We are big fans of wool. And it seems like the world has woken up to the benefits as well, since we’re seeing it being used now in a variety of applications- from socks, to shoes, to pillows. In this post we’re going through 12 reasons why we think it’s the best material for pillows, highlighting some of the properties of wool that make it useful and other applications as well.
1. It’s Naturally Hypoallergenic
For individuals with allergies or sensitive skin, wool pillows are a great choice. Unlike some other pillow alternatives Wool is naturally hypoallergenic. It resists allergens such as dust mites, mold, and mildew. Part of the reason for that is because wool is temperature regulating and moisture resistant. It can absorb up to 30% of its weight before it feels damp. Thus, it creates an inhospitable environment for these common allergens, helping you achieve a more restful and allergy-free sleep.
2. No Added Chemicals
Unlike some synthetic pillow materials, wool does not require chemical treatments to enhance its properties. No nasty flame retardant, no nasty chemicals to make it smell good, no off gassing, etc. With wool pillows, you can sleep soundly knowing that you're not exposing yourself to harmful chemicals. And if you’re going to be on something for 8 hours a night, you should make sure it’s safe.
3. It’s Durable
Wool is a highly durable material that can withstand daily use for years. Wool fibers have a natural elasticity that allows them to bounce back to their original shape, even after being compressed. This resilience ensures that your wool pillow maintains its loft and supportiveness over time. Also because of the properties mentioned above, wool pillows don’t need to be replaced as quickly over time.
4. It’s Comfortable
Wool pillows offer exceptional comfort. The fibers are soft, yet supportive, providing a luxurious feel that cradles your head and neck. You can also adjust how much wool you have in your pillow depending on how much loft you want. If you need more support, it’s easy to just increase the wool density.
5. It is Biodegradable
Concerned about the environmental impact of your choices? Wool is a biodegradable material, which means it will naturally decompose over time. When it's time to replace your wool pillow, you can rest easy knowing that it won't contribute to landfill waste. Unlike memory foam, which is derived from chemicals used in plastic, and can sit in landfills for… decades? Centuries? As a note here, it’s also important to think about what sort of pillow cover you are using and make sure that’s also a natural, biodegradable material.
6. Temperature Regulating
Wool fibers have the remarkable ability to regulate temperature. They can wick away moisture from your body, keeping you cool during humid / summer nights. At the same time, wool retains heat when it's cold, providing warmth and coziness. It’s almost like magic. This temperature-regulating property helps you sleep regardless of the season. This is also one of the reasons why high performance sports gear is made out of wool, it allows athletes to regulate in a variety of conditions.
7. It Helps The Sheep
Choosing wool pillows supports ethical and sustainable practices in the farming industry. Sheep are not harmed during the shearing process, and wool is a renewable resource. Also, what a lot of people don’t know is that most sheep need to be sheared otherwise they can suffer from all sorts of nasty conditions. By opting for wool pillows, you contribute to the welfare of sheep and promote responsible farming practices. This isn’t always the case with down, which in it’s production, can sometimes lead to killing the geese from which the down is plucked.
8. Naturally Flame Retardant
Wool is naturally flame retardant, making it a safer option compared to synthetic materials. It has a higher ignition threshold and does not melt or drip like synthetic fibers. This fire-resistant property adds an extra layer of safety to your bedroom environment. And while there is a small probability that there will be a fire in your room, the real benefit here is that with wool pillows there aren't any flame retardants added, like there are with synthetics.
9. It Doesn’t Trap Moisture
Wool fibers have a unique structure that allows them to absorb and release moisture vapor. This means that wool pillows remain dry and breathable, preventing the buildup of moisture, sweat, and unpleasant odors. Further, dust mites will have a hard time finding a home in wool pillows because of this. Especially if you live in a hot and / or humid environment wool makes a lot of sense for a pillow choice.
10. It Symbolizes What's Real
Wool is a natural and authentic material. It isn’t artificially made. In a world with so much cheap, synthetic material wool symbolizes tradition. Our ancestors slept on wool and it’s been used for hundreds if not thousands of years. Further, it represents a connection to nature, and to us that means something.
11. It's Produced At A Small Scale
By the very nature of what it is, wool pillows are produced at a small scale. The first step is buying wool from sheppards then running the wool through a carding mill. Unlike pillows made from chemicals wool isn’t as easy to produce at scale and in factors. To us that represents a win, because it means a focus on quality and working with the rhythms of nature (sheep). We source our wool from Montana then produce the pillows in Idaho.
12. It Smells Good
Wool has a natural lanolin coating that gives it a pleasant and distinct smell. This natural scent adds a touch of comfort and familiarity to your sleep environment, helping you relax and unwind after a long day. As an interesting fact lanolin is used in a variety of oils for topical use.
There are more reasons than the ones above for why wool is the best material for pillows, but this list is a good start. If you want to read more about how we manufacture wool pillows check out our post here.
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