What are sheep wool blankets and how to choose them?

A lambswool blanket is a comfortable, comfortable and truly all-season thing. It is distinguished by exceptional heat transfer parameters, due to which it does not allow overheating on hot summer nights and freezing in frost. Sheepskin is good for health, it relieves inflammation, joint pain and has a general strengthening effect on the human body.

Sheep wool fibers have a three-dimensional structure. Thanks to this, they form an airy, elastic and at the same time warm material, not prone to churning into lumps. The structure of the sheepskin creates unhindered air circulation. That is why sheep wool is widely used as a filler for blankets.

The advantages of sheepskin are obvious.

• Dryness and warmth. Due to the special composition of the wool, warm and dry air is maintained under the sheep blanket. This significantly reduces the risk of developing muscle pain, arthritis attacks. In addition, it speeds up the healing process for colds.
• Hard pile. A sheepskin blanket can be used as a massager. It promotes muscle relaxation and improves blood circulation.
• Reduced thermal conductivity. Sheepskin does not allow cold or heat to pass through, so a comfortable temperature is always maintained under the blanket - it does not matter whether it is hot outside or cold.
• Antistatic. Any household appliance in a residential building generates huge amounts of static electricity. Its excess leads to insomnia, headaches and neurological disorders. Sheep wool by its nature is antistatic and neutralizes the negative effects of static on a person.
• Moisture evaporation. Sheepskin absorbs moisture well and brings it out almost instantly, so under such a blanket it is comfortable even for people who are distinguished by increased sweating.
• Thermoregulation. Air circulation through the fibers of the blanket helps to create a comfortable microclimate in the sleeping place. The special shape of the hairs allows air to circulate freely through the material. Thus, when using sheep wool blankets, the risk of the so-called "greenhouse effect" is completely excluded.
• Affordable price. One of the main advantages of sheep wool in comparison with many other fillers is the low cost of production.

However, it was not without its drawbacks.

• Allergenicity. The sheepskin blanket should not be used by people who are allergic to animal proteins. Also, do not forget about dust mites, which are very fond of woolen blankets, this insect is considered a common allergen. Although in fairness it should be noted that populations of this parasite are found not only in sheepskin blankets, but also in any other bedding that can accumulate dust.
• Small operational period. Sheepskin blanket cakes very quickly. As practice shows, their service life rarely exceeds 7-8 years.
• Severity. A sheep wool blanket is twice as heavy as camel wool and down products.
• The need for delicate care. Sheepskin blankets are very difficult to put in order, since they react negatively even to the most gentle wash and even dry cleaning leads to some loss in quality. Sheepskin cannot be simply washed in an automatic washing machine. As a last resort, you can resort to hand washing using special products for wool.
• Propensity to eat moths. Sheep wool is one of the favorite delicacies of this mischievous butterfly. Therefore, the blanket should be ventilated at least once every 2 months for prophylaxis, and during the period of non-use, keep in a tight cover.

Modern manufacturers offer a wide selection of sheep wool blankets. They are conventionally divided into three large groups.

A sheepskin fur blanket is the most expensive item. For its manufacture, wool is made only on one side, less often on both. Along the edge, the product is sheathed with knitted fabric. The model with fur is very warm and heavy, sleeping under this blanket can be especially comfortable and strong. However, these models are not suitable for babies. Fur blankets require delicate care that is not feasible at home.

A lightweight type of sheep blankets that are ubiquitous on the shelves of Russian stores. In their manufacture, sheep's wool is whipped and placed in a textile cover, it can be made of satin, cotton or polycotton. After that, the workpiece is stretched and sewn through - this allows you to evenly distribute the filler and fix it.

According to the type of stitching, they are divided into two groups.

• Karostepnye. In this case, the stitching is performed in a figured form. These duvets are distinguished by their smart design, they are more often used as a bedspread without a duvet cover. But keep in mind: if the pattern is large, then the filler is unevenly distributed and heating will not be effective enough. In addition, after a few years after operation, the holes from the lines begin to increase, and the filler will become noticeable, this will significantly worsen the appearance of the product.
• Cassette. Optimal, the best option from the point of view of "price-quality". Such blankets are sewn in a cassette manner, that is, in uniform squares.They are securely fixed and the filler of the finished product is evenly distributed. This model is more durable than all others and is easier to wash and clean. The only drawback is the higher cost compared to the first option.

This blanket provides direct skin contact with the fleece. Blankets are soft and comfortable. One- and two-sided models can be found in stores. Accordingly, in the first case, one side is woolen, the second is made of satin or polycotton. Such products are optimal for use in hot summer months.

When choosing sheepskin blankets, special attention should be paid to the manufacturer. Preference should be given to the products of reputable textile factories, which are included in the rating of the best.

• "Spartacus". Domestic knitwear company specializing in sewing blankets from natural materials. Offers high quality products at a price of 800 rubles.
• Magic Wool. This company is engaged in the manufacture of woolen products, only proven fleeces are used as raw materials. Sheepskin woolen blankets of this brand are sold at a price of 900-3000 rubles.
• Vega. Initially, this company produced mattresses, but over time it has expanded the range. Today they are engaged in the production of various sleep equipment, including sheep wool blankets. The price tag for their products in stores starts at 500 rubles.

Sheepskin blankets should be selected based on their intended use. Therefore, first you need to decide on the density of the product - in the summer, there will be enough products with a density of up to 200 g / m2, in hot months open blankets are good. If the house is cool, then it is better to give preference to closed-type models, the density of which is not less than 300 g / m2.

Sheepskin blankets can be bought for children if they do not have allergic diseases, asthma or other pathologies of the respiratory system. Otherwise, it is better to abandon sheepskin blankets in favor of wadded or silk blankets. Adults can cover themselves with such blankets only in case of stable remission of the disease.

When choosing the size of the blanket, one should proceed from the typical dimensions. Otherwise, it will be difficult to choose bedding for them. The optimal size is not difficult to determine at all:

• 1.5-bed room is suitable for one adult user, its size corresponds to 150x200;
• a double bed is suitable for a couple who prefers to hide in one blanket, sizes - 220x220 cm, 175x 205 cm, and for large beds they sew king size bedspreads - 220 x 240 cm;
• euro - a little more than a lorry, optimal for one person, but it is advisable not to purchase such a blanket for a narrow bed, as it will hang almost to the floor, dimensions - 155x205 cm;
• a baby blanket is bought for babies up to 120 cm tall, sizes - 110x140 cm.

In order to choose the right products of high quality, when buying, you should focus on important parameters.

If you are offered a very light, almost weightless blanket, then most likely it is not made from 100% sheepskin, but contains an impressive percentage of synthetic fillers.even if the label indicates otherwise. It's better not to buy a blanket that seems unnaturally light to you - it will not have all the useful characteristics of sheepskin. Sheep wool processed in compliance with the technology should not have a synthetic odor. If you feel that the offered product smells like household chemicals, immediately refuse to buy, it will be quite difficult to get rid of such a “scent”. Another issue is the natural smell of wool, it is easy to distinguish it from a chemical one.

No wool should come out of a quality blanket.If you run your hand over the blanket offered to you and notice that hairs start to fall off it, it is better to refuse to buy, you are unlikely to use such bedding for a long time. This criterion is especially relevant when buying open blankets.

If you are buying an open blanket, rub the hairs between your toes vigorously. All natural pile will roll smoothly. If you hear a creak, then the blanket is artificial.

Caring for sheepskin blankets is quite difficult:

• do not expose sheep wool to heat above 40 degrees, otherwise you will get felt;
• the sheepskin does not withstand strong mechanical stress, in this case the wool quickly falls off, and it will no longer be possible to return it to its original appearance.

In this regard, machine wash is categorically contraindicated in sheep blankets. The optimal solution for cleaning sheep wool blankets would be to turn to dry cleaning services, such enterprises have all the necessary equipment and means that will be optimal for safe dry cleaning. The cost of the service depends on the region, on average it varies from 1 to 3 thousand rubles.

If you do not have the opportunity to contact a specialist, then you can carry out a gentle cleaning at home:

• Purchase a specialized wool cleaner, dilute it in cool water and whip into a stiff lather;
• Spread the resulting foam over the surface of the blanket with a sponge; it is not recommended to use a brush;
• leave it on for a few minutes and again use a damp sponge to remove the foam from the surface.

If the amount of contamination is large, then you can resort to hand washing:

• fill the bath with water (20 degrees) and dilute the detergent for wool in it;
• immerse the blanket in water, do not twist, rub or squeeze it, the only thing that can be done is to gently raise and lower it;
• without taking the blanket out of the bathroom, drain the water and rinse it under the shower with a low pressure, this must be done until the water becomes clear;
• straighten the blanket in the bathroom, without wringing, leave it in such a way that all the water is completely drained;
• when the blanket dries slightly, move it to a firm horizontal surface and straighten it;
• leave in this form until completely dry.

Tip: in order to keep the blanket in good condition, you need to shake it up daily, ventilate it in the fresh air at least once a month and vacuum it weekly.

On specialized services, you can find many reviews from buyers of sheep wool blankets - this indicates the demand for products of this type among the consumer. Mostly they are positive. Many people say that sheepskin blankets are warm and comfortable, it is not cold or hot under them, but just comfortable. An important criterion for most consumers is an acceptable price.

At the same time, users note that many stores sell fake blankets, and even the most expensive brand store cannot protect itself from counterfeiting. Many "craftsmen" forge them in a very naturalistic way, so it is not easy to detect deception.