April 08, 2024 6 min read

Buying sustainable bedding is a great way to keep yourself and the environment healthy. According to a recent survey, 80% of Gen Z and 76% of Millennial respondents said they’d be willing to pay more for a sustainable mattress and bedding. If you’re looking for quality water resistant fabric, choosing organic cotton is a smart investment in a healthy, sustainable lifestyle. We’ll dive deeper into the concept of waterproof organic cotton and water resistant fabric in organic cotton bedding, explore the benefits of this bedding, and go over some important considerations to keep in mind when you’re opting for waterproof cotton fabric.

Understanding Water-Resistant Fabrics

Before you buy waterproof sheets or other bedding, it’s important to understand what the term water resistant fabric means.

Definition and importance of water-resistant fabrics in bedding

The term waterproof fabric refers to any material that resists water, or in other words, that reduces the amount of water or moisture the material absorbs. These fabrics may be treated with a special coating, or they may be naturally water resistant. Wool is a good example of a material that is inherently water resistant. When it comes to choosing water resistant bed sheets and other bedding, these materials keep you cool, comfortable, and dry since they don’t absorb sweat while you sleep.

Overview of traditional water-resistant treatments and their drawbacks

Some textiles are treated with harmful chemicals that help them repel water. While this is certainly effective, it’s not a very good option when it comes to bedding, since these treatments can be harmful to your health, especially if you have allergies or sensitive skin. Other types of waterproof fabric are made using plastic to help them keep water and moisture at bay. This option works well for rugged materials like nylon jackets or even tents, both of which are designed for outdoor use. As for your bedding, it’s best to stick to textiles that are naturally water resistant whenever possible.

Eco-friendly water-resistant solutions

If you prefer something safer and more eco-friendly, organic cotton fabric is the best choice. ELS cotton (extra long staple cotton) makes an excellent waterproof bed sheet and blanket. The long cotton fibers create a dense, tight weave that will protect you and keep any excess moisture from seeping through. And, unlike other chemically treated or synthetic fabric, these organic cotton fabrics are easy to wash, so they work well as a waterproof sheet for bed without losing their natural water-resistant properties. Organic cotton also makes a terrific organic waterproof mattress protector that serves as a protective layer between yourself and your mattress.

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Organic Cotton: A Sustainable Choice

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Organic cotton is one of the best, most sustainable choices when it comes to bedding. Let’s dive into some of the details of organic cotton and why it’s so significant.

Organic cotton and its environmental benefits

Organic cotton is grown without using harsh, dangerous chemicals including a range of harsh pesticides and fertilizers. This helps to ensure a clean environment including the air, water, and soil. Growing organic cotton also helps to promote healthy soil, and it won’t leave any toxic remnants in waterways or other parts of the surrounding environment. It also takes less water to grow and harvest organic cotton, which means it’s one of the best choices if you’re looking for a soft, comfortable bedding material that also has a plethora of positive environmental benefits.

Characteristics that make organic cotton ideal for bedding

Here are just some of the characteristics that make organic cotton fabric a great choice for bedding:

  • Organic cotton waterproof fabric is naturally water-resistant, so there are no added chemicals or toxic treatments that could negatively affect your health.
  • This material is naturally breathable and hypoallergenic, making it a smart choice for people with allergies or sensitive skin.
  • Using an organic waterproof pillow protector keeps your body temperature cooler, which is particularly helpful for hot sleepers since it will help to keep you cool all night.
  • Organic cotton bedding is free from any allergens, so it’s healthy for babies, children, and adults alike.
  • Buying organic cotton bedding supports sustainable businesses that care about protecting the environment.

The rising popularity of organic cotton in the bedding industry

Buying organic cotton is a big investment, but it’s also becoming a much more popular choice for consumers in the bedding industry today. More people are conscious of their environmental impact and carbon footprint than in the past. Not only is this material good for your health, but it’s also a much more sustainable option that keeps toxins out of the water, air, and soil.

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Water-Resistant Treatments for Organic Cotton

If you’re looking for water-resistant and waterproof cotton fabric, it’s important to be aware of the different treatments used to help you make the best possible choice.

Examination of eco-conscious water-resistant treatments suitable for organic cotton

If you’re wondering how to waterproof cotton, one of the best and most eco-conscious water-resistant treatments that are suitable for organic cotton is TPU film. This non-GMO-based product is derived from corn starch, so it’s completely natural and also meets the strict GOTS certified standards for both environmental and toxicological guidelines. It still feels soft to the touch instead of rough and plastic-like, so you’ll still enjoy a comfortable piece of bedding. Anything labeled as water resistant must also be tested to ensure that it lives up to the claim of being 100% organic.

Comparison of natural and synthetic water-resistant finishes

Fabrics like wool or TPU film-treated organic cotton fabric are natural and safe. These products resist water and moisture without compromising on their natural, sustainable characteristics. However, there are plenty of synthetic waterproof fabrics out there, too. These fabrics are typically laminated or coated with anything from wax and rubber to polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyurethane (PU), and more. Some manufacturers treat the fabric during production, while others apply the treatment afterward. In most cases, synthetic fabric for waterproofing is used for outdoor products like hiking clothes, gear (like tents), or even boats. It’s not ideal if you’re using these fabrics for bedding, since you’ll be coming in contact with them every night and breathing in the chemicals used to treat them.

Considerations Regarding the impact of treatments on organic cotton's sustainability

Treating organic cotton to make it waterproof is still sustainable, as long as it’s done using natural materials or ingredients, like the TPU film we mentioned prior. If your bedding is GOTS certified, USDA Organic certified, or if it bears the OEKO-Tex Standard certification on the label, then it’s a quality, sustainable product, even if it’s also waterproof or water-resistant.

Benefits of Water-Resistant Organic Cotton Bedding

Here are some of the benefits of choosing water-resistant organic cotton bedding:

  • This bedding is not only flexible and soft, but it’s also extremely durable. You can easily machine wash this bedding multiple times without harming the fabric or weakening its waterproof properties.
  • When you use waterproof sheets and other bedding made of organic cotton, it protects your bed against stains, spills, and moisture. This keeps your bed and mattress cleaner for longer while giving you peace of mind. An organic waterproof mattress protector is also a good option.
  • Organic cotton is breathable and comfortable, and if it’s waterproof, it doesn’t affect these amazing qualities.

Considerations for Choosing Water-Resistant Organic Cotton Bedding

There are some important things to consider when choosing the best water-resistant organic cotton bedding.

  • What is the difference between waterproof and water repellent? This question is important when you’re looking for quality water resistant bed sheets. The term waterproof means that the material is completely impervious to water and no moisture will get through. The term water resistant means that the material helps to repel water to some degree, but some of it may still seep through the fabric. Most organic cotton bedding is not completely “waterproof,” so keep this in mind as you’re shopping for your new bedding.
  • Check various water-resistant treatments to confirm how effective they are. Look to see if the fabric has been tested and ask the manufacturer for more information. Look for a thorough online review of the bedding or check different websites to read about other customers’ experiences and reviews before you purchase.
  • Don’t forget to research other factors that matter to you when it comes to bedding. For example, look at the design and color, the texture, and the overall functionality of the bedding when you shop so you’re not sacrificing the other qualities that are important to you.

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Final Thoughts on water resistant fabric in organic cotton bedding

You can enjoy the benefits of certain types of waterproof fabric without having to sacrifice sustainability when you choose water resistant organic cotton bedding. Remember to keep sustainability and functionality in mind when you’re looking for the perfect bedding for you, your family, and your home. When you prioritize eco-conscious options for your bedding purchases, you’ll enjoy the many benefits of these fabrics, including healthy and safe materials and a clean environment. Explore the selection of quality organic bedding from Or & Zon to help you discover your new favorite today!