Keep Germs at Bay With Bamboo Sheets

Move over silk, there’s a new sheet it town. And it’s probably not what you expected!

It’s generally well known that the cultivation of bamboo requires no pesticides or treatments, because bamboo has natural antimicrobial and anti fungal. This is one of the main factors contributing to its “green” reputation, and an excellent reason to grow bamboo. However, there are several other industries that can benefit from the antimicrobial traits of bamboo, namely the textile industry. In fact, linen manufacturers are jumping on this raw material as an excellent addition to their line of products.

When the bed bug infestation was heard ‘round the world, several publications documented a number of preventive methods and solutions. Among them were the material used to make your bed sheets. Several options were treated, with substances such as silver and copper, but the winner of the batch is clearly bamboo.

Bed sheets made from bamboo also exhibit anti fungal and antibacterial properties. The very same natural “bamboo kun” that protects the shoots and leaves growing in nature are present in the spun bamboo fibers used for clothing and linens. Rest easy germaphobes, you can have your cake and sleep in it too! Bamboo sheets and fabrics are becoming more readily available, especially through sustainable textile stores and eco friendly living Internet sites.

A great deal of research has gone into these claims, and textile chemists, scientists, and researchers from the United States, China, and Japan, have all found evidence of antimicrobial properties in the spun bamboo fibers used for clothes and linens. The Japan Textile Inspection Association (JTIA) completed one of the most well-known studies in recent memory. Bamboo sheets made from 100% bamboo underwent 50 industrial washings before incubation with the powerful MRSA Staphylococcus bacteria for a 24-hour period. This was followed by a count of live bacteria on each sample. After 50 industrial washes, the bamboo sheets showed a 70% effectiveness of antibacterial properties.

The China Industrial Testing Center completed a similar study, without the 50 industrial washes. Their results showed that the 100% bamboo fabric destroyed 99.8% of bacteria present.

Bamboo sheets aren’t the only antibacterial player. Several years ago, the sustainable clothing company, Jonano conducted a study on 50 subjects experiencing the effects of the common Athlete’s Foot (tinea pedis) fungal infection. The press release states that the subjects were given bamboo socks and within 1-2 days all fifty subjects reported the disappearance of the itching, burning, and painful sensations normally associated with Athlete’s Foot. In less than a week, all signs of the fungal infection disappeared, and all fifty subjects reported that their skin had returned to normal.

It’s clear that bamboo sheets have excellent germ-busting protection, so how valuable are these sheets to the market? For starters, hospitals, nursing homes and care centers can help reduce cross-contamination and infection with the added benefits of antibacterial sheets, while hotels, notorious for dirty linens, can protect themselves and their guests. Of course, all linens should still be washed, but the antibacterial properties of these bamboo sheets are an excellent addition.

Furthermore, families and couples sharing beds can rest easy knowing that their bed-mate’s strep throat or pink eye is less likely to spread to their side of the bed. This can also be very beneficial in situations where injury or surface cuts cause a localized infection, or when a minor rash such as Athlete’s Foot is present. The sheets may not singlehandedly cure your infections, but they certainly seem able to help speed the process along. There are no results addressing skin allergies and eczema as of yet, but they are sure to be next in line.

The moisture wicking properties and soft comfort of bamboo sheets can have softening effects on the skin and face, all while eliminating bacterial threats to you and your loved ones. With bamboo sheets, there is no compromise in comfort, health, or peace of mind.