Here, we’ve noticed that our pure mulberry silk is often ordered as gifts for cancer patients. In fact it’s for this very reason that we’ve launched our Cancer Care range of products.
So is silk bedding good for cancer patients to sleep on, and if so, why is this true?
Many cancer patients undergo surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy as part of their treatment. Some will undergo two or even all three of these. So how can silk bedding help a patient to get through this very challenging time?
In many instances, cancer patients undergo minor or major surgery, often as the first part of their treatment plan. This may be to remove a mole on the skin that is cancerous, a tumour or a malignant lump that should not be allowed to spread.
Having surgery comes with various side effects, and one of these can be difficulty sleeping due to postoperative discomfort. While an ivory silk pillowcase cannot guarantee a good night’s rest, it will certainly do no harm.
Silk is cooler and softer than a cotton one. If someone has undergone surgery, don’t they deserve a little pampering? Particularly when it might lead to them getting a better spell of healing sleep, night after night.
Radiotherapy treatment can have a number of side effects. According to the NHS, these can include red or sore skin, which can develop a week or two after the commencement of treatment. As well as turning red, the skin may be itchy or dry.
Treatment for this unwanted side effect revolves around being gentle to the skin - avoiding shaving, perfumes, sun exposure and roughly textured or synthetic fabrics.
Other radiotherapy side effects can include hair loss, leading to a more sensitive, exposed scalp. Tiredness is also a common side effect, and as we touched on above silk can make a noticeable difference when it comes to getting enough rest.
If you or a cancer patient close to you suffers from irritated skin or a sensitive scalp, then top quality silk is without doubt the best fabric to sleep on.
The NHS lists similar symptoms for those cancer patients who undergo chemotherapy. These can include skin changes, tiredness, trouble sleeping and hair loss. The best ways of coping with such symptoms include getting sufficient rest, treating your scalp and skin as gently as possible and doing everything you can to facilitate a good night’s sleep.
Again silk bedding can help here. It’s extremely smooth and soft on the scalp as well as irritated skin. As it’s so comfortable, it can be easier to fall asleep. Because it’s cool, you’re less likely to wake up during the night due to overheating.
Sadly we cannot prevent the hair loss that occurs as a result of chemotherapy. But sleeping on silk causes far less friction than using a cotton pillowcase, and less static than satin will cause. This can all contribute to calmer, sleeker and more snag-free locks, as well as ensuring that the skin stays as smooth and moisturised as possible.
Read more about the pros and cons of eye masks.
A gift also shows the cancer patient you care for them. Looking after a patient’s mental health is extremely important while undergoing gruelling treatment. Especially when the duration or outcome may be uncertain. This is of course in addition to the benefits outlined above.
In short, silk bedding is agood for cancer patients because they are gentler on the skin - including the scalp. They are more comfortable to lie on than cotton or other fabrics, which can help to calm sensitive skin and even frayed nerves.
