Sleeping well depends on several factors, from the mattress to the room temperature, but also the type of bedding. In Portugal, many users opt for synthetic fiber sheets, which are cheaper and easily found on the market.
According to HuffPost, a website specializing in lifestyle, Niina Silander, Finnish home care expert and member of the Martha Association, states that “natural fibers are more breathable and effectively absorb moisture produced during the night, making cotton or linen sheets more comfortable”.
Advantages of natural fibers
Cotton and linen are considered the most recommended materials for bedding. According to the same source, both combine durability and breathability, allowing the body to breathe and helping to regulate temperature during sleep.
On the contrary, synthetic sheets, such as polyester or microfiber, despite being more economical, have important drawbacks. “Odors adhere more easily to synthetic fibers, which accumulate moisture and become dirty more quickly, requiring frequent washing,” explains Silander.
Cotton also allows washing at high temperatures, up to 95 degrees, useful in cases of illness or allergies, while linen offers freshness and resistance, although it requires special care when washing and ironing.
The expert recommends avoiding mixed fabrics and opting for 100 percent natural fabrics, always checking the density and resistance of the linen. A dense, smooth weave wears less and does not form pills easily.
The type of fabric also influences the sensation to the touch: cotton satin is soft and silky, while crepe tends to be rougher. Silander suggests trying the fabric against the back of your hand before purchasing.
Practicality and durability
Practicality also counts. The expert values pillowcases and duvets with open corners, which make changing them easier, and advises against models with buttons or elastic bands, especially if they are ironed at home.
Silander also warns about the decline in quality of modern bedding. “Heirloom cotton sheets can remain in excellent condition for decades, even centuries. But will current pieces last as long?” he asks.
The expert recommends caution when purchasing on fast fashion platforms, such as Temu or Shein, where products with harmful chemicals have been detected. “We run big risks with cheap sheets. I don’t recommend buying anything that comes into contact with the skin, especially children’s,” he adds.
Safe alternatives
For those looking for quality without spending too much, according to , a safer solution is second-hand markets or second-hand stores, where you can find durable and safe cotton sheets, capable of withstanding washing at 60 degrees without losing their integrity.
The expert emphasizes that the choice of bed linen material is crucial not only for comfort, but also for health and sleep hygiene, reinforcing that the popularity of synthetic sheets in Portugal requires extra attention.
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