As more and more Kiwis look for ways to make thoughtful, environmentally conscious choices at home, interest in natural and sustainable fibres continues to grow. One material gaining attention in the bedding world is TENCEL™ – a soft, breathable fibre made from responsibly sourced wood. Known for its smooth feel and impressive moisture management properties, TENCEL™ is becoming a popular option.
At Sealy New Zealand, we’re committed to understanding the materials that contribute to better sleep. While TENCEL™ is one of many fibres used across the bedding industry, it’s a material we recognise for its performance, comfort, and sustainability benefits. This guide explores what TENCEL™ is, how it’s made, and why it’s valued in sleep products.
What is TENCEL™?
TENCEL™ is the brand name for fibres produced by Lenzing, most commonly Lyocell and Modal. Both are derived from natural wood sources and engineered to create fabrics that feel soft, smooth, and breathable.
Lyocell
- Strong and versatile
- Excellent at wicking moisture
- Produced using an environmentally responsible closed loop process
Modal
- Made from beech wood
- Exceptionally soft, even after repeated washing
- Flexible and smooth in feel
These fibres are often blended with cotton or other natural materials to enhance softness, durability, and breathability.
How TENCEL™ is made
TENCEL™ fibres are created through a process designed to minimise environmental impact while producing a high quality, comfortable material.
- Sustainably sourced wood, often eucalyptus from certified forests
- Pulp creation, wood is broken down into cellulose
- Fibre spinning, cellulose solution is extruded into long, smooth fibres
- Closed loop system, over 99% of the solvent is recovered and reused
- Finishing – the fibres are washed, dried, and spun into soft, breathable yarn
This combination of natural sourcing and efficient production is one of the reasons TENCEL™ is considered a leading sustainable fibre.
Environmental benefits of TENCEL™
TENCEL™ is widely recognised for its strong sustainability profile:
- Low water usage compared to many traditional fibres
- Responsibly sourced wood from FSC certified forests
- Biodegradable fibres that break down naturally
- Energy efficient production through closed loop technology
- Minimal chemical impact thanks to a non-toxic solvent system
For households looking to make more eco friendly choices, TENCEL™ offers a meaningful balance of comfort and sustainability.
How TENCEL™ performs in New Zealand’s climate
New Zealand’s climate can shift quickly, from warm, humid summers to cooler, winter nights, and bedding materials need to adapt just as easily. TENCEL™ performs particularly well in these conditions thanks to its natural moisture wicking abilities, which help keep sleepers cool and dry during muggy summer evenings.
In winter, its breathable structure allows air to circulate without losing warmth, supporting a balanced sleep temperature year round. For coastal regions where dampness can be an issue, TENCEL™ has the ability to absorb and release moisture, helping to maintain a more comfortable sleep environment. These qualities make it a fibre well suited to the diverse conditions Kiwi sleepers experience.
Benefits of TENCEL™ in bedding
TENCEL™ is particularly well suited to bedding and sleep products because of its natural performance qualities.
SOFTNESS AND COMFORT
The fibres are smooth at a microscopic level, creating a gentle, luxurious feel against the skin.
BREATHABILITY AND MOISTURE MANAGEMENT
Naturally draws moisture away from the body, helping regulate temperature, a valuable feature for hot sleepers or those who experience night sweats.
DURABILITY
Despite its softness, TENCEL™ is strong and resilient, maintaining its smoothness and colour over time.
HYPOALLERGENIC QUALITIES
The fibre’s moisture management properties help reduce the conditions that allow bacteria to grow, making it a good option for sensitive skin.
TENCEL™ vs other common fabrics
COMFORT FACTOR | ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT | SURFACE FEEL | BREATHABILITY & MOISTURE |
|---|---|---|---|
TENCEL™ | Uses less water in production | Smooth, silky-soft feel | Excellent moisture control |
COTTON | Requires more water to produce | Naturally soft | Breathable, but less moisture control |
COMFORT FACTOR | ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT | SUSTAINABILITY | COMFORT & QUALITY |
|---|---|---|---|
TENCEL™ | Produced using a closed-loop process | Lower environmental impact | Premium feel and performance |
RAYON | Typically less controlled production | Higher environmental impact | Variable feel and durability |
COMFORT FACTOR | BREATHABILITY | MOISTURE CONTROL | MATERIAL ORIGIN |
|---|---|---|---|
TENCEL™ | Naturally breathable | Excellent moisture management | Derived from renewable wood sources |
POLYESTER | Less breathable | Limited moisture control | Synthetic fibre |
How TENCEL™ is used in mattresses and pillows
Across the bedding industry, TENCEL™ is valued for its ability to enhance comfort and breathability. It may be used in:
- Comfort layers to help manage moisture
- Pillow covers for a cool, smooth sleep surface
- Mattress protectors to support temperature regulation
At Sealy New Zealand, some of our products incorporate TENCEL™ where it enhances the overall sleep experience. Our team can help guide you to models that include this material if it’s a feature you’re looking for.
Why TENCEL™ matters in sleep products
While every sleeper has different needs, materials like TENCEL™ play an important role in creating a comfortable, balanced sleep environment. Its natural softness, breathability, and sustainability make it a valuable option for sleep comfort.
At Sealy New Zealand, we stay at the forefront of material innovation so we can continue offering products that support better sleep. Understanding fibres like TENCEL™ helps us design bedding solutions that combine comfort, performance, and long-lasting quality.
FAQs
A natural fibre made from wood cellulose, known for its softness, breathability, and moisture wicking properties.
Yes. TENCEL™ naturally wicks moisture and helps regulate temperature, making it a popular choice for people who tend to overheat at night.
TENCEL™ absorbs moisture more efficiently than cotton, helping keep the sleep surface cooler and drier, which can be beneficial for those who experience night sweats.
TENCEL™ fibres are smooth and gentle, making them a good option for people with sensitive skin or allergies.
Yes. TENCEL™ is known for its excellent breathability, which helps maintain airflow and a comfortable sleeping environment.
TENCEL™ is soft, breathable, and gentle on skin, making it suitable for children’s bedding when used in appropriate products.
Yes. TENCEL™ is made from sustainably sourced wood and produced using a closed loop system that recycles water and solvents.
TENCEL™ fibres are fully biodegradable under the right conditions, breaking down naturally without leaving harmful residues.
Discover more...
Explore our range of Sealy mattresses, with the perfect bed to suit your sleep profile and budget.
Try our Bed Selector to help find the best bed for you. Answer a few simple questions to discover the right mattress for you.
All our products are proudly made in New Zealand, find out more about our local manufacturing.
If you have any questions about your Sealy mattress, please contact our friendly customer care team, so they can provide assistance.