The Wonders of Sleeping on Silk

Without fail, I travel with a silk eye mask and pillowcase. Sleeping on silk is a thing.

(eye mask ALWAYS *you should have it in your carryon anyway!* and pillowcase if I’m going to stay awhile). 

I’ve LONG been a believer in the wonders of a silk pillowcase. It’s magic science.

I have them on my pillows at home and until I started to travel without one, I didn’t realize what a difference it makes.

Typical cotton pillowcases have inherent water-wicking properties that- while good for absorbent towels or lightweight t-shirts- aren’t your friend when it comes to pillowcases.

This wicking property also means that cotton can absorb oils, products, or anything else that may be on your face and hair (or the face and hair of the guest before you) while you sleep. This allows that bacteria to breed and transfer back to your face. ew

A cotton pillowcase, regardless of the thread count, can also do bad (read: drying, frizzing) things to your hair and skin while you sleep.

Silk is a breathable, non-absorbent, and non-abrasive fabric.

By helping to maintain hydration in your skin and hair and reducing friction, sleeping on silk helps to prevent wrinkles and reduces damage to your hair during sleep.  (yes plz)

In my experience, all of these claims are definitely true- especially during travel when I’m likely slightly dehydrated anyway.

Ya know those “pillow lines” you can wake up with creased across the side of your face?  I never get them while sleeping on a silk pillowcase. 

I’ve also noticed marked reductions in hair frizz and facial hydration/irritation when I’m sleeping on silk. For that reason,

if I’m staying in a hotel for a while, I like to bring my own silk pillowcase to slip onto the pillow I’ll use under my head.

I bring a king-sized case just to be sure it’ll fit whatever pillow size the hotel provides. (The trick is not leaving it behind when you check out! Yes. I’ve done that.) 

It also reduces my (neurotic?) creepy feelings about smashing my face into a pillow that isn’t my own. At least I know the cover is clean and washed in my own detergent!  

As with the pillowcase, I find (for the same reasons as above) that a silk eye mask is also best.

Remember: that fabric will be sitting against your delicate eye skin all night. 

I don’t always use an eye mask at home, but I ALWAYS travel with one. You never know what kind of light issues a hotel room may have. 

Curtains that don’t draw completely, a bright light coming from under the door, a digital alarm clock that likely can be seen from space- you name it. It’s also a good way to feel cozy and soothed if you have a little trouble falling asleep away from home. 

Just remember to wash your pillowcase and eye mask (gently! Check and follow the care instructions!) when you get home to keep them clean and fresh for your next trip.  

If you can’t stomach the price of a silk pillowcase, satin comes in as a close second choice. Satin is made of a weave of common materials like polyester or rayon, making it far cheaper than silk. It requires less careful laundering than silk and can feel softer to the touch than silk. 

It really comes down to your preference on natural vs synthetic fibers. (I’m here for the silk, but you do you, girl.)   

TIP: While a satin pillowcase can work just as well if you’re on a budget, stay away from sateen, which feels soft and silky due to its weave, but is often woven using cotton fibers and has the same properties as a typical cotton pillowcase.  

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