Cooling vs Silk

Different Strengths

CoolTouch® and silk are both excellent materials, but they serve different primary purposes:

CoolTouch® Phase-Change Fabric (Q-Max 0.38): • Primary strength: Active, strong cooling through phase-change heat absorption • Cooling mechanism: PCM micro-capsules absorb and store body heat • Best for: Pillows, comforters; products where maximum cooling is needed • Skin contact: Smooth, but not as smooth as silk

Silk (Q-Max 0.22): • Primary strength: Skin benefits; ultra-smooth, hypoallergenic, antibacterial • Cooling mechanism: Natural temperature regulation and moisture management • Best for: Eye masks, pillowcases; products where skin contact and gentle cooling matter most • Skin contact: The smoothest natural fibre, 43% less friction than cotton

The key insight: these materials are complementary, not competitive. CoolTouch® provides the strongest cooling. Silk provides the best skin experience. The best sleep system uses both; CoolTouch® for pillows and comforters (maximum cooling) and silk for eye masks (skin benefits + gentle cooling for the delicate eye area).

AATCC Test Method 195. | Textile Research Journal (2020).

Q-Max and Cooling Comparison

On raw cooling performance, CoolTouch® is significantly stronger:

• CoolTouch®: Q-Max 0.38 W/cm²; strong active cooling, sustained across 8-hour sleep cycle • Silk: Q-Max 0.22 W/cm²; gentle natural cooling, moderate but pleasant

CoolTouch® provides approximately 73% stronger instant cooling than silk, plus sustained cooling through phase-change heat absorption that silk cannot match.

However, silk's cooling is not insignificant; Q-Max 0.22 is better than cotton (0.10–0.15) and bamboo (0.20). Silk provides a gentle, natural cooling sensation that many people find pleasant, particularly for the face and eye area.

Silk also has unique benefits that CoolTouch® does not provide: • 43% less friction than cotton; reduces sleep creases and morning puffiness • Naturally hypoallergenic and antibacterial; without chemical treatment • 18 amino acids beneficial for skin • Natural temperature regulation; cool in summer, warm in winter

For the eye area; where the skin is thinnest and most sensitive to friction; silk's smoothness and gentle cooling make it the ideal material.

AATCC Test Method 195. | Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology (2019).

How The Sleep Lab™ Uses Both

The Sleep Lab™ uses CoolTouch® and silk for different purposes, matching each material to its optimal role:

CoolTouch® (maximum cooling): • CoolCloud® Pillow: Q-Max 0.38 for head/neck cooling (highest heat dissipation area) • CoolTouch® Memory Contour Pillow: Q-Max 0.38 for neck support + cooling • CoolTouch® Performance Comforter: Q-Max 0.38 for body temperature management • CoolTouch® Performance Eye Mask: Q-Max 0.38 for maximum facial cooling + blackout

Silk (skin benefits + gentle cooling): • CoolSilk® Eye Mask: Pure silk for the delicate eye area; natural cooling, 43% less friction, hypoallergenic, antibacterial, full blackout

The CoolSilk® Eye Mask is recommended for: • Skincare-conscious sleepers who want to reduce sleep creases and morning puffiness • People with sensitive skin around the eyes • Those who prefer natural, gentle cooling over strong active cooling • Menopausal women whose skin may be more sensitive during hormonal changes

The CoolTouch® Performance Eye Mask is recommended for: • Hot sleepers who need maximum facial cooling • People who prioritise cooling over skin benefits • Athletes who need both blackout and active cooling for recovery

Both are excellent choices; the right one depends on whether you prioritise maximum cooling (CoolTouch®) or skin benefits with gentle cooling (CoolSilk®).

Sleep Lab™ Product Data. | AATCC Test Method 195.