Why bedding made from 100% TENCEL™ Lyocell truly sleeps better

Why bedding made from 100% TENCEL™ Lyocell truly sleeps better

Last updated: 7 May 2026.

 

Do you actually sleep better under 100% TENCEL™ Lyocell than cotton? Yes, we believe you do — and chances are you’ll notice the difference from the very first night.

At KOALA HUG, we specialise in 100% TENCEL™ Lyocell duvets and bedding made with premium fibres from Austrian manufacturer Lenzing. This exceptional fabric is loved for its moisture-regulating properties, breathable feel, silky softness and naturally fresh sleep experience.

Still, there’s a lot of confusion around TENCEL™. Not every product labelled “Tencel” is truly made from 100% TENCEL™ Lyocell. Many brands use cotton or polyester blends, or regular lyocell, such as bamboo-derived lyocell, without the official TENCEL™ certification from Lenzing.

And that makes a bigger difference than most people realise.

In this blog, we’ll explain why 100% TENCEL™ Lyocell from Lenzing is so unique — and why we at KOALA HUG consciously choose pure materials without compromise.

The difference between TENCEL™, lyocell and blends

Many people think TENCEL™ and lyocell are exactly the same thing. They’re not quite.

Lyocell is the name of the fibre itself. TENCEL™ is the official premium fibre brand from Austrian company Lenzing. Only products made with original Lenzing fibres are allowed to be named TENCEL™ Lyocell.

It may sound like a small detail, but in practice it makes a world of difference.

Want to learn more about the technology behind it? Read our in-depth guide on what TENCEL™ really is for a deeper look into the science behind this eucalyptus-based fibre.

Why the official TENCEL™ certification matters

TENCEL™ is Lenzing’s registered trademark for premium lyocell fibres. Only textiles made with these original Lenzing fibres have the official TENCEL™ certification.

For you as a customer, this means you can be sure of:

  • the origin of the fibre
  • the quality of the material
  • a responsible production process
  • excellent moisture management and softness

Original TENCEL™ Lyocell fibres are produced through an innovative closed-loop process that reuses more than 99% of water and solvents. Worldwide, this is considered one of the most environmentally responsible ways to produce textile fibres.

The certification is also known for:

  • consistently high fibre quality
  • environmentally conscious production
  • an exceptionally smooth and strong fibre structure
  • superior moisture regulation
  • long-lasting softness

At KOALA HUG, we only work with original 100% TENCEL™ Lyocell fibres from Lenzing — without cotton, polyester or other added materials.

Why blends never feel the same

A TENCEL™ blend loses part of the unique performance of pure 100% TENCEL™ Lyocell. That’s exactly why the composition of the material matters so much.

Many brands sell “Tencel bedding” that is actually blended with cotton or other fabrics. Or they offer regular lyocell, such as bamboo-derived lyocell.

At KOALA HUG, we consciously choose not to do this. From our own experience, pure 100% TENCEL™ Lyocell performs noticeably better when it comes to temperature regulation, freshness and moisture absorption than cotton or synthetic blends.

We also often see duvets with a lyocell filling but a cotton outer shell. This still reduces part of the breathable and moisture-regulating effect. It may sound like a small issue, but it means losing the very qualities people choose TENCEL™ for in the first place.

Especially people who sleep warm or experience night sweats often notice the difference between a blend and completely pure TENCEL™ sheets straight away.

When TENCEL™ is blended with or covered by a cotton cover:

  • moisture regulation decreases
  • heat stays trapped for longer
  • the hypoallergenic benefits are reduced
  • the fabric feels less soft
  • the luxurious feel is lost

Pure 100% TENCEL™ fabric allows you to experience the full benefits of the material:

  • temperature regulation
  • breathability
  • moisture absorption
  • natural freshness
  • softness for skin and hair

Read our blog about cooling bedding for warm summer nights here.

The Benefits of 100% TENCEL™ Lyocell for better sleep

1. You stay cool and comfortable throughout the night

TENCEL™ Lyocell absorbs up to 50% more moisture than cotton and releases it quickly again, creating a dry and fresh sleeping environment.

People who tend to sleep hot, perspire easily or wake up feeling clammy often notice the difference immediately.

In summer, the fabric feels cool and airy. In winter, it keeps warmth close without becoming stuffy.

That makes 100% TENCEL™ Lyocell ideal all year round.

2. Naturally dust mite resistant and hypoallergenic

Thanks to its exceptionally smooth fibre structure, bacteria, dust mites and allergens struggle to cling to the fabric.

This creates:

  • a cleaner, fresher bed
  • less odour build-up
  • less skin irritation
  • a more comfortable sleep environment for allergy sufferers

And all of this without chemical treatments.

Our fabrics are also certified according to OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100, meaning they’ve been tested for harmful substances and are safe to sleep under.

3. Softer than cotton

Anyone who has slept under 100% TENCEL™ Lyocell usually notices the difference straight away.

The fibres are incredibly smooth and soft. Combined with our luxurious sateen weave, the fabric feels almost silk-like — yet it is far more breathable and practical to care for.

No stiff feeling.
No rough cotton texture.
No clammy bed.

Just a fresh, soft and luxurious sleep experience.

KOALA HUG: Specialists in 100% TENCEL™ Lyocell Bedding

We believe great sleep starts with honest materials.

That’s why we exclusively develop:

How to recognise real 100% TENCEL™ Lyocell

As TENCEL™ becomes more popular, many brands now use the term mainly as a marketing label. Yet not every product described as “Tencel” is actually made from original 100% TENCEL™ Lyocell fibres from Lenzing.

Always check for:

  • the official TENCEL™ certification
  • clear mention of Lenzing
  • whether the product is truly 100% TENCEL™
  • whether cotton or polyester blends are used
  • for duvets: whether both the cover and filling are made from TENCEL™

 

At KOALA HUG, we choose 100% pure because your skin feels the difference between TENCEL™ and a blend immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions About 100% TENCEL™ Lyocell

Is TENCEL™ the same as bamboo?

Not really. Both fabrics feel incredibly soft, but they’re actually very different materials.

TENCEL™ Lyocell from Lenzing is made through a highly controlled closed-loop production process and is known for its premium quality, breathability and sustainability.

A lot of cheaper “bamboo bedding” on the market is actually viscose, which is produced in a very different way and often doesn’t offer the same performance or durability.

Why do many people prefer 100% TENCEL™ over cotton?

The biggest difference is usually how it feels during the night.

Cotton absorbs moisture, but it tends to hold onto it longer. That’s why cotton bedding can sometimes start to feel warm or slightly clammy — especially if you sleep hot.

100% TENCEL™ Lyocell manages moisture much more efficiently, helping your bed feel cooler, fresher and drier throughout the night.

Most people also notice straight away how soft and smooth it feels compared to regular cotton.

Is 100% TENCEL™ good for both Summer and Winter?

Yes — and that’s honestly one of the reasons people love it so much.

TENCEL™ naturally helps regulate temperature, so it feels cool and breathable when the room is warm, while still feeling comfortable and cosy during colder months.

The key here is the 100% pure version. Blends with cotton or polyester usually don’t perform the same way.

Are there microplastics in TENCEL™?

No. Genuine 100% TENCEL™ Lyocell is made from wood fibres sourced from sustainably managed forests.

At KOALA HUG, our products contain no polyester, no microplastics and no animal-derived materials — which also makes them completely vegan.

Is TENCEL™ bedding difficult to care for?

Not at all. Most people are actually surprised by how easy it is to maintain.

100% TENCEL™ Lyocell is strong, quick-drying and naturally less prone to wrinkling than cotton.

We usually recommend:

  • washing at 30 or 40°C
  • using a gentle cycle
  • avoiding high heat when drying

If you hang it out straight after washing, ironing is often unnecessary.

Certifications & Quality

To guarantee the highest standard for your sleep, we work exclusively with officially recognised partners:

  • 100% TENCEL™ from Lenzing: we only use original fibres from Lenzing
  • OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100: all our products are tested for harmful substances
  • Vegan & Environmentally Responsible: our products are fully vegan and produced through a sustainable closed-loop process

Why we believe in 100% TENCEL™ Lyocell

When you invest in quality bedding, you want to experience the full benefits of the material. That is why KOALA HUG consciously chooses only 100% TENCEL™ Lyocell from Lenzing.

No blends. No compromises. No marketing gimmicks.

Just pure quality you can feel every single night — helping you sleep better, naturally.

Curious about our 100% TENCEL™ Lyocell duvets? Explore the collection here.
Prefer to try our silky-soft duvet cover sets first? Discover our duvet cover sets here.

KOALA HUG — We embrace good sleep