Complete Guide: Silk Pillow – Benefits, Choice & Care
A silk pillow is more than just a bedding accessory: it's an investment in your night-time comfort, skin health, and hair beauty. Whether it's an IKEA silk pillowcase or a premium mulberry silk model, this comprehensive guide reveals everything: benefits, selection criteria, mistakes to avoid, and care tips. Discover why silk is praised by hairdressers and dermatologists, and how to choose the best silk pillow for your needs.
Key takeaways:
- Silk reduces friction, preserving hair fibre and limiting frizz – ideal for coily, curly, or wavy hair.
- A 100% natural mulberry silk pillowcase regulates temperature and absorbs less moisture than a cotton pillow.
- Choose a high momme (22 momme or more) and grade 6A mulberry silk for optimal quality.
- Care is by hand or machine delicate cycle, with a mild soap and no bleach.
- Pair a silk pillowcase with a pillow suited to your sleep position for maximum comfort.
Different Types of Silk Pillows and Pillowcases
The market offers several categories: silk pillowcases (the most common), silk-filled pillows (less frequent), and accessories like silk bonnets or scarves. For daily use, a silk pillowcase is the most practical choice. We distinguish:
- Mulberry silk pillowcase: considered the best quality, from the Bombyx mori silkworm. Models like Emily's Pillow - 100% Natural Silk Pillowcase or Chillsilk - 100% Mulberry Silk Pillowcases are examples.
- Synthetic silk pillowcase: cheaper but without the natural benefits of silk. To avoid if you seek real advantages.
- Silk pillowcase 50x70 cm: standard pillow size, easy to find on Amazon or from brands like IKEA.
- Silk hair pillow: often a specific pillowcase to protect hair lengths.
Benefits of a Silk Pillow
For Skin
Silk is a natural fibre that glides over the skin without pulling. The silk pillowcase benefits include: reduction of sleep lines, less irritation for sensitive or acne-prone skin, and better skin hydration (silk does not absorb night creams).
For Hair
Do you have coily, curly or wavy hair? With a silk pillowcase, friction is minimised, which prevents tangles, frizz and breakage. Hair retains its natural moisture and hairstyles last longer. That's why silk hair pillows are recommended by hairdressers.
For Thermal Comfort
Silk is a temperature regulator: it keeps you cool in summer and warm in winter. Mulberry silk pillowcases are particularly breathable.
How to Choose a Good Quality Silk Pillow
Weight (Momme)
Momme (mm) is the unit of weight for silk. For a pillowcase, aim for at least 22 momme (19 momme models are lighter). 100% silk 22 momme pillowcases offer a good balance between softness and durability.
Type of Silk
Prefer mulberry silk grade 6A, the purest and most resistant. Beware of vague labels like "natural silk" without specifics.
Size
Standard dimensions are 50x70 cm, but check your pillow measurements. A too large or too small pillowcase loses effectiveness.
Closure
Choose an invisible zip closure or an envelope style (like a classic pillowcase). Buttons can create marks on the skin.
Comparison Table of Best Silk Pillowcases
| Brand / Model | Material | Momme | Size | Advantages | Recommended Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emily's Pillow - 100% Natural Silk Pillowcase | Mulberry silk grade 6A | 25 momme | 50x70 cm | Hypoallergenic, double-sided, zip closure | Sensitive skin, curly hair |
| Chillsilk - 100% Mulberry Silk Pillowcases | Mulberry silk | 22 momme | 50x70 cm | Excellent value for money, machine washable | Daily use, value for money |
| IKEA Silk Pillowcase | Silk (non-mulberry) | Not specified | 50x70 cm | Affordable price, available in store | Discovering silk, budget limited |
| Amazon Silk Pillowcase (generic brand) | Mulberry silk (variable) | 19-22 momme | 50x70 cm | Wide choice, customer reviews | Compare prices, read reviews |
Mistakes to Avoid with a Silk Pillow
- Buying a synthetic silk pillowcase: it offers no benefits and may irritate the skin.
- Choosing too low a momme: a 16 momme pillowcase wears out quickly and protects less.
- Ignoring the closure: a poorly finished zip can scratch the skin.
- Washing silk with harsh products: bleach, fabric softener or chlorine damage the fibres.
- Neglecting care: an unmaintained silk pillowcase loses its softness and properties.
Caring for Your Silk Pillowcase
Washing
Hand wash with a mild soap (like silk shampoo) or machine delicate cycle cold. Use a laundry bag. Do not wring, do not tumble dry.
Drying
Air dry in the shade, on a padded hanger or flat. Iron on low temperature if necessary, on the reverse side.
Frequency
Change your pillowcase every 2-3 days to avoid sebum and bacteria build-up.
Frequently Asked Questions about Silk Pillows
What are the benefits of a silk pillow?
Benefits include reduced friction on skin and hair, prevention of wrinkles and frizz, temperature regulation, and less absorption of skincare products.
What is the best brand of silk pillows?
Among recognised brands are Emily's Pillow (high-end), Chillsilk (good value) and Lilysilk. For a tight budget, IKEA silk pillowcases are an entry-level option.
What are the advantages of a silk pillow?
The advantages are multiple: improved sleep quality, hair protection, skin care, and thermal comfort. It is an eco-friendly choice if the silk is OEKO-TEX certified.
How to choose a good quality silk pillow?
Check the weight (22 momme minimum), the type of silk (grade 6A mulberry silk), the size suited to your pillow, and the closure (preferably zip). Read customer reviews.
Conclusion
Choosing a silk pillow is choosing luxury for your well-being. Whether you're looking for a 50x70 cm silk pillowcase for your curly hair or a premium 100% mulberry silk model, the criteria are clear: prioritise quality, proper care and the perfect size. Discover our selection of silk pillowcases at Ombre Intérieur to combine elegance and functionality in your bedroom.
