British wool bedding duvet

Natural vs Manmade Fibres: Bedding

Your sleep experience and wellbeing are inextricably linked.

Sleep allows your body to process information, regulate emotion, relax and destress. It affects your day-to-day functioning.  

A good quality sleep rejuvenates and recovers. But after one that’s restless and uncomfortable, tiredness and exhaustion can negatively impact your mental health. 

That’s where bedding comes in: cosy and soothing, refreshing and calming. When it comes down to materials, natural or manmade fibres offer different sleep experiences.



Natural and Manmade Fibres

We’ve explored the science behind these fibres, now we discover their influence on your wellbeing. 

Natural fibres are derived from plants, animals, and minerals. Naturally occurring and renewable, these fibres are biodegradable and boast many benefits. Animal-based fibres are mainly by-products: wool, silk, and angora. Plant-based fibres are obtained from seeds, stems, leaves, and husks: cotton, flax, and hemp.

In contrast, manmade fibres are synthetics extracted from petrochemicals. With heat and chemicals applied, polymers are refined into thin fibres and woven together. Some semi-synthetics originate from plants, such as bamboo and viscose (wood pulp). But they’re subjected to the same environmentally damaging chemical processes as polyester, acrylic and polyurethane.

Consider Your Wellbeing

What do you want from your bedding? 

Allergens and comfort are consumers’ biggest concerns. 

Mattresses provide pressure relief and back support; the right pillow should offer the same. A supportive pillow can improve spinal alignment, the ideal firmness dependent on your sleeping position. This prevents neck pain and shoulder stiffness. 

Whether a light or heavy sleeper, bedding should be smooth and comforting. Well-fitting breathable sheets stop you overheating, while a sumptuous duvet can cocoon you in softness.

Sensitivity

For those with sensitive skin, skip the synthetics. 

Manmade fibres lack breathability, trapping air and trapping moisture. The density of materials like polyurethane, used for memory foam, retains moisture, leading to overheating and perspiration which causes irritation and itching. Often linked to dermatitis, synthetics can increase the likelihood of flare ups for skin conditions like eczema. 

Breathability is one of natural fibres biggest boasts. Their air pockets wick away moisture to regulate your body temperature, no matter the time of year. Cotton and silk are particularly soothing, their smoothness light and soft on the skin. Silk’s lack of friction is also good for hair health, combating breakage and tangling.

Dyes

Skin is the body’s largest organ. Its pores allow bacteria to be released, but also to be absorbed. 

When manmade fibres are produced, they’re neutral tones, dyed with chemicals for vivid, eye-catching colours. Already produced with chemicals, more are absorbed by your skin. 

One of the most common synthetic chemicals is Azo, popular thanks to its low production costs. Due to its high content of heavy metals, such as iron, copper, and chrome, Azo is a carcinogen and can cause DNA mutations leading to cancer. Other side effects include headaches, nausea and insomnia, impacting the quality of your sleep.  

Not all natural fibres are made equal either. If they are dyed, look out for safer alternatives. Digital printing, vegetable dyes and OEKO-TEX-certified dyes are free from harmful chemicals which won’t impact your health in the long term.

Hygiene

Synthetics’ impermeable surface is anti-mould and protects against water damage. However, this creates that well-known static quality, one that attracts dirt deep into the fibres of your bedding. 

Inherently hypoallergenic, natural fibres possess antibacterial and odour-resistant qualities. Air your wool bedding outside; it’ll be plump and refreshed as if you’d already washed it. 

Cleaning your bedding regularly is an undeniable route to a rejuvenating sleep. Sometimes it may seem natural fibres are too much hassle. Too cool and stains remain, too hot and you risk shrinking or felting your fabric. Synthetics are fast-drying and rarely need ironing. But, what about microfibres? 

When manmade fibres are washed, they shed microplastic. Microplastics that have been found in our waterways, our food and even our bloodstreams. These minute fibres could be impacting our health without us realising.

Our Bedding

Wrought Iron and Brass Bed Co.’s bedding collection is crafted from 100% natural fibres. Showcasing the abilities of wool, expect a serene and uninterrupted slumber. 

Traceability and tranquillity go hand in hand with our Sandringham Wool Collection. Each duvet and mattress protector are enriched with British wool

exclusively from the Sandringham Estate’s Aberfield flock. Raised on organic pastures, the sheep’s fleece is strong, sumptuous, and sustainable.

Encased in an organic cotton cover, our duvets are available in light, medium and warm. They’re ideal for warm and cool sleepers and everyone in between. Our duvets will envelop your night’s sleep in cosiness and comfort. 

Extend the life of your duvet (and the quality of your sleep) with a wool mattress protector. Breaking from conventionality, our protectors’ open sides promote ventilation for further freshness and breathability.

Our Tips to Improve Your Sleep

  • A sanctuary for sleep: avoid associating your bed with work or watching television and preserve it for sleeping. 
  • Love lavender: to soothe and create a relaxing bedtime retreat, spread the scent of lavender beforehand. You can’t go wrong with a pillow spray or candle.
  • Flip and rotate: turning your mattress maintains its shape and evens out wear for longer support and lasting comfort.
  • White is right: white and beige are shades proven to have a calming effect. Not only that, they’re natural. No dyes necessary.
  • Layer up: upgrade your bedtime retreat and top your mattress with a comfort enhancer. Cradling and cushioning to take your mattress to new heights.

There’s nothing as inviting as luxurious and fresh bedding to entice you to sleep. 

It all comes down to personal preference. While manmade fibres are easily accessible and more affordable, don’t forget the benefits of natural materials, their impact on your sleep and the positives for your wellbeing.