Choosing the Right Fabric for Your Waterbed Sheets

Just as with sheets for standard beds, choosing the right fabric for your waterbed can make a difference in sleeping comfort. There are many fabric and quality choices that can affect not only comfort but other things as well.

Among the things to consider when buying waterbed sheets is type of fabric. Cotton has always been a popular choice for bed sheets. Cotton is long lasting and can be quite comfortable. As with other fabrics cotton waterbed sheets can be found in a rainbow of different colors and print styles.

Cotton sheets can be found in various weaves and finishes. It is important to know that not all cotton is created equal and the same is true for cotton waterbed sheets. Muslin is thought by many folks to be a little too rough in texture though many people like the feel.

There are also regional differences in cotton that can affect the feel of the fabric as well as the quality. Some domestically grown cotton can have a long fiber length and good overall softness. Often referred to as Pima and supima, this variety of cotton originates in the American Southwest and is similar in texture to cotton from Egypt and other parts of the Middle East. Cotton grown in the American South has a slightly shorter fiber length and may not feel as soft.

Many consider Egyptian cotton to be the gold standard and cotton from this area of the world is characterized by longer and softer fibers. There was time when Egyptian cotton was available only in fine line shops. The advent of free trade and the demand for quality linens has made Egyptian cotton more affordable and waterbed sheets made from this fine cotton are more widely available.

Cotton waterbed sheets are available in a flat weave and the thread count is a big determinant of the quality. The higher the thread count, the higher the quality. There is also a difference in the price. Thread count is measured by the number of thread per square inch.

There is a tremendous difference in the feel of two hundred thread count cotton and four hundred thread count cotton. A two hundred thread count sheet could feel flimsy compared to a four hundred count sheet which may feel much crisper.

Even more luxurious are sheets that range from six hundred to twelve hundred thread count. High thread count cotton sheets that are blended with fabrics such as polyester or silk are often referred to as sateen. Sateen has a glossy finish and feel much like satin.

Many people prefer the feel of cotton flannel waterbed sheets. Cotton flannel sheets can be extremely soft and comfortable. Sleeping on flannel sheets has a similar and cozy feel to sleeping in cotton flannel pajamas.

The term percale is often confused by many people who think that it is a blend of cotton and polyester. The term percale refers to the tightness of the weave with a thread count of two hundred being the minimum standard. Percale waterbed sheets can be one hundred percent cotton or a blend of cotton, polyester, nylon or other fabrics and have a different feel than one hundred percent cotton.

The thread used in the production of percale fabric has been treated in a way that tightens the thread and reduces the amount of shedding. Percale will hold its shape and finish longer than low thread count muslin sheets which have a tendency toward pilling, with the fabric getting rough and fuzzy over long use and repeated washings.

A luxurious choice for many folks is satin sheets. Satin is very smooth, glossy fabric weave that is typical made from silk or synthetic fabrics polyester or nylon. There are different grades of satin that can affect the durability and appearance of the fabric. Silk satin is sift and very closely woven.

Even a quality fabric can make for a cheaply manufactured waterbed sheet. Factors such as stitching and proper sizing can affect how the sheet fits on your waterbed and how long it will last. Even the best fabric, poorly sewn will not last. A waterbed sheet that is not properly sized may literally come apart at the seams.

Always make your choices based on thread count and overall quality so your next purchase of waterbed sheets will be a smart and comfortable one.