Benefits Of Wool

WHY WOOL?

Wool is made up of such a complex blend of properties that modern science still cannot duplicate it or creates a synthetic clone. Wool fleece, with its tightly crimped fibers, contains many air pockets that insulate us, as it did the sheep, from the cold. The outer cells of the fiber repel water while the inner cells absorb moisture, which is what makes wool so warm. The coil-like shape of the fibers wicks away excess heat and moisture. And wool has a high capacity for absorbency—25 percent of it's own weight. These properties make wool extremely versatile. No other material provides all the benefits of wool.

WOOL HELPS KEEP YOU DRY

Scientists at Polytechnic Institute in Wales tested the effects of wool and other fibers on human beings as they slept. They monitored skin temperature and the temperature and humidity of the air next to the skin. It turns out that wool wicks moisture away from your skin while you sleep, keeping your skin drier than any of the other fibers tested.

Considering that the average person emits a pint of perspiration during eight hours of sleep, wool’s wicking ability keeps you from feeling wet while you sleep and cold when you get out of bed. And since wool allows moisture to pass through its fibers instead of holding on to it, your blankets aren’t wet or sticky either.

WOOL REGULATES TEMPERATURE

Wool fibers breathe, allowing air to circulate instead of trapping it next to your body. This helps to keep your body at the optimal temperature for comfort and rest. Synthetic fibers, down, and even cotton do not breath as well as wool, and they are more likely to trap excess heat in your bed. Wool buffers the extreme cold or hot air on the outside, keeping you in an optimal comfort zone. That's why wool is perfect for bedding year round!

WOOL LOWERS HEART RATES

The same study at the Polytechnic Institute in Wales showed that wool comforters had a lowering effect on a sleeper's heart rate. Feathers and synthetic fibers either had no effect or increased the sleeper's heart rate. Wool not only lowered heart rates, but also kept them at lowered rates while the sleeper's slept. A lowered heart rate indicates that the sleeper is in a deeply relaxed state.

WOOL IS ALMOST ENTIRELY HYPOALLERGINIC

Although some people do have a rare natural allergy to lanolin, the oil found in wool, most wool allergies are a reaction to the many harsh, toxic chemicals that go into the treatment and finishing of conventional wool garments and bedding. Serious chemical abrasives are routinely used to wash raw wool for processing. Chlorine and mothproofing chemicals are commonly applied to conventional wool before turning it into a finished product. Wool used in SUGAR LOAF WOOL products is washed and processed without harsh chemicals. Our products are made with 100 percent virgin wool with 100 percent cotton fabric exterior and are almost entirely hypoallergenic.

NO DUST MITES

Dust mites, which feed on the skin cells we shed during sleep, proliferate in synthetic and feather pillows and are a common allergen. At least 10 percent of the population suffers from a dust mite allergy. Symptoms include sneezing, itchy and watering eyes, runny nose, stuffy ears, and respiratory problems, including asthma. Wool does not harbor dust mites or bacteria.

WOOL IS FLAME RESISTANT

Wool is naturally resistant to flames and will not catch fire. Even racecar drivers wear a wool-lined suit to minimize the effects of flames in a crash. Wool the safest choice for bedding materials, for both adults and children.

WOOL IS RESISTANT TO MOLD AND MILDEW

Wool's natural resistance to mildews and molds comes from the way it repels moisture and lets moisture pass through its fibers without holding it. Mildews and molds require moisture to live and grow; without it, they can't get a foothold. Mildew and mold won't grow on wool unless it is soaking in water with no air flow.

WOOL IS THE ORIGINAL “MEMORY” FIBER

In addition to providing a healthier sleeping environment, wool conforms to the head and neck, giving adults and children the support needed for a restful sleep.

WOOL IS DURABLE AND LONG-LASTING

Wool lasts longer than any other natural fiber! Each wool fiber has a coil-spring structure, making it remarkably elastic and resilient. Because it won't degrade as quickly, bedding and clothing made with wool will last much longer than others. Over time wool batting will compress, but much less than batting made of another material. Even when soaking in water, wool retains its warmth and resilience (springiness). Wool can be freshened and revitalized simply by exposing it to sunlight. Wool is also more resistant to environmental degradation than most natural fibers.

WOOL IS FRIENDLY TO THE ENVIRONMENT

Wool is completely reusable. Batting can be removed and the fibers reprocessed for a new product. Since SUGAR LOAF WOOL products are natural, making, using, recycling, or discarding them does not add harmful toxins to the environment. In addition, solar energy is used to heat water for processing SUGAR LOAF WOOL.

WOOL IS VERSATILE

Wool has many uses and is easily obtained. It absorbs and sheds water, maintains a consistent temperature, and is comfortable in all seasons. Wool is truly unique and amazing!