October marks National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This nationwide effort funds research and treatment; increases screening for early detection; and offers hope to breast cancer survivors.
Showing Support to Breast Cancer Survivors
An estimated 1 out of every 8 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetimes. It is likely we all know someone touched by the disease. A friend, a loved one, maybe even ourselves. 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 the gift of 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
A Silk Pillowcase Offers 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.
A Silk Pillowcase is Easy to Care For
With everything they're handling, the last thing a breast cancer survivor needs is to worry about having to take special care of their silk pillowcase. The good news is that Mulberry Park Silks pillowcases--and sheets, too--can easily be washed by machine at home. Follow these simple guidelines for easy care:
- Wash silk separately in a silk-only load.
- Turn pillowcases inside out and place them in a fine mesh laundry bag to protect them from damage.
- Use a mild detergent specially formulated for silk. We recommend Heritage Park Silk and Wool Laundry Detergent, which will clean and care for silk without damaging delicate fabric.
- Hang your silk to dry indoors or outside away from direct sunlight.
- No need to iron your silk pillowcase. Smooth it out when you put it on the pillow and the wrinkles will release in a day or two.
For more information on how to launder silk pillowcases and bedding, click here. As always, The Fine Linen and Bath is available to answer any questions and offer personalized recommendations.
Fine Linen and Bath: 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. When you need answers, consultation, or help to narrow your choices, our team of expert design consultants is here to assist. We offer individualized recommendations, personal consultation, and even complimentary 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!
