October Spotlight: Silk Pillowcases Provide Care and Comfort for Breast Cancer Patients

For more than three decades, October has marked National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a nationwide effort to fund research and treatment; increase screening and early detection; and offer hope and support to breast cancer survivors. All of us know someone -- a friend, family member, or even ourselves -- touched by a diagnosis of breast cancer.

At Fine Linen and Bath, we realize that supporting a loved one through a breast cancer diagnosis can be challenging. Sometimes it's hard to know how best to help, particularly during the physical and emotional ordeal of treatment and recovery. This is a time when even small comforts -- like a pure silk pillowcase -- can make a big difference.

Silk is Recommended for Cancer Patients

It is well known that silk is prized for its beauty and softness. A pure mulberry silk pillowcase is a delight to sleep on because it feels gentle on the skin. Many of the nation's top cancer hospitals even recommend that their patients sleep on a silk pillowcase for the unique benefits it offers during chemotherapy treatment. Chemo damages the hair follicle, which causes hair; this is known as chemotherapy-induced alopecia. When the promising sign of hair regrowth begins, the new hair strands are fragile, delicate, and prone to break. The goal of sleeping on silk is to create a gentle environment that fosters hair regrowth and prevents hair breakage.

Pure Silk Minimizes Damage to Hair and Scalp

At Fine Linen and Bath, we sell luxury linen from the finest manufacturers on Earth, much of which is made from high-quality cotton. When it comes to hair loss, however, we enthusiastically recommend silk pillowcases, specifically those crafted by our partner company, Mulberry Park Silks. Silk's unique properties make it ideal for delicate hair fibers weakened by chemotherapy. Silk is smooth, soft, and friction free and won't catch or stress delicate hair fibers; they simply glide across the fabric surface and are less prone to breakage. Silk is also gentle on newly regrown hair, while helping it retain essential moisture for continued growth. In fact, silk fibers are protein-based, and have a similar structure to human hair, containing 97% amino acids and 3% waxy fat fibers. The smooth, detangling properties of silk make it a good choice for any patient experiencing chemo-related hair loss due to breast or any other cancer treatment.

Mulberry Park Silks Pillowcases are Non-Toxic and Safe

One of the biggest concerns when it comes to purchasing any bed linen is product safety, particularly for a cancer patient whose immune system may be compromised. Along with being naturally hypoallergenic and resistant to mold, dust, and mites, Mulberry Park Silks pillowcases, sheets, and accessories have been certified Oeko-Tex® Standard 100. This is a global testing and accreditation program that sets standards for the screening of chemicals and harmful substances in fabrics and other consumer textiles. Textiles can only be certified if all components meet the rigorous test criteria submitted from raw materials through finished products. Every silk item sold by Mulberry Park Silks has been independently tested and certified to be safe and free from toxins and harmful chemicals, which allows us to recommend the brand without reservation to anyone navigating treatment.

22 Momme Silk Sheets in Rose Quartz

Silk Provides Comfort During A Difficult Time

Over the years, our colleagues at Mulberry Park Silks have been blessed to meet many cancer survivors, including their family and friends. They have heard their heartfelt stories of hope and have been inspired by the ways their silk pillowcases and other products provided comfort during a very difficult time. The review below is from one of their customers, Dennis, who explains very well the health benefits of silk for a loved one who was undergoing treatment for cancer.

As you can imagine, receiving this kind feedback was enormously gratifying to the Mulberry Park Silks Team. They were pleased to hear that in some small way they were able to make someone's life a bit more comfortable as they navigate through their journey of healing.

Other Health and Wellness Benefits to Sleeping on Silk

Along with being gentle on hair in all stages of the loss and regrowth process, and completely free of chemicals and toxins, a silk pillowcase from Mulberry Park Silks delivers many other wonderful benefits:

• Helps hair and skin retain moisture
• Gentle on sensitive skin
• Minimizes sleep wrinkles
• Naturally hypoallergenic and non-irritating
• Temperature regulating in all conditions
• OEKO-TEX® Certified (Standard 100) to be free of chemicals
• Easy to care for, machine washable
• Generous envelope closure is comfortable (no zipper!)
• Competitively priced to be affordable

Sleeping on a silk pillowcase can be an essential part of your loved one's self-care routine, both during and after treatment. You can browse the pillowcase collection here along with our stylish selection of pure silk charmeuse headscarves.

As always, we are available to answer any questions and offer personalized recommendations.

An in-store shopping experience delivered to you online

At Fine Linen and Bath, our mission is to deliver a concierge luxury linen shopping experience with online convenience. We invite you to browse our website to access an expansive collection of bedding, bath, table linens and accessories from the world's premier brands. When you need answers, consultation, or help narrowing your choices, our team of expert design consultants is here to assist you. We offer individualized recommendations, personal consultation, and even complementary swatch samples for your review. We'll help you make the right buying decisions for your style, budget and design goals.

Please connect with us online or -- even better -- give us a call at (866) 352-4522. We would love to get to know you!