The Doctor’s Perspective

Topics of Discussion

Ceiba Pentandra (Kapok)

Allergens

Silver and it’s anti-microbial effects

Ecotoxicology in relation to topical absorption

Sleep Quality

Kapok (Ceiba Pentandra)

Genus Ceiba Pentandra is commonly known as “Kapok”.

Kapok refers to the silk-like fluff obtained from the seed pods of the mature cebia tree. The tree is only native to warm, tropical climates.

Its physiologic properties include: very buoyant, water resistant, hypoallergenic, and expansive.

Allergens

Pillows can cause two different types of reactions: chemical and environmental. Both reactions have similar signs and symptoms.

Symptoms of an allergic reaction mimic those of hay fever.

Sneezing

Runny or stuffy nose

Cough and postnasal drip

Itchy eyes, nose, and throat

Watery eyes

Breathing problems are likely, which mirrors asthma

A possibility of an atopic rash.

These reactions to pillows are typically associated with the down in the pillows, however, it is more commonly the mold and bacteria that grow in the down pillow that cause the reaction.

Silver (Ag)

The silver ion has a high reactive moiety and avidly binds to tissue proteins, causing structural changes in bacterial cell walls, and intracellular and nuclear membranes. This leads to cellular distortion and loss of cell viability. This is what gives silver it’s anti-microbial effects.

Recent studies have proven this to denature the DNA and RNA in bacteria such as: legionella pneumophila (legionnaires disease), which grows in moist areas; and that of Escherichia coli (E-coli); and staphylococcus aureus (Staph) in wound care.

Silver (Ag)

Ecotoxicology

Study of the effects of toxic chemicals on biological organisms

PBCs – industrial chemical used to create plastics and foams. Increased exposure has been known to cause problems with the thymus gland, immune deficiencies, reproduction, nervous system, and increased risk of cancer.

Other chemicals in our environment are pesticides, mold and fungal, phthalates, VOCs, Dioxins, Asbestos, Chloroform, and Chlorine.

All of which have serious side effects and should be avoided.

Ecotoxicology

Skin penetration via three methods

Sleep

Sleep has been studied very intensely in the last 20 years and it has been proven that chronic lack of sleep causes:

High blood pressure

Heart attack

Heart failure

Stroke

Obesity

Psychiatric problems, including depression and other mood disorders

Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)

Mental impairment

Fetal and childhood growth retardation

Sleep

Chronic loss of sleep is now being associated with the break down of the Blood Brain Barrier, which will lead to many more studies

The wakefulness-promoting neuroprotein orexin was shown to be necessary for the circadian rhythm of amyloid beta production. The report suggested that excessive periods of wakefulness (i.e. due to sleep debt) could cause chronic build-up of amyloid beta, which could hypothetically lead to Alzheimer’s disease. This is consistent with recent findings that chronic sleep deprivation is associated with early onset Alzheimer's disease.

Blood brain Barrier

Conclusion

The Silver Nature’s Sleep Pillow has addressed all of the primary factors in form and function for a pillow.

Supportive

As close to toxin free as you can get.

Use of Kapok, 100% organic Cotton, Bamboo.

Hypoallergenic

By the use of Kapok

Anti-microbial

By incorporating silver

All of these elements of the Silver Nature’s Sleep Pillow help decrease chronic lack of sleep and it’s side effects.