Have you ever laid on a bed and thought “this silky blissfulness is exquisite” when feeling the sheets? OK, maybe not to that degree, but did the sheets feel really nice and soft? Chances are, you were lying on a bed covered with Egyptian cotton sheets.
What is Egyptian cotton?
Egyptian cotton fibers are unique among all varieties of cotton. Egyptian cotton is grown under specific geographic and climate conditions of heat, sun, humidity, and rich soil. This makes Egyptian cotton fiber (or “staple”) longer, stronger, and more durable.
This long-staple (LS) and extra-long-staple (ELS) Egyptian-grown cotton produces a finer yarn that is smaller in diameter yet stronger than other cottons. This fine, long-staple yarn is woven into fabric with proportionately more threads per square inch of material (high thread count) for a softer, more luxurious feel.
What are Egyptian cotton sheets?
Aside from the origin of the plant, there are many things that differentiate Egyptian cotton from regular cotton. Firstly, Egyptian cotton is handpicked whereas regular cotton is picked by a machine.
This is a crucial step in the manufacturing process that can have a huge effect on the quality of the yarn. Handpicking Egyptian cotton allows the cotton fibers to be handled delicately, reducing the risk of damage as less stress is placed on the fibers, keeping them intact. This also plays a major part in the longevity of the cotton, as it can withstand frequent washing because it is stronger.
When regular cotton is picked by a machine, more stress is placed on the cotton fiber and results in a weaker yarn that splices. This can create a coarser texture resulting in an uncomfortable night’s sleep.
Why are Egyptian cotton sheets so good?
Despite being softer than most bed sheets, Egyptian cotton sheets tend to be stronger, making them last longer. In this case, high quality might mean soft, but it also means durability.
Think about it this way – a lot of long, thin strands of Egyptian cotton go into each thread, whereas other cotton sheets might have long strands, but they’re pieced together to make a thread. So, if you were hanging over a bridge with a rope, would you rather that rope be made of something strong and durable, or something that’s put together piecemeal? Exactly.
Now, this is not to say that other bed sheets are vastly inferior. Far from it. At the end of the day, you need to look into picking the right sheets for your comfort and lifestyle. Egyptian cotton sheets might be nice for adults, but for kids, maybe go with something a little more tailored to their needs.
Shop Egyptian cotton sheets
If you’re looking for quality, comfortable Egyptian cotton sheets, Mattress Warehouse is the place to go. You can find Tempur-Pedic Egyptian Cotton Sheets online and in some of our more than 300 stores. Mattress Warehouse also carries Tempur-Pedic Pima Cotton Sheets (which are very similar to Egyptian cotton and live in the same long staple family).
Visit your local Mattress Warehouse store today and ask one of our sleep experts which sheets would help you get your best night’s sleep.