All natural, organic & chemical free sheepskins.
Born, raised & harvested in the US.
Ethically farmed with love on a regenerative farm. These sheepskins are handled by mindful hands the entire journey: from our pastures to your home.
It is important to note that all qualities associated with lanolin: anti-bacterial & anti-microbial especially, require the sheepskin to be naturally tanned! Many of the benefits are lost with chrome tanning. The vast majority of sheepskins available are chrome tanned in a factory setting. Not only does this strip the sheepskin of many of its health benefits, but it risks introducing chemicals into your home.
Sheepskins call to us to snuggle in & exhale deeply, but sadly most mass produced sheepskins undergo a chemical tanning process. Please consider this when comparing prices. A naturally tanned sheepskin takes more work, but it makes ALL the difference.
The 12 Benefits of a Sheepskin
Sheepskins Deter Bacteria & Dirt
Genuine naturally tanned sheepskins contain a natural oil called lanolin. It acts as a natural repellent to bacteria & dirt. It minimizes mold, dust mites, bed bugs & pathogens. Wool’s moisture wicking qualities also minimize the moisture that bacteria thrives in. This can minimize the transmission of disease & pathogens as well as offering protection against spills & stains.
Sheepskins are Grounding
Sheepskins are naturally grounding. As a Kundalini yoga teacher I’ve watched yoga practiced on sheepskins for over a decade. I can attest to how balancing they can be. Some may refer to earthing or grounding in full comfort. There is a calming energy surrounding a sheepskin that is excellent for meditation, yoga, reiki, or energy work. Ours are ideal for this purpose as the sheep have been loved & provided superb care during their entire lifetime.
Sheepskins are Moisture Wicking
This is wonderful for inhibiting mold & bacteria growth, but also for staying comfortable & being gentle on human skin. Wool has the amazing ability to absorb nearly 30% of its weight before feeling damp. The fiber achieves this with a hollow core! Cotton on the other hand can only absorb 8 % of its weight before feeling damp. Dampness can lead to the break down of exposed skin so these moisture-wicking qualities can provide skin protection for the young & old. It can also assist those with night sweats to sleep better as the sheepskin absorbs the moisture.
Sheepskins Distribute Weight Evenly
The wool fibers of a sheepskin have a three-dimensional spiral that acts as a tiny natural spring! This remarkable quality allows the sheepskin to contour to the shape of the body, distributing weight evenly & avoiding pressure points & strain on a particular body part. This can assist in relieving aches & pains associated with arthritis, joint pain, long term illness or injury. They can offer support with maximum comfort & be useful for wheelchair or office chair padding.
Sheepskins Help to Regulate Temperature
A sheepskins crimped fibers contain tiny air pockets that serve as natural insulators. Air circulates easily. This means it keeps us warm & cosy in the winter, but in warmer, sweatier weather the moisture wicking fibers & air pockets work together to provide evaporative cooling & prevention of overheating. The moisture is locked in the wool fiber, keeping you comfortable. This is especially helpful for quality sleep or those who struggle to regulate their temperature.
Sheepskins Assist with Improved Blood Circulation.
Maintaining a constant temperature while sitting or resting on a sheepskin can help promote better circulation. Healthy circulation is aided by adequate support & proper weight distribution. Sheepskins help avoid pressure points that have an adverse affect on blood circulation.
Sheepskins are Soothing to the Skin
Sheepskins contain lanolin which is soothing to sensitive or inflamed skin. All natural tanning methods insure the absence of chemical irritants. Sheepskins are resistant to static electricity ensuring the ultimate comfort for irritated or sensitive skin.
Sheepskins are Durable
The leather back ensures minimal shedding & helps the sheepskin to maintain its shape & loft. They are easily cared for with spot cleaning & a short bristle wire brush. Our bark tanned sheepskins can tolerate moderate exposure to water, but we do not recommend washing them in a machine due to the high risk of felting.
Sheepskins Reduce Friction
Wool fibers contain the protein keratin. This protein layer allows the fibers to move smoothly against one another & along human skin. This helps to avoid chafing. This is especially important for those with limited mobility. A sheepskin can provide a surface that helps to limit the risk of skin deterioration. Anti-bacterial qualities as well as weight distribution also contribute to protecting the skin.
Sheepskins are Naturally Fire Resistant
The protein found in wool is called keratin. It is the same protein found in fingernails, feathers & horns. Keratin has a strong & stable structure that is not solvent in water or affected by acids. Unlike synthetic materials that can melt & adhere to the skin, wool will smolder, char & usually self-extinguishes when the flame is removed due to the moisture trapped in the wool fiber. I have seen sparks fall on a sheepskin & do no more then sizzle out, leaving a small charred spot. Despite this natural resistance, always be careful around fire. Sheepskins can & will burn eventually.
Sheepskins Help with Anxiety
The soothing tactile experience of laying on a sheepskin helps to reduce anxiety. They have proven be beneficial for those with autism. Sheepskins have also been incorporated into therapeutic settings to help patients feel safe. Sheepskins can offer a deep sense of security & comfort. They have a calming effect on the nervous system & lower anxiety levels.
Sheepskins Add Warmth & Coziness to Your Home
Adds an instant welcome factor to your home. It adds the huygee element to any home. There are few simple additions that say cozy quite like a sheepskin. A beautiful statement piece that is also highly functional & beneficial for your well being.
It's important to note that the vast majority of sheepskins are coming from New Zealand, Australia & Iceland. It's an industry there. In the US, most sheepskins are sent to the landfill. It's a lot of work & expense to tan them & this is usually only undertaken by smaller farms & ranches.
When comparing prices, please remember that small flocks are offering sheepskins from sheep born, raised, harvested, & naturally tanned all in the US. Every dollar spent on care, feed, hay & tanning was spent here.
When you purchase a sheepskin you are not only saving a beautiful pelt from from being waste, but you're supporting a small farmer or rancher.
Sheep are wonderful for improving soil health, lowering fire danger, & regenerating degraded ground. By supporting small sheep flocks you are having a much larger impact with your dollar. We need & appreciate your support. Thank you for considering a Firefly Hollow Icelandic sheepskin.
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