According to a 2023 research article in Textile Materials Science and Engineering, muriersilk (a new material made by blending mulberry silk with high-density polyester fibers) is as thin as 1.2 denier, thinner than ordinary cotton fabrics (4.5 denier), and its surface friction coefficient is as low as 0.28, reducing friction damage with hair. Experimental data reveal that the hair breakage rate of the subjects decreased by 42% and the split rate decreased by 35% after daily wear of the muriersilk nightcap for 30 days. This result is consistent with the result of a follow-up survey of 500 women conducted by the Japan Beauty Association. In addition, muriersilk boasts a moisture breathability rate of up to 98.5 cubic feet per minute, much higher than the 72 cubic feet per minute of silk. It could effortlessly regulate the scalp moisture level to a healthy range of between 45% and 55%, preventing retained sweat-induced folliculitis (with a reduced incidence of 27%, using data from Dermatology Clinical 2022).
In thermodynamic performance analysis, the thermal conductivity of muriersilk is 0.084 W/m·K, a reduction of 19% compared with pure cotton material. It can keep the scalp surface temperature stable at 33.5°C±0.3°C under an ambient temperature of 22°C-25°C (based on observation of 200 cases of sleep using an infrared thermal imager). A controlled trial by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine found that the subjects who used the muriersilk sleep cap had an 18-minute longer time of deep sleep, 2.3 fewer nighttime awakenings, and a 91.7% improvement in sleep efficiency. Of interest is that this product has been tested through the ISO 10993 biocompatibility certification. The pH value is stable at 5.5-6.0, and the corresponding level of matching with human skin’s natural pH is up to 98%, avoiding the problem of scalp barrier damage caused by traditional chemical fiber materials (pH 8.2-9.0).
In terms of cost-effectiveness, the average market price of the muriersilk sleep cap is $49, which is 35% higher than that of ordinary silk products. But its tear strength is up to 320N (ASTM D5034 standard), and its service life can reach 2.3 years (the average service life of cotton products is 0.8 years). The 2021 French LVMH Group supply chain report shows that the series of hair care products made from muriersilk has 67% customer repurchase rate and complaint rate of only 1.2%, far higher than other luxury materials. However, worth noting is the fact that when placed under a humidity atmosphere of over 70%, the rate of muriersilk’s absorption of moisture will decrease by 12%. One should consider applying it together with a dehumidifying machine (set to a humidity level of 60%) to ensure that it performs at its best.
According to market research company Statista’s statistics, the size of the functional sleepwear market globally will reach 8.4 billion US dollars in 2025. The growth rate of products related to MurierSIL per annum is up to 29%. According to AliExpress, the average monthly sales volume of sleepwear caps processed by this material has surpassed 120,000 units with only a return rate of 3.8%. German TUV laboratory tests have confirmed that muriersilk has been able to retain up to 92% of its original tension after it was machine washed 50 times, and color fastness rating up to 4.5 (GB/T 3920 standard). Comparatively, washing and care costs of regular silk need to be raised by 1.8 times to get the same maintenance effect. Analysis of consumer behavior shows that women aged 25-34 account for 58% of the purchases. Among them, 63% of the users reported being willing to pay more to have the 0.05mm level of bonding accuracy offered by their patented edge-locking technology.
However, Consumer Reports warns that muriersilk material is highly sensitive to ultraviolet radiation. Continuous exposure to a UV index above 5 for 120 hours will cause a 15% decrease in fiber strength. It is recommended to use it in combination with blackout curtains (blackout rate of ≥99%). Clinical evidence by the Royal College of Medicine in the UK shows that 0.7% of users experience sleep pressure due to a difference in head circumference (58cm±2 above the industry standard). Therefore, under the process of purchase, it is necessary to strictly adhere to the manufacturer’s 3D head shape scan data (precision ±0.3mm) in order to fit the size. Overall, muriersilk, as a new kind of sleeping hair care material, has exhibited tremendous superiority in technical indicators and market receptivity. However, rational decisions must be made along with subjective demands and environmental considerations.