When it comes to choosing your best bedding, there are those that are seen as ‘standard’ and then there are those that ‘stand out’. Alpaca fleece is one of the most versatile luxury natural fillings out there, providing a truly indulgent sleep experience.
With a fibre structure similar to sheep’s wool, but with higher tensile strength; it provides superior softness and perfect temperature control without rapidly deteriorating. Alpaca quilts are the ultimate year-round choice, keeping you cool in summer and warm in winter – softness guaranteed.
If you’re trying to decide whether to purchase an alpaca quilt, here’s everything you need to know before making your mind up.
What Makes Alpaca Fleece Special?
Alpaca fleece is the strongest and lightest natural fibre known to man. It’s as soft as cashmere, lighter than sheep’s wool, and has natural temperature regulation and insulation properties. Alpaca wool comes with a whole host of benefits, perfect for creating luxurious bedding that’s eco-friendly and ethical.
- Naturally flame retardant
- Superior insulation properties
- Improved airflow and breathability
- Doesn’t retain dust particles
- Lightweight yet strong structure
- Free from lanolin
- Naturally hypoallergenic
- Completely biodegradable
Moisture, Flame and Dust Retardant
When looking closer at alpaca fibres, they’re not too dissimilar to hair. While other natural fibres such as wool absorb moisture, alpaca fibres wick it away. This lowers humidity levels surrounding the body and prevents unpleasant odours from setting in. It also makes it an extremely easy fibre to keep clean.
Another benefit of alpaca is that the fibres are naturally resistant to fire. Synthetic fibres are notorious for having high flammability, meaning they have to be treated with harsh chemicals to reduce it. These chemicals can have adverse effects on the skin, especially if they are manufactured in countries with little to no registrations.
Like a few other natural fibres, alpaca fleece is also completely hypoallergenic. Man-made fibres, such as polyester, nylon and acrylic typically produce high-levels of static, which acts as a magnet for dust particles and mites – in turn, triggering asthma and allergies.
When used as a filling material, alpaca quilts offer superior levels of comfort, hygiene and safety. It adds a touch of luxury that is as beautiful as it is functional.
See also:
How to Choose the Best Pillow for You
Electric Blankets: the perfect winter warmers
Natural Temperature Control
Alpaca are native to the Peruvian mountains of South America, specifically the Andean region. Here, they have spent thousands of years living in temperatures ranging between -20°C and 24°C, with a 44°C difference between day and night. To deal with these vast temperature differences, their fleece evolved to provide natural thermal regulation – which works just as well for us.
Throughout the night, it’s perfectly normal for body temperature to fluctuate. For those going through menopause or who have an above-average metabolism, overheating and night sweats can lead to poor sleep quality.
Alpaca fleece can help keep you cooler at night thanks to its hollow fibres. These fibres let water molecules and air particles pass freely through the internal structure, preventing moisture and humidity from building up. In turn, this reduces the amount of heat trapped next to the body and creates the perfect temperature for improved sleep.
Likewise, when nighttime temperatures begin to drop, it keeps heat next to the skin. During the winter months, heavy quilts can be more than uncomfortable. Alpaca fleece is lightweight yet adaptable, meaning the overall comfort and quality of your sleep is improved.
Is Alpaca Fleece Good for the Environment?
Alpaca fleece is 100% biodegradable and comes from a completely sustainable source. During the manufacturing process, coats are sheared from the animals, much in the same way as sheep are. No harm comes to the alpacas during the shearing process and their fleece grows back over the following months.
On average, alpaca fleece grows at a rate of six inches a year, with a single alpaca producing enough fibres to make four sweaters in one shearing. To put this into perspective, you would need 16 goats to achieve the same amount of fibres. This means there’s less of an impact on the environment caused by methane and deforestation while production levels remain high.
Another eco-friendly feature of alpaca fleece is that it’s completely biodegradable. Unlike synthetic man-made fibres, such as polyester, alpaca fibres naturally break down and don’t take up space in landfill sites. Alpaca quilts are the perfect choice for those who consider environmental practices to be as important as quality and comfort.
How to Care for your Alpaca Quilt
Every type of beddings requires different care – alpaca quilts are no exception. As a natural fibre, there are a few things you should and shouldn’t do to maximise its lifespan. These include:
- Give it a regular airing to help keep it light, plump and free from moisture.
- Not exposing it to high temperatures, such as those found in convection dryers.
- Store your alpaca quilt in a dry, airy place out of direct sunlight.
- Not storing it in a dark cupboard or draw.
- Not using mothballs on or in any storage bag when not in use.
When not using your alpaca quilt, it is highly recommended to store it in acid-free paper and leave it on top of your wardrobe. Ensure that it is nice and clean before storage to help prevent mites or insects from attacking the fibres.
Choosing the Best Alpaca Quilt in Australia
Bambi is proud to be the leading manufacturer of the highest quality alpaca quilts. To be the number one brand in the Australian bedding industry, Bambi’s concept is that luxury, quality and the environment all plays a part in creating comfortable and sustainable beddings designed for a better night’s sleep.
Using Australian premium grade alpaca fleece which is processed to the highest standards, our innovative range of beddings are made to withstand the test of time. Say goodbye to heavy quilts in the cold winter and hello to luxuriously soft lightweight alpaca bedding that hugs you like a cloud.
