Polyester or wrinkle-free sheets swap to Organic cotton sheets

Why make the swap

• Why switch to organic cotton sheets

  Our pick is OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified in its strictest class, which requires formaldehyde to be undetectable (below 16 ppm); the bedding GAO flagged measured 85–190 ppm. GOTS-certified organic cotton also bans formaldehyde finishes.

• What's the concern with polyester or wrinkle-free sheets

  Wrinkle-free and easy-care finishes can be made with formaldehyde resins, and labels don’t have to say so. In some people, formaldehyde in fabric causes itchy allergic skin rashes.

• General information, not medical advice. Ask your doctor, especially if you’re pregnant, nursing or have a health condition.

• Good to know before you buy

  Wash new sheets before you sleep on them; GAO notes washing often lowers formaldehyde.

  RUVANTI organic cotton percale sheet set, queen, 4-pc: 100% organic cotton percale. OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified in its strictest class (certificate 2018OK0718 on the listing). The maker says it may wrinkle slightly after washing.

  RUVANTI organic cotton flannel sheet set, queen, 4-pc: Flannel, for cold months, with the same OEKO-TEX certificate. The maker says it's GOTS certified organic cotton; we couldn't find it in the GOTS public database.

  California Design Den organic percale fitted sheet, queen: The maker says it's GOTS certified organic cotton; we couldn't find it in the GOTS public database.

• Sources (3)

  1. GAO 2010: 10 of 180 textiles over the strictest formaldehyde limits, 4 of them bedding (opens in a new tab)
  2. GOTS standard: formaldehyde finishes banned, residue capped below 16 mg/kg (opens in a new tab)
  3. OEKO-TEX Standard 100 limit values: formaldehyde not detectable (<16 mg/kg) in product class I (opens in a new tab)

  Health and safety facts on this page come from these sources. What a pick is made of comes from its maker's listing or website, as stated on the date we checked.