Are Microfiber Sheets Hot To Sleep On?

With all of the many bedsheet options to choose from, I have always wondered if microfiber sheets were hot or if they would make me sweat. My bed is one of my favorite places, so making sure to pick a comfortable fabric and welcoming is very important.

Let's Start with The Basics: What Is Microfiber?

Microfiber is a man-made fabric that is often made of polyesters, polyamides, and even wood pulp or other recycled materials in some cases.

So how do they feel? Let's make some comparisons on fabric based on the denier. Denier is the unit of measurement to gauge the linear mass density. To put into more basic terms, it is a way of measuring the mass of the fabric within a set length. Here are a few examples to give you an idea of how fine microfiber threads are:

• Human hair measures approximately 20 denier
• Silk measures approximately 1.25 denier
• Microfiber measures in at less than 1 denier

Based on these numbers, you can see that microfibers are very fine and smooth compared to these other threads.

Microfiber sheets vary from naturally derived materials in many ways. Specifically, you can throw what you know about thread count out the window. Microfiber sheets are measured by GSM (or grams per square meter), which is different from thread count commonly found in fabrics like cotton. A thread count measures the weight and density based on how many threads were used. Instead, GSM measures the weight within a square meter.

The higher the GSM of microfiber sheets, the heavier the fabric will be. However, higher GSM doesn't always equal better quality. Rather, GSM should be used to determine the thickness of the sheets desired. For some, people like thinner fabrics that are lightweight on the body while others find comfort in heavier materials.

Are Microfiber Sheets Hot to Sleep On?

So, what does this all mean for how these sheets feel? Are they going to make me too warm and sweaty in my sleep?

Microfiber sheets do not breathe well as other materials, due to density and fine material.

Microfiber sheets aren't made with open airflow because of the way the fabric is constructed. The threads are thin and tightly woven, and due to their fine structure, don't allow for airflow.

However, that doesn't mean they don't have other sleep benefits or variations. For those self-described as hot sleepers, yes, you may experience heightened heat or sweat in your sleep, but those who tend to run cold or are in cold environments can provide a comfortable and even temperature.

Then What Purpose Do Microfiber Sheets Serve?

• Microfiber sheets are very soft and smooth, and this is one of their main selling points. Who doesn't love to slip into a soft, welcoming bed after a long day? I know that for me, this was one of the major perks of giving this material a try.
• While microfiber isn't the most breathable fabric, it can still serve a purpose. Microfiber sheets are especially practical for cold weather climates, cold seasons, and naturally cold people. They offer a thin, fine alternative to bulkier and often less smooth sheets to help aid in trapping heat within the blankets to keep the sleeper warm.
• Microfiber sheets also offer relief to individuals with allergies. The density of the fabric and limited air flow help microfiber in trapping dust mites and keep them away from the body.
• Microfiber sheets repel water! it is harder for water to seep through instead of rolling away because of their density and the tight-woven nature of the fabric.
• While the material retains heat, its fine texture can be light and flowy, helping to balance out heat by not being overly heavy for the sleeper.

So, What If I Want the Perks of Microfiber but Without the Heat?

If you are a hot and sweaty sleeper, and want to experience microfiber's smooth and comfortable feel, you can try a moisture wicking microfiber sheet like Coolmax sheets by Comfort Spaces. These microfiber cooling sheets wick away sweat and allow for some airflow via the threads.

What About Cost?

Microfiber sheets are artificially made, meaning that manufacturers can streamline producing them, increase productivity, and keep costs down. As the material is man-made, this also helps with supply and demand. Unlike cotton sheets that have to be farmed and can have quantity limits, because microfiber is manufactured, there is no wait time for growth or supply shortage. However, keep in mind that there are many quality variations and, therefore, price variations.

What About Maintenance?

Standard cotton sheets and microfiber sheets are similar in that the material reacts to being washed. Like its cotton counterpart, microfiber can shrink with washing and drying.A difference to consider is how the makeup of the material affects the washing and drying process.

With cotton being more porous, it retains water much more easily, making the fabric heavy when wet and more time consuming to dry. Microfiber, with its tightly woven threads, does not absorb as much water, in the same way, allowing it to dry more quickly and effectively, even without the use of an electronic dryer.

What Are My Final Thoughts on Microfiber?

Ultimately, the choice to use microfiber is going to entirely personal. There are many factors, as detailed above, that go into selecting the right sheets for you. When exploring microfiber, it is vital to keep a few key factors in mind:

• Do you like a thinner or thicker bedsheet?
• Do you consider yourself a "hot sleeper" or a "cold sleeper?"
• What climate or season are you in?
• What sort of texture makes you most comfortable?
• Do you need a fast-drying fabric?
• Do you have allergies?

Each of the questions above, along with the in-depth analysis in this article, can help you decide if microfiber is right for you.

Overall, yes, microfiber is a less breathable material and can make you hot and sweaty. Still, it is also a great material option for those who enjoy a warmer sleep experience.