Most people know that not getting the right amount of sleep can lead to illness, mood instability, poor memory, weight gain, and a whole host of other issues.
While getting enough sleep is one problem, getting good quality sleep is another factor that has to be considered. It could be said that getting a good night’s sleep has never been more important.
Are you on the hunt for the perfect pillowcase? With the many options out there, you may feel confused by all of the different thread counts, materials, and advertisements you see.
Keep reading below to learn more about the different materials used in pillowcases and how you can find out which one is the softest pillowcase for you.
Cotton Pillowcase
While cotton is a natural fabric that can be very soft, it is also extremely absorbent. It can hold a lot of water, which makes it a great choice for bath or kitchen towels. However, it’s not the best choice if you want a soft pillowcase.
Because our bodies lose moisture and oil as we are sleeping, all of that will become absorbed into the cotton pillowcase. This can lead to stickiness and friction, which will hurt our skin in the long run. You might also find that cotton will actually make your acne or wrinkles worse due to the buildup that happens from the absorption of our bodily fluids.
Other natural fabrics that you may find for a pillowcase include linen or flannel. These will typically have a similar feel to cotton with only slight differences.
Satin Pillowcase
Rather than being its own material, satin is a type of weave that creates a very shiny, slick fabric. This is soft to the touch and lays very smooth so that you won’t see wrinkling on the pillowcase.
There are different types of satin weaves, and the original options were made with silk. Satin is a little less costly than its closely related neighbor silk, which we will discuss next, and it’s also easier to get your hands on.
Modern satin is made with other materials, including polyester, cotton, or rayon. It can be one of the softest pillowcases you try, but because it can be made out of so many types of materials, it really depends on the specific pillowcase you get.
Silk Pillowcase
Silk is another type of natural material that is very smooth and durable. People like it because it is soft and gentle, but that doesn’t necessarily make it the best choice for a pillowcase.
The main reason for this is that although it is delicate to the touch, it also insulates extremely well. Many people find that even the best silk pillowcase is too hot and makes them uncomfortable while they are trying to get a good night’s rest.
With that being said, many people agree that silk is great for people that are concerned about their hair or skin health. It does not absorb much moisture at all and doesn’t cause the friction that other natural materials, including cotton, would.
Microfiber Pillowcase
Microfiber has become more popular in recent years with many people turning to it for towels due to its fast-drying and absorbent capabilities. Much like cotton, microfiber can hold a lot of moisture, and it’s also a very durable material.
Because microfibers are bound together very tightly, microfiber bedding is great for repelling contaminants and allergens whereas more natural fabrics may trap them in. In addition to that, it’s also resistant to wrinkles and is relatively inexpensive to purchase.
However, because of how tough microfiber is, it isn’t great to use as your pillowcase. Many people find that microfiber pillowcases are more scratchy and may not provide a good night’s sleep.
Polyester Pillowcase
Polyester is a manmade fiber that is warm and does not easily absorb liquids or oils. Typically, you’ll also find that polyester is commonly used when different materials are blended together, especially when making bedding or other linens.
While polyester is best used when created in combination with some of these other materials, you can find 100% polyester pillowcases to purchase. For instance, if you’re looking for personalized pillowcases, it can be easier to print images and text on this material than other options out there.
Like other synthetic materials, you’ll want to look out for its insulating properties, and potentially avoid it altogether if you have very sensitive skin.
Does Pillowcase Style Matter for Softness?
There are three main styles of pillowcases that you can get for a typical bed: housewife, bag, and Oxford.
The housewife style is a pillowcase that will fit tightly over the pillow and then close at the end with a button, zipper, or flap. The bag style is arguably the most common pillowcase style because it just slides over the pillow with no enclosure on the end. The Oxford-style pillowcase fits the pillow tightly and has an envelope-like opening on the back to keep the pillow in place.
While it’s true that some sleepers may be more comfortable with one style over another, the most important factor to consider for softness is the material.
Choose the Right Material for the Softest Pillowcase for You
In your search for the softest pillowcase, you’ll find that most materials will claim to be softer than others.
The best way to find the right one for you is to actually touch the different materials and try them out yourself. Based on what we know, what is the perfect pillowcase for one person may not be perfect for another!
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