I was surprised by how much debate there is, and how passionate it gets, over whether you should use a top sheet or not. Hop over to Reddit if you have your own strong opinion to share. 

Of course, it partly comes down to preferences. Some people like the smoother feel of a sheet instead of their duvet or comforter, others find an extra sheet on top too warm and for others, it depends on how they were brought up. 

Opinions and preferences aside, we’ll try to be objective in this post. We discuss the pros and cons of using a top sheet, when you can do without one, and when it’s a good idea to use a top sheet. 

What’s a Top Sheet?

A top sheet goes between you and the comforter, duvet or blanket. Your body is in direct contact with the top sheet instead of the comforter. 

The top sheet is typically a large flat sheet that comfortably covers your body.  

Pros & Cons of Using a Top Sheet

The Good

The biggest advantage of using a top sheet is hygiene. In fact, cleanliness is the main reason many people use a top sheet.  

Comforters and blankets are not meant to be washed often. That can be a problem when your body is directly touching the comforter. It builds up dead skin cells, body oils, dirt, sweat and other icky stuff. This can cause skin problems and even infections. 

A top sheet essentially creates a barrier between you and the comforter, which helps keep your comforter clean, meaning you don't have to wash it as often. 

But if you have a duvet cover, you probably don't need a top sheet for hygiene since you already have a barrier between you and the comforter. 

Here are other benefits of using a top sheet. 

• A top sheet can feel better against your skin compared to a blanket or duvet. It is especially helpful if you have sensitive skin. 
• A top sheet can help with cooling. If your comforter or blanket tends to get a bit too warm, use a top sheet made from cooling materials like percale cotton, Tencel or bamboo. It can help you sleep cooler and sweat less. 
• In the warmer months or whenever you get too warm, you can kick off the comforter and just cover yourself with a top sheet. 

The Bad

• Top sheets easily bunch up and can get uncomfortable during the night. 
• When combined with a comforter or blanket, a top sheet can make you overly warm and sweaty. 

There’s no major downside to using a top sheet. So you can safely go ahead and add a top sheet to your bed even if you don't see a point in using one. In most cases, it will not harm your sleep or health.  

When to Use a Top Sheet

If you have a comforter or blanket without a duvet cover, we highly recommend using a top sheet. It will keep your comforter from getting unhygienic. Just make sure you change the top sheet along with the bottom sheet at least twice a week.  

We also recommend using a top sheet if: 

• You struggle to regulate your body temperature in bed. If you feel too hot with a comforter but too cold without anything covering you, a top sheet offers the perfect balance. If you get too warm at night, just take the comforter off and keep the top sheet. 
• You sweat a lot at night and want to keep your comforter or duvet from getting damp or smelly. Use a top sheet that’s highly absorbent and quick drying (bamboo, Tencel, silk and linen are excellent choices) and wash it often. 
• You hate the texture of your comforter or duvet cover. Get a top sheet that feels softer and gentler on your skin.  

When Is a Top Sheet Not Necessary? 

If you already have a cover for your blanket or comforter, then you likely don't need a top sheet. The duvet cover fulfills the same barrier function as the top sheet. 

That said, some people find it tedious to remove the duvet cover and put it back on. So they still prefer having a top sheet so that they don't have to change the duvet cover frequently. 

How to Choose the Best Top Sheet

You can use the same kind of sheets as your bottom and top sheets. Because both will be touching your skin, it’s worth it to buy high quality sheets. 

Make sure they are soft on your skin to avoid any irritation or rashes. They should also be moisture-wicking and breathable. Some of the best materials for a top sheet include cotton, bamboo, modal, silk, linen and Tencel. 

The Hercleon Jax flat sheets work perfectly as either bottom or top sheets. They are breathable, silky soft and smooth, and treated to kill any odor and acne-causing bacteria.