Wool Mattress Cover & Sweating

Moisture Wicking

• Wool is a natural fiber that comes from sheep. Even after processing, it functions in much the same way in a mattress cover and other products as it does in a sheep's coat. Each fiber is capable of pulling 30% of its weight in moisture into its core. In comparison, synthetic materials absorb as little as 2% of their weight in moisture; cotton absorbs about 8%. A wool mattress pad brings a sleeper's sweat into its fibers' cores, resulting in dry-to-the-touch bedding. Dampness is locked away until it's released through evaporation.

Temperature Control

• Wool's moisture-wicking ability is the key to its ability to respond to and help regulate body temperature. "Wool is better than any other fiber at assisting the body's thermoregulation process-controlling body temperature by wicking, evaporating, absorbing and insulating so the body works at maximum efficiency.... (which) is called Optimum Body Temperature (OBT)," according to organicwoolduvet.com. When wool releases absorbed moisture through evaporation, it also releases heat. In the case of wool bedding, this property helps cool a warm body.

Insulation

• Seemingly contrary to wool's ability to cool, it also helps insulate. Wool mattress pads respond to a sleeper's body temperature, so on moderate to cold nights, it remains neutral or warms the body slightly by taking on and holding the sleeper's body temperature. If, in the middle of the night, the same sleeper begins to sweat, the wool fibers will react by pulling the moisture in and releasing it through evaporation. In this way, wool is a reactive natural thermostat.

Other Benefits

• Natural wool (untreated by chemicals in processing) is an inherently flame-resistant material. Its main component, a protein called keratin, coupled with moisture collected in the fibers make it more challenging to ignite. Upon catching fire, it burns steadily and slowly. Wool has been known to self-extinguish in some cases, as it doesn't feed flames. Since it's all-natural, it won't release toxic gases while burning. Another property that makes wool an ideal choice for mattress pads is that it's non-allergenic. It resists bacteria, mold, mildew and dust mites.

Cleaning

• Dry cleaning is recommended for wool mattress pads, simply to avoid shrinkage. However, they can also be hand-washed in cold water and line-dried. Heat (via hot water or the dryer) can mat the fibers together, reducing the fibers' loft and elasticity, and the pad's overall size.