Bedroom sheets are something you will use for a long time.  Sometimes, sheets will last more than 10 years if taken care of properly.  The decision on what type to buy is a big one since you spend more than 30% of the day sleeping.  There are many types of sheets that you can buy for your bed ranging from silk sheets to cotton sheets.  Below is a guide to choosing the right bedroom sheets for you.

Cotton sheets are the most popular types of sheets purchased.  When buying cotton sheets, the higher the thread count, the better.  The highest quality cotton sheets are Egyptian cotton.  Thread counts for Egyptian cotton sheets range from 200-400 and more.  Cotton sheets are very soft.  They are also really breathable and help a person feel cool at night.  Cotton sheets are easily washed in the machine although they tend to wrinkle when washing so you may have to iron them from time to time.  Oprah Winfrey has declared that cotton jersey knit sheets are one of the softest, most comfortable sheets for the bedroom.  These sheets, also called the “t-shirt sheet” are stretch, comfortable and wrinkle free.

Polyester sheets are another choice for bedroom sheets. One major advantage is that they do not tend to wrinkle. Nor do these sheets fade, stretch or collect lint. Therefore, washing and caring for these sheets are one of the easiest things to do.

The downside to polyester sheets is that they are not as comfortable as other sheets. Since sheets are for sleeping on, you want the most comfortable sheets for your bed. Polyester is definitely not as soft as other sheets and they will not feel as smooth or luxurious.

Percale Sheets

Percale is a type of cotton or polyester sheet. The word percale means the type of weave of the fabric and not the makeup of the sheet. These sheets can be 100% cotton or a 50/50 blend of cotton and polyester and their thread counts are around 180-200. Percale feels like cotton since it is made up of some blend of cotton, but will also keep you cooler than a regular cotton sheet. It also washes really well. The downside is that it is very delicate so the sheet tends to come apart after awhile.

Silk sheets are very soft and smooth.  They actually keep you cooler than cotton, but also keep you warm in the winter.  Oftentimes, silk sheets are natural since silk is a natural and not a synthetic product.  Silk sheets are also known to have other health benefits such as being allergen free, helping with arthritis, and many other benefits.  The best part about the silk sheets is how they feel.  They are really silky and luxurious and feel great when lying in them.  Silk sheets can also be more romantic in case you are looking to spice up your bed.

Flannel sheets are the opposite of cotton in that they keep you very warm in the winter.  For those in cold climates, the flannel sheet will increase the amount of heat surrounding you.  Flannel is very soft and cozy.  The downside is that they are not very breathable.  Therefore, they keep the warmth, but you will also have a higher tendency to sweat if you are too warm and the sheets won’t allow your body to breathe well.  You will definitely want to change out flannel sheets in the summer or you will be too hot.

Choosing bedroom sheets is very important to your comfort and health.  For comfort, cotton sheets are probably the best.  For warmth, go with flannel.  Finally, for your health, a silk sheet is probably the best bedroom sheet to have.