Why Silk is the Ultimate Comfort during the Cancer Healing Process

The natural beauty and unmatched softness of silk have long made it a sought-after fabric. Beyond aesthetics, the feel of silk against the skin is exceptionally gentle, an important consideration for those with heightened sensitivities. Recognizing these benefits, many top hospitals and even the American Cancer Society now recommend patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy to sleep on mulberry silk.

One significant concern during cancer treatments is hair loss due to damaged hair follicles. As hair begins its fragile regrowth journey, the last thing one needs is added stress or breakage. Silk acts as a protective shield, ensuring a conducive environment for hair regrowth. Furthermore, silk’s thermoregulatory properties provide a cooling effect, which can be a relief for many undergoing treatments.

Traditional cotton pillowcases might contribute to hair damage. Their rough texture can cause friction, leading to hair breakage. Additionally, cotton, being highly absorbent, can strip hair of its natural oils. In contrast, silk offers a smooth, soft surface ensuring minimal friction. This gentle nature of silk, coupled with its moisture retention qualities, proves invaluable. Notably, silk fibers share a similarity with human hair, containing 97% amino acids and 3% waxy fat fibers, which aids in its protective capabilities. As one customer named Candy shared, "After chemo caused hair loss, these [silk pillowcases] were perfect for my tender scalp.”

Silk vs. Satin Pillowcases: Why Silk is a Better Choice During Chemo and Radiation

Undergoing cancer treatment, chemotherapy treatment and/or radiation can leave one's skin exceptionally sensitive, making the choice of materials we come into contact with vitally important. While both a silk and satin pillowcase offer a smooth and luxurious feel, they differ significantly in their inherent benefits. Satin, a weave rather than a fiber, is often crafted from petroleum-based materials like polyester or nylon. These synthetics, unfortunately, lack breathability and can lead to unwanted sweating and overheating during the night. On the flip side, silk, a natural protein fiber from silkworm cocoons, offers a host of advantages. Not only is it naturally hypoallergenic, warding off allergens like dust mites and mold, but its anti-microbial properties also reduce the risk of infections — a vital feature when the immune system might be compromised. Additionally, the protein structure of silk closely mirrors that of human skin and hair, making it exceptionally gentle and reducing the risk of friction and irritation. For those battling the side effects of chemo and radiation, the choice is clear: silk provides unmatched comfort and health benefits, ensuring a restful and soothing night's sleep.

Our customer Marcia shared, "I first ordered two of these pillowcases with the idea that I would be more comfortable as the effects of chemotherapy left my scalp quite bare. They do indeed serve that purpose, but now that I have hair again, I want to treat it gently as only silk can do."

Mulberry Park Silks: More than Just a Product

When we founded Mulberry Park Silks eight years ago, we never envisioned the profound impact our products would have. Over the years, countless testimonials from cancer survivors and their loved ones have highlighted the comfort and therapeutic value our silk products bring during challenging times. For instance, Dennis, a valued customer, shared:

"We learned about silk pillowcasesfrom a nurse during my wife’s chemotherapy sessions. Due to treatments, like many others, she experienced hair loss. We noticed cotton pillowcases restricted her hair regrowth, causing friction against her scalp. But with a silk pillowcase, the friction was almost non-existent. Within a short time, we noticed hair growth on the back of her head matching other areas. These are indispensable for anyone facing chemotherapy-induced hair loss. I highly recommend Mulberry Park Silks for the best quality and value.”

Silk Scarves: An Emblem of Resilience

Beyond pillowcases, silk scarves from Mulberry Park Silks have also been a beacon of hope and comfort. Made from Grade 6A mulberry silk, our headscarves personify luxury. Notably, the scarf’s charmeuse weave, renowned for its satin-like texture, ensures unmatched softness.

Given the emotional weight of chemotherapy-induced hair loss, our silk scarf's generous size provides both an elegant cover-up and multiple styling opportunities. Available in two elegant colors - classic black and soft pink - individuals can select a shade reflecting their current state of mind or outfit. Chris B. captures this sentiment beautifully, stating, "I am wearing this during chemotherapy. It's so comfortable. Please make more colors." Such feedback emphasizes the essential role such items can play during treatment, symbolizing resilience and strength.

We are Family

Mulberry Park Silks is more than a brand; it’s a family. We’re deeply honored to play a part in enhancing the comfort of those undergoing chemotherapy and radiation. Our products, woven with care, aim to remind users of their intrinsic and extrinsic beauty.

For anyone seeking to bring a touch of comfort to a loved one's healing journey, we’re here to guide you. You can always reach a dedicated silk expert on Live Chat or by phone at 1-800-860-1924 Monday-Friday 9:30-5:30 EST.