Difference Between Microfiber and Micro-Fleece Sheets

Microfiber and micro-fleece fabrics come from the factory with a variety of proprietary names, each different from the last, which can make choosing the right material problematic. But a big difference exists between microfiber and micro-fleece sheets that can affect the sleep you get and how comfortable you are in your bed.

Microfiber Facts

You won't find a thread count listed on your microfiber sheet label because of the way they are made. The fabric is spun at roughly half the diameter of a fine silk fiber in a spinneret. A silk fiber is approximately 1.25 denier, making a microfiber roughly 0.9 denier. A denier is a unit of measurement for the linear density of fibers, typically man-made. Microfiber fabrics are made from polyester, nylon or acrylics, depending upon the manufacturer.

Microfiber Sheets

When you first touch a microfiber sheet, you may be amazed at how soft it feels. Marketed as an alternative to high-end cotton sheets, don't be fooled by the fabric's softness, as microfiber sheets can overheat you in bed. Even though it's sometimes advertised as wicking moisture away from the body better than cotton, cotton actually does a better wicking job. Microfiber sheets can leave you with a stuffy "hot" feeling. The sheets are lightweight, resist wrinkling, piling and are strong and durable. But if you dry them on the "hot" setting in the dryer, you could end up scorching or glazing the fabric because of how well they absorb and retain heat.

Micro Fleece

Fleece and micro-fleece fabrics also come from man-made materials, generally 100 percent polyester, or with a manufacturer's proprietary brand name. But micro-fleece sheets have a small pile to the fabric, meant to replicate the feel of flannel. The fabric is advertised as a material that repels water and dries quickly, but, like microfiber sheets, micro fleece traps heat, which may not suit your personal sleeping needs. Because the materials are man-made, micro-fleece sheets offer an alternative to cotton flannel sheets at a cheaper price.

Between the Sheets

The differences between the sheets start with micro fleece's lush, soft feel with a little pile or nap to the sheet as opposed to microfiber, which does not have that type of finish. If you tend to get cold between the sheets, both microfiber and micro fleece offer a warm night's sleep. Micro fleece only has the plush feeling on one side -- the side against your body. The other side of micro-fleece sheets is similar to that of microfiber sheets. When you choose either microfiber or micro-fleece sheets, look for "antipilling" claims on the package. Jewelry can easily pull or catch on either sheet type.