Waterbed Sheet Information

The fabric used in the manufacture of sheets varies greatly. There are three primary characteristics to consider; longevity, comfort/softness, and lastly price. Most sheet sets are made with one of these three considerations as the primary consideration with the other considerations being secondary.

You can find a comfortable set of sheets that perhaps last a long time, but they will probably cost more. You can buy an inexpensive set of sheets, but they may feel rougher or not last as long. You have to decide what your priorities are.

There are several different kinds of fabric used in bed linens, and each has different properties, advantages, disadvantages, and care instructions.

COTTON

Cool, soft and comfortable, cotton is probably the principal clothing fiber of the world. It is a natural fiber derived from plants. Cotton fibers are hollow and "breathes." It absorbs 24 times it own weight in water, this makes it an ideal fiber for clothing and linens.

Cotton takes high temperatures and strong dyes with ease. It can put up with bleaching, boiling and sterilizing temperatures without falling apart. Cotton can also be ironed at relatively high temperatures. It stands up to abrasion and wears well.

Within cotton there are many differences in quality.  Our domestic cotton is an excellent breed called "pima" cotton.  This is a long-staple cotton, and is relatively inexpensive, considering its high quality. 

Cotton Flannel is a plain or twill weave with a slight nap on one or both sides. This nap is what gives it it's comfortable feel. Cotton flannel should be 100% cotton.

Egyptian Cotton is an expensive import of Pima.

Many people think that percale is a 50/50 blend of cotton and polyester with a thread count of 200. This is a popular misconception.

The content of Percale can vary a great deal.  Percale can be all cotton, all polyester, or any combination in between. 100% cotton Percale will be softer than a 50/50 blend but generally cost more.  A dark colored cotton Percale will feel stiffer than a lighter colored blended percale with the same thread count because the dyes make it stiffer. Normally the higher the cotton content, the higher the price,

In the U.S. Percale is usually 160 threads per inch or greater. Due to the big influx of cloth from other countries, you may find sheets listed as Percale that are are less than 160 thread count. If something appears to be too good of a bargain, it may not be the genuine article. We recommend staying above 180 to 200 threads for best value.

Imported Percales are often very inexpensive.  A combination of low thread count and higher ratios of polyester to cotton causes these Percales to rip easily, feel rough to the touch, and worst of all, pill. 

Pilling is that sand-paper feel that sheets can get after washing.  If you find your sheets doing this, and are bothered by it, consider upgrading to a higher thread count, and better content.  Though this may mean more expense, you really do get what you pay for. (note, most cloth can pill under the wrong circumstances)