Top 7 Lyocell (Eucalyptus) Sheets: Expert Testing and In-Depth Reviews

Top Pick

Made entirely from 100% Tencel lyocell, the Sheex Arctic Aire Max Sheets are perfect for those who sleep hot or experience night sweats. In addition to being crafted from Tencel, they incorporate Sheex’s exclusive CoolX technology, which effectively draws moisture away and maintains a cool sleeping environment throughout the night. During testing, we never woke up feeling overheated. The sheets strike a balance between breathability and thickness, suggesting they are built to provide long-lasting comfort and durability.

The sheets feature a smooth, silky sateen weave that glides effortlessly over the bed. The pocket depth varies between 18 and 20 inches, depending on the size you choose, and the reinforced edges ensure the fitted sheet stays securely in place. We observed no loose threads before or after washing, though there was slight shrinkage—not enough to prevent the sheet from fitting the mattress again. If the cost is a concern, the 60-day sleep trial allows ample time to make a decision. For a fully coordinated cooling sleep experience, the Arctic Aire Max collection also includes a duvet cover and coverlet.

Material: Tencel lyocell | Pocket Depth: 18–20 inches | Sizes: Queen—California king | Return Policy: 60 days

Top Affordable Pick

We were highly impressed by these affordable sheets crafted from soft, breathable Tencel lyocell. Initially, the sheets seemed premium with a silky sheen, though we noticed a few loose threads and a small snag on the top sheet. The fitted sheet glided smoothly onto the mattress, and the 16-inch pocket with an elastic band ensured a snug fit. The pillowcases feature an envelope closure, providing a polished appearance by keeping pillows neatly tucked inside.

These sheets truly excelled in temperature regulation, earning a spot on our list of best cooling sheets. They felt cool to the touch initially and maintained their temperature throughout the night. Additionally, after six months of regular washing, the sheets showed no signs of wear. The Linenwalas Tencel Lyocell Bed Sheets are available in over a dozen colors and offer the most size options among the sheets we reviewed. While slightly pricier than other budget options, their quality justifies the cost, especially when purchased on sale.

Material: Tencel lyocell | Pocket Depth: 16 inches | Sizes: Twin—split king | Return Policy: 30 days

Top Choice for Breathability

These ultra-light and breathable sheets might just set a new standard for all others. Their silky texture and luxurious sheen create an impression of high-end elegance.

While most sheet sets include a fitted sheet, a top (or flat) sheet, and two pillowcases, not everyone uses a top sheet. Some find it an unnecessary layer that complicates morning bed-making or gets tangled during sleep. The Sijo AiryWeight Eucalyptus Sheet Set offers the flexibility to add a top sheet if desired, making it a versatile choice.

After washing, the pillowcases did shrink a bit, making them slightly tricky to put back on. However, they wash beautifully otherwise. This set is one of only three on our list with Oeko-Tex certification, ensuring it’s free from harmful substances. Additionally, it’s Certified Asthma & Allergy Friendly, making it an excellent option for those with sensitive skin or allergies.

Material: Tencel lyocell | Pocket Depth: 16 inches | Sizes: Twin—California king | Return Policy: 30 days

Top Choice for Weight

It’s no shock that Tempur-Pedic, renowned for its premium mattresses and pillows, produces an exquisite sheet set. These sheets boast a silky texture with a substantial feel, owing to their composition. Instead of pure Tencel, they utilize Refibra technology, a Lenzing innovation that blends Tencel with recycled cotton textile waste.

Despite their added weight, these sheets remained breathable during testing. We found the heavier fabric surprisingly cozy and noticed it softened even more after washing. The fitted sheet stayed securely in place thanks to its elastic band, even during restless nights. In our stain tests, coffee and oil stains vanished completely, and even some permanent marker was removed. The abrasion test revealed no visible wear, indicating exceptional durability. Priced below the median, these sheets offer excellent value for their quality and performance.

Material: Tencel lyocell with Refibra technology | Pocket Depth: 16 inches | Sizes: Queen, king | Return Policy: 90 days

Most Luxuriously Soft

There’s nothing quite like curling up in ultra-soft sheets at bedtime, and the Sheets & Giggles set is among the softest we’ve ever experienced. Their cooling properties were especially appreciated on warmer nights without air conditioning. While not Tencel-branded, these “eucalyptus lyocell” sheets boast impressive certifications, including Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex, USDA BioPreferred, Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), and Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC).

Even after multiple washes, the sheets retained their silky texture and comfort. They showed no signs of rips, snags, or shrinkage, proving their durability. The deep pockets easily fit thicker mattresses, and the brand suggests rotating the fitted sheet between washes to extend its lifespan.

While the sheets tended to wrinkle more than desired, using a dryer ball resolved the issue. Quality varied slightly—our lab set had loose threads and stitching errors, but the at-home tester found them well-constructed. Available in two solid colors and two striped designs, we tested the white striped option, which exuded a luxurious, hotel-like vibe. After a month of nightly use, we anticipate these sheets will remain a staple in our bedding collection.

Material: Eucalyptus lyocell | Pocket Depth: 17 inches | Sizes: Twin—split king | Return Policy: 90 days

Top Choice for Color Options

These lightweight and airy sheets are available in a wide range of colors and patterns (29 in total!), all dyed with Oeko-Tex-certified botanical dyes. Options range from classic shades like white, cream, and powder blue to unique tones such as redwood, olive oil, and monstera. While not Tencel-branded, these “eucalyptus lyocell” sheets are certified by FSC and PEFC.

Buffy’s eucalyptus sheets are soft with a subtle texture, though they lean toward the thinner side among the sheets we tested. Despite this, they maintained excellent breathability and cooling properties throughout our evaluation, likely due to their lightweight build. Post-wash, there were no loose threads or damage, and the sheets became even softer.

The fitted sheet was easy to put on, though its pocket depth is shallower than some competitors. These sheets are an excellent choice for eco-conscious buyers or anyone seeking unique bedding colors.

Material: Eucalyptus lyocell | Pocket Depth: 15 inches | Sizes: Twin—California king | Return Policy: 50 days

Top Pick for Lyocell-Cotton Blend

Struggling to choose between eucalyptus and cotton? This sheet set blends Tencel and Egyptian cotton, offering the best qualities of both. Upon unboxing, the sheets feel soft and lightweight. Even after frequent use and washing, they retained their softness. Notably, they kept us cooler during summer, thanks to Tencel’s cooling and moisture-wicking properties and cotton’s breathability. Additionally, this is the only set on our list featuring a percale weave, enhancing breathability and providing a crisp, matte finish.

The sheets maintained their quality through regular washing and emerged from the dryer with minimal wrinkles. The fitted sheet features a sturdy elastic band that keeps it firmly attached to the mattress, though it can be slightly tricky to fit over the corners. Additionally, this is the only product on our list with the Made In Green by Oeko-Tex certification, ensuring it’s free from harmful substances and produced in eco-friendly facilities with ethical labor practices.

Material: Tencel lyocell and Egyptian cotton | Pocket Depth: 15 inches | Sizes: Twin—split king | Return Policy: 30 days

Final Verdict

Our top choice is the Sheex Arctic Aire Max Sheet Set, thanks to its advanced cooling technology that kept us comfortably cool all night. The thick yet breathable fabric proved durable in testing, and the reinforced seams ensured it stayed securely in place, even during restless sleep. For a more affordable option, the Linenwalas Tencel Sheet Set maintained its cooling properties throughout testing and withstood frequent washing. It also offers 17 color options, making it versatile for various bedroom aesthetics.

Our Testing Process

We evaluated 22 lyocell sheet sets over several days in our lab and continued testing at home for up to six months. During lab testing, we conducted a thorough visual inspection to assess quality, checking for loose threads, dye inconsistencies, or other defects. We also measured each sheet to verify its dimensions against the manufacturer’s specifications.

Next, we made beds in the lab using each sheet set, assessing how securely they fit and how easily they slid over the mattress and pillows. This step allowed us to evaluate the texture, determining if the sheets felt smooth, silky, crisp, or rough.

We also conducted a durability test using a sanding block. By rubbing the block 25 times over a small section of the flat sheet, we observed the level of abrasion and whether any fibers detached.

Finally, we washed and dried each sheet set according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. After laundering, we remade the beds and noted any damage or shrinkage to score the sheets’ durability.

After completing lab testing, we reviewed the price of each sheet set and assessed their value based on cost and performance. The top performers were taken home for daily use over six months to evaluate their durability under regular conditions.

Expert Tips for Buying Lyocell Sheets

Material

Most lyocell sheets are crafted from Tencel lyocell, though two sets—the Buffy Breeze Sheet Set and the Sheets & Giggles Eucalyptus Sheet Set—use non-branded lyocell. Lyocell is a fiber derived from wood pulp, typically sourced from eucalyptus, beech, birch, or spruce. The process involves dissolving wood in a chemical solvent and extruding it into fibers. Tencel, a branded lyocell, is renowned for its sustainable production, recycling over 99% of water and solvent.

Pocket

When shopping for bed sheets, always consider the pocket depth of the fitted sheet. Pocket depth refers to the maximum mattress height the sheet can fit. While a 12-inch pocket depth can technically cover a 12-inch mattress, it’s wise to choose a depth at least two inches taller for extra flexibility. If you use a mattress topper, include its thickness in your measurements.

Thread Count

Don’t be misled by thread count: Lyocell fibers are naturally soft, so a high thread count isn’t essential. Be cautious of brands boasting thread counts over 1,000—some achieve this by using thinner fibers to increase thread density. For eucalyptus lyocell, aim for a thread count between 300 and 600.

Product Certifications

Independent third-party testing ensures textiles, like bed sheets, meet safety standards. Since lyocell sheets are treated with chemical solvents during production, harmful residues may remain. The Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex certification guarantees products are free from harmful substances. Two sets on our list—the Sijo AiryWeight Eucalyptus Sheet Set and the Sheets & Giggles Eucalyptus Sheet Set—hold this certification.

The Made In Green by Oeko-Tex label signifies that products are both safe from harmful substances and produced in eco-friendly facilities with ethical labor practices. All Made In Green-certified products also meet Standard 100 requirements. The Sweave Bedding Eucalyptus Tencel Sheet Set is the only product on our list with this certification.

Return Policy

Even after considering all factors, you won’t truly know if a sheet set suits you until you’ve slept on it. That’s why most companies offer sleep trial periods, allowing returns for a full refund within 30 to 100 days.

Price

Due to their sustainable production process, eucalyptus sheets are generally pricier than other cooling sheet options. The median price for the sheets we tested is $150, though queen-size sets under $100 are available, like the Linenwalas Tencel Sheet Set, our top budget pick. Watch for department store "white sales" in January and July, the best times to buy home textiles.

Additional Eucalyptus Sheets to Explore

Miracle Made Luxe Cooling Sheets: These lyocell sheets stayed securely in place on the mattress, even during restless sleep, and performed exceptionally well in our stain tests, removing coffee, oil, and foundation stains completely. However, they lacked cooling properties, and their stiff, rough texture was a drawback.

Olive + Crate Eucalyptus Sheet Set: Among the softest and most cooling sheets we tested, this set is reasonably priced for eucalyptus sheets. It’s also Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex certified, ensuring it’s free from harmful substances. However, a seam ripped after three months, raising concerns about its durability.

Molecule Sateen Performance Sheets: Made from a blend of long-staple cotton and Tencel lyocell, these sheets have a crisp feel, unusual for eucalyptus but appealing to those who prefer cotton yet desire moisture-wicking and temperature-regulating benefits. However, we favor Sweave bedding for its wider color range and Made In Green by Oeko-Tex certification.

Common Questions

Are “eucalyptus” and “Tencel” the same thing?

Although “eucalyptus” and “Tencel” are often used interchangeably, this is a misconception. Kambak explains that most eucalyptus sheets are made from lyocell, a generic term for fibers derived from wood pulp, typically eucalyptus, beech, birch, or spruce. Tencel, a branded lyocell by Austrian company Lenzing, is renowned for its sustainable production and offers a silky, satin-like texture that’s soft, breathable, and hypoallergenic.

Are lyocell sheets breathable?

Lyocell is celebrated for its breathability and moisture-wicking abilities, making it perfect for hot sleepers. Piscatelli highlights that these properties stem from the fiber’s construction. When spun into yarns, either alone or blended with other fibers, lyocell effectively absorbs and disperses heat and humidity from the body.

“The natural structure of Tencel fibers enables them to absorb and release moisture,” she explains. “These moisture-regulating properties create a drier microclimate on the skin, enhancing thermal comfort.”

By absorbing sweat, Piscatelli notes that the fibers not only keep you cooler at night but also reduce moisture on the surface, which “creates an environment less conducive to odor-causing bacteria.”

Are lyocell sheets eco-friendly?

The answer is nuanced. On one hand, lyocell is derived from wood pulp, and the quality of the wood isn’t critical. Piscatelli explains that companies like Lenzing can use thinning or damaged wood that would otherwise go unused. Tencel lyocell is also praised for its eco-friendly closed-loop process: “Wood pulp is converted into cellulosic fibers, with over 99.8% of the solvent recovered and reused, resulting in near-zero waste,” says Piscatelli.

On the other hand, there’s no true third-party certification ensuring lyocell’s sustainability. The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certifies organic materials but cannot certify lyocell, as it’s technically synthetic. (This is why “organic eucalyptus sheets” don’t exist.) This means relying on brands to be transparent about their sustainability practices, which is challenging due to widespread greenwashing. Additionally, chemicals are involved in the manufacturing process, as with any synthetic material, so Oeko-Tex certification is a reliable indicator that harmful chemicals are absent.

Trust Our Expertise

This article was authored by Melanie Fincher and updated by Jamie Fischer, a contributor to Mytour. To create this list, we rigorously tested 22 eucalyptus sheets in our lab and at home, assessing them on quality, texture, breathability, durability, and value. For expert advice on purchasing lyocell sheets, we consulted Jeffrey Kambak, president of Yunus Textile Mills Limited, and Tori Piscatelli, regional marketing manager at Lenzing.