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The properties of wool

18th May 2016

Guides & Advice

Carpets and cardigans, scarves and suits, home insulation and furniture upholstery – wool is one of the most adaptable natural materials around, in use since the Stone Age. At Harrison, wool is prized as a natural filling for our mattresses. So much so that we’ve set up our own farm in North Yorkshire, where we raise Texel, Mule, Suffolk and Zwartbles sheep to produce pure-grade Yorkshire wool for our beds.

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An essential ingredient in a Harrison bed, wool helps to deliver a more restful night’s sleep.

Here are just five reasons why people are flocking to invest in a mattress with wool fillings.

Cool for the summer, warm in the winter

If you regularly wake in the night feeling too hot or too cold, wool could be the solution to your disturbed sleep. Its natural breathability, insulation and moisture-wicking properties will help keep you snug in winter and cool in the summer months.

As a hygroscopic fibre, which when packed together forms tiny pockets of air, it is also exceptional at attracting, absorbing and releasing water molecules, while retaining its thermal efficiency. In this way, it helps to regulate your body temperature, keeping you feeling dry in bed.

A spring in your step

It may be soft to the touch, but wool is naturally springy and supportive. According to the Campaign for Wool, “Wool fibres resist tearing and are able to be bent back on themselves over 20,000 times without breaking.”

In Harrison beds, wool is used as a natural filling between layers of award-winning Revolution and HD spring systems. This adds to the targeted support provided by the springs and helps the mattress keep its shape. The result? – a better night’s sleep throughout the lifetime of the mattress.

Breathe easier

If you suffer from allergies, a wool mattress can help you breathe – and sleep – easier. Because it is anti-bacterial and can trap floating dust, it’s the perfect mattress filling for people who are allergic to such things as synthetic fibres or dust mites.

Furthermore, it is inherently fire-retardant – it has a higher ignition threshold than many other fibres: around 600°C. This means that no allergy-inducing chemicals need to be added to a Harrison bed.

A blend of the best

At Harrison we have spent more than a century perfecting our natural fillings for the best results. Alongside sheep’s fleeces, we also use sumptuous fibres such as soft, luxurious mohair and smooth, resilient cashmere.

Wool can easily be blended with other fibres to produce soft, resilient and breathable fillings that support you all night long.

Better for the environment

Biodegradable, renewable, sustainable – it is the natural choice when it comes to the environment.

Our 300-acre farm, located a short distance from our manufacturing facility, shows the Harrison commitment to sustainability, traceability and a low carbon footprint. By choosing a home-grown Harrison bed, you are not only helping yourself get a better night’s sleep, but also making a positive contribution towards the environment.

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If you’re still feeling woolly minded, why not visit one of our Bed Experts and test a Harrison bed for yourself.