The Gray Barn · Stain-Resistant Bed Sheets
The Gray Barn Sleeping Hills 3M Microcell All Season Moisture Wicking Lightweight Sheet Set
Lower concern than treated apparel; contact the brand about 3M Microcell formula details.
Gray Barn sheets are polyester with 3M Microcell moisture-wicking technology, a proprietary treatment formula that 3M doesn't disclose publicly. Polyester base fabric itself poses lower PFAS risk than water-repellent apparel, but the coating remains unknown.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
Polyester blend with 3M Microcell moisture-wicking treatment
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
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What The Gray Barn Sleeping Hills 3M Sheet Set is made of, ingredients and materials
This sheet set is a polyester blend treated with 3M Microcell, a proprietary moisture-wicking technology applied as a surface coating or finish. Polyester itself is a synthetic polymer; the concern here centers on the resins and chemical finishes used during manufacturing to create the moisture-wicking and stain-resistant properties. 3M has not publicly disclosed the full chemical formula of Microcell, making it impossible to rule out PFAS or other persistent finishes. The polyester manufacturing process typically involves formaldehyde-based resins for wrinkle resistance and durability, which can off-gas over time especially when new.
What’s concerning
Category baseline
The starting point for this type of product, before anything specific to this product is counted.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement from the brand about PFAS in this product.
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Polyester textiles routinely use formaldehyde-containing resins for wrinkle resistance and durability. New sheets are prone to off-gassing; initial odor or eye irritation when unpacking is a sign of residual formaldehyde. Multiple wash cycles before use significantly reduce this exposure.
Source, ATSDR ↗Undisclosed proprietary coating chemistry (3M Microcell)
3M has not publicly revealed the full chemical composition of Microcell. While the product scores lower on PFAS risk than many alternatives, the lack of transparency means persistent or allergenic chemicals cannot be ruled out. Direct contact with 3M or Bed Bath & Beyond for full ingredient disclosure is advisable for sensitive individuals.
Microplastic shedding from polyester fibers
Polyester textiles shed microplastic fibers during washing and wear, especially as the material degrades. Moisture-wicking coatings can accelerate fiber breakdown over time if exposed to high heat, mechanical stress, or UV light. Using low heat, gentle cycles, and replacing sheets within 2-3 years reduces cumulative microplastic load.
Coating degradation and loss of water/stain repellency
The 3M Microcell finish is not permanent. Repeated laundering, heat, and agitation gradually wear away the coating, especially if hot water or high-temperature drying is used. Loss of coating integrity can expose underlying polyester to faster degradation and increased microplastic release.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Heavy metals
No specific test results or recalls for azo dyes or pigment contamination in this product are on record. However, Bed Bath & Beyond does not publish dye safety certifications for sheets, so third-party testing history is unavailable. Gray colorant is generally lower risk than bright synthetic dyes, but no guarantee exists without certification.
Source, FDA ↗How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Bed Bath & Beyond (now operating under bankruptcy restructuring post-2023) has not published detailed chemical disclosure policies or environmental/safety certifications for bedding products. The brand does not appear on publicly available lists of retailers with strong PFAS commitment or polyester finish transparency. No recalls or public controversies specific to this product line are on record. However, the lack of proactive disclosure about coating chemistry is a red flag relative to competitors offering third-party certifications like OEKO-TEX or Global Organic Textile Standard.
How it compares in its category
Stain-resistant polyester sheets often use PFAS-based water and oil repellents, but this product scores relatively lower on PFAS concern (75/100) than typical treated apparel, likely because sheets are not as body-proximate or frequently laundered as clothing. However, many competitors now offer alternative finishes (silicone-based or PFAS-free certifications) or cotton blends with less aggressive finishing. The undisclosed 3M formula places this product in a middle tier, not the worst-in-class but not transparent enough to rival higher-end alternatives with published third-party testing.
If you buy it
Wash 2-3 times before first use to reduce formaldehyde off-gassing and loose fiber shedding. Avoid hot water (use warm or cool) to minimize coating degradation and microplastic release from polyester fibers. Air dry when possible; if machine drying, use low heat to preserve the moisture-wicking treatment and prevent accelerated breakdown of synthetic fibers. Replace after 2-3 years or if the coating begins to pill, flake, or loses water-repellent performance; degraded coating increases microplastic shedding risk.
What is not known about PFAS in this product?
- Basis
- Model estimate, 62% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- The Gray Barn has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
More stain-resistant bed sheets grades
How we score, every product runs through the same public 0-100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.