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The Fabulous Fleece Company Blog

Everything you need to know about medical sheepskin

The famously golden medical sheepskin has been used historically to support the elderly, the infirm and even the infant. A product that transcends centuries, the many benefits of medical sheepskin are just as relevant now as they were years ago - but what exactly are they? In this article we will take an introductory look at what medical sheepskins are, what they are used for, how they are made and what makes them stand apart from your regular sheepskin.

What is a medical sheepskin?

A Medical sheepskin is a type of sheepskin that provides superior pressure care support and has been used for centuries to guard against and aid the heeling of pressure sores, aid comfort of those with disability, mobility issues and the bed ridden.

Medical grade sheepskin is typically made from a particularly large skin that has a high wool fibre count and density, and has been clipped to the same length to ensure that it is supportive and comfortable.

Unlike your standard sheepskin, these skins undergo a special longer tanning process which enables them to be machine washed frequently.

What is medical sheepskin used for?

Medical sheepskins are often used for the elderly, infirm and those suffering injury (although they can also be used purely for comfort by anyone too!). They are placed directly onto the top of the mattress, chair or wheelchair, as their dense pelt helps support the body whilst also letting the air circulate and wicking away moisture at the same time. These three actions help guard against pressure sores for those with limited mobility.

They also help to sooth sore skin as the airflow and insulating properties assist the user with body temperature regulation and sweating, wicking moister away from the skin and helping to guard against the skin's surface breaking down and ulcerating. Lanolin in the fleece can also be soothing for irritated skin.

Medical sheepskins have also been historically used for babies and are once again proving very popular. A woolly fleece is very tactile and flexible, being so soft to touch and is also very supportive and cushioning. It can create a snug and soothing cocoon-like environment to help your little one feel more safe, secure and relaxed.

How do you use medical sheepskin?

For those with mobility issues and/or bedsores, the skin is simply used by placing it underneath them on the chair or bed to offer pressure reduction, temperature regulation and moisture absorption.

How is medical sheepskin made?

Medical sheepskins go through several stages before making their way to you. First of all, the raw pelt is washed, and then goes through a process called fleshing to remove any fat and tissue.

The pelt then goes on to be tanned with natural alum mineral salts. Once the pelt has gone through the alum tanning process, excess water is removed and the skin is stretched out over a wire frame and hot air dried.

After the air dry, the skins are then tumbled to soften them before they are dry cleaned to remove any excess lanolin. The fleece is then cut to the approximate 1” length to give a dense and even support, before being drawn through the iron to flatten and polish the fleece, Finally, it is finished and trimmed to give it its smooth edge and shape.

The end result is the authentic golden coloured medical sheepskin that can then be used as a whole skin for chairs, wheelchairs and beds or, made into products such as wheelchair cushions and seat pads.

Where does medical sheepskin get its colour?

Medical sheepskins have a very distinctive golden colour which arrives from the method of tanning with natural alum salts. Alum is a naturally occurring mineral salt that in the tanning process stops the hide from spoiling over time, and helps preserve the softness durability and strength of the pelt by fixing tannins in the hide's protein structure. As well as being an antibacterial agent, it also protects the hide from damaging UV light.

What is the difference between a medical sheepskin and a regular sheepskin?

Medical sheepskins and regular sheepskins differ in three main ways. The medical sheepskin is made from a pelt that is chosen for its density of fleece, the sheepskin is made from a particularly large pelt with a high wool fibre count. The wool pile is clipped to approximate 1” (26mm) with a high density of wool pile per square cm and higher fibre diameter (higher micron rating). A higher pile density means better pressure support. Higher wool pile diameter means the pile will not depress as easily enabling airflow and temperature regulation that aids blood circulation.

Last of all, the sheepskin is tanned using the traditional alum mineral salt method - this is naturally antibacterial and hypoallergenic also enabling the sheepskin to be frequently washed if needed.

If you would like to know more about medical sheepskins you can browse other posts on our blog, or view our medical sheepskins here.

How to clean your sheepskin slippers

You’ve just invested in a beautiful pair of fluffy and warm sheepskin slippers. They look incredibly smart, clean and new and are the most comfortable slippers you’ve ever tried - but how do you look after them? In this post I'm going to discuss how to care for your new fluffy footwear.

Can you wash sheepskin slippers?

In theory yes, you can wash sheepskin slippers. You can put them in the washing machine on a wool wash setting with a specialist wool wash liquid and hope for the best. However, I don’t advise it and here's why: there is never any guarantee as to how a piece of leather or skin is going to react in a machine. Nature did not design skin to be washed on the inside and out, and as your slippers are made up of smaller separate pieces of sheepskin and suede that are not all from the same animal and may not have been tanned in the same way, all those separate components that make up your slipper may react differently to the water and wool wash.

Some may wash well and be perfectly okay, but others may shrink and set very hard, resulting in a distorted slipper shape.

Cleaning your sheepskin slippers in four easy steps

Sheepskin is naturally anti-bacterial and has self cleaning powers by retaining a natural oil called lanolin, which that resists dirt and grease. Of wool’s three layers, the second has tiny overlapping scales that rub against each other to push off the dirt and is naturally resistant to the growth of mold.

The third layer is a protective filmy skin that helps to resist water. The core of each wool fiber - which contains a protein called keratin - can absorb 30% of its weight in moisture vapour without the sheepskin getting or feeling damp.

Unlike synthetic fibres like polar fleece made from petrochemicals, sheepskin is also more breathable (so it gets less clammy and smelly) great for slipper!

There are steps however that you can take to insure that your slippers stay in tip top condition as outlined in the sections below.

Cleaning

The best way to clean the suede outer of your sheepskin slippers is with a suede brush, but even a tooth brush will do the trick! Gently brushing the suede will raise the nap of the suede, smartening it and removing any debris at the same time.

If you do feel that you need to clean the inside of your sheepskin slippers then the best way is to use a specialist wool wash or a mild detergent, but very little. Remember that you don’t really want to get the slippers very wet, and you are going to need to rinse the shampoo out. Take a cloth, small enough to be able to push inside the slipper and gently work the shampoo into the fleece using small circular movements to lift any matted sheepskin and make sure that its in contact with all of the wool fibres.

Once you've treated the whole of the inside then take a fresh cloth, rinsed with luke warm water and start to remove the shampoo. Rinse the cloth and repeat until all the shampoo is removed. Leave the slippers to air dry away from direct heat (direct heat may set the sheepskin skin suede side hard, distorting your slippers' shape).

Spot Washing

I would always advise to apply a specialist suede protection spray to the outside of any new pair of sheepskin slippers as this really can aid in stopping any unsightly marking and keeping them looking in tip top condition. Its very easy, as we know, to splash any kind of liquid on our feet while we are washing up or cooking - and this just protects against all of those little accidents. However if you haven't sprayed them and you find yourself with marks on them, the first port of call is to spot clean them.

Take a little wool wash diluted shampoo or specialist cleaner and carefully sponge the stained area, taking care not to wet the suede too much. Then, blot dry the stain as much as you can.

If you've splashed oil over them, then don’t sponge the stain first as this is likely to set the stain in the suede. The best course of action is to apply a powder like talcum powder or chalk to draw out and absorb as much of the oil as possible, leave it on the slipper for a few hours and then carefully vacuum and then brush away.

Drying

All sheepskin products need to air dry naturally and away from a direct heat source.

As earlier discussed, a direct heat source may set the skin and turn it hard, distorting the slipper shape. If the sheepskin used is not dyed then your slippers can dry outside in the sunshine as there is no dye pigment to fade but if the suede or sheepskin is dyed then its best dry them out of the sun or in a warm spot in the home.

Brushing

Regular brushing of the inside lining of your sheepskin slipper will help keep them looking new. If the wool fibres do start to compact down then the best way to make your sheepskin slippers look fluffy again is to use a small brush like a nail brush to lift the wool pile and separate the fibres. If you do this consistently over time, your slippers will serve you well for a very long time!

How do you keep sheepskin slippers from smelling?

If your pair of sheepskin slippers develop an odour then the best way to refresh them is with the use of baking soda. Sprinkle the baking soda into the pair of the slippers and leave for 24 hours before vacuuming then. Repeat until the odour has disappeared.

Browse our website today for our selection of handmade sheepskin slippers, made right here in the UK.

Do cats like sheepskin? The benefits of a sheepskin cat bed for your feline friend


Sheepskins are a very popular choice for a pet bed, be it cat or dog. In the recent years I've sold more and more sheepskin pet beds for the small furry feline population, often starting as said feline member of the family has discovered (and subsequently taken over) the owner's sheepskin.

Here I will discuss the benefits your cat will receive from his or her own sheepskin pet bed.

Do cats like sheepskin?

Most cats love sheepskin and are very happy to settle and curl up upon it, as it's a warm and comforting organic material that offers cushioning and support.

Why do cats love sheepskin?

Cats are drawn to sheepskin because it is soft, textured, warm, comforting and also offers cushioning. Natural materials are often a cat's favourite to sleep on, and sheepskin in particular has a natural organic smell, with the lanolin in the skin helping to relax the cat and make it feel safe and secure.

Is sheepskin safe for cats?

You and your feline friend will be pleased to know that sheepskin is very safe for cats! As long as the sheepskin has been organically tanned so that no harmful chemicals have been used in the process, then your cat will find great comfort from curling up on a sheepskin.

The benefits of sheepskin cat beds

So what exactly are the benefits of having a sheepskin bed for your cat? Well, there are more than you might expect...

Antibacterial and hypoallergenic

Sheepskin is naturally anti-bacterial and has self cleaning powers by retaining a natural oil called lanolin that resists dirt and grease. Lanolin is kind to sensitive or inflamed skin so many believe it can help to soothe or desensitise rashes or skin conditions such as eczema. This is especially helpful for short haired or cats of the hairless variety.

Self cleaning

One of the most useful benefits of having sheepskin as a cat bed is that sheepskin has self cleaning powers by retaining a natural oil called lanolin, which resists dirt and grease. Of wool’s three layers, the second has tiny overlapping scales or shingles that rub against each other to push off the dirt.

The third layer is a protective filmy skin that helps to resist water. The core of each wool fiber - which contains a protein called keratin - can absorb 30% of its weight in moisture vapour without the sheepskin getting or feeling damp.

Sheepskin fleece is also naturally resistant to the growth of mold which is really helpful if you have a cat that likes to spend a lot of time out of doors and often comes home damp.

It’s natural wicking properties, drawing moisture away from the cat's skin, also prevent the conditions that allow bacteria to thrive.

Sheepskins are also breathable, allowing air to continue circulating around your cat when he/she is at rest on them - again reducing the hot and clammy environment that bacteria loves.

Best of all, the sheepskin pet bed often just need a regular shake and/or brush to keep it looking tip top.

Temperature regulation

The natural temperature regulating properties of wool help to keep your cat warm without overheating; nature's answer to a thermostat! Sheepskins manage this via hollow fibres that allow air to circulate through the wool, making them breathable.

They also have the ability to wick away a third of its their own weight in moisture before dampness is felt. This paired with the sheepskin's ability to manage airflow via its hollow fibres reduces the amount of moisture collecting on your cats skin. This works to stop your cat overheating or sweating and aids in a more comfortable rest, as well as reduction in skin inflammation.

Offers support and pain relief

The densely packed wool fibres in the sheepskin offer support and cushioning for your cat, aiding in pain relief - especially for the older cats with arthritis and/or joint pains, or who are suffering from any muscular skeletal condition.

Durable

Sheepskin - if cared for correctly - can last decades. It is by nature's design an incredibly tough and durable material, the skin side being leather/suede and the fleece side being dense wool fibres. It needs little washing, can endure vigorous brushing and as discussed earlier in this post is antibacterial and has self cleaning powers.

Relaxing

The naturally occurring lanolin in the natural sheepskin seems to have a very relaxing effect on cats. It is not fully understood why - quite possibly the fact that it is an animal by product - but there is one theory that it reminds them of their mothers! Perfect for a cat cave where they can spend time alone relaxing or snoozing.

There are many benefits for furnishing your furry friend with their own sheepskin cat bed and here at the Fabulous Fleece Company we will be very happy to help you with your selection and answer any more questions you may have. You can browse our selection of sheepskin pet beds on our website, or get in touch if we can help.

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