These relatively unknown shy and gentle animals were domesticated over 6000 years ago. They are cloven-hooved mammals from the camelidae family, close cousins of llamas. Alpacas come from South America, where the ancient Incas prized their precious fleece.
The Incas also believed that these mysterious animals possessed supernatural powers and were bestowed on humans by the Earth Mother they called Pachamama. In the 16th century, Spanish conquistadors exterminated over ninety percent of the original alpaca population, but luckily for the people of the harsh Altiplano plateau, a small number of these amazing animals survived. The number of alpacas has consistently grown over the last 400 years. Currently their population totals about 3 million, of which 99% live in the mountainous regions of Peru, Bolivia and Chile.
The qualities of alpaca fibre make it simply the best available material for bedding that is both beneficial and durable.
Lightweight, soft, breathable, moisturewicking and uniquely thermoregulatory, alpaca fibre is as luxurious as fine cashmere.
It is, however, six times better at retaining heat and three times more durable than sheep’s wool. It also contains no lanolin.
Unlike many other natural fibres, it requires no chemical treatment or chemical additives. It is simply washed in a mild, unfragranced, environmentally-friendly detergent.
Alpacas come from the Andean highlands where they withstand both severe frost and scorching heat.
Their fleece is a miracle of nature because its hollow-shaft fibres keep the animals warm or cool them down depending on the weather conditions. It is because of this property that an alpaca duvet will adjust to your body’s temperature changes while you sleep.
Alpaca fibre absorbs moisture but does not retain it. In fact, the moisture-retention properties of alpaca fibre are equal to those of cotton and silk – and half that of long-drying sheep’s wool.
Thus, an alpaca duvet and pillow will leave you feeling dry and comfortable – even if you have a predilection toward the night sweats.
Because of its unique hollow fibre structure, it creates a dry environment inhospitable to mites. Alpaca fibre is also safe for people allergic to down or sheep’s wool. And being both hypoallergenic and remarkably soft, it is perfect for infants and small children.
Recommended by the Polish Society of Allergology.
Our handmade duvets are filled with 100% pure alpaca fibre for unsurpassed comfort and exceptional thermoregulatory and hypoallergenic qualities. They are encased in a light and breathable 100% natural cotton satin, densely woven, silky white, soft, light and breathable, with a natural sheen.