Some Interesting Points About Wool

Wool really is a special fibre. It is one of the oldest and most functional textile fibres known to man, having survived the test of time.

Wool surely is the "wonder fibre"  Today, there are many fibres, but as yet, science has been unable to produce another fibre having all of the properties of wool.

• Sheepskin is natural: because sheepskin is a natural product and not man made, there will be certain differences in texture and density as well as fibre content. What that means is that each and every skin will not be exactly the same.

• Wool absorbs moisture: Although the scaly surface tends to repel liquids, the fibre core is highly absorbent, taking in as much as 30% of its weight in moisture without feeling wet. Synthetics, in contrast, hold as little as 2%. By drawing moisture away from the skin, wool prevents clamminess in summer and helps to hold in heat during winter. In cold weather even a little moisture will chill the skin, quickly reducing body temperature. In the heat it will help to reduce sweating keeping you dry and comfortable.

• Wool is a natural insulator: warm in winter and cooling in summer. trapping air within and between its fibres, wool insulation is enhanced by the crimp or wave of the fibre. Crimp ensures the fibres stand apart from each other, ensuring still air is trapped between them. This layer of trapped air is an excellent insulator, still air being one of the best insulators found in Nature. Sitting or lying on sheepskin insulates the user from the underlying surface. This means that the body is kept at an even temperature and the user feels more comfortable.
• Fire resistant: Wool products are naturally fire resistant and Internationally approved by world heath care experts.

• Wool is resilient, reducing pressure points: With each fibre acting like a small spring. Wool is a strong fiber, it can bend back on itself 20,000 times without breaking. Maximum pressure reduction has been found when the pile is clipped to around 25-30mm. It also is free of piling and felted wool. The secret lies in the structure of its fibres, unlike other fibres, wool fibres are composed of a central protein core covered with tiny scales, making them look like pine cones.

• Wool is fire resistant: it is naturally safe and does not have to be treated to become inflammable. While it can catch alight, it will not flare up nor support a flame. Once a flame is removed, a cold ash is left. This can be brushed away immediately. Wool does not melt when burned, and so cannot stick to the skin and cause serious burns. Because of these properties, wool fire blankets are effective in smothering a flame. Wool fibres contain about 15% moisture in every fiber allowing them to resist flame without any additional chemical treatment.  The wool will just char and self extinguish; giving off little heat.

• Wool is non-allergenic: Hypoallergenic products are those that produce much less allergic reactions than most products. Consumers with hypersensitive skin, and even those with "normal" skin will find that such products will be gentler on them, thus eliminating any fear of rash or reaction. Wool is considered among the medical profession as hypoallergenic. Any suspected allergic reaction to wool may be caused by dust mites that could be living in the wool.

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