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Since the average person spends about a third of his or her life in bed, it’s crucial to sleep on quality linens that are comfortable, durable, and safe. This is even more important for individuals with allergies and sensitivities. Hypoallergenic sheets can provide much-needed relief from symptoms like a watery or clogged nose to red, puffy eyes or even a full-out sneezing fit and skin irritation. They offer a comfortable, affordable, and simple solution to ward off irritating allergens, whether they’re dust mites, mold spores, dead skin, pollen, or animal dander.
The best hypoallergenic sheets can literally improve your health overnight. This guide offers an explanation of the different types of hypoallergenic sheets, describes important features to look for when shopping, and explores recommendations for some of the best bed sheets on the market.
- BEST OVERALL: LBRO2M Bed Sheet Set
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Sweet Home Collection 1500 Supreme Collection Set
- MOST POPULAR: Mejoroom Bed Sheets Set, Extra Soft Luxury
- BEST MICROFIBER: SAKIAO – 6PC King Size Bed Sheets Set
- BEST BAMBOO: Cosy House Collection Premium Bamboo Sheets
- MOST COMFORTABLE: Zen Bamboo Luxury 1500 Series Bed Sheets
- MOST BREATHABLE: Mejoroom Full Bed Sheet Set
- BEST FOR CRIBS: Burt’s Bees Baby – Fitted Crib Sheet
Types of Hypoallergenic Sheets
Before shopping for the best hypoallergenic sheets, it’s necessary to make a few key decisions about the type of sheets you prefer. Do texture and softness matter more than durability and environmentally friendly manufacturing? Think about which qualities in the material are most important to you. Silk, bamboo, and Egyptian cotton all have unique properties that are outlined in greater detail below.
Silk
Silk is very soft, nonabrasive, and natural. Thanks to the protein produced by silkworms, silk is also resistant to dust mites, germs, and other allergens.
The downside to silk is that it is often expensive and high maintenance. Some silk sheets can be machine washed on the gentle cycle, but many must be washed by hand. Be sure to read the label’s instructions to avoid damaging the fabric.
Bamboo
Bamboo plants carry natural antimicrobial properties that slow microscopic organism growth and plant fibers that easily wick away moisture—meaning bamboo sheets will be cool and dry. Reduced levels of humidity and moisture on the surface of bamboo sheets prevent microbial growth as well.
While bamboo fibers are regenerated from natural sources, the production process for bamboo sheets isn’t the most environmentally friendly compared to other materials, and heavy metals can enter the fibers during this process.
Egyptian Cotton
Bacteria need humidity and dampness to thrive and can’t live and multiply on breathable, airy surfaces. This makes Egyptian cotton sheets an ideal choice for allergy sufferers since they possess these desirable qualities. Egyptian cotton sheets are very comfortable, breathable, and soft, and they are also popular and widely available in the U.S.
The longer the cotton fibers, the higher the quality of the sheets and the more durable, luxurious, and smooth they are as well. Egyptian cotton sheets have both long and extra-long fibers, which are less prone to breaking and pilling.
Features to Look for in the Best Hypoallergenic Sheets
Along with considering the various types, additional features come into play when looking for the best hypoallergenic sheets. Thread count, fabric distinctions, organic properties, breathability, and certification options should all be taken into account. These features will make more of a difference to some shoppers than others; it’s really a matter of personal preference. Keep reading to learn more about these key features.
Thread Count
Thread count refers to the number of threads per square inch of fabric. In general, a 200-thread count is a midrange, average count for sheets, and these are relatively soft to the touch. A 400-thread count provides very soft sheets, and from there, the higher the thread count, the softer the sheets. For soft cotton hypoallergenic sheets, single-ply threads with a count between 200 and 700 is ideal.
However, when it comes to thread count, the benefit of a higher thread count depends on the material. With microfiber hypoallergenic sheets like bamboo, thread count doesn’t actually account for much. The reason is that microfiber fabrics have thicker and longer threads than cotton, allowing them to expand in warmer temperatures and offer more breathability than cotton. In colder temperatures, the reverse occurs as the microfiber thread contracts and helps retain body heat.
Material/Fabric
Synthetic fiber sheets can exacerbate skin sensitivity and allergies because of the chemicals that go into the process of crafting them. On the other hand, natural fibers are soft and resist allergens because of their hypoallergenic properties.
Hypoallergenic sheets are available in various fabrics from cotton and silk to bamboo and polyester. Microfiber and some memory foam can be hypoallergenic as well. Reasons for the popularity of hypoallergenic fabrics include sustainable production of raw materials, affordability, and widespread availability.
When looking for hypoallergenic sheets, it’s important to ensure any fabric is breathable for comfort and to avoid mold.
Organic vs. Nonorganic
There are clear differences between organic and nonorganic sheets when it comes to reducing or exacerbating allergies. Organic sheets are considered hypoallergenic, and they’re free of pesticides and pigments. This type of bedding is biodegradable and safe for both people and the environment. Some organic sheets are made from 100 percent cotton, which is durable and able to wick away body moisture. Other sheets are a cotton and wool blend that naturally deters fire.
Nonorganic sheets can be hypoallergenic, but many are not. These sheets are made from tough, durable synthetic materials, such as polyester and microfibers. Sometimes, spandex is also used to offer elasticity that helps to easily fit sheets over thick mattresses. Nonorganic sheets are often coated in harmful chemicals, including bleach, heavy metals, ammonia, or formaldehyde, which can help prevent the material from catching fire.
However, when your skin absorbs these chemicals, it can result in allergic reactions, skin irritations, and even chronic conditions like joint pain, arthritis, headaches, and eczema. Plus, when chemicals enter the air, they can also irritate breathing passages or create respiratory issues like asthma.
Many hypoallergenic sheets are of a hybrid quality, made with both organic and synthetic material. The benefit to this type of construction is that they’re soft and breathable but still strong and durable.
Breathability
In general, the best hypoallergenic sheets are highly breathable. Throughout the night, they dry up and wick away sweat and moisture through airflow. Breathable sheets will be cool in warm weather and warm in colder temperatures.
High breathability and the ability to deter allergens are a result of a sheet’s pore size, which is the size of the opening in its fabric weave. The smaller the pore size, the more allergens that will be blocked by the sheet. Sheets with a pore size of nine or fewer microns (the unit used to measure both pore size and allergens) are considered hypoallergenic and very breathable.
Certification
Different textile production certifications can provide consumers with assurance that certain standards are met in the production of the products they choose.
GOTS: To receive a GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certification, a fabric must be made from at least 95 percent organic fiber and not be treated with bleach, formaldehyde, or any other toxic substances—only nontoxic dyes. As well, it must be produced in a mill that enforces strict social and environmental standards. Internationally, GOTS is recognized as the toughest organic textile standard because it goes beyond verifying the organic farming process to include every step of manufacturing.
OEKO-TEX: This certification indicates that an end-product has passed the organization’s test for consumer safety and that any residues are within specified limits. OEKO-TEX certification does not mean the entire manufacturing process is organic; it only tests the finished product rather than the history and impact of the item from field to warehouse.
Our Top Picks
The top picks take into consideration all of the above factors in addition to overall quality and value for money. Whether durability is most important or choosing the softest, most comfortable fabric is the goal, allergy sufferers are likely to find an option among this list of some of the best hypoallergenic sheets on the market.
Best Overall
LBRO2M Bed Sheet Set
These LBRO2M hypoallergenic sheets boast an abundance of features. They’re strong and durable, yet thin, soft, and comfortable. Made from 100 percent polyester brushed microfiber, the ultratight knit (equivalent to an 1,800-thread count) keeps these sheets intact after many washings, without pilling, shrinking, fading, staining, or wrinkling.
These sheets offer a comfortable sleep year-round with allergen-free materials to limit respiratory and skin irritation and excellent breathability to keep cool in the heat and warm in the colder months. They are also expertly tailored and elasticized to fit around the entire bed, securely fitting mattresses up to 16 inches deep with pockets that won’t ride up or shift in the middle of the night. The set includes one fitted sheet, one flat sheet, and two pillowcases. Choose from six sizes and 10 colors.
Best Bang for the Buck
Sweet Home Collection 1500 Supreme Collection Set
This four-piece, fade-resistant microfiber sheet set from Sweet Home Collection is a fantastic value. It includes two embroidered pillowcases, one deep-pocket fitted sheet for mattresses up to 16 inches deep, and one double-brushed microfiber flat sheet. Made from rayon derived from bamboo, the brushed microfiber is equivalent to about a 1,500-thread count.
With 45 color options from which to choose, this set will complement the existing bedding or decor of just about any bedroom. A nice feature of these sheets is their wrinkle resistance: Just lay them flat for 10 to 15 minutes, and the wrinkles will disappear on their own. Choose from 12 sizes, ranging from twin all the way to extra-deep California king.
Most Popular
Mejoroom Bed Sheets Set, Extra Soft Luxury
These hypoallergenic sheets from Mejoroom are made from 100 percent polyester double-brushed microfiber. They’re super soft, smooth, resilient, and breathable, with an 1,800-thread count equivalent.
The set includes a flat sheet, a fitted sheet, and two pillowcases that are all stain-, fade-, and wrinkle-resistant. Plus, the fitted sheet fits snugly with deep pockets accommodating up to 15-inch-deep mattresses. It’s easy to care for these sheets, as they can be machine washed in cold water and quickly tumble dried. Choose from five sizes and 21 color options.
Best Microfiber
SAKIAO – 6PC King Size Bed Sheets Set
This breathable, hypoallergenic sheet set from SAKIAO is made from high-quality microfiber that is double-brushed on both sides, which adds to the luxuriousness and softness. The set is available in four sizes and includes a fitted sheet, a flat sheet, and four pillowcases instead of the typical two in most sheet sets.
Neatly fitting mattresses up to 16 inches due to a deep pocket design and an upgraded, durable rubber band, the fitted sheet can easily stretch and be used over a long period of time without losing elasticity. These sheets are fade-, stain-, shrink-, and wrinkle-resistant and are very easy to care for in the washing machine and dryer. Choose from 12 colors ranging from white to black, with a wide selection of hues in between.
Best Bamboo
Cosy House Collection Premium Bamboo Sheets
For high-quality hypoallergenic bamboo sheets, check out this soft, breathable, stretchable, and lightweight set from Cosy House Collection that’s crafted with a blend of 40 percent bamboo rayon and 60 percent micro-polyester. The bamboo wicks, evaporates, and absorbs four times as much moisture as cotton to keep sleepers cooler in hot summer months and warmer in the cold winter months. Bamboo also makes the sheets odor-, stain-, and wrinkle-resistant and naturally hypoallergenic; they will resist dust mites, pollen, and bacteria.
The set includes two pillowcases, a flat sheet, and a fitted sheet with deep pockets for mattresses up to 16 inches deep, all of which won’t pill when washed in cold water and tumble dried on low heat. Choose from five sizes and 15 colors.
Most Comfortable
Zen Bamboo Luxury 1500 Series Bed Sheets
For those with maximum comfort and luxury as a high priority, Zen Bamboo offers a very soft, hypoallergenic sheet set available in 12 colors to complement the decor of most bedrooms. These sheets are a blend of 40 percent high-quality rayon derived from bamboo and 60 percent brushed microfiber, meaning they’re more plush and durable than cotton sheets.
This luxury sheet set includes a fitted sheet, a flat sheet, and two pillowcases, all boasting a 1,500-thread count. They’re resistant to stains, fading, and wrinkles and are easy to care for via the washer and dryer. The sheets will stay cool, fresh, and free of dust mites between washes. Choose from five sizes.
Most Breathable
Mejoroom Full Bed Sheet Set
Individuals who become overheated during the night will benefit from a breathable sheet set, and Mejoroom offers just that with this hypoallergenic sheet set. Made with double-brushed microfiber polyester with a 1,800 thread count equivalent, these highly breathable sheets are smooth, soft, comfortable, and arguably more durable and breathable than fine Egyptian cotton.
During the night, these sheets, which fit mattresses up to 16 inches deep, will remain cool, fresh, and breathable, even in warm temperatures. Enjoy their fade-, stain-, and wrinkle-resistant and low maintenance properties. The set includes one flat sheet, one fitted sheet, and two pillowcases that conveniently come in three sizes and 11 colors.
Best for Cribs
Burt's Bees Baby – Fitted Crib Sheet
No parent wants their baby to sleep on a crib sheet that feels rough or is made with potentially harmful materials. This fitted crib sheet from Burt’s Bees Baby is made from 100 percent organic, breathable cotton and feels super soft thanks to its jersey knit material. This material is gentle and nonirritating for babies’ delicate and sensitive skin, and for extra peace of mind, the sheet is GOTS-certified.
This sheet fits standard crib and toddler bed mattresses. Its premium 360-degree, fully encased elastic offers extra stretch for a safe, snug fit. Parents can rest assured the sheet won’t shift and bunch up on the mattress during naps or overnight. A nice bonus: This fitted sheet is super durable and won’t pill, thanks to its combed and ring-spun assembly. Choose from 22 kid-friendly patterns, ranging from bumblebees and flowers to stripes and buffalo check.
FAQs About Hypoallergenic Sheets
For more information on the best hypoallergenic sheets for allergy sufferers, take a peek at these frequently asked questions.
Q. What is the best bedding for allergy sufferers?
Tightly woven, breathable, lightweight, natural materials like cotton, bamboo, silk, and linen are the best bedding options for allergy sufferers.
Q. What kind of sheets are best for sensitive skin?
Nonirritating, breathable, and lightweight fabrics with a high thread count, like silk or cotton, are typically best for sensitive skin, but it depends on personal preference.
Q. Is Egyptian cotton hypoallergenic?
Yes. Egyptian cotton is hypoallergenic; it keeps dust mites and mold away, as do all organic cotton and silk materials.