We live in a world where technology seems to be making the impossible possible on a daily basis. We have Smart devices in our homes that control everything from temperature to our schedules. We have other versions of these devices that will listen to us and make available all the information we could ever wish while at the same time allowing us to order our favorite meals or consumer goods online. We see fabrics invented that keep us comfortable no matter what the conditions. With all this innovation in artificial and man made materials why do some materials which have been around for thousands of years still remain popular? Take for instance cotton sheets.
One of the reasons that cotton linen remains so popular is that it simply offers a superior nights rest and comfort. It may not be immediately apparent but the quality of a the sheets that we use at night directly affects the quality of our sleep – and more sleep means a better quality of life and greater productivity.
So just why are cotton sheets so comfortable? Firstly it is because the material is breathable. The natural nature of cotton means that the weave allows the material to conduct heat away from the body making for a more comfortable night’s sleep. Cotton sheets absorb and dissipate heat from the body as it fluctuates during the course of the night maintaining an even temperature. Amazingly the same properties will allow cotton sheets to keep a person warm during the colder months of the year. This is the difference between cotton and for instance man made materials such as polyester which absorbs body heat rather than radiating it away from the body.
One of the simplest reasons that people still buy cotton sheets when there are cheaper alternatives on the market is that cotton feels ultra luxurious and comfortable against our skin. This is especially important for sleepers who may have more sensitive skins. For those who suffer from allergies to man made materials cotton is the perfect solution – it is hypoallergenic and will not cause skin irritation.
The question of cost is always one that will be asked when people are shopping for bedding and especially sheets. As mentioned there are many man made materials such as polyester which are far cheaper. However cotton has the advantage over many of these materials due to a simple fact and that is that cotton – with proper care outlasts the man made products. In fact some bedding experts estimate that cotton (again with proper care and depending on the weight and weave) can last up to twice as long as the man made options. Given this fact you may be paying more upfront for your cotton sheets – but over the long run the sheets will pay for themselves over and over again and the homeowner will actually save money.
The longevity of cotton sheets may depend on proper care but many people seem to think that caring for cotton bedding is a complex and time consuming business – nothing could be further from the truth. In fact cotton sheets are machine washable at normal temperatures and require no special treatment other than to avoid mixing the cotton bedding with man made materials. The ability to simply throw cotton bedding into a washing machine means that there is no time consuming hand washing required, no special procedures for drying and in fact no ironing. Simply pop it into the dryer at a low temperature, take it out when still a bit damp and hand to dry.
Cotton offers comfort and luxury as well as a great return on investment over the long run – invest in cotton sheets today.
