, or conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. Due to the smooth and round fibers, bamboo sheets don’t rub or cling to the skin. Bamboo sheets can also help to prevent skin breakouts because they create a well-ventilated sleep environment for your skin.
Note that bamboo sheets made from bamboo linen are soft, but not quite as soft as bamboo lyocell or bamboo rayon.
Is it possible to have a bamboo allergy?
Bamboo sheets are made from fibers derived from the bamboo plant. While anecdotal evidence points to the existence of bamboo allergies, more research needs to be done to confirm how common bamboo-related allergies may be. At present, it appears to be a very rare occurrence.
Bamboo is a member of the Poaceae family, which makes it a type of grass. If you happen to have an allergy to the bamboo plant itself, it is possible to have a bamboo bed sheet allergy as well. Allergy symptoms may include runny nose, sneezing, and watery or itchy eyes. Symptoms of contact allergy, or contact dermatitis, may include hives, rashes, and itchiness.
Again, it’s worth noting that a true bamboo allergy is very rare. If you suspect you may be allergic to your bamboo sheets, allergy testing is the safest way to find out if you are allergic to bamboo. Proper allergy tests can be conducted by your dermatologist or allergist.
Common causes of allergic reactions to bamboo sheets
More often than not, allergic reactions to bamboo bed sheets are a result not of the bamboo fabric itself but of other factors, such as chemicals lingering in the sheets after the manufacturing process or washing. Fortunately, adverse reactions can be easily avoided by purchasing high-quality bamboo bedding, checking the materials the sheets are made of, and properly caring for your bamboo bed sheets.
Blended fabrics
One possible cause for an allergic reaction to bamboo sheets is if they are made from a blend of fabrics. For economic purposes, bamboo fabric may be combined with other materials such as cotton, polyester, synthetic materials, or wool. If you are experiencing an allergic reaction to your blended bamboo sheets, it’s possible that you may actually be allergic to one of the other materials.
If you are prone to allergies, we recommend buying high-quality bamboo bed sheets that are not blended with other fabrics. So take a closer look at the labels!
Bamboo sheet care
In addition, certain detergents and fabric softeners can cause skin conditions and allergies. We discuss this more in our deep dive on how to wash bamboo sheets, but fabric softener should be avoided altogether, and it is best to use a “free and clear,” eco-friendly detergent. Not only does it help keep your bamboo sheets softer for longer, but it also helps avoid allergens and sensitivities.
Washing your hypoallergenic bedding weekly will also reduce the effects of a dust mite allergy. Dust mites are not visible to the naked eye. They eat dead skin cells and absorb the moisture from their surrounding.
Other materials present in bamboo sheets
Finally, it’s possible to suffer a reaction to your bamboo sheets if they contain a material that you are allergic to. Common allergens include nickel (which may be present if there are buttons on your sheets), formaldehyde (which may be used in “wrinkle-free” fabrics), and various pigments or dyes. If you’re sensitive to dyes, opt for light-colored bamboo sheets and wash them at least once before using them.
How to prevent allergic reactions to your bamboo sheets
If you tend to be prone to allergies, one of the best things you can do is see an allergist or a clinician for allergy testing. Testing a small sample of the fabric in question can prevent a larger reaction and mitigate any concerns you might have about the material.
When it comes to choosing bed sheets for allergy sufferers, we recommend purchasing high-quality bamboo sheets made of bamboo linen or lyocell bamboo. These are more likely to retain their antimicrobial properties, and are also more environmentally friendly than bamboo rayon. Avoid blended fabrics, which tend to be less soft than 100% bamboo and may cause adverse reactions.
Additionally, choose sheets that are light-colored and free of materials such as nickel. Wash new sheets before sleeping in them to remove dust and any chemicals that have accumulated during production and transport, as well as wash out excess dye.
Finally, taking care of your bamboo sheets is paramount to creating a hygienic environment and preventing allergy flare-ups. Wash your bamboo sheets in a gentle, eco-friendly detergent and cold water to keep them soft and avoid skin irritations. In addition, keep your sleeping area clean and dust-free. Lastly, and most importantly, seek medical attention immediately if symptoms arise.
