Synthetic bedding is made from manmade fibers, the most common one being polyester. Others include rayon and nylon. 

Synthetic bedding is affordable, long lasting and easy to take care of. But it compares poorly to natural bedding when it comes to breathability, cooling and sweat wicking. 

What Is Synthetic Bedding Made From?

Polyester is the most common synthetic fiber used in bedding and clothing. So almost all synthetic bedding is made from 100% or mostly polyester. 

Even microfiber sheets and duvet covers are mostly polyester mixed with nylon or rayon (a type of semi-synthetic fiber made from wood pulp). 

Spandex is also used in some bedding to make them elastic or stretchy. Many fitted sheets contain a bit of spandex mixed with polyester to ensure they fit snugly around the mattress. 

Some types of synthetic bedding are a blend of polyester and natural fibers. The most popular blend is polyester and cotton, which is used in Polycotton bedding. Polyester can also be mixed with bamboo, silk or wool.  

Blending improves the properties of the fabric such as cooling, breathability and moisture-wicking.   

Pros and Cons of Synthetic Bedding

The Good

The biggest benefit of synthetic bedding is affordability. You can get a set of polyester sheets for under $30. So if you are on a budget, synthetic sheets, pillowcases, duvets and other accessories are very affordable. 

There’s also the availability and versatility. Synthetic bedding is easy to find, online or in stores. You can also get it in all sorts of sizes, colors and patterns. Even when it comes to the material itself, there are plenty of choices. 

You can buy 100% polyester bedding, softer microfiber bedding or higher quality blended polyester bedding that contains cotton, silk, wool and other natural materials. 

Synthetic bedding has good resistance to wear and tear. So it lasts a fair amount of time (around 3-5 years with good care) and it’s easy to take care of. 

The Bad

The biggest issue with synthetic bedding is comfort. No, polyester sheets are not scratchy or itchy. Synthetic bedding has actually improved a lot and feels quite soft. 

Where synthetic bedding still struggles is breathability and moisture management. 

Polyester bedding is not as breathable as cotton, silk or bamboo bedding. So it tends to trap heat and sweat. That’s why polyester sheets can leave you feeling hot and clammy. 

If you are a hot sleeper, have hot flashes or you get night sweats, we don't recommend synthetic bedding. They can make sleep difficult and can cause insomnia and other sleep problems. Synthetic bedding is also not suitable for use during the warmer months. 

Blended bedding like polycotton or polyester and bamboo is a better alternative. While blended sheets are still not as comfortable as 100% bamboo or cotton bedding, they are better than 100% polyester sheets. 

There’s also the environmental issue. Synthetic bedding is made from petroleum products, which are a major source of carbon emissions. 

Final Thoughts

Synthetic bedding is a good choice if you are shopping for sheets, pillowcases or a duvet that’s affordable, easy to take care of and long lasting. 

But there are better alternatives to polyester and nylon bedding. Blended polyester bedding is more comfortable and eco-friendly, while still being fairly affordable. 

Semi-synthetic bedding like bamboo and Tencel are even better, though they also have their own sustainability issues. 

100% natural (and, ideally, organic) bedding is the best though it's expensive. Examples include wool, linen, silk and hemp. Natural bedding is more sustainable, healthier for you and better for your sleep.