Bedding for eczema sufferers

If you have eczema, selecting the right bedding is crucial to minimise discomfort and avoid exacerbating the condition. Use our guide to choosing the right bedding for eczema and have a more comfortable night's sleep.

Key considerations for eczema-friendly bedding
Bed sheets for eczema
Duvets and pillows for eczema sufferers
Mattress protectors for eczma
Eczema sleep FAQs

Key considerations for eczema-friendly bedding

Natural materials: Choose bedding made from natural fibres like cotton, silk and bamboo. These materials are breathable, hypoallergenic and gentle on the skin.

Free from harmful chemicals: Insist on bedding that is Oeko-Tex 100 certified to ensure that it is free from harmful pesticides or chemicals, making it a great choice for sensitive skin.

Weight: This is important, especially when it comes to your duvet. Down duvets are the lightest duvets for the warmth. Opt for lower tog duvets which are less insulating and likely to be lighter in weight. Avoid heavy fillings such as wool.

Softness & low friction: The less friction on your sensitive skin the better. Avoid scratchy materials and choose soft bedding materials. 100% cotton sheets in a sateen weave have a silky-smooth feel and produce less friction than the slightly stiffer percale weave cotton. Pure silk is also a great low friction choice, especially for pillowcases.

Moisture wicking: Bedding that wicks away moisture is essential for eczema sufferers as it helps keep the skin dry and comfortable. If your bedding remains moisture-free, there is less chance of bacterial growth which can irritate your skin.

Temperature regulation: Select bedding that provides good temperature regulation to avoid overheating, which can exacerbate itching and irritation. Again natural materials are best. Avoid memory foam mattresses as they can cause you to overheat. We also don't recommend mattress toppers as they can increase your core temperature.

Bed sheets for eczema

Always choose eczema friendly bed sheet materials that are Oeko Tex 100 certified as free from chemicals. Avoid synthetic materials as they are not breathable and contain chemicals.

Egyptian cotton: Smooth, breathable and durable, Egyptian cotton is a good natural bedding option for eczema sufferers. Choose Egyptian cotton in a sateen weave, which we stock at scooms, as it's smoother and silkier than percale weave cotton and provides less irritation for sensitive skin.

Silk: Soft, hypoallergenic and temperature regulating with natural anti-bacterial properties, 100% silk provides less friction and is soothing on the skin. We particularly recommend using a silk pillowcase which will be more gentle on delicate facial skin than other materials. Our silk pillowcases are crafted from the finest 6A grade 22 momme pure Mulberry silk.

Bamboo: Naturally cooling with a silky feel, 100% bamboo bedding is another good choice. Bamboo bedding is often a blend of bamboo and synthetics, so check the product details to make sure it is 100% bamboo.

Duvets and pillows for eczema suffers

Again, it is important to choose a duvet with a natural casing and a natural filling as these breathe and are not made with chemicals. scooms duvets and pillows are washed in natural spring water, without the use of any chemicals.

Check if the duvet and pillow has a dust mite proof casing by looking for No-mite approved bedding. All scooms duvets and pillows do.

Pay attention to the duvet weight as an oppressively heavy duvet can irritate sensitive skin and make you overheat. Goose down duvets are lighter than many other duvet fillings.

Mattress protectors for eczma

Mattress protectors provide an additional layer of protection against dust mites and allergens, which can trigger eczema flare-ups. They also protect your mattress. We recommend choosing a 100% cotton mattress protector. Always check the protector details carefully, some protectors that are described as 'cotton' may only be partly cotton and filled with synthetic materials. Our scooms mattress protectors have 100% pure cotton filling and casing.

Bedding care

Regular care and maintenance of your bedding will also help reduce allergens and irritants, promoting a healthier sleep environment.

Wash your sheets at once or twice a week to remove allergens, dust mites, and sweat that can irritate the skin. Use a gentle, fragrance-free, and hypoallergenic detergent. Avoid fabric softeners and dryer sheets, which can leave residues that irritate the skin. See our bedding care guide and duvet care guide.

We also suggest using wool dryer balls when drying your bedding. They are 100% natural, reduce drying time and make your laundry softer, fluffier and less wrinkled.

Eczema sleep FAQs:

Are silk sheets good for eczema?

Yes, silk bedding is a good choice for people with eczema. Silk is soft and breathable with a low friction surface. It does require a more delicate wash so we suggest purchasing silk pillowcases and cotton sheets and covers.

Are bamboo sheets good for eczema?

As with other natural materials, bamboo sheets are breathable and moisture wicking so they are a good choice. Always read the label details as many bamboo sheets are blended with polyester and we recommend avoiding these.

Are satin sheets good for eczema?

Satin sheets are made from man-made plastics such as polyester, so whilst they feel smooth to the touch, satin bedding won't be as breathable as cotton bedding and may irritate your skin, so we don't recommend satin bedding.

Can bed sheets cause eczema?

Bedsheets won't cause eczema, but your choice of fabric can impact your condition. Natural, breathable fabrics are better suited for sensitive skin.

Can dirty sheets cause eczema?

Whist they won't cause eczema, dirty sheets will exacerbate skin conditions. When we sleep, we sweat and shed skin cells creating a breeding ground for bacteria and dust mites. This can be prevented by regularly washing your bedding at least once a week and using a duvet that has a dust mite proof casing.