From the high school science class, you probably know copper as a chemical element and metal used to fabricate things like water pipes. But what does it have to do with our sleep routine?
Copper is an essential nutrient in our bodies and is found naturally on our skin. Studies show that the average adult contains between 1.4 and 2.1 mg of copper per kilogram of body weight. Additionally, copper has been touted as the pivotal element in maintaining the elasticity of our skin. No wonder copper pillowcases are all the rave currently.
Here are all the benefits of using a copper pillow (medically proven):
- Skin Enhancing Properties
- Copper Improves Skin Texture and Wellness
- Reduces damage to skin and hair caused by friction
- Hygienically Clean
- Copper provides anti-microbial protection from pathogens common in beddings
- Eliminates Odour-Causing Bacteria
- Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects
- Provide a Cooling Effect For A Sound Sleeping Environment
- Copper is Firm and Provides Neck Support
The average adult spends more than seven hours in bed. A study found that the average American will spend 36 years in bed throughout his lifetime. This is probably why numerous studies have been carried out regarding the efficacy of copper on our bodies, especially where our sleeping environment is a concern.
1. Skin Enhancing Properties
Copper has been used in the skincare industry for decades due to its anti-aging properties. Interestingly, this dates back to the ancient civilizations like Egyptians, who used copper as part of their make-up.
Eye make-up was a key characteristic among the Egyptians. They used a green substance that was made from copper. Conversely, they also used copper to sterilize wounds.
2. Copper Improves Skin Texture and Wellness
As we age, our skin loses elastin and collagen, which are the components that help the skin appear youthful. Gradually, the firmness and elasticity of the skin start to fade away and gives way to sagging skin.
The copper pillowcases are embedded with microscopic copper particles that work by releasing ions to the skin. In effect, this aids in collagen production, which improves the elasticity while reducing the appearance of lines and wrinkles on the face.
A study published in the Journal of Dermatology indicated that continued exposure to copper oxide-embedded textiles, such as pillowcases, significantly reduces wrinkles and skin sagging and enhances skin elasticity.
3. Reduces damage to skin and hair caused by friction
While we sleep, the tossing and turning effect causes a lot of friction that can cause significant damage to hair and the skin. Strands of hair often get caught between the fiber of standard pillowcases, which causes frizz and split ends.
Copper-infused pillowcases are soft. They are made from polyester or nylon, which is silk-ish, reducing the absorption of natural oils from your hair or the tug of your strands, which causes damage.
4. Hygienically Clean
Copper is nature’s gift to humankind. For centuries, long before human beings discovered germs or viruses, they have been known to act as super-disinfectants. Its ability to kill pathogens on contact has continued to be the source of numerous research studies to-date.
“Copper is truly a gift from Mother Nature in that the human race has been using it for over eight millennia!” Michael G. Schmidt.
5. Copper provides anti-microbial protection from pathogens common in beddings
The antimicrobial property to kill pathogens on contact is the number one reason why you should hop aboard the copper-pillow train. Pillows and pillowcases are a breeding ground for bacteria, dust mites, dead skin cells, and germs.
The ions released by copper renders such microorganisms useless while killing them upon direct contact. It also keeps bacteria from growing.
Envy Pillow, a company producing copper-infused ion technology, carried out their research into the effects of copper on pathogens, and the results were incredible. They reported a 99.9% eradication of bacteria within 24 hours.
Scientists have also carried out a dust mite study using a copper-infused pillow, and the figure below shows the astounding effect copper has on the pathogen.
Medically Proven Uses
1. Eliminates Odour-Causing Bacteria
Odor causing bacteria from our skin causes our pillows to have that stale, vinegar-like stench if they are not cleaned and switched often. Thankfully, this problem has been virtually eliminated by the copper-infused pillowcases which eliminate these bacteria upon contact.
You can sleep assured your pillowcase is bacteria-free. This, in turn, ensures that you have no skin breakouts and acne.
2. Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Antioxidants are substances that prevent or slow damage to cells in your body. Copper, as mentioned earlier, is an essential nutrient in the human body.
It is utilized by the body and helps in the healing process when an injury has occurred. In the medical field, copper has been used extensively to treat scars and speed up the healing process. Collagen, formed by copper, is critical in increasing the recovery time for bones and connective tissue.
The anti-inflammatory properties of copper make it ideal for treating conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. Therefore, a copper pillowcase could reduce skin inflammation or speed up the recovery of acne breakout.
3. Provide a Cooling Effect For A Sound Sleeping Environment
Your thermal environment has a significant effect on your sleep cycle, according to studies. When your body temperature rises, you are more likely to take longer to feel drowsy.
“We know that your core body temperature needs to drop by about 2 to 3 degrees Fahrenheit to initiate good sleep and then maintain deep sleep,” Walker -Author of Why We Sleep.
With this in mind, a copper-infused pillow is an ideal option as it is one of the elements well known for its thermal conductivity. The heat radiated from your body is evenly distributed, helping you remain cool throughout the night. This is truly a life-saver.
4. Copper is Firm and Provides Neck Support
The integration of copper into your pillow will give it some firmness and thickness, yet keep it springy. This helps align your posture as you sleep, giving you the proper neck support to ensure that you wake up with no aches and pains.
Characteristics of a Good Copper Pillow
- It should be firm, soft, adjustable for maximum comfort while sleeping.
- The fill should be foam, feather, latex, memory foam, cotton, or polyester to prevent it from being too dense. If it is too thick, it can damage your neck.
- The right copper pillow should come in a breathable structure. Conversely, a copper-infused pillowcase should be cool and dry during the night.
- It should have a soft cover for the copper-infused pillowcase that is smooth to the skin.
- The pillow ought to have a gel memory foam top that creates a cooling environment.
- It should incorporate good quality design and fabrics that are infused with copper oxide particles for maximum results.
Are Copper Pillows Affordable?
Copper pillows or copper-infused pillowcases do not come cheap. However, based on the longevity of the pillow, the health benefits associated with them, it is worth splurging a little for that maximum comfort.
The costs may also vary based on several factors, such as size, color, and even design. Some pillows come ornately designed to contour onto your body for comfort. Our research showed that, on average, they could set you back anywhere from $40.
You may be wondering where to buy these copper pillows or the copper-infused pillowcases.
There are quality top brands on Amazon, and they come in varying sizes, designs, and prices to meet your needs and budget. Other stores that stock these pillows are Walmart, Bed, Bath & Beyond, which is known for its selection of bedding, The Home Depot, which has a broader offer than tools and appliances. Also, companies that specialize in copper beddings have online shops where you can easily make your purchase.
A quick search will reveal several options to choose from as you read the reviews.
How To Clean Copper Pillows or Pillowcases
As with any other pillow or pillowcase, copper pillows are machine- safe and can be washed. They are hypo-allergenic and have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which does not mean they do not get dirty. Simply machine wash your pillow and set it to tumble dry as needed.
The copper ion technology to fabrics with the NASA seal of approval is a welcome relief to many. There is no greater feeling than curling up in a clean, cool, and comfortable bed after a long and arduous day.
The importance of pillows and pillowcases is primarily overlooked, and it is where we spend almost a third of our lifetime. Needless to say, the fantastic health benefits and sheer durability far outweigh the hefty price tag attached to them.
Investing in proper beddings not only improves your posture but boosts your overall health significantly. The next time you are shopping for your bedding and are dazzled by a pricey copper-infused pillow, Go on, give it a try! Don’t be put off by that price tag.