Is wool flame retardant?

We spend a lot of our time talking about the properties of wool bedding that make it beneficial for a happier, healthier sleep, but did you know that wool is also a really safe, natural fiber to have in your home?

In this blog we’ll explore some questions you may have, such as, is wool flammable and does wool burn? And we’ll find out why wool is an excellent and healthy choice if you’re looking for natural, fire retardant bedding.
 

Is wool fire resistant?

Wool is naturally flame resistant making it an excellent choice for your home. But what properties does wool have that make it so safe?

• It has a very high ignition temperature of 570-600°C.
• A large amount of oxygen is needed for wool to burn thanks to its high nitrogen and water content. Even if it is ignited from a powerful heat source it is unlikely to support a flame for long, perhaps only smoldering for a short time before it self-extinguishes.
• If wool does smolder it releases very little heat.
• The structure of wool fibers that make them good at creating an insulating layer also work to prevent the spread of flames, even damping down those that have taken hold in other materials.
• Even at high temperatures wool will not melt, drip or stick, making it a very safe option.

So, in answer to the question does wool burn or is wool flammable? The answer is only in extreme conditions and even then, it is likely to self-extinguish before causing much damage.
 

Why wool makes the best fire retardant bedding

When compared to other common materials that are used in the manufacture of bedding, for example, polyester and nylon, wool bedding is widely recognized as the most fire resistant. And even better it is completely naturally so.

Often, household furnishings and linens, particularly if they are made from synthetic materials, are treated with toxic chemicals to improve their safety and to increase their fire retardance. The downside of this is that these chemicals can be released as toxic gases as part of a process known as off-gassing.

That’s why we’re firm believers in the power of safe, natural wool. It doesn’t require any chemicals to make it fire resistant so you can sleep confidently in the knowledge that wool bedding will provide a safe, healthy night’s sleep for all the family.

So, is wool flame retardant? The answer is yes, if you’re looking for fire resistant bedding that takes safety seriously and doesn’t rely on harsh chemicals, there is no better choice than cocooning yourself in our natural wool comforters, wool pillows and mattress toppers and protectors.

If you are interested in finding out more about the sleep-related benefits of wool bedding, visit our Sleep Health & Advice hub.