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Telegraph
09-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- Telegraph
Are bamboo sheets worth it? We tested the best bamboo bedding to see if it's a summer essential
The products or services listed have been independently tested by our journalists. We will earn a commission from the affiliate links in this article. Bamboo bedding is becoming increasingly popular, and it's far more comfortable than it sounds. Made from fibres derived from the fast-growing bamboo plant, it feels silky soft, regulates temperature, and is hypoallergenic. Bamboo bedding is less widely produced than cotton bed sheets and duvet covers. However, Jane Wood, Lecturer in Fashion and Textiles at The University of Manchester, considers it a good option for eco-conscious shoppers owing to its more sustainable textile production processes and the plant's fast-growing times. The downside is that 'it is marketed at a higher price point'. Prices start at around £60 for a double duvet cover while a full bedding set costs at least £100. Leading brands include Panda London and Sloth London. For this guide, we've tried the best bamboo bedding, including pure bamboo sets and cotton, viscose and linen blends. Read our verdict below, or see our top five at a glance. We update our guides regularly, so you may see new additions appear. The best bamboo duvet covers and bed sheets: At a glance How to choose the best bamboo bedding Bamboo fibres are hypoallergenic, antibacterial and moisture-wicking, but not all bamboo bedding offers these benefits. That's because, as Wood explains, textile manufacturers don't use 'the bamboo fibre freshly picked from the bamboo plant'. In its natural state bamboo is 'stiff and inflexible', making it less durable and 'harsh and scratchy'. 'Bamboo is therefore chemically processed to remove these negatives. It's not the bamboo fibre itself that's in fabric, but an extract called cellulose, which is dissolved out and spun into fibre,' Wood continues. 'This is similar to how fibres such as viscose, Tencel or lyocell are produced.' This doesn't take away from bamboo bedding's eco-credentials, though. Bamboo grows quickly, and Wood notes 'environmentally friendly solvents' are used during processing. It's 'more sustainable than synthetics like polyester.' Beyond design, look for OEKO-TEX certification. It confirms that the bedding was produced in socially responsible workplaces and tested for harmful substances. Some brands provide a thread count, referring to the number of threads in a square inch. A higher number can signpost better quality, but it is of less importance here than for cotton bedding, as bamboo textiles are naturally much softer. Bamboo bedding is worth buying if you want to avoid synthetics and dislike cotton or linen. It stays cool, soft and gentle on sensitive skin. Looking for more cooling bedding? We've reviewed cooling blankets, a cooling mattress topper and cooling pillows. How we test bedding sets We know that shopping for bedding online is difficult when you can't see or feel the fabric. But you can rest assured that we have tried all of the bamboo bedding in this guide up close. Each set of sheets has been slept on for at least a week and washed three times. When testing, we evaluated each bedding set based on five key criteria. Comfort: Anything that itched or stuck to our skin when we rolled over didn't make the cut. Design: Bamboo sheets have a silky feel and can slide around, so the bottom sheet and pillowcases need to be the perfect fit. The fastenings can't be too fiddly for wash day either. Breathability and temperature regulation: We tested through early spring into summer to check that the sheets kept us cool when it's hot and warm when it's cooler. Care: All the bamboo bedding we tested was recommended to be washed at 30C. We kept an eye on how the sheets looked after washing to ensure no colour fade or loose stitching. Fabric: All of the sheets in this guide are made from bamboo, but some are pure and some are blends. Why you can trust Telegraph Recommended Our thorough, real-world tests will always help you find the best sleep product. No manufacturer ever sees Telegraph Recommended reviews before publication and we don't accept payment in exchange for favourable reviews, nor do we allow brands to pay for placement in our articles. All opinions are based on independent expert opinion and our hands-on testing. Visit our Who We Are page to learn more. The best bamboo duvet covers and bed sheets of 2025 1. Best Buy Bamboo Sheets: Sloth London Bamboo Bedding Set This is a brilliant bedding set for the summer. It's cool, crisp and fresh even on warm evenings. I noticed and particularly appreciated this during a night of disturbed sleep with a teething toddler. There's nothing better than getting back into cold sheets when it's hot. The fabric is pretty thin, so I could see the detailing of my Simba pillow beneath it. This makes it feel slightly less premium, but I was grateful that it was so lightweight when the first heatwave of the year hit. I haven't used it in the winter yet, so I can't comment on the brand's claim that it will keep you warm in cold weather. Masters of its trade rather than a Jack of all, Sloth London only sells one set of bamboo bedding. There isn't a choice of colours and they're all white. The only point of difference between each set is coloured piping. This touch gives plain sheets a hotel feel and a bit of personality. Of all the bedding I tested, these dried the fastest on the line and were the least wrinkled when I brought them inside. I didn't need to iron them at all and any remaining creases dropped out after one night. They're beautifully soft and retained this after washing. Key specifications These sheets had me from the moment the bedding and bottom sheet arrived rolled up inside little bags that made them look like fancy toilet rolls. It's a handy touch for minimising packaging when posting and good to know how small you can fold them for storage too. I don't think I'll ever have the patience to put them back into the bags, but it's handy to know it's possible if you're short on space. I was even more sold the first time I slept on them. The fabric has a woven texture and is thicker than some of the others on this list. Going to bed felt like climbing into the sheets at a fancy hotel and the bedding kept me cool in heatwave temperatures. Design-wise, it's simple with no edging or trims. There aren't any features other than wooden buttons on the base of the duvet. Although I plumped for plain white, the bedding comes in a range of colours, so it would appeal to someone with a more adventurous interior taste. The con for me is that because it is a European company, the size options are listed on its website in cm rather than standard sizes. It took a bit of Googling and studying the size chart to find the right one. The admin is a small price to pay for a peaceful night's sleep in affordable sheets, though. Key specifications 3. Best Bamboo Blend Sheets: Panda London Bamboo & French Linen Bedding Set £159.95 Buy now Price at Panda The Panda London Bamboo & French Linen Bedding Set was the first set I tried. I normally sleep on cotton sheets and these felt like an immediate upgrade. Even my husband, who rarely comments on the products I'm testing, told me how well he had slept in them on a sticky spring evening. The linen content is relatively low at just seven per cent but it's still the first thing you notice when you look at and touch the fabric. Because it is blended with bamboo, it's softer and less stiff than 100 per cent linen bedding, but it retains the crisp, airy qualities that make the textile so lovely. The two fabrics feel like a natural pairing, supporting each other's moisture-wicking and temperature-regulating benefits. Plus, linen is more durable than cotton, earning this set extra points for longevity. All of the bamboo sheets in this round-up said they didn't need to be ironed but for the most part, I didn't find that to be the case. This was one of the exceptions. The natural texture of this set meant that any creases felt like a deliberate choice rather than an indication of laziness. The bedding washes well and dries quickly, both indoors and outside on the line. But I found a couple of loose buttons tumbling around the washing machine, so just double-check that these are secure before putting a wash on. Key specifications If you're committed to cotton bedding but want to dip your toe into a bamboo blend, these are the sheets to try. They're also one of the cheaper options on this list. Cotton, like bamboo, is a more sustainable, naturally breathable fabric with moisture-wicking properties. Bamboo amplifies these benefits and makes it feel silkier. The result is super soft sheets that are less stubborn to iron than 100 per cent cotton. The fabric of this set is thicker and more substantial than several other bamboo bedding sets I tried, but it didn't make me too warm. I needed more steam from my iron to press out the creases, though. As bamboo sheets aren't the focal point of Dusk's business, the range isn't extensive. There are currently only two colours to choose from and they don't sell bamboo bottom sheets. It would be nice to see a broader range in the future. But the design is simple yet effective, with a contrast trim and clear plastic buttons – a point of difference as most on this list have wooden buttons. A detail I particularly liked is the extra panel at the foot of the duvet, which tucks the buttons on the underside rather than at the end. This looks neat, but annoyed my tall husband slightly as he could feel them beneath his feet. Key specifications 5. Best Bamboo Sheets for Hot Sleepers: Sheet Story Ackly Bamboo Bedding Sleeping in these sheets felt like sleeping in my comfiest cotton t-shirt. Team with the best mattress and you're on to a winner. They're extremely soft and don't feel at all synthetic, unlike some of the silkier sets I tested. I would highly recommend them for warm sleepers or anyone who doesn't like fabric sticking to them. Getting into this set after a day of commuting in a heatwave was a joy. I'm a sucker for good branding and with its clean design and bold monochrome logo this set is aesthetically pleasing. The metal plaque with the brand name at the foot of the duvet set it apart from the other designs. I'm always worried about the potential for toddler choking hazards in my house though, so I snipped it off. I didn't think I'd ever be someone with strong opinions on pillowcases, but these are particularly good. The deep pocket encases the pillow well and made for a crisp, neat finish on sheet change day and throughout the week. This is the only set I tried that is available in patterns as well as plain colours. The cotton content made them a little stubborn to iron. However, they line dried without too many creases so it wasn't a huge problem. Key specifications 6. Best Bamboo Sheets for Softness: Panda London 100% Bamboo Bedding Set These are extremely silky, which will either appeal to you or immediately put you off. They were a total treat to slip into, but I became less keen when I found my duvet had slid off the bed at 3am. The softness comes from the bamboo rayon (another word for viscose) strands that have been woven into a satin weave for extra glossiness. I'd liken it to the feel of my best silk pillowcase. Panda London, as you might have guessed by its name, specialises in bamboo bedding. That means it has invested in providing five different practical and on-trend colours for shoppers to choose from. I tried a vintage pink set, which felt especially feminine with the satin-like fabric. The downside of the colour and the fabric was that every little thing marked the bedding. My nighttime skincare left an unsightly dark patch on my pillow come morning and my body lotion was imprinted on the bottom sheet until the next wash. If this will annoy you, consider another colour. I washed this set three times and it got softer every time but still retained its shine. It was the easiest of the round-up to iron. I barely had to use the steam setting and it took less than two-thirds of the time it takes to iron my normal cotton sheets. Win-win. Key specifications 7. Best Bamboo Sheets for Winter: Pretty You Bamboo Bedding Set If you're someone who wants their bedtime experience to feel as indulgent as possible, whether you're in bed or sleeping on a sofa bed, then you will love these sheets. They are the silkiest of the round-up, even after three washes. They also come oversized and shrink after the first wash for a better fit on your duvet and mattress. I was sceptical about this claim at first, but impressed with the difference one wash made. As they're so glossy that they're verging on slippery, Pretty You London has taken steps in the design process to keep them in place. The bottom sheet has tightly ruched edges as well as four additional elastic tabs to go over the corners. This is especially helpful for keeping your best mattress topper snug. Inside the duvet cover are ties that you can attach the brand's own duvet too. A nice touch, but it will only work if you buy its duvet, or your current duvet has loops. I am a warm sleeper and found that I woke up feeling hot and bothered in these, so I personally wouldn't recommend them for their temperature-regulating properties. But, they're lovely for colder evenings teamed with the best electric blanket. If you're also prone to getting too hot at night, try swapping the bottom sheet for a cotton one. Even though I woke up a bit sweaty the sheets didn't feel clammy afterwards and stayed fresh throughout the week. Key specifications What does bamboo bedding feel like? Bamboo bedding will feel different based on the weave and whether it has been blended with another fabric. 'If it's in a sateen weave then it will feel silky, but only like cotton does in the same weave type,' explains Wood. 'If bamboo is in a plain weave structure it will feel the same as a basic cotton sheet.' The bamboo rayon sheets are the silkiest in our round-up. Are bamboo bed sheets better than cotton or linen bed sheets? It depends on your criteria. If it's breathability and temperature-regulating qualities that you're most concerned about, Wood says that linen, cotton and bamboo are all 'excellent at both.' If it's eco-credentials, this is harder to quantify. 'It is generally accepted that bamboo is less durable than cotton, which means bamboo will wear out more quickly,' Wood continues. 'Bamboo can be more sustainably produced than cotton, but if it needs replacing sooner then it is a balancing act between initial practices and longevity.' It's also down to a personal preference for particular textures. Is bamboo bedding hypoallergenic? Most of the bamboo bedding we tested claimed to be hypoallergenic, but Wood says there is 'limited evidence' to support this. 'Bamboo bedding does not use the raw fibre,' she explains. 'It is heavily processed so unlikely to retain any of its natural properties.' How do you wash bamboo bedding? Bamboo bedding is best washed at 30 degrees, preferably on a gentle cycle. Ideally, you shouldn't tumble dry bamboo sheets but if you can't air dry then do so on the lowest setting.
The Guardian
06-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Guardian
Panda Hybrid Bamboo mattress review: a stylish, supportive hybrid that keeps cool on balmy nights
I fear the Panda Hybrid Bamboo is playing games with me. When I first tried this mattress last year, it was among the firmest of all contenders in my mission to discover the best mattress. It was great-looking, easy to handle, and firm. Several months later, it's great-looking, easy to handle, and … soft? The Guardian's journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. Learn more. Not quite. But Panda's mattress is a fine example of what happens to memory foam after you've slept on it for a few months. The initially solid sleeping surface adapts to your body, becoming softer and cosier. My tests with weights reassured me that the mattress was still supportive and not sagging, but it definitely wasn't as firm as in those early weeks. Being a hybrid mattress, the Panda Hybrid Bamboo contains springs as well as foam, although I'm not sure you'd know it. Hybrids cover a huge range, and this one's very much at the 'feels like all-foam' end. Here, I'll explain why that makes it ideal for some sleepers – but not quite for me. View at Panda Bedding company Panda London sent me a double size Hybrid Bamboo mattress in autumn 2024. My husband, Alan, and I removed it from its bed-in-a-box wrapping and let it expand fully, then invited our family testing panel to mark out of 10 on firmness and comfort. We also ran lab-style experiments with heat pads, weights and wobbly cups of water to measure sinkage, motion isolation, heat retention and edge support. Alan and I slept on the Panda for a month in winter, then again during the much warmer nights of June. View at Panda The Hybrid Bamboo is the cheaper of the two mattresses made by Panda London. It comes in nine sizes, including 'small double', and costs from £649 (UK single) to £1,050 (EU emperor) via £799 for a UK double. Those prices are roughly mid-range for a bed-in-a-box hybrid, but they're much cheaper than Panda's other mattress, the 'orthopaedic grade' Hybrid Bamboo Pro, which costs from £950 to £1,750 and contains almost twice the number of springs. Like all hybrid mattresses, the Hybrid Bamboo contains pocket springs plus layers of memory foam of various densities. The individually wrapped pocket springs have a barrel-shaped design, which means they offer more pushback where your body needs it, according to Panda. The mattress contains 612 springs in its largest size, somewhat fewer than firmer rivals such as the Origin Hybrid Pro, which has 5,700 springs in a double. Foam layers include an open-cell 'BioCell' layer immediately beneath the surface, then a more dense 'DualFlex' layer further down. The mattress lives up to its name with infusions of bamboo in the fabric cover and open-cell foam. Panda claims this bamboo content is naturally antibacterial, moisture-wicking and deodorising, with the power to 'prevent the natural heat retention of memory foam'. The cream-coloured fabric cover is gorgeous, with a geometric pattern that looks almost art deco. You can unzip and remove the cover for washing in the machine when needed, but it comes off in one whole unit, like a shell. That makes it more tricky to zip back into place than most removable mattress covers. I managed it on my own, eventually. There are six layers in all, adding up to a depth of 25cm. That's a nice medium depth, offering a balance of robustness and easy manoeuvrability, plus a snug fit for standard fitted sheets. Carry handles are hidden away on the underside of the mattress. As with most hybrids, the Panda is one-sided (only one side is designed to be slept on), so you don't have to turn it. However, Panda recommends you rotate it 180 degrees every three to six months to prevent sagging. Panda describes the Hybrid Bamboo as 'medium firm' and gives it 6.5/10 for firmness. When it's newly expanded, it feels significantly firmer than that – but it softens to its advertised tension after being slept on for a few weeks. When my family testing panel rated the Hybrid Bamboo a week after unwrapping, it scored 8/10 for firmness and sank a maximum of 19mm under 7.5kg of weight. Six months later, including two months of being slept on, it scored 6.8/10 and sank 34mm. This is within the expected settlement rate for memory foam. You'll need to take advantage of Panda's 100-night free trial period before deciding whether this mattress is right for you. Type: hybridFirmness: advertised as medium firm, panel initially rated as 8/10, then 6.8/10Depth: 25cmCover: remove to wash at 30CTurn or rotate: rotate every six monthsTrial period: 100 nightsWarranty: 10 yearsOld mattress recycling: freeSustainability credentials: foam is CertiPur approved; polyester content is made from recycled ocean bottles; will recycle old mattress The Panda Hybrid Bamboo was delivered to my door in standard bed-in-a-box manner: it was shrink-wrapped in the factory and then transported in a big cardboard box. Panda's free shipping service promises more than most rivals, including delivery to any room of your choice and the removal of packaging. I opted to have the box left in my hallway. The Hybrid Bamboo took longer than average to expand to full size after unwrapping. Panda says to wait eight hours before lying on it, but I'd add at least two days to that. If you try sleeping on the mattress any sooner, it will feel soft and uneven, and the chemical 'off-gassing' smell is unlikely to help you snooze peacefully. I was too hard on the Panda at first, because it was too hard on me. Along with my family, I found its sleeping surface unforgiving, especially for those of us who are small and sleep on our sides. Six months later, including at least two months of being slept on, the Panda Hybrid Bamboo turned into a much cosier mattress whose growing softness didn't compromise its supportiveness. I'd initially allocated sleep-testing duties to my dad, Don. He's fit as a fiddle at 85 but found the Panda to be 'hard on my joints', so Alan and I stepped in for snoozing. We'd previously found our sleeping sweet spot on the firm Otty Original Hybrid, and welcomed the spongy but robust surface of the Panda Hybrid Bamboo. It felt too firm on the first night, but over the first few weeks of March, it yielded just enough for comfort when we slept on our sides, and we slept very well. Sign up to The Filter Get the best shopping advice from the Filter team straight to your inbox. The Guardian's journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. after newsletter promotion As the weeks went by, Alan and I both noticed a distinct softening in the upper foam layer. I didn't mind this at first, because it felt consistent and natural, unlike the slight central sagging I'd noticed in the Simba Hybrid Pro. Our sleeping bodies made dents in the surface overnight, but it puffed back to flatness within a few hours and offered strong pushback when we lay down. The Hybrid Bamboo's motion isolation is excellent, perhaps thanks to its high memory foam content. There's no bounce to this mattress at all, so it does a great job of absorbing the movements of a restless partner – such as my husband and me. Foam can make you overheat at night, since it tends to hold on to the warmth of your sleeping body, but the Panda did well here. It performed above average in my heat-retention tests and felt cosy without making either of us clammy. We tested it in February and June under very different weather conditions, and despite its foamy feel, it didn't overheat us on the hot summer nights. I also like that its cover claims to be hypoallergenic, because on high pollen days (and nights), I need all the help I can get to curb my hay fever. It seems odd now that the Panda's firmness was its biggest initial flaw for my family testing panel. By the end of the two months, it felt too soft for me and my husband to sleep on comfortably, and perfect for my dad. Sorry, Dad, it's going to charity. The softening of the Hybrid Bamboo's upper layers is entirely to be expected, but it's a distinctive quality of memory foam that won't suit everyone. The spongy sensation can feel like you're being hugged by a giant marshmallow, with no room for air to move. I also found myself worrying that I wasn't being supported enough, and that affected my ability to sleep. I disliked the way the edge gave way beneath me when I got in and out of bed. When you sit on the side of the Hybrid Bamboo, it doesn't really support you at all. There's a frame of dense memory foam around the mattress's layers to help maintain its shape, but it just doesn't seem to have the intended effect. Panda's sustainability efforts are generally good. The bamboo it uses in mattresses and other products is grown organically 'without any fertilisers, pesticides or herbicides', and the polyester in its vaguely described 'durability layer' is made from 'recycled ocean bottles'. It also uses 100% biodegradable 'kraft paper' for its boxes, but there's no word on the composition of the metres of thick soft plastic used to shrink-wrap the mattress for delivery. Memory foam, made from high-viscosity polyurethane, is not a green material by any stretch. Panda does its best to limit the environmental impact of its foam, including CertiPur certification and donating bedding to young people transitioning out of homelessness. The company says it designs its mattresses to last many years to prevent them from ending up in landfill. When I asked Panda for more detail on this 'built to last' policy, it told me it randomly selects a few mattresses from its production line every six months for a 'rigorous laboratory durability test' in conditions that mimic the moisture fluctuations of a real bed. 'These stringent trials go far beyond standard industry checks,' Panda's Natalie Cannavo told me. 'They are integral to our quality assurance process and ensure that our 10-year guarantee is backed by evidence.' In keeping with this landfill-avoidance strategy, Panda offers cheaper recycling than its rivals. It also makes its mattresses easier and cheaper to recycle than its rivals. Most mattress companies ask a fair whack to dispose of your mattress responsibly (Origin charges £54, for example), but Panda does it for free if you're buying a mattress. If you're not, the service costs £50. Panda will donate your old mattress to charity if it's too good for recycling. Using this 'Circle of Life Initiative' even gets you 20% off your next Panda purchase. The Panda Hybrid Bamboo is a mid-price, mid-softness hybrid mattress whose cushioned surface provides good pressure relief for side sleepers and anyone who loves a cosy bed. Its springs are much less noticeable than its memory foam, which absorbs motion brilliantly and softens over time. On breathability, though, the Panda performs more like a pocket sprung mattress, so it may be a good choice if balmy nights drive you barmy. View at Panda Jane Hoskyn is a consumer journalist and WFH pioneer with three decades of experience in rearranging bookshelves and 'testing' coffee machines while deadlines loom. Her work has made her a low-key expert in all manner of consumables, from sports watches to solar panels. She would always rather be in the woods
Daily Mail
04-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
This simple morning habit could be harming your sleep; an expert reveals what you should never do to your bed in the summer
We're constantly hearing about the importance of a good evening routine to aid sleep: switching devices off well before bed, cooling your room down to a cave-like temperature, spending the last few minutes before bed on a relaxing activity and so on. However, what you've probably thought about less often about is how your morning routine could impact your sleep. Dr Seeta Shah, an expert from Panda London, says 'As a sleep specialist, I often remind people that what you do after waking can have just as much impact on sleep health as what you do before bed.' One of the most surprising habits Dr Shah wants to see abandoned is people making their beds straight away after getting up, especially in the summer months. You might think it's a sign of virtue to tidy up your bedding the minute you spring out of bed, but apparently that's not the case. 'Over the course of the night, your body naturally releases heat, sweat, and microscopic skin particles into your bedding. In summer, when temperatures are higher and humidity is often elevated, this effect is intensified,' explains Dr Shah. 'By making your bed immediately after rising, you're effectively sealing in all that moisture and warmth, right into the mattress and sheets. From a physiological perspective, this creates a microclimate under the covers that is both warm and damp; ideal conditions for microbial and allergen growth, especially fungi and dust mites.' The idea of your bed becoming a breeding ground for all sorts of bacteria is bad enough in itself, but this could then result in a poorer night's sleep, particularly if you already suffer from any kind of respiratory problems or allergies. 'Dust mites are microscopic creatures that feed on dead skin cells and flourish in humid environments,' says Dr Shah. 'They don't bite, but their presence (and droppings) can significantly affect those with asthma, eczema, or allergies.' To help stop them from multiplying, Dr Shah recommends waiting 30 to 60 minutes before making your bed in the morning. 'By leaving your bed unmade, with the duvet pulled back, you allow air and natural light to dry out the bed's surface, disrupting the moist environment mites rely on,' she says. There are things you can do to aid this process too. 'If possible, open the windows to allow ventilation' recommends Dr Shah. 'A cool breeze and daylight are both excellent at reducing indoor humidity.' You should also aim to 'use breathable, summer-appropriate bedding such as cotton or linen, and wash your sheets at least once a week in summer to keep your sleep surface clean and fresh.' 'Letting your bed breathe is not just a cleanliness tip, it's a scientifically sound approach to better sleep hygiene in the summer months,' says Dr Shah. 'A neatly made bed is lovely, but a healthy bed is far better.'
Tom's Guide
16-06-2025
- Health
- Tom's Guide
Panda Bamboo Memory Foam Mattress Topper review: Body-contouring comfort for worn-out beds
Established in 2015, Panda London is a UK-based brand that uses the "magic of bamboo" to create natural, luxury sleep products, including mattresses and bedding. Its only bed topper is the Panda Bamboo Memory Foam Mattress Topper, which is bamboo gel-infused and designed to deliver natural, contouring comfort and advanced support. But does it deliver — and is it deserving of a place in this year's best mattress toppers guide? To find out, I decided to use my month-long visit to see family as an opportunity to try out a twin-sized Panda Bamboo Memory Foam Mattress Topper. I put the bed topper on my childhood bed, a well-worn, innerspring mattress, to put the brand's claim that it can "transform" any mattress to the test. Here are my thoughts... The Panda Bamboo Memory Foam Mattress Topper is thick and luxurious enough to give any mattress a makeover, especially harder beds in need of some plushness. As the brand's only bed topper, it delivers Panda's trademark bamboo-infused comfort for under $300. As a side sleeper who needs contouring around my shoulders, I got along well with the body-hugging foam of the Panda Bamboo Memory Foam Mattress Topper. Type: Memory foamDepth: 2" Cover: Bamboo, Polyester Corner straps: YesTrial period: N/AWarranty: 5-year limited warranty Starting MSRP: from $159.95 at Walmart However, I'm a back sleeper, too, and I didn't always feel supported along my lower back when lying in that position. I am a little skeptical about its "natural comfort" claim — the main body is memory foam and the cover is part-polyester, after all — but the removable bamboo-infused cover is washable and hypoallergenic for a cleaner sleep. This easy-to-clean, antimicrobial mattress topper did an excellent job of giving an old mattress gathering dust in my childhood bedroom a refresh during my four-week visit. Its foam body was dense enough to add sink-in softness to my worn-out spring mattress. I recommend it to anyone who wants to change up their super-firm or old bed but isn't in the market for one of this year's best mattresses. Panda says it uses open-cell cooling technology, and I did find the cover to feel quite soothing. However, I would describe the topper as more temperature-regulating than cooling, so hot sleepers should probably look for a mattress topper with specialized cooling capabilities. Panda London still primarily caters to the UK market, but you can buy the Panda Bamboo Memory Foam Mattress Topper from third-party retailers such as Walmart and Amazon in the US. The topper is returnable for up to 90 days (depending on which retailer you buy from), but unfortunately, it does not come with a sleep trial. As for value for money, a queen-size Panda Bamboo Memory Foam Mattress Topper is $229.95 at MSRP, which is below even the standard discount price of the best memory foam mattress toppers in the same size.. The Panda Bamboo Memory Foam Mattress Topper is a little pricier in the US than it is in the UK, with a double (the UK equivalent of a full) costing £139.95 ($189.09). A full-size in the US costs $199.95, which is only a $10 or so difference, but still worth noting. Here's the official pricing for the Panda Bamboo Memory Foam Mattress Topper in all available sizes: The average sale price of a queen-size memory foam mattress topper is $299, so $229.95 for a queen puts the Panda Bamboo Memory Foam Mattress Topper below the average foam bed topper price. The main spots to buy the Panda Bamboo Memory Foam Mattress Topper in the US are Walmart and Amazon. Free shipping is available from both, and the topper is returnable for 30 days with Amazon and 90 days with Walmart. (However, there is no official sleep trial from either.) There are no discounts on the mattress topper from either retailer at the time of publication, but you may find some price drops in the upcoming 4th of July mattress sales from Walmart and in the Amazon Prime Day mattress deals. As the Panda Bamboo Memory Foam Mattress Topper is only sold through third-party retailers in the US, the benefits are a little nebulous. For instance, buying directly from Panda means you'll automatically get a 10-year warranty, but your entitlement to this becomes a little murky when buying from a third-party outside of the US. Panda Bamboo 2" Memory Foam Mattress Topper: twin from $159.95 at WalmartThe Panda Bamboo 2" Memory Foam Mattress Topper is available in four sizes at Walmart: twin, queen, king, and Cal King. Twin XL is unavailable, but you can purchase a full at Amazon. Walmart shoppers can enjoy 90-day returns and free shipping on this mattress toper, but its unclear whether purchasing from a third party means you're still entitled to the 10-year warranty. The design of the Panda Bamboo Memory Foam Mattress Topper pretty much reflects its name. It consists of a 2" slab of gel-infused memory foam (called "HydroFoam"), which is encased in a bamboo-polyester cover. The HydroFoam is infused with temperature-regulating gel particles. The brand boasts that the foam has been "revolutionized" with cooling open-cell technology, but I've been writing about memory foam long enough to know that the standard types of foams used in mattresses are open-cell, so this really isn't some advanced piece of cooling tech — just marketing. Still, not all memory foam is infused with heat-dissipating micro gel capsules, and the inclusion of a naturally breathable bamboo cover means the surface does feel refreshing. Bamboo is also hypoallergenic and antibacterial, making it a great choice for allergy sufferers, and moisture-wicking and odor-resistant. The zip-up cover is removable and washable, and it also has an anti-slip base and elasticated anchor straps to secure the topper to your mattress and prevent shifting. I slept on a twin-size Panda Bamboo Memory Foam Mattress Topper for over a month, testing it in line with our mattress methodology, which focuses on three particular areas: support and comfort, temperature regulation, and ease of set-up. Similar to the best mattresses in a box, most memory foam mattress toppers are rolled up and shipped in a box to your doorstep. The Panda Bamboo Memory Foam Mattress Topper is no different, coming condensed and vacuum-packed in plastic. I've unboxed plenty of mattresses and bed toppers in my time as a tester, so I don't really need instructions, but it was nice to see an instruction booklet included to explain how to unbox and care for the topper. (You'd be surprised at how many mattresses and bed toppers don't come with instructions.) I found the set-up to be super easy. I simply cut the plastic with scissors and then rolled the topper out onto my bed. It expanded as soon as I cut the second layer of wrapping, and it had already covered my bed's surface before I could strip the last bit of plastic. The instructions said to leave the topper to expand for 12-16 hours. There was a slight arch running down the middle of the mattress topper, but the ridge disappeared within 12 hours. As for off-gassing, I found it to be barely noticeable, even though the instructions warned that it may linger for up to three days. Score: 4.5 out of 5 As someone who sleeps predominantly on my side, I loved the body-cradling, sink-in feel of the Panda Bamboo Memory Foam Mattress Topper. Its dense foam provided a great surface for my hard, worn-out bed, and I recommend it to anyone who wants to refresh an older bed or soften a mattress that's too firm. I really felt my side-sleeping pressure points, such as my shoulders and hips, were soothed and supported. It's also billed as an orthopedic-grade topper, promising advanced back and neck support and optimal alignment. However, I didn't really notice this support when sleeping on my back. I didn't feel that my hips were supported when sleeping in this position; I weigh under 130lbs and prefer a softer bed. With that in mind, back and stomach sleepers, as well as heavier sleepers, may want to look elsewhere. Score: 4 out of 5 Bamboo is naturally breathable and moisture-wicking. The cover felt cool and refreshing at first touch. However, I wouldn't label it "cooling", just temperature-regulating. As with most memory foam bed toppers, the foam is infused with heat-dissipating gel to offset the material's tendency to trap heat. The Panda mattress topper retained some heat on warmer nights, and those who don't like the sink-in feel of memory foam may find it stuffy. Otherwise, I slept cool and comfortably most nights. Score: 4 out of 5 There aren't a lot of ratings for the Panda mattress topper on Amazon, but you'll find plenty at Walmart, where reviews are also taken from the Panda website. As of June 2025, the topper has accumulated over 7,200 ratings and an overall score of 4.8 stars out of 5. There are over 6,300 5-star reviews, with many customers saying the comfort and quality were worth the price, as the topper helped relieve their joint pain. Just over 80 reviews were overwhelmingly negative, with complaints focusing on the expansion time, the dubious claim that the topper is cooling, and some shoppers saying the memory foam was too soft. Side sleepers like me will love the body-cradling feel of the Panda Memory Foam Mattress Topper. It effectively contoured my shoulders, hips, and knees. It's also a great buy for those who want to refresh an old bed or soften a mattress that's too firm. The anti-slip base and elasticated corner straps are also a great addition for restless sleepers, while the washable, removable Bamboo cover is helpful for those who want to add a hypoallergenic layer for their bed. While it's not cooling, the bamboo cover provided a refreshing, temperature-regulating sleep surface for me, but very hot sleepers should look for a specialized cooling mattress topper instead. (Our top pick in that area is the Molecule CopperWELL Mattress Topper.) ✅ You're a side sleeper: The body-contouring feel of the memory foam is great for cushioning shoulders and hips while side sleeping. ✅ You want to refresh an old bed or soften a firm one: The two inches of dense foam can change the feel of worn-out or hard mattresses for the better. ✅ You want a cleaner, greener protection: The topper adds an extra layer of protection to your mattress, while the sustainable bamboo cover is naturally odor-resistant, antibacterial, and hypoallergenic. ❌ You sleep on your back or stomach: While promising advanced support, I did not feel my hips were supported enough when back sleeping. Meanwhile, stomach sleepers will find it too soft. ❌ You need a specialist cooling mattress topper: Those who overheat at night or experience night sweats won't be impressed with this temperature-neutral bed topper. ❌You're a college student in need of a twin XL: The Panda Bamboo Memory Foam Mattress Topper is not available in a twin XL, the standard dorm bed size, so you may want to check out the alternatives below or the best mattresses for college students. While the Panda Bamboo Memory Foam Mattress Topper may not come in a Twin XL for college students, the Sleepyhead Cooling Copper Topper certainly does — in fact, it's designed for dorm beds. Those in need of a twin XL size can choose from 2" ($319) or 3" ($419). It's more expensive than the Panda Bamboo Memory Foam Topper, but you're guaranteed a 100-night sleep trial, a five-year warranty to last you until graduation, and a 15% student discount. Learn more in our Sleepyhead Cooling Copper Mattress Topper review. The Lucid Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper is perfect for anyone who wants to soften their bed on a tight budget. It doesn't come standard with a cover, but this gel-infused memory foam topper comes in three thicknesses to choose from: 2", 3", or 4". Available in seven sizes (including a twin XL and Full XL) and with a starting price of $49.99, the Lucid Gel Memory Foam Topper is a great cost-effective alternative to the Panda Bamboo Memory Foam Mattress Topper. Learn more in our Lucid Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper review. The Saatva High-Density Foam Mattress Topper may be thinner than the Panda Bamboo Memory Foam Mattress Topper, but its thick layer provided top-tier cushioning for our side-sleeping testers. It has an organic cotton cover complete with anchor straps and an antimicrobial treatment, similar to the hypoallergenic properties of bamboo. (Unfortunately, the cover here is not removable.) At $245 for a queen, Saatva offers a slightly more luxurious option. Learn more in our Saatva Foam Mattress Topper review.
Daily Mirror
16-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
GPs say TikTok-approved wellness trend can be good for you under one condition
Bed rotting has become a wellness trend popular online where people are shutting themselves away from the world - and it appears there are some benefits of staying in bed We're all familiar with the feeling of not wanting to get out of bed, to pull the duvet over us and keep the curtains shut - and it turns out this may actually be good for you. 'Bed rotting' is a viral term popularised on social media, with people openly speaking about staying in bed for as long as possible, and finding yourself scrolling on TikTok, Instagram or binge watching a TV series. While it feels and sounds unproductive, some experts say a bed rotting day every now and then can help your wellbeing and mental health. It can be seen as a form of self-care, where you can simply disconnect from the world, but can lead to feeling guilty for unproductiveness, so is bed rotting a wellness move or simply an act of self-depreciation? Gen Z are typically mindful of their well-being, conscious of burn out and often going to extreme lengths to avoid being overwhelmed by the world around them, hence why bed rotting has been popularised online. Arguably, Gen Z face significant stress from economic, environmental and social challenges - so bed rotting is a way to escape, with many viewing it as a form of escapism. Is 'bed rotting' good for you? Dr Seeta Shah, GP and sleep adviser for Panda London said the portrayal of bed rotting as relaxing and "trendy" as a way to cope with exhaustion resonates with many young people who are "constantly connected" to their devices and feel "overwhelmed by the fast pace of life". She said taking the occasional day to rest is "perfectly normal" and it can serve as beneficial - however it's important to maintain a balanced lifestyle while doing it. The expert explained: "While 'bed rotting' might seem like a harmless way to relax, it can have mixed effects on our health and sleep. "On the one hand, resting in bed can provide the body with much-needed downtime, especially when people feel mentally or physically drained. However, when done excessively, it can disrupt the body's natural sleep-wake cycle. "Spending long periods of time in bed when you're not actually sleeping can blur the lines between rest and wakefulness, making it harder to fall asleep at night and leading to issues like insomnia or poor-quality sleep. It can also contribute to feelings of lethargy, as prolonged inactivity can weaken muscles and lower energy levels." Help us improve our content by completing the survey below. We'd love to hear from you! In terms of mental health, Dr Shah said bed rotting may provide "short-term relief" from stress or burnout but it "should not be a long-term habit". She added: "While taking the occasional day to rest is perfectly normal and can be beneficial, relying on bed rotting regularly may have negative consequences for both mental and physical health." When does 'bed rotting' go too far? The expert further stressed the importance of keeping a routine that involves social interaction, movement, and a healthy sleep pattern is crucial for overall well-being. "If someone chooses to 'bed rot,' it's important to do so in a balanced way. To ensure it's done healthily, it's key to set boundaries." In order to keep it healthy, she advised to limit staying in bed to "short periods of time where you're consciously resting or relaxing" and make sure you're still getting some physical activity during the day, whether that's a walk or stretching, and reserve your bed primarily for sleep. "If you feel like you need a break, consider alternative methods of relaxation, like spending time outside, reading, or meditating, which can help relieve stress without the negative side effects of prolonged bed rest," Dr Shah further detailed. According to the expert, here are some quick tips for bed rotting in a way that's safe and healthy: Maintain movement: Even if you're lying down, try to move your limbs occasionally to prevent stiffness or circulation issues. Stretching in bed helps too. Avoid prolonged immobility: If you're planning to stay in bed for an extended time, take brief breaks to walk around the house every few hours to avoid blood clots. Good posture matters: Support your back and neck with pillows to avoid strain, and try to maintain a neutral spine position. Hydration is key: Keep water nearby and sip regularly to stay hydrated. Dehydration can make you feel sluggish and worsen the effects of prolonged inactivity. Healthy snacks: Instead of reaching for junk food, try keeping healthy snacks (like fruit or nuts) by your bedside to prevent energy crashes. Ventilation and fresh air: Make sure the room is well-ventilated. Stale air can lead to headaches and feelings of lethargy. Screen time moderation: Excessive time on devices can strain your eyes and disrupt sleep patterns. Take regular breaks from screens if you're watching TV or using your phone. Hygiene routine: Even though you're staying in bed, keep up with personal hygiene to feel fresher and prevent skin issues. Changing your bedding regularly is important too. Mental health checks: Extended bed rest can sometimes lead to low mood or anxiety. Ensure you're engaging in activities that boost mental well-being, such as reading or listening to music. Set a time limit: It's important to avoid making a habit of bed rotting. Prolonged inactivity can lead to muscle loss, weight gain, and poor mental health over time.
