If you are considering using silk pillows, then you must be very beauty conscious.

Isn't it outrageous to think that something that feels rough, dusty, sticky and stuffy?

From a cosmetic point of view, silk materials offer excellent performance. But at the same time, if you do not understand the disadvantages, you will regret your purchase. So today, I'm going to introduce the characteristics of silk pillow and pillowcases, the treatment method to keep the luster for a long time, and how to choose the most suitable for you.

1.Characteristics of silk pillowcases

Since the discovery of this manufacturing method in China thousands of years ago, silk has fascinated the world and opened up a path for it (Silk Road). It has a special feel and properties not found in other fibers.

Benefits of beauty and good sleep

Silk fabrics woven from cocoon silk only one-twentieth as thin as a hair have excellent benefits in terms of beauty and good sleep.

Helps you to have beautiful skin and hair

Please try to imagine. When you sleep on your side, your cheeks and the rest of your face are in contact with the pillowcase all night, while when you sleep on your back, your hair stays between the pillowcase and your head all night. Also, turning your head slightly will cause your face and hair to rub against the pillowcase. This is a heavy burden on the skin and hair.

However, if the pillowcase is made of silk, the fibers are very smooth and soft, which can greatly reduce friction. In addition, silk is made up of 18 amino acids (proteins) that are almost identical to human skin and hair, which is another reason why it is gentle on the skin and hair.

Highly moisturizing, dust is not easy to accumulate

Have you ever felt that your pillowcase is dirty and unhygienic?

Pillowcases made from synthetic fibers such as polyester are prone to static electricity and tend to absorb dust. For people with sensitive skin and respiratory organs, this is a cause for concern. Because silk fibers are highly moisturizing, they have properties that make them less prone to static electricity. As a result, dust is less likely to collect near the pillow, creating a more hygienic sleeping environment than synthetic pillowcases.

Excellent sweat absorption and less stuffiness

Look at the cross section of the silk fiber (cocoon thread), it is not round, but oval/triangular. When spun, there are gaps between the fibers. Due to this structure, silk fibers have excellent moisture absorption and desorption properties.

Humans emit steam called vaporization heat (sweat) from their bodies to lower their body temperature when they sleep. Silk fibers absorb this vapor quickly, so you can feel cooler without being stuffy. On the other hand, in winter, there is some warmth because this gap is used to collect heat. Chemical fibers such as polyester barely absorb sweat and can create a sticky and stuffy feeling. 

２.Disadvantages of silk material

It is a great silk material for beauty and good sleep, but it is certainly not a panacea and has its drawbacks. It is an element that needs to be accurately understood for proper care.

Sensitive to friction when wet, silk is said to be as strong as iron wire of the same thickness, but rubs easily when wet. Therefore, if it is easily washed in a washing machine, the fibers will be torn off and the beautiful luster will be destroyed.

Easily discolored

Because of its protein fibers, it is as susceptible to sunlight as human skin. When exposed to UV rays, the amino acids that make up silk are destroyed, leading to discoloration. Therefore, if exposed to the sun during the day or washed and dried in the sun, it will lose its luster dyeing.

Easily damaged by insects

Since it is a protein fiber, it will make good food for insects if not stored properly. I don't think this is a big disadvantage for people who use their own pillowcases all year round, but if you want to make your own silk pillowcases, please read the storage instructions carefully.

Moisture-sensitive and stain-prone

If you are prone to night sweats, you can easily get stains. It is a pillowcase, so it is not visible to others, so it depends on how well you can tolerate it. Once a stain is formed, even a professional cleaner will have a hard time removing the stain, so if you have a lot of night sweats and can't stand the stain, we don't recommend using a silk pillowcase.

３.Professional care and selection

The recommended silk composition and quality will vary depending on how well you care for it. For those who are not confident in their diligent care, using something that is not 100% silk may be a wise choice.

How to care for silk pillowcases

It takes time, but if you consider the disadvantages of the silk material while washing and storing, you can enjoy the lustrous texture and comfortable feel for longer. Let's see if you can do it.

Washing method

Let's wash your hands without using a washing machine. Wash and dry gently in the following three steps.

Step 1: Pressure wash with warm water at about 30°C

Warm water removes dirt such as sweat and sebum more easily than cold water. Also, silk rubs easily, so instead of rubbing it, push it to wash. Use a neutral detergent as a cleaning agent.

Step 2: Wet it gently

You need to squeeze it to drain the water, but do not rub the fibers. Let's push it to drain the water slightly. You do not have to drain it well. (Reasons for this will be discussed later)

Step 3: Shade dry

Be sure to hang it in the shade, as it is sensitive to sunlight.

Storage Method

Allow it to dry properly before storing it in a well-ventilated environment. If you store it in a closet or chest of drawers, wrap it in a non-woven fabric or put it in a cardboard box to avoid rubbing against other items.

How to choose the right pillowcase for you？

If you are confident that you can wash and store them perfectly, then you should use a 100% silk pillowcase.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are silk pillows expensive?

Silk is a natural fiber that is more expensive than synthetic fabrics such as satin and polyester. Don't settle for anything less than a pillowcase made entirely of natural silk. We founded THXSILK with a simple goal in mind: to create the highest quality silk items on the market at an affordable price. And we've done it with a complete line of silk products made from 100 percent pure mulberry long strand silk fabric. The silk fabric used for our sheets and pillowcases is also OEKO-TEX® Certified (Standard 100) to be chemical-free.

Do silk pillows actually work?

Experts have proven that silk pillowcases are the most beneficial for hair because silk helps hair retain moisture from products and natural oils, and reduces friction that can lead to tangles and breakage.

Which pillow is best for travel?

A silk neck pillow that will be a reliable ally during long trips. Have you ever used it? It is the item that relieves the burden on the neck and supports naps and relaxation time. The burden of travel is completely different with or without it, so it is the item you definitely want to accompany you on your trip.