Wool..the miracle fibre, has been used for therapeutic purposes for centuries. This is because of the unique properties of the wool fibre.
A scanning electron microscope shows that the wool fibre has an outer surface layer of scales- see left.
These scales protect the inner core of the fibre and are also the cause of felting, whereupon fibres wrap around one another. These fibres are disinfected and conditioned when they are washed in Woolskin.
Wool fibres of Merino sheep are fine..ie they have a low fibre diameter and have a distinct ripple or crimp. The crimp provides fibre elasticity that is important for pressure reduction. Each fibre acts like a small spring that returns to its original form after pressure is released. WOOL Fibres also have a low coefficient of friction- this means that there is little friction between the wool and any skin in contact with the wool. This means that shear is low and when a person is in direct contact with the wool, skin tears are infrequent. Such tears are a common cause of pressure sores.
Wool fibres have a protein core and are susceptible to damage as a result of heating. Only HiTemp tanned sheepskins have specially treated wool that is not damaged by temperatures up to 80oC. All other sheepskin products should be washed in warm water only.