Humans have been washing, weaving, and wearing wool since 10,000 BCE. Humans first used wool around 12,000 years ago during the Stone Age. Ancient peoples wore sheepskin clothing to stay warm in the winter and cooler in the summer. The basic human needs of ancestral man were food, clothing, and shelter. Sheep and their wool helped to fulfill these needs.
Fast forward to today, we are using wool, not only for clothing but for bedding too, and we love it! Continue reading and find out the 6 reasons you will love wool bedding.
1. The Natural Superiority of Wool
NATURAL MATERIAL
Wool is a protein fiber formed in the skin of sheep, making it 100% natural and not man-made. Since the Stone Age, wool has been appreciated as one of the most effective forms of all-weather protection known to man. Science has yet to produce a fiber that matches its unique properties.
RENEWABLE
As long as there is grass to graze on, every year sheep will produce a new fleece, making wool a renewable fiber source. Woolgrowers actively work to safeguard the environment and improve efficiency, ensuring the wool industry remains sustainable for future generations.
BIODEGRADABLE
At the end of its useful life, wool can be returned to the soil, where it decomposes and releases valuable nutrients into the ground. Wool takes a very short time to break down compared to most synthetics, which are extremely slow to degrade.
2. The Unique Temperature Benefits of Wool
TEMPERATURE REGULATION
Wool keeps you in the "thermal comfort zone" longer. 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, silk, and even cotton do not breathe as well as wool and 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.
COOL
In warm environments, wool products can feel up to two times cooler to the touch than synthetic fabrics because wool conducts more heat away from your skin. Wool fabrics can move 25% more moisture away from your skin than polyester fabrics, equivalent to an ambient temperature drop of up to four degrees Celsius (over seven degrees Fahrenheit).
WARM
Modern merino wool, used in Piatra products, is finely carded, allowing a small amount of wool to keep the heat close to the body, unlike the heavy and thick wool duvets of the past.
3. Wool’s Moisture-Wicking Properties
WICKING
Wool’s unique structure means that the exterior of the fiber is hydrophobic (repels water) while the interior is hygroscopic (attracts water). This allows the fiber to absorb up to a third of its bulk weight in moisture vapor without feeling wet or losing warmth. Wool wicks moisture away from your skin while you sleep, keeping your skin and bedding drier than other fibers. This makes wool bedding an excellent choice for those who suffer from night sweats. This dry environment is also unsuitable for dust mites and bacteria, providing a cleaner and healthier sleeping environment.
BREATHABLE
Wool fibers are crimped and, when tightly packed together, form millions of tiny pockets of air. This unique structure allows it to absorb and release moisture without compromising its thermal efficiency. Wool promotes healthier sleep by controlling body temperature through this ability to allow air to flow and manage humidity.
4. Health Benefits of Wool Bedding
ALLERGIES
Wool bedding is all-natural and naturally hypoallergenic, featuring qualities that reduce the chances of allergic reactions. Wool does not harbour dust mites or bacteria, which need moisture to survive. Wool's moisture-wicking properties create an environment unsuitable for the survival of dust mites and bacteria, providing a cleaner and healthier sleeping environment.
RESISTANT TO MOLD AND MILDEW
Wool's natural resistance to mildew and mold is due to its moisture-wicking properties, letting moisture pass through its fibers without holding it. Mildew and mold won't grow on wool unless soaked in water with no airflow.
5. Durability and Quality
LONGEVITY
When cared for properly, wool products can last for decades. Wool is more resistant to environmental degradation than most natural fibers. Each wool fiber has a coil-spring structure, making it remarkably elastic and resilient. Wool products will last much longer than others and can be freshened and revitalized simply by exposing them to sunlight.
RESILIENT & ELASTIC
Wool is a naturally strong and elastic fiber, capable of bending 20,000 times without breaking. In comparison, cotton bends 3,200 times, silk 1,800 times, and rayon only 75 times. This durability comes from the unique three-dimensional corkscrew pattern, or helical 'crimp,' in each fiber. The coiled springs of these molecular chains, with their built-in 'memory,' give wool its resilience, helping it maintain its appearance and extend the lifespan of woolen products.
6. Home Safety
FLAME RETARDANT
Wool is naturally resistant to flames and will not catch fire. Wool has been used for race car drivers' suits and as carpet on aircraft due to its flame-resistant properties. Wool’s inherent chemical structure makes it naturally flame-resistant, making it a highly trusted natural fiber in public areas such as hotels, aircraft, hospitals, and theaters.
CHEMICAL-FREE PROCESSING
High-quality wool products, such as those made from Merino wool, often undergo minimal chemical processing, avoiding harsh treatments that can introduce harmful substances. This ensures that wool bedding and clothing are free from dyes, bleaches, and synthetic additives that could cause skin irritation or other health issues.
Now that you love wool too, you might be interested in knowing more about the different types of wool available for bedding.
Bonus: Wool vs Merino Wool
Standard wool bedding, made from wool with fibers ranging from 25 to 40 microns, is known for its durability and excellent insulating properties. While it may not be as soft as Merino wool, standard wool still offers significant benefits, such as retaining warmth even when damp and providing long-lasting resilience. This type of bedding is well-suited for colder climates and heavy-duty use, offering a cozy and warm sleeping environment. Although it might be coarser than Merino wool, the natural crimp and elasticity of wool fibers make standard wool bedding robust and capable of maintaining its loft and structure over time. Standard wool provides a reliable and cost-effective solution for those looking for a durable and warm bedding option while still delivering many of wool's inherent advantages.
>>> Best wool bedding product? Look for St Dormeir mattress protector. <<<
Merino wool bedding stands out for its exceptional softness and comfort, thanks to the fine fibers of the Merino breed of sheep. These fibers typically range from 15 to 24 microns in diameter. Merino wool is renowned for its superior moisture-wicking and breathability, which helps regulate body temperature and keeps sleepers dry and comfortable throughout the night. These qualities make Merino wool bedding a perfect choice for those who experience night sweats or need bedding that adapts well to varying temperatures. The hypoallergenic nature and luxurious feel of Merino wool further enhance its appeal, making it a premium option for those seeking the utmost comfort in their bedding.
PIATRA COLLECTION: MERINO WOOL QUALITY
In the Piatra Collection, we prevent wool migration by using long staple multilayered wool covered with fiber-proof cotton. This combination enhances insulation, airflow, and moisture-wicking properties, reducing perspiration and ensuring comfort in all weather conditions. Our wool filling is made from high-quality long fibers, and by finely tuning the carding machine, we achieve a filling with minimal neps and plant impurities which can increase stiffness and weight. We are happy to offer you a duvet that provides maximum thermal comfort, being more efficient, softer, and lighter than many competitors.
FAQ
We have recollected frequently asked questions regarding wool, and we are happy to share them in this quick 4-minute video.
We hope you fall in love with wool, just like we do. To learn more about how to care for your wool bedding we suggest to continue reading here. See you there!
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