Until a few years ago bamboo sheets were unheard of.  The only bamboo that you were likely to see at home furnishings stores was in the form of chopsticks or perhaps casual furniture.  Now you will find bamboo in everything from t-shirts to floors.  It is truly amazing that any one material could be so versatile, and best of all, it is sustainable.

  Bamboo fibers can be spun and woven into a very soft, almost silk like fabric.  This fabric is being made into almost anything that cotton is made into including linens.  In fact, bamboo is an excellent material for sheets because of the unique properties it has.

Bamboo naturally blocks the growth of bacteria and fungi. Because of this it does not need to have pesticides and other chemicals used on it during the growing process. The same substance that is present in the fibers of the growing bamboo is also present in the spun fibers of bamboo fabric. In fact, according to an article on TreeHugger, 100 percent bamboo fabric has a 99.8 percent bacterial kill rate.

• Bamboo fabric is also non-allergenic.
• The bamboo sheets will wick away moisture and keep you cool and dry.
• Bamboo keeps you cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
• It is breathable and will allow you to sleep more comfortably.
• Bamboo fabric is extremely silky and soft.
• Because bamboo is a quick growing grass it is a renewable resource.
• Bamboo is considered an easy care fabric and can be easily washed and dried. Drying time for bamboo is generally about half the time that it is for cotton and other fabrics.
• There is a thread count in bamboo sheets just like any other type of sheet. The higher the thread count the more luxurious and more expensive the sheets will be. Higher thread count will mean higher quality. Buy the best that you can afford because they will last longer and feel more luxurious.

Bamboo has many qualities that make it a great choice for your bedroom but price isn’t one of them. Bamboo sheets are on the expensive side, with even a set at the local Target selling for about $60.00. The positive spin on that is that bamboo is a durable and long wearing fabric so your investment will last for quite awhile.

While bamboo sheets and bedding sets come in more colors than ever be sure to read the fine print. This is especially important if you have allergies or sensitive skin. While the bamboo fabric is organic the dye may not be so be sure to read the fine print and if you have any questions ask them before you buy.

Always read labels. Some companies add other fibers like cotton in to the bamboo and create a blend. If you want 100% bamboo then the label needs to state that it is 100% bamboo.

How in the world does a tall, woody stalk of grass become a sheet?

The bamboo is cut and harvested and the pulp is separated into fibers.  These fibers are spun into threads, which are in turn woven into cloth.  Once the bamboo has been woven into cloth it is dyed and made into various items.

Since the bamboo grows so quickly, up to 75 feet in a six week period of time, it constantly renews itself.  While other plant fibers, like cotton, must have an entire season for the growth cycle bamboo is nearly constant.

You can find bamboo sheet sets locally now. A couple of stores to try are:

• Target
• Bed, Bath, and Beyond
• Linens and Things

Many Stores on the Internet carry organic, bamboo sheet sets. The sheets come in a wide variety of colors and styles and fans of bamboo sheets say that there is absolutely nothing like them.

• Good Night Naturals has a large selection of bamboo sheets and bed linens. All of the processes used on their sheets are natural.
• Viva Terra has sheet sets as well as other bedding items.
• Northern Naturals

If you are interested in luxurious comfort as well as a healthier environment then bamboo sheets may be just the thing you need to ensure the sweetest dreams ever.