It’s Sleep Awareness Week 2024 — March 10-16. In honor of the National Sleep Foundation’s 26th year hosting this event, our research team has been working hard over the past two months putting top-rated bedding — including pillows, sheets and comforters — through a series of tests to find the cream of the crop. We have slept on, washed, bleached and even tried to rip the top-rated, cult-favorite bedsheets to find the highest-quality sheets on the market. We worked with top sleep experts and dermatologists to get their take on which sheet materials are the most exceptional, what thread counts really mean, whether organic sheets are truly worth their cost and even how much sleep you should be getting each night. About that: Dr. Kien Vuu, a regenerative medicine specialist and assistant health sciences professor at UCLA, tells us, “Most adults need seven to nine hours of sleep each night.”
So, if you’re in the market for new bedsheets or are curious to know what our experts think about cooling sheets, organic cotton sheets, which materials are optimal for sensitive skin or how sweating at night affects your skin, keep reading for the inside scoop and where to get the best deals on bedsheets during Sleep Week.
The best bedsheets of 2024
Cozy Earth
Adored by Oprah and some 6,600+ reviewers, Cozy Earth’s bamboo sheets are amongst the softest, most luxurious bamboo sheets we tested. Referred to as “the softest ever” by Oprah in her 2018 Favorite Things list, she added, “Both chilly sleepers and hot flashers can get a good night’s rest,” in regard to bamboo sheet’s temperature-regulating qualities.
Cozy Earth’s bamboo sheets are made with 100% premium viscose from bamboo and are available in seventeen beautiful, tranquil hues to match any bedroom aesthetic. The sheets come in a range of sizes from twin XL to split-king. As an added bonus with your purchase, the sheets arrive in a reusable zip-top canvas tote with leather straps.
Attention to detail is certainly something Cozy Earth doesn’t take lightly. From its luxe duvet covers, bath robes and wraps to cozy waffle knit PJs and gorgeous extra-absorbant towels, you’ll be hard-pressed to go wrong with anything from Cozy Earth.
Use the code YAHOO to get 35% off at checkout.
$399 for Queen (Use code YAHOO for 35% off) at Cozy Earth at Cozy Earth
Bedgear
Bedgear’s Ver-Tex Instant Cooling Bed Sheets are made of 100% nylon and feel cool to the touch, but not so cool you freeze when climbing into bed. The sheet’s Vr-tex construction offers enhanced breathability and airflow, which lends well to keeping you feeling cool all night. Something that struck me, in addition to how cool they felt right out of the packaging, was how silky-soft they were, almost like the smooth jersey material.
A feature that set Bedgear’s sheets apart from every sheet set we tested was what they call their “powerband” on the fitted sheet, which ensures the sheet stays in place, no matter how restless your slumber may be. A double-strap, ultra-enforced powerband is also sewn into the pillowcases to keep your pillows securely tucked into the case all night.
On a personal note, this set of sheets was one of my favorite sheets we tested. I can’t wait to see how they hold up in a few months during summer’s hot 90-degree nights!
Brooklinen
If you are looking for crisp, airy, smooth softness that gets better with each wash, the Luxe Sateen Core Sheets from Brooklinen were a favorite of the ones we tested. The sheets are Oeko-Tex certified (free of harsh chemicals and harmful substances), making this set a safe bet for sensitive skin. While thread count shouldn’t always drive your buying decision when it comes to sheets, a 480 thread count long-staple cotton weave gives these sateen sheets a silky-soft feel and silk-like sheen.
We also love that the pillowcases feature an envelope pocket at the end, that fully tucks the pillow away in the case for a stay-in-place clean, finished look.
Mellanni
It’s hard to believe a sheet set under $40 could land on a best-of-the-best list, but these microfiber sheets from Mellanni, a family-owned and operated company, were easily the best budget-buy sheet set we came across. And we are not the only ones, a whopping 256,000 Amazon reviewers have rated these sheets five stars. The ultra-soft and cozy Otex Standard 100 microfiber sheets come in 40 different colors and designs, with the option for standard or deep pockets.
The Mellanni sheets are also available in a wide range of sizes from twin to twin XL to full, queen, king and California king to RV and short queen — and many sizes come with a deep pocket option. Best of all, the sheets are backed by the an impressive, lifetime warranty — you are not satisfied with your purchase for any reason at any time, you can return the sheets, no questions asked.
Honeydew
If you are looking for quality organic sheets, Honeydew has you covered. Made from organic bamboo, the sheets are 100% rayon and hypoallergenic, making them a great option for those with skin conditions or who are acne-prone. The ultra-breathable fabric wicks away heat and moisture to help you stay cool and comfy all night.
In the words of our tester, “After my first sleep, I was definitely appreciative of the soft and silky feel and the fitted sheet kept mostly in place—which is a huge accomplishment as I move a lot.” The fitted sheet held up to our restless tester thanks to the “stay-in-place” corner straps.
Honeydew offers a 60-night money-back guarantee on all orders.
Macy’s
Charter Club’s 100% cotton Damask sheet set is a cult favorite among Macy’s shoppers, with nearly 7,000 five-star reviews. The sheets feature 1.5-inch stripes that shimmer like silk thanks to the long-staple cotton weave construction, which gives them a high-sheen and crisp feel. Something that sets these sheets apart from all the sheets we tested is their thickness and durability. If you are looking for high-quality sheets with a hotel look and feel, these sheets are a great option.
In the words of our tester, “They look and feel like true five-star hotel quality sheets. While they were a little too crisp out of the packaging, with each wash they get even softer and more luxurious. There’s no doubt these are high-quality sheets that will last a lifetime.”
Lilysilk
Lilysilk is a leader in the silk textiles industry, offering silk clothes for men and women and bedding. Its Organic Silk Bedding Set features 100% Grade A Mulberry silk that is both Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified and Global Organic Textiles Standard (GOTS) certified by Ecocert Greenlife. These sheets are everything you would want in a 100% silk sheet set: soft, silky, airy, organic, breathable, hypoallergenic, moisture-wicking and 100% pure luxury.
One major benefit to silk according to Dr. Simran Sethi, internist, “Silk prevents friction and oil/debris buildup between skin, hair and the pillowcase, which helps reduce the risk of debris, oil and other day-to-day bacteria getting trapped in the pores of your skin, which is one of the most common causes of clogged pores, skin inflammation and breakouts.”
If this is your first foray into silk bedding, I do want to warn you that these sheets must be hand-washed or dry-cleaned. If you choose to hand wash at home, it’s important to use a silk detergent.
Buffy
Made of silky-smooth eucalyptus fiber (lyocell), the Buffy Breeze sheet is the epitome of breathability. Lyocell is touted for its moisture-wicking properties, meaning it’ll draw sweat away from you. In fact, lyocell is highly antimicrobial and research-backed to wick away moisture and heat more effectively than cotton or linen.
But what we loved the most was the super-soft luxury feel. In the words of our tester, “Their slick feel is so refreshing against my skin that I’m kind of shocked I was able to tolerate my old sheets for as long as I did. They’re lightweight, but you can tell they’re high-quality because they’re downright buttery-soft. I feel like I’m getting into a hotel bed every time I go to sleep!”
Read her full review of the Buffy Breeze sheets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best thread count for sheets?
While marketing companies would like us to think thread count is very important when it comes to sheets, the real answer is: Thread count depends on the material, and sometimes, a higher thread count is not a good thing.
The only real importance of thread count is to let you know the number of threads woven into one square inch of fabric and how tightly woven a fabric is. For example, fabric that has 250 lengthwise threads and 250 widthwise threads has a thread count of 500. While thread count can be an indicator of how soft the sheets are, higher thread counts, like 1200, are a sign that the thread is very thin and that the sheets may not be very durable.
A good rule of thumb for finding high-quality sheets relative to thread count is below. Anything over these counts could be a sign of thin, low-quality thread:
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Bamboo: 300-500 thread count
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Cotton: 200-600 thread count
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Egyptian cotton: 300-400 thread count
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Linen: 80-140 thread count — When it comes to linen, thread count is not very important, though you should avoid higher thread counts for linen sheets since you want them to be very light and airy.
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Percale weave: 200-400 thread count
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Sateen weave: 300-600 thread count
The following materials are rated based on the construction of the material:
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Flannel: 170+ grams per square meter (GSM) — a lighter GSM for flannel sheets will be less durable, but more breathable
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Jersey: 150 GSM
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Microfiber: 90-120 GSM
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Silk: 7-22 momme range — silk is measured in momme: 4.340 GSM
What is the best material for sheets?
Truth be told, there is no one best material. There are so many varying sleep styles and sleep profiles that the best material comes down to individual needs. Dr. Ashley Magovern, board-certified dermatologist, tells us, “Those with any sort of skin conditions or sensitivities, like acne or eczema and even traditional allergies, will benefit from organic cotton sheets since they are not bleached nor have synthetic dyes, making them a better alternative for your skin.” For everyone else, it’s important to look for fabrics that are lightweight, breathable and allow for plenty of airflow since sweating at night can cause oil buildup, leading to acne. Magovern says organic cotton, silk and bamboo are great choices overall, adding that “silk sheets specifically help reduce wrinkles, keep skin hydrated and reduce frizz for your hair.”
What type of detergent should I use to wash my sheets?
Dr. Sethi says, “In general, it’s helpful to use nonirritating laundry detergents for your bedding and clothing. Use detergents that are free from harsh chemicals, fragrances and dyes, as these can irritate sensitive skin.”
What can I do during the day to get a better night’s sleep?
Dr. Kevin Postol, D.D.S., president-elect of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, tells us, “To improve your sleep at night, it’s essential to be mindful of your daytime habits. I always recommend avoiding activities that can disrupt sleep quality.” Postol advises that while a small snack before bed is fine, you should wait at least two hours after a big meal before hitting the hay. He also recommends limiting your intake of alcohol and caffeine and keeping nighttime screen time to a minimum. “Reducing exposure to blue light and other screens in the evening can help regulate your circadian rhythms, making it easier to wind down and prepare for sleep.”
Meet our experts
Dr. Syed Aslam, a pulmonary disease and sleep medicine physician
Tanu Grewal, chief cleaning officer at Pinalen, Cloralen and Ensueño Laundry
Dr. Sandeep Gupta, a pulmonologist and sleep medicine specialist
Dr. Shelby Harris, a psychologist and specialist in behavioral sleep medicine
Dr. Ashley Magovern, a dermatologist
Dr. Kien Vuu, a regenerative medicine specialist and assistant health sciences professor at UCLA
Dr. Kevin Postol, president-elect of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine
Dr. Simran Sethi, an internist and aesthetic dermatologist
If you are looking for pillows, we rounded up Sleep Week 2024 deals on all the best pillows for every sleep position.
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