Whether you are looking for the perfect pillowcase, the best bed sheets or the one in a million head wrap, the debate on silk and satin is bound to come up at one point or the other. These questions are not surprising, either. Satin and silk are two of the softest and most luxurious materials used for sheets and pillowcases. Before you settle for one over the other, you must understand their differences and which areas one is superior.
Silk is a lustrous natural protein fiber that is produced by silkworms. Satin, on the other hand, is a weave that is done from materials like rayon, cotton, silk, and polyester. Silk gets its shimmery look from its prism-like fibers that refract light. Satin is sheen because it is woven in four or more threads with each floating over the others thus has better refraction of light. For your hair, these two are great in preventing breakage. The main question is, which one is better and why?
The Differences between Silk and Satin
To know which one is better for your needs, you need to understand the differences between the two materials.
Comfort
When it comes to comfort, silk is a winner. It is extremely smooth and comfortable. Of all the materials used to make bed sheets, it is considered the most luxurious and comfortable. Its threads are flat, allowing your hands and feet to slide through without any problems.
Satin sheets are sexy. This fiber is shiny and sleek and thus looks extremely comfortable and welcoming. Its main disadvantage is that these sheets will be slippery and will catch skin. Therefore, they are only comfortable for special occasions and not as an everyday bed sheet.
Breathability
Silk sheets are made of 100% silkworm secretions. It is natural and organic like cotton or bamboo sheets. It is therefore breathable, unlike sheets made from synthetic materials. These are surprisingly breathable and will keep you warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
Satin, on the other hand, can be made from synthetic materials. Its breathability, therefore, depends on which materials have been used in making it. If it is woven from natural materials like cotton, silk, and Tencel, it will be breathable. However, when it is made from rayon and polyester, it will not. These human made fabrics have breathability issues and may make you too hot and uncomfortable. Therefore, the breathability of satin sheets mainly depends on the materials used to make them.
Durability
Satin is an extremely durable material because of the specific type of weaving. Satin is made from complex weaving that make it stronger and harder to tear. Silk, however, is fragile and thus not as durable. If it is not well cared for, it may not last for a long time without losing color or piling. They may also begin to thin out if not well maintained. The best part about silk is that it has antibacterial and hypoallergenic properties.
Care
Silk requires more delicate maintenance than satin. You have to wash it in cold water and dry it in warm, but not humid weather. These should never be machine-washed or dries in tumble dryers. Satin, however, is more manageable, although it should still be hand washed in cold water if it is woven from silk or bamboo. If they are made from synthetic materials, you can wash and dry them in your washing machine and dryer. Their ease of maintenance and cleaning makes satin a better choice. They are less demanding and allow for more flexibility, especially for homes where there is usually a huge load of laundry to be washed daily.
Price
Another issue that will lead you to one over the other is cost. For one sheet to be made from silk, thousands of silkworms are needed. Because of the time needed the silk to be made, these tend to be more expensive. They are more luxurious, so this also adds to the overall costs of the material. Satin, on the other hand, can be woven from poly-blends and other synthetic fabrics. It is, therefore, cheaper and faster to be manufactured. However, if you are looking for silk-woven satin sheets, then you will have to pay more.
Which Is Better For Hair As A Pillowcase?
As a woman, you are always looking for ways to preserve your hairstyle for as long as possible. Often, when you sleep, the fabrics on the pillowcase will rub on your hair, causing breakage and ruining your hairstyle. Salon experts suggest that silk is soft and hair will slide on it, thus keeping your blowout longer and preventing breakage. These types of materials also do not steal moisture from the hair. Thus, it remains smooth and silky without any split ends and frizz. You will get similar benefits from satin pillowcases that are made from natural materials. Synthetic ones will cause more friction and thus damage to the hair.
For healthier skin
If you are looking for a way to preserve moisture and keep wrinkles away, you have to sleep on the right sheets. Dermatologists agree that because of the natural and soft nature of silk, your skin will preserve moisture. Hydrated skin cells show fewer lines of aging than dehydrated cells. The smooth sheets will also produce less friction. In addition, silk is hypoallergenic and thus great for people with sensitive skin and those with acne. Silk is also cooler in the summer and warmer in winter and therefore promotes healthier skin.
Conclusion
Silk has natural fiber, while satin is a type of weave used. When it comes to sheets and pillowcases, silk is preferred although satin woven from natural materials is also preferred. These are both beneficial for skin and hair health. They help reduce friction and moisture loss. With both, you have less exposure to chemicals. For people with allergies, silk is a better option. In the end, the two will work for different people. You have to find out, which is more comfortable for you. You also need to consider the price and durability factors when making your choice.
Soft and cuddley, phur adds a sense of playfulness to any room.
Running your hands across soft velvet can be as soothing as petting your cat without the hassles of litter boxes or pet sitters when you travel.
If you are on a bit of a tight budget, but you still crave for something good, there might be something for you. The iPedic Sojourn 12″ Gel is the type of mail-order mattress that gives efficiency, comfort, and quality. Buying an iPedic Sojourn mattress as a mail-order option comes with a lot of perks for you in terms of features. Considering that the iPedic Sojourn company is a family-owned versatile, you get assured of a product made with a considerate, loving, and family-oriented place.
Wal-Pil-O’s innovative design makes it ideal for both side and back sleepers. Back sleepers need a lower loft (height) in their pillow. The perfect height varies by body size. Between 3 – 5-inches is the optimal range for a pillow when someone is laying on their back. Side sleepers need more height to keep their neck aligned with their spine and tend to find the perfect fit between 4 – 6”. With Wal-Pil-O, the length of the neck also plays a role in determining which pillow provides the best support. Individuals with shorter necks will have more luck with the Junior size even if they are taller than the petite size recommendation. Think of petite as far as neck length as much as overall height.
The Lunvon is made from three pieces of solid foam so its shape is fixed but the height can be adjusted by removing the middle piece of foam. The edge support for your neck helps your spine remain in alignment while providing room for your head to remain level in a side or back sleeping position. Use one edge for back sleeping and the other for side sleeping.
With a 100-night sleep trial and a 5-year warranty ensuring continued quality, you won’t go wrong with Royal Therapy. The cover is dust mite resistant and antibacterial and its water repellent characteristic will help it ward off fungi growth in the pillow. Made with hypoallergenic materials that are environmentally friendly, this pillow has a lot going for it.
The contemporary design of this pillow provides perfect support for side and back sleepers in a way that doesn’t require them to flip the pillow over to achieve the right support when they roll over. When the sleeper rolls from their back to the side, their face automatically nestles on the higher area on either side of the back sleeping support area to continuously provide the perfect support all night long.
With a 48-night sleep trial and a lifetime warranty, there’s no risk when you try the Bodesy Contour Pillow. OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 and CertiPUR-US certifications ensure safe ingredients were used to make this pillow.
This gel-infused memory foam is ideal for hot side sleepers who want to enjoy a cooler sleeping experience. The 4.5” loft suits side sleepers with average builds. CertiPUR-US certification lets you know you can trust the ingredients used to create this medium-firm pillow. The air pockets keep it cooler as well as the gel-infusion in the memory foam.
Pandas Pillow provides lumbar support that also helps keep you from overheating while you sleep with its use of cooling gel infused in the memory foam.
Soft ergonomically designed lumbar pillow that supports your lower back and waist. It can also be used under or between the knees. The cover is removable and washable.
ComfiLife Lumbar pillow provides support to your lumbar region when you’re on your back or side and can be used beneath your knees or to elevate your feet, wherever you need help to reduce pain and provide support.
This Half Moon Semi-roll bolster provides comfy support that raises your knees up by 4.3” and makes a big difference in comfort while you sleep.
Cushy Foam Knee Pillow says it all – a cushy way to ease sciatic nerve pains and raise your upper leg into a more comfortable position.
While most knee pillows are designed to provide support by separating your legs, some side sleepers like to thrust their upper leg forward and rest it on the bed. This position twists the back and can leave you in pain. With this higher knee pillow, your leg is supported higher than the bed which helps your back stay in alignment. It can also be used by side sleepers to hold their whole body in place.
A U-shaped pillow is often recommended during pregnancy but husbands sometimes buy their own after trying them because they eliminate the need to bring the pillow with you when you roll from one side to the other.
The low height of this memory foam pillow makes it perfect to add extra support under your body.
Whether you need support in your bed or while you travel, the flexible and adjustable nature of this twistable support can deliver support just where you need it.
Made in USA
Copper has antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal and anti-mite properties and works as a biocidal agent when used in cotton fibers, latex, and other polymeric materials.
