Sweet dreams, little star. Rest assured, I love you: This or any other goodnight saying is far from enough to ensure a restful sleep. In fact, there are many factors that have a significant influence on this aspect of our lives. One of the most important is undoubtedly the material used to make our bed linen.
Not so long ago, there weren't many options in this regard. However, things have evolved significantly over the years, and cotton is far from the only material that ensures an undisturbed night's sleep. Thanks to the many benefits of eucalyptus-based bedding, this fabric is becoming the latest trend in restful sleep.
But what makes this bedding stand out? What specific advantages can you expect in this case?
Here's all the important information you need to know before the lights go out and you enter the world of dreams!
What exactly is eucalyptus pulp bedding made of?
Lyocell fibers are used to make the bed linen. Lyocell is made entirely of cellulose and is marketed by the manufacturer under the brand name Tencel. Wood from eucalyptus, spruce, pine, and beech, among other trees, is used to produce Lyocell.
As we'll show shortly, it combines the properties of all known natural fibers. The fabric cools like linen, is more absorbent than cotton, and warms like sheep's wool.
How is Lyocell made?
- The first step is to cut the wood into small pieces, which are then soaked to release the pulp.
- The resulting pulp is then mixed with water and organic, environmentally friendly solvents.
- The next step is to heat the mass under vacuum, whereby the water is removed and the cellulose dissolves and the spinning solution is formed.
- The viscous mass is then filtered and pressed through spinnerets.
- Finally, it goes into a spinning bath, where the fibers are created.
The solvent can be filtered out of the water without leaving any residue and reused for subsequent production processes.
This incredible production cycle is up to 99.7% complete and the process has therefore received the environmental award from the European Union: “European Award for the Environment” .
Eucalyptus pulp bedding: advantages and disadvantages in detail
From sustainability to the feel-good aspect to easy care, Lyocell fibers are a real all-rounder that can convince in many areas.
Before we go into the individual advantages and disadvantages in detail, here is a summary:
|
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
|
The Lyocell fiber is sustainable |
More expensive than cotton |
|
Temperature regulating |
|
|
Hypoallergen |
|
|
Sweat-regulating |
|
|
Very soft |
|
|
Gentle on skin and hair |
|
|
Easy-care and energy-saving |
|
|
Robust and durable |
The advantages in detail
Advantage 1: The Lyocell fiber is sustainable
Conventional cotton farming is quite problematic, as millions of hectares of land around the world are used for cotton cultivation . This is arable land that could be put to other beneficial uses by millions of people.
For example, the eucalyptus stocks used in Lyocell do not require any arable land and water consumption is about 95% lower than in the production of cotton.
For people who want to live a lifestyle in harmony with nature and the environment, Lyocell bedding is the ideal choice. Both the wood from which the Lyocell fiber is made and the production process itself meet the sustainability requirements.
Specifically, this means that the companies producing these materials rely on FSC-certified, sustainable forestry and protect threatened primary forests. The trees may only be planted where natural rainfall is sufficient to meet the trees' water needs.
The manufacturing process is almost closed, meaning that bed linen made from eucalyptus wood meets the requirements of the circular economy.
The cultivation of eucalyptus trees is also free from pest control or genetic manipulation.
Advantage 2: The optimal temperature for sleeping in winter and summer
Did you know that your bedding plays a key role in helping you feel comfortable in bed and enjoy a restful sleep? This is because it supports the optimal sleeping temperature. Along with your duvet, bedding ensures that you don't get too cold or too warm while you sleep.
Lyocell's ability to perform this function is due to its thermoregulating properties. This means it keeps you cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
Advantage 3: Perfect for allergy sufferers due to hypoallergenic properties
Chemicals and bleaching agents are often used in the cotton manufacturing process. For sensitive individuals, the use of chemicals in the manufacturing process can lead to itching and allergic reactions. Lyocell bed linen is therefore particularly recommended for allergy sufferers, as no solvents or pesticides are used in the production process.
In addition, the bed linen prevents a high incidence of mites through its temperature and moisture management.
The bedding is both antibacterial and completely antifungal. This not only prevents unpleasant odors but also potential mold growth .
All of the above-mentioned facts make eucalyptus wood-based bed linen ideal for allergy sufferers and those who have problems with sensitive skin.
Advantage 4: Sweat-regulating
Regardless of whether you feel like you sweat a lot or a little at night, everyone loses a certain amount of sweat. With non-breathable fabrics, in the worst case, it can become very humid. Lyocell bedding, on the other hand, is very breathable. Compared to cotton, it's about 50 percent more breathable.
But how does this great breathability in the fabric come about?
Lyocell fibers have a fibril structure. This allows them to absorb sweat released overnight. At the same time, the sweat is released back into the environment. This makes sleeping much more comfortable.
Advantage 5: Especially soft
Lyocell fiber is naturally softer and more supple than pure cotton. The smooth, almost silky surface provides unparalleled comfort. People with sensitive skin will especially appreciate this. Due to the lower surface friction, Lyocell is softer than cotton and becomes even cozier with each wash.
Benefit 6: Good for skin and hair
The soft and smooth properties are also a great benefit for skin and hair. Anyone who sleeps in high-quality lyocell bed linen will be delighted by the pleasant feeling on their skin. The smooth surface minimizes friction between hair and the duvet cover, thus preventing breakage.
The Lyocell pillowcase also helps with skin problems due to its antibacterial properties and is good against acne.
Advantage 7: Easy to maintain and energy-saving
The antibacterial properties of Lyocell are so hygienic that the bed linen can be washed at low temperatures. The fabric should be washed at 40°C and requires no special care. Furthermore, thanks to its increased elasticity, Lyocell retains its shape and doesn't shrink, unlike cotton, for example.
Advantage 8: Robust and durable
The lyocell fiber is extremely robust and tear-resistant even when wet, making the bed linen extremely durable. With lyocell, buying new bed linen every few years is no longer necessary because the fabric's quality remains consistent for a long time.
Typical materials for bed linen compared: Which is best?
As shown, using lyocell bedding has many advantages. But how does it compare to traditional options like cotton and other fabrics?
In the following table we show the key features in comparison:
Lyocell vs. cotton
Cotton has a long history as a natural fiber, and for many centuries it was the only option for producing clothing, bed linen, and towels. Of course, there are also significant differences in quality.
For a fair comparison, one should differentiate between conventional and organic cotton.
The latter option is in a neck-and-neck race in the area of sustainability.
The properties of cotton compared to lyocell summarized:
- Organic cotton is also sustainable.
- Cotton is breathable and antibacterial, but not as strong as Lyocell.
- Cotton is cheaper.
- In comparison, it is less absorbent.
- Not such a smooth surface. Causes scratching, which is a disadvantage, especially for sensitive skin.
Lyocell vs Polyester (Microfiber)
Polyester is a synthetic fabric typically derived from petroleum. It is widely used in various consumer and industrial applications.
The properties compared to Lyocell summarized:
- Often perceived as slippery
- No sustainable production.
- Fabrics of inferior quality can become brittle over time.
- Has less good temperature and humidity regulating properties
- Does not provide a breeding ground for dust mites and germs.
- Relatively cheap products.
Lyocell vs Bamboo
Bamboo is a fast-growing grass whose fiber is also used to make textiles.
The properties of bamboo compared to lyocell summarized:
- Bamboo is sustainable in many ways, but the use of solvents such as sodium hydroxide creates environmental pollution, which is a major disadvantage.
- Otherwise, the fiber is also breathable and feels gentle on the skin.
- Bamboo bedding tends to pill.
Conclusion of the comparison
Lyocell is a true all-rounder. Eucalyptus-based bed linen surpasses the properties of cotton and other materials in many cases and can therefore be described as a new and improved generation of bed linen.
It offers many advantages, from greater environmental friendliness, responsible cultivation, increased longevity to better sleeping properties.
