Description of silkworm pillow
A properly selected pillow is one of the main factors for a sound and quality sleep. Silk models are considered extremely comfortable, providing complete rest.
What is a silkworm
Silk is a lightweight and extremely durable natural material obtained from the cocoons of large domesticated butterflies - silkworms. Silk threads are hypoallergenic and resistant to external factors, including damage by mites, which is achieved due to the content of sericin. The fiber contains proteins containing 18 amino acids that have a beneficial effect on human well-being.
How it is used for pillows
Silk fiber is extracted by two methods that affect the characteristics of the material:
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Tussa. This type of raw material is extracted from silkworm cocoons that live in the natural environment. Insects feed freely on the foliage of plants, which leads to the formation of scarlet threads. After collection, they undergo chemical bleaching, which negatively affects the structure of the material, leading to a decrease in strength and elasticity.
Note! In this variety, pathogenic microorganisms often multiply.
After a while, the threads in Tussa begin to spread, which is associated with the activity of wild-living silkworms, gnawing their way. Products made from this material are inexpensive, but of the lowest quality, have a short service life and low wear resistance.
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Mulberry. It is a higher quality variety obtained from silkworm cocoons raised in captivity. Their diet consists exclusively of mulberry leaves, which allows them to harvest white cocoons that are hand-picked. Mulberry silk threads are distinguished by their high strength, twisted shape and considerable lengths up to 600 m.
The threads do not require chemical intervention and additional treatments that adversely affect the material. They can be easily and quickly untangled from the cocoon and firmly connected to each other. Mulberry is divided into three categories - A, B and C. Products made of class A material are the most durable, expensive and durable.
Note! Pillows made from raw materials of category A are distinguished by first-class thermal characteristics, large volume, pleasant tactile contact and a long period of operation without loss of properties.
After collecting the cocoons, they are soaked in hot water, then unfold and cleaned of caterpillars. The silk thread is washed, blanks are formed and dried from it. Finished products have a hole with a lock, allowing the buyer to examine the filler, evaluating its quality.
Pillows made of microfibre fibers are often on sale. It is a man-made material made from elastane and polyester. It is of good quality, but less strong and durable compared to natural silk.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Silkworm Pillows
The following advantages of silk pillows can be highlighted:
- environmental friendliness and hypoallergenicity;
- bactericidal properties that prevent the reproduction of bed mites, mold and fungi;
- no deformation due to external influences and long retention of shape;
- beneficial effect on the condition of the skin of the face with regular contact, associated with the content of fibrion protein in silk;
- high-quality thermoregulation, which makes the surface cool in hot weather and warm in cold weather;
- hygiene, provided by good moisture and air permeability;
- antistatic properties;
- sleep comfort achieved by relaxing the neck muscles.
Note! Contact with a silk pillow has a beneficial effect on the condition of the hair. After sleep, the curls do not get tangled, have a healthy look, do not break or split.
A number of disadvantages can also be distinguished:
- high price;
- formation of yellow spots due to moisture getting inside the pillow and accumulating there.
Is it possible to wash such a pillow
According to the manufacturer's recommendations, wash your silk pillow as little as possible. This is due to the way the filling is formed: the fibers are formed into a lush layer, while the interweaving of the threads remains natural, is not quilted or fixed. With frequent washing, the fiber structure is disturbed, which leads to the formation of lumps. And because of this, the product becomes unsuitable for subsequent service.
Note! A number of models contain labels that indicate a strict prohibition against machine washing. They should be dry cleaned. As a rule, these are products made entirely of silk.
How to wash properly
Household washing can be done provided that the filler contains 30% silk. This process looks like this:
- Place the pillow in a laundry bag or a clean pillowcase. In the second case, the material should be snow-white, natural and without patterns.
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Add liquid detergent to the main compartment of the machine. It is impossible to use powders, as they are poorly washed out and can harm the structure of the fibers. White silk can be washed in a mild borax solution.
Important! The use of bleaches is strictly prohibited.
- Select the function "silk", if not - "delicate mode".
- Disable spinning to prevent damage to the product.
- Remove the pillow from the drum immediately after washing. If you do not get it in a timely manner, then the fiber, dries, will adjust to the shape of the drum.
- Leave the product to drip off. Hand spinning is prohibited.
- Wrap the pillow with a towel or roll it up.
There is no need to wait until the pillow is completely dry. The best solution is to dry the damp cloth using a medium heat iron.
Note! If the product has dried on its own, then it should not be irrigated with water, as this will lead to the appearance of yellowish stains on the surface.
It is important to find the optimal temperature for your wash. The permissible value is indicated on the pillow tag and most often does not exceed + 40 ° C. If the pillow begins to fade, then this indicates the poor quality of the product. In such a situation, the maximum water temperature should be + 30 ° C.
Note! High hardness water has a negative effect on the filler and cover. You can add a little baking soda to soften it.
How much is such a pillow
The average cost of silk pillows ranges from 2,400 to 15,000 rubles. A product measuring 50x70 cm can be purchased for 2600-14000 rubles, and 70x70 cm - for 2950-14800 rubles.You can also find unique models, the cost of which is about 25,000 rubles.
Best silkworm pillow manufacturers
Ivshveystandard
This is a popular Russian manufacturer that uses 100% silk fiber as a filler. The covers are made of satin.
The company's products are distinguished by their visual appeal, high quality and unique properties, which makes them extremely popular in Russia. The pillows are resilient, durable and quickly regain their original shape after use.
Direct feeding technology is used in production at the company's factories. This is a unique method available to a limited number of Russian factories. The technology consists in direct fiber feeding, which goes through a full cycle, from pre-carding and carding to the formation of eight extremely thin layers. The result is an even and airy canvas. At the same time, thanks to the precise adjustment of the mechanism, the rejection rate is minimal and amounts to about 0.2% for 900 thousand pillows.
OnSilk
This is a Chinese brand that uses elite Mulberry silk as a filler in an amount of 30 to 100%. The auxiliary material is Tussa silk or polyester. The covers are made of 100% silk, jacquard satin or cotton. The company's pillows adapt well to the individual anatomical features of a person, they are lightweight and soft.
In the production of the latest lines of silk products, the company uses the innovative Silk NanoPS fiber, which is a natural mulberry fiber created using nano-technologies. Nano-processing is safe and environmentally friendly, retains all the beneficial qualities of silk and adds strength and resistance to detergents to the fiber. By slowing down the breakdown of vegetable wax and protein molecules during active use and washing, Silk NanoPS products have an increased durability and can be machine washed.
Aonasi
The pillows of this Chinese brand are made exclusively from 100% Mulberry silk, which makes these products elite and luxurious. The products easily take the required anatomical shape during use, and their elasticity remains for 7 years, even under the condition of repeated washing and cleaning.
The filling of the company's products consists of 16 layers of silk, which ensures high softness. The anatomical effect is achieved due to orthopedic inserts that increase the comfort of use and provide high-quality relaxation of the neck muscles.
Choosing a pillow with silk filling means providing yourself with a comfortable and quality sleep. It is durable and airy at the same time, which with proper care will last a long time.
Video: a review of a pillow with silk filling
