Why Alpaca Wool Is the Ultimate Bedding Material

Forget everything you know about traditional bedding—there’s a new top contender in town. Alpaca wool, sourced from New Zealand's finest, is redefining comfort. Imagine a duvet that’s not just warm but also breathable, hypoallergenic, and eco-friendly. It’s lightweight yet luxurious, offering you the perfect sleep every night. If you're after bedding that ticks all the boxes, alpaca wool might just be your next best investment. Let's dive into why this natural fibre is making waves in the bedding world.

What is Alpaca Wool?

Sure, it’s obvious that alpaca wool comes from alpacas, but there’s more to it than just a quick shearing. Alpacas, native to the Andean regions of South America, have been bred for their wool for thousands of years. However, for accessibility and quality control, we source our wool from Alpacas, right here in Dunedin, New Zealand. 

The wool itself is harvested during an annual shearing process. This usually takes place in the spring, just as the weather warms up, to ensure that the alpacas are comfortable for the summer months. The shearing is done by skilled shearers who work quickly and carefully to ensure the alpacas are unharmed. 

Once the wool is sheared, the cleaning begins. The raw wool is sorted to remove any impurities, such as dirt or debris. This is a meticulous process, as only the finest fibres make the cut for high-quality products. After sorting, the wool is washed to remove natural oils and any remaining dirt. It’s then carded, which is a process that detangles and aligns the fibres, making them ready for spinning into yarn. Finally, the yarn is woven or knitted into fabric to create our luxury alpaca duvets and soft alpaca pillows. 

Why Choose Alpaca Wool? 

Alpaca wool isn’t just another pretty fabric—it’s packed with benefits that make it the ultimate bedding material. Let’s dive into what makes this fibre so special.

Warmth and Comfort

Ever wondered why alpacas look so cosy even in the high altitudes of the Andes? That’s because alpaca wool is incredibly warm—up to three times warmer than sheep’s wool. The secret lies in its unique fibre structure. Each strand of alpaca wool is hollow, which acts as a natural insulator, trapping heat without adding extra weight. This means you get the perfect balance of warmth and breathability, keeping you comfortable through chilly winters (and stuffy summers!). 

Hypoallergenic Properties

If you’ve ever found yourself sneezing around wool, alpaca might just be your saving grace. Unlike sheep’s wool, which contains lanolin—a natural oil that can cause allergic reactions—alpaca wool is completely lanolin-free. This makes it hypoallergenic, meaning it’s less likely to trigger those annoying allergies. Plus, without the sticky lanolin, alpaca wool is also naturally resistant to dust mites and other allergens, making it a healthier choice for your bedding.

Sustainability

When it comes to sustainability, New Zealand-made alpaca duvets are a stand-out option. A little-known fact is that Alpacas are actually eco-friendly grazers. This means they’re gentle on the land and require less water and food compared to sheep. Of course, Eiderdown only partners with the best meaning the alpacas we source from are raised on farms where their well-being is a top priority. Regular shearing is actually beneficial for these animals, preventing them from overheating in warmer months—a crucial factor since they’re naturally adapted to the chilly Andean winds. 

Softness

Of course, when it comes to bedding, we can’t neglect one of the most important factors - softness. Unlike other types of wool, alpaca wool doesn’t need harsh chemical treatments to feel soft against your skin. Sheep’s wool, particularly Merino, has tiny barbs on its fibres that can feel prickly, causing irritation. To combat this, Merino wool is often “superwashed” in vats of chemicals like acetone and peroxide to dull the barbs and strip away lanolin, which isn’t exactly eco-friendly. But alpaca wool? It’s naturally smooth, with minimal barbs and no need for superwashing. This means it retains its natural softness and luxurious feel, making it feel extremely soft. Plus, since it isn’t ‘superwashed’ you can rest easy knowing your bedding is free from harmful chemicals.

Is Alpaca Wool Right For Me? 

Choosing bedding isn’t just about picking something that looks nice—it’s about finding a material that fits perfectly with your lifestyle and values. Alpaca wool might be the hidden gem you didn’t know you needed. Here’s how to tell if it’s right for you:

• You’re Passionate About Animal Welfare: If you care about where your products come from, you’ll be pleased to know that alpacas are shorn in a humane way that keeps them healthy and comfortable.
• You Appreciate Low-Maintenance Luxury: If you want your home to feel luxurious without the constant upkeep, alpaca wool is a game-changer. It’s naturally odour-resistant and doesn’t require frequent washing, allowing you to enjoy that fresh, clean feeling with minimal effort.
• You’re Sensitive to Chemicals and Synthetic Materials: If your skin reacts to everything, from detergents to certain fabrics, alpaca wool offers a natural alternative free from the chemical treatments often used in other types of wool. 
• You Live in a Colder Area: Those who live in the South Island, or who are particularly sensitive to cold will love the extra warmth that alpaca wool offers. 

Ready For a Great Sleep? 

Alpaca wool isn’t just another option for bedding—it’s a lifestyle upgrade. From its incredible warmth and softness to its sustainable and hypoallergenic properties, it’s clear why alpaca wool is quickly becoming the go-to choice for those who value comfort, ethics, and quality.

If you want to experience the difference yourself, make the switch to alpaca duvets and pillows today and enjoy nights filled with better sleep and a clear conscience, knowing you’ve chosen a product that’s as good for you as it is for the planet.