The smooth texture of silk bedding is healthier and more comfortable than synthetic or feather covers. Many products assert healthy to your skin and hair, but it is difficult to distinguish between appalling and high-quality. Silk is a natural product, and as it does not absorb your body moisture, your body responds to it better, keeping the skin and hair hydrated and silky. Silk is more comfortable to skin and accord to what you want after a hard day, a deep, unperturbed sleep. 

90% of world silk production is mulberry silk

Natural silk originates from silkworm cocoons. Silkworms squirt a single strand from their silk gland to weave the cocoon. While boiling or sweltering, the strand gets separated from the cocoon, subsequently weaved to produce the textile. Though there are numerous genera of silk, 90% of world silk production is mulberry silk originated from Bombyx mori (mulberry silkworm). Some biologists suggest the natural silk has antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties to preserve the pupae enclosed inside the cocoon. But according to an article, the inherent antibacterial property is due to the residual chemical in the cocoon. Research proved isolated silk strands have no resistance to Escherichia coli bacteria. 

Antimicrobial properties

Further studies conduct in 2016 illustrate genetically modified silkworms have antimicrobial properties and can soak up moisture from the environment, and when mixed with silver nanoparticles, it becomes resistant to microbes. Certain characteristic of silk gives it an edge over other fabrics. Silk with natural luster is frivolous yet strong. Silk has low heat conduction properties, keeping you warm in winter and cool in the scorching heat. The fabric drape well with low static cling. As the fabric is breathable, it helps the body to maintain optimal temperature. When you sleep at a cozy temperature, a hale and hearty sleep cycle is sustained, which is useful for comprehensive health and cognitive function.  

Natural amino acid

Silk is a soft, breathable natural fiber that drapes well, making it optimal for bed sheets. Moreover, its anti-repellent character to moths and dust mites makes it a perfect option for people suffering from asthma and allergies. Silk is also mold and mildew resistant making it naturally hypoallergenic, so people with acute skin problems like eczema or sensitive skin problem can use silk sheets full without aggregating the skin issue. The natural occurrence of amino acid in silk facilitates your skin to reabsorb the moisture keeping it hydrated. Body moisture is lost due to exposure to sunlight and other activities, which can be rejuvenated in sleeping in silk bedding all through the night. 

Helpful for contact and atopic dermatitis

A clinical trial was performed on forty individuals with acne to measure the effect of pillowcases crafted from either cotton or silk with antimicrobial properties. After twelve weeks, it was witnessed the silk pillow cover is more beneficial to reduce acne abrasion than cotton ones. As silk sheets are made of natural fiber, they may help people with skin issues such as contact dermatitis and atopic dermatitis (eczema). Ilk bedding and hospital gown are more beneficial than cotton ones for people with pressure ulcer as it reduces rubbing and absorbing moisture.

Warm and light

As silk is breathable, it soaks moisture at night, leaving you cool and dry; this feature is more favorable for people with hot flush and night sweat. On chilly winter nights, you can curdle under silk sheets without being weight down by bulky blankets. Silk duvets feel like a feather touch, and it is incredible the light fabric can be so warm. You may feel you are sleeping under a feathery cloud; even in a shivering winter, it keeps you warm and snuggly. Silk duvets are also economical as it lasts for fifteen to twenty years if they are crafted from high-quality mulberry silk. The long strands of mulberry silk have a natural propensity to weave together, making it durable and giving you a hugging effect.    

Expensive is a relative term, but luxurious premium-quality silk bed sheets and duvets are dearer to other fabrics such as acrylic and cotton. Other products appear like silk at a lower price, but they are not genuine silk, a mixture of silk and polyester deceitfully tagged as silk or satin. These fabrics are manufactured, not natural. When it comes to genuine silk, you get the fullest worth of the money. 

Feature Photo by Stephen Leonardi on Unsplash