What is the Difference Between Bamboo Hemp and Microfiber

The main difference between bamboo hemp and microfiber is that bamboo is trim, soft, and absorbent, while hemp is the most absorbent, and microfiber is the least expensive.

Inserts are the main absorbent layer in a pocket diaper or in a waterproof cover. They come in various designs and materials. Bamboo, hemp, and microfiber are three types of inserts you would find on cloth diapers. While all three of them are soft and absorbent, and they possess some diverse properties, which make them.

Key Areas Covered

1. What are Bamboo Inserts
     – Definition, Features
2. What are Hemp Inserts
     – Definition, Features
3. What are Microfiber Inserts
     – Definition, Features
3. What is the Difference Between Bamboo Hemp and Microfiber
    – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Bamboo, Hemp, Microfiber

What are Bamboo Inserts

Although we generally consider bamboo as a natural fiber, it goes through heavy processing, usually with harsh chemicals. The resultant product of this processing is bamboo rayon, which is used in cloth diapers. Bamboo rayon is highly absorbent and soft. It remains soft even after washing. However, it does not have the antimicrobial properties of real bamboo. Bamboo inserts tend to be more expensive than microfiber and cotton but are less expensive than hemp inserts. In addition, it’s quick to absorb but somewhat slow to dry.

What are Hemp Inserts

Hemp is a natural fiber, and hemp inserts are extremely absorbent, trim and naturally antimicrobial. They are more absorbent than microfiber (they can hold twice the fluid). Most hemp inserts are usually a blend of cotton and hemp. Moreover, hemp inserts will get more absorbent and softer the more we wash them. They are also extremely durable. Although hemp is the most absorbent of the three materials, it also takes the longest time to dry.

Hemp is the most sustainable insert option when we compare bamboo, hemp and microfiber. It is also the most expensive option. At the same time, hemp tends to feel stiffer than other materials, and if you line dry the inserts, they will feel crunchy.

What are Microfiber Inserts

Microfiber inserts are synthetic materials, but they are the most common materials used in cloth diapers. They are also the most economical options. Microfiber inserts can absorb liquids quickly; they also dry very quickly.

When we compare microfiber with hemp and bamboo, they are less durable. These inserts may flatten over time, which reduces the absorbency. They are also prone to compression leaks. Some microfibers also start to smell bad after a while. It’s also important to remember that you should never use a microfiber directly against the skin. They are so absorbent that they can directly absorb moisture from the skin, causing redness and rashes.

Difference Between Bamboo Hemp and Microfiber

Definition

Bamboo inserts are soft and absorbent inserts made of bamboo that has undergone chemical processing, while hemp inserts are trim, extremely absorbent inserts made of natural hemp, and microfiber inserts are synthetic materials used in cloth diapers.

Absorbency

Hemp is the most absorbent of the three options.

Dryness

Microfiber dries quickly, but hemp and bamboo take a longer time to dry.

Sustainability

Bamboo goes through some chemical processing, and microfiber is a synthetic material, so hemp is the most sustainable option out of these three.

Price

Hemp is the most expensive, while microfiber is the least expensive. The price of bamboo is somewhere between hemp and microfiber.

Durability

Microfiber is not as durable as hemp and bamboo.

Conclusion

Bamboo, hemp, and microfiber are three common inserts you would find on cloth diapers. The main difference between bamboo hemp and microfiber is that bamboo is trim, soft, and absorbent, while hemp is the most absorbent, and microfiber is the least expensive.

Reference:

1. “Which Cloth Diaper Inserts, Doublers, or Liners Should I Choose?” This West Coast Mommy, 10 Apr. 2018, Available here.
2. “Is There a Right Way to Use Microfiber, Hemp, & Bamboo Cloth Diaper Inserts.” All About Cloth Diapers, 18 Aug. 2020, Available here.

Image Courtesy:

1. “3476133” (CC0) via Pixabay
2. “Comfy Cloth Diaper” By Roland Li (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0) via Flickr