We all know that sinking into a bed of silky-smooth, luxurious sheets is one of the greatest feelings in the world. But what is it about great sheets that makes us feel so good? Is it how they softly embrace our bodies like a cloud is hugging us? Is it their fresh scent or soothing colour? Or is it how they help melt away stress and anxiety?

The trick to a great night’s sleep is choosing a set of high-quality, premium bed sheets that suits your individual needs and lifestyle.  Let’s take a closer look at when you should replace your sheets and how to choose ones that will give you a blissful night’s sleep.

Time To Replace Your Bed Sheets?

Most of us don't give much thought to our bed sheets. But the truth is, our bed sheets play a vital role in our health and wellbeing. Here are just a few reasons why you should replace your bed sheets regularly.

Health & Cleanliness

Let's face it, we sweat and shed skin cells while we sleep. Over time, this can build dirt and microbial bacteria on your bed sheets that aren’t eliminated even after washing. These allergens can increase the chance of skin irritation and asthma, interrupting sleep and your general wellness.

Tears & Roughness

When you first get into a freshly made bed, there's nothing better than crisp, wrinkle-free sheets that soothe your senses and invite you to deep sleep. However, sheets can quickly become rough and worn after multiple washes. Pets that like sleeping on the bed, or kids that have spills, can accelerate that process. Just like any other item of clothing, bed sheets will eventually lose their original properties, colour, and softness.  Depending on the quality, you should replace most sheets every two to five years.

Life Changes & Seasons: Do you get hot in bed during the night? Has your body gone through any changes recently?  As we age, our hormones and body temperature fluctuates.  The latest research says that cooler skin temperature promotes better circadian rhythm, deeper sleep, and increased melatonin production.  If you’ve been getting poor quality sleep, you might want to consider investing in some cooler sheets!

Adjustable Beds: Adjustable beds are a terrific upgrade from standard box springs that provide significant health benefits.  They are platforms that bend and move your mattress into different positions of incline and recline.  If you have an adjustable bed or are thinking of purchasing one, choose specifically designed stretchable sheets that will fit snugly around all eight corners of your mattress, particularly after being flexed into the popular zero gravity position.

Thread Count Isn't Everything

When you shop for new sheets, you may find most of the packaging focused on the thread count: the number of threads per square inch of fabric. However, it turns out that many factors affect sheet quality, and the thread count is just one of them. 

How the textile is selected and processed can impact strength and softness. When cotton is spun into thread, the shortest fibers are removed, which can make the yarn weaker and less durable.  In addition, the weaving method can impact softness and strength.  In general, sateen weaves are softer but less durable than the more tighter, crisper percale weave.  Therefore, the starting length of the fiber and the weaving method are just as important as the thread count of the bed sheets!

Bed Sheet Materials

The textile from which your sheets are manufactured can impact their properties and feel. Here's a quick rundown of different sheet materials to help you make an informed decision:

Microfiber / Polycotton

Microfibre and polycotton sheets are made from a blend of polyester, cotton or other materials. These sheets are usually the least expensive option. They're easy to care for and wrinkle-resistant, but some people find them to be less breathable, and they have a tendency to pill over time.

Long-Staple Certified Cotton

Long-staple cottons, like Egyptian cotton or Supima cotton, are premium options grown in exclusive regions where the soil and climate allow the cotton plant to grow slower for longer.  These unique ecosystems produce exceptionally fine cotton fibres that are softer and more resistant to pilling.

TENCEL™

TENCEL™ is a relatively new textile made from cellulose fibers. It is sustainable and environmentally friendly.  It’s incredibly soft feel comes from the smooth surface of it’s molecular structure.  TENCEL™ sheets are less scratchy than cotton sheets, don’t rustle noisily, and are perfect for those with sensitive skin.

The Benefits of New Sheets

As you may have inferred by now, investing in a new set of high-quality sheets offers more than just a softer sleeping surface - it can also provide other mental and physical benefits.  Today’s best bed sheets are made with sustainable materials, with fewer VOCs, in manufacturing processes with low carbon emissions.  This helps us fulfill our responsibility to the environment and provides peace of mind when we sleep.

In addition, new weaving techniques give cooler sheets that regulate temperature better. Some new bed sheets even have silver molecules spun into the weave, which naturally helps to inhibit the growth of bacteria, mold, and mildew.  Ultimately, a cooler, cleaner bed surface will provide you with a deeper, healthier sleep.

Find A Perfect Night’s Sleep with Ultramatic

If you are looking for a silky-smooth bed sheet that covers all the bases, contact the friendly sleep advisors at Ultramatic. They’ll be happy to help you find a superb set of sheets that will elevate your sleep.

Call, email, or visit in-person at one of their unique showrooms in Toronto, Mississauga, and Oakville. When it comes to better sleep, no one is more qualified to help. Get in touch with Ultramatic today and start sleeping better tomorrow.