Characteristics Of A Wool Mattress Pad
Wool is the best fabric for making a comfortable wool mattress pad. Wool is a fibrous protein produced from special skin cells called follicles. These special follicles are found on animals such as goats, alpaca, camels and rabbits. The wool of these specific animals is crimped and elastic. It also grows in clusters called staples, making it possible to shear their wool without harming the animal.
Characteristics of Wool
The amount of crimp determines the fineness of the wool fibers. Fine wool with 100 crimps per inch, such as Merino, is not coarse like karakul which is often rated at 1 to 2 crimps per inch. Crimp gives wool fabric its bulk which retains air, a natural insulation from adverse weather conditions such as heat or cold. The finer the wool is, the better its insulation quality is.
Wool fibers absorb moisture because they are hydrophilic, not hollow. Wool is capable of absorbing moisture up to nearly 33 percent of its own weight. It also absorbs sound better than other fabrics such as cotton or silk.
Wool has a higher ignition temperature than cotton and most synthetic fibers and has a slower flame spread. Wool emits less toxic gases and smoke, too, due to charring which insulates and extinguishes the process of combustion. Wool is an excellent choice for garments used by soldiers and firefighters and carpeting in enclosed compartments on trains, aircrafts, liners and hotels.
Wool is resistant to conducting static electricity. Wool garments are less likely to cling or spark, making it a great choice for automobile seat covers and carpets.
Wool Mattress Pads
The characteristics of wool make it an excellent choice for bedding, especially wool mattress pads.
Softness and support are important qualities of a mattress pad. The deep pile of virgin wool promotes complete relaxation of a body, letting the mind rest at ease into a deep and rejuvenating sleep. The naturally crimped fibers of wool have a natural resilience adding support without ruts or depressions. Body weight is distributed evenly, not creating any soreness or pressure to hips, shoulders or heels.
Wool acts like a natural thermostat due to its insulating and moisture wicking qualities. It is warm in the winter and cool in the summer, helping your body maintain a comfortable temperature promoting relaxation and slumber.
In the winter, the spaces between wool fibers allow warm air to circulate evenly throughout the body providing a consistent body temperature. No longer will your sleep be interrupted because your toes are cold, unless you poke them out of the covers intentionally.
In the summer, your body naturally promotes cooling off by turning down its body temperature. Water vapor then is emitted from the pores of your skin causing an accumulation of moisture. Tiny holes in the wool fibers are porous and permeable which allow the moisture on your body to be absorbed or wicked away from contact with your body. This keeps your body from feeling sticky or clammy, promoting total comfort from the natural fibers. Body heat also evaporates moisture which it releases and is wicked away from you. The mattress pad remains dry and cool to the touch providing a comfortable spot away from the summer heat.
About the Author
Laura Wheelock is the creator of Cool Wicking PJs, an online store specializing in moisture wicking products to relieve night sweats, hot flashes, and sweating at night. For more information on a wool mattress pad, which also wicks moisture, visit http://www.coolwickingpjs.com/snugfleecewoolmattresscover
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