GOOD HOUSEKEEPING REPORTS Tried and tested: Silky pillowcases

© Hearst Communications Inc. Distributed by King Features Syndicate

 

We tested more than a dozen silk pillows to find out which ones produce a great night’s sleep. (Photo by Danielle Occhiogrosso)

We tested more than a dozen silk pillows to find out which ones produce a great night’s sleep. (Photo by Danielle Occhiogrosso)

The Good Housekeeping team looked at moisture-wicking, smoothness and durability of 13 silk and three synthetic machine-washable pillowcases. Then we sent them home for real-life snooze-testing.

 

All-Star Standout  

Fisher’s Finery 100 percent Mulberry 25mm Silk Charmeuse, $46 (queen, fishersfinery.com): A top performer, this high-quality mulberry silk case wowed for half the price of other silk options.

Tester Notes: They loved how comfy it felt and that it helped keep them cool at night. Some reported waking up with crease-free skin.

Lab Lowdown: It aced strength and abrasion tests, which simulate tossing, turning and wear and tear, and its momme weight was the highest in our test.

 

Worth the Splurge

Manito Luxury Silk 22mm Mulberry Charmeuse, $98 (queen, manitosilk.com): This luxe pick was the consumer favorite for comfort and smoothness —and it performed well in the Lab.

Tester Notes: One raved, “It led to a better night’s sleep!”

Lab Lowdown: It’s simple to care for (just toss it in the dryer) and doesn’t crease easily; it impressed our experts in their fabric-wrinkle evaluations.

 

Nice Price

Kmart Essential Home Satin, $4 (standard, kmart.com): Though it’s polyester satin (not silk), this option scored well. The best part: It costs only about as much as your morning latte.

Tester Notes: At-home testers ranked it better for bedhead resistance than others that were 20 times as expensive!

Lab Lowdown: It does feel different than silk, but it’s super durable.

 

Types of Fiber 

Natural: Silk is made by silkworms, mostly cultivated in China and India. Mulberry silk is the highest in quality. Made by specific silkworms that are fed only mulberry leaves, it has longer, more uniform fibers, so the fabric is smoother and stronger.

Man-made: Polyester is manufactured in a plant using chemistry involving water, petroleum and various other compounds. It can be a more durable, much less expensive alternative to silk, but can look and feel synthetic in comparison.

 

Types of Weave

Silk and polyester can be woven into satin, in which threads in one direction float over several strands in the other direction (making it smooth and glossy). Charmeuse is a highly lustrous type of satin fabric that can be made of either silk or polyester.

 

Does silk have a thread count? 

It does, but that info won’t be listed on packaging because for silk, it isn’t relevant. What you should check is momme (mm), a term that refers to the weight of silk fabric. A higher number is more desirable, as can be true with thread count for sheets. With silk bedding, look for 19mm or higher for greater durability.

 

ON ANOTHER MATTER … 

You Snooze, You Spoon 

 

Sure, getting enough sleep is key for a healthy body and brain, but new research suggests that a satisfying snoozefest can make your relationship stronger, too. Couples rated themselves happier with their spouses and their marriages on days when they’d had more zzz’s than usual, found a study in the Journal of Family Psychology. When we’re sleep-deprived, we have a harder time regulating our thoughts and emotions, so everything seems like a big deal, says study author Heather Maranges. “Sleep affords us the mental energy we need to give our partners the benefit of the doubt,” she says. And being able to overlook petty grievances is essential to lasting love. And if you feel so besotted as to stay up late engaged in another in-bed activity, that’s great, said Maranges — just sleep in together the next morning.

 

TABLE  

Lame or Legit? Beauty Benefits 

We worked with Dr. Neal Schultz, New York City dermatologist and author of “It’s Not Just About Wrinkles,” to debunk the too-good-to-be-true pillowcase claims.

 

Legit 

Prevents wrinkles: In the long term, this is correct! Studies show friction from tossing and turning all night on a less smooth fabric (e.g., cotton) can lead to creases in skin, and a silky surface can reduce this effect.

Blocks bedhead: Accurate, based on our tests. Hair glides over the silky fabric with less friction, meaning you’re less likely to wake up with frizz and tangles. Some testers said it also helped their blowouts last longer!

Regulates temperature: According to our pros, silk fibers inherently do this. Unlike cotton, which absorbs moisture, silk wicks it away to keep you dry and cool.

 

Lame 

Contains skin-nourishing amino acids: Silk fibers do have amino acids, but your skin can’t absorb them while you sleep.

Hydrates: The fabric’s smoother surface means less moisture is taken from your skin, but there isn’t any replenishing going on. Dr. Schultz suggests using a good moisturizer.

Makes skin and hair healthier: Don’t expect to see fewer breakouts or smaller pores, advises Dr. Schultz — no surprise that our testers didn’t notice major changes in their hair or skin.

 

Recalls Alert 

The following products and vehicles were recalled by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Unless otherwise indicated, discontinue use of the products immediately and return them to the store where purchased for a refund. For more information about the products, call the manufacturer or CPSC’s toll-free hotline, (800) 638-2772. Only some cars or trucks recalled are affected. Contact a dealer for your model to see if it is included in the recall. The dealer will tell you what to do.

 

PRODUCT/VEHICLE 

PROBLEM 

Samsung Galaxy Galaxy Note7 devices, sold at Wireless carriers and electronic stores nationwide, including AT&T, Best Buy, Sprint, T-Mobile, US Cellular, Verizon stores, online at www.samsung.com and other websites and on third-party websites from August 2016 through October 2016 for between $850 and $890. This expanded recall also involves devices received as replacements as part of the previous Galaxy Note7 recall on Sept. 15, 2016 and any Galaxy Note7 with a green battery icon, regardless of date purchased or IMEI.

The lithium-ion battery in the Galaxy Note7 smartphones can overheat and catch fire, posing a serious fire and burn hazard to consumers. Consumers should immediately stop using and power down all Galaxy Note7 devices, including Note7 devices received as replacements in the previous recall. Contact the wireless carrier, retail outlet or Samsung.com where you purchased your device to receive a refund or free exchange for a new replacement device plus incentives. Consumers who purchased their phones from other sources should contact Samsung directly to receive a free remedy. Go to

www.samsung.com/us/note7recall/ for more details.

 

Subaru 2017 Outback 

The affected vehicles may have improperly tightened attaching bolts for the front left and right brake calipers, wheel hubs and the right stabilizer clamp. If any of the front brake caliper, wheel hub or stabilizer clamp attaching bolts loosen or detach, the related components also would become loose and may detach, possibly making the vehicle unstable and reducing the braking capability. These conditions would increase the risk of a crash. Subaru has notified owners, and dealers will inspect the bolts for proper torque, and replace any loose bolts, free of charge. The recall began on Aug. 8, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at (800) 782-2783. Subaru’s number for this recall is WTE-66.