1. The Doctor’s Perspective

2. Topics of Discussion  Ceiba Pentandra (Kapok)  Allergens  Silver and it’s anti-microbial effects  Ecotoxicology in relation to topical absorption  Sleep Quality

3. Kapok (Ceiba Pentandra)  Genus Ceiba Pentandra is commonly known as “Kapok”.  Kapok refers to the silk-like fluff obtained from the seed pods of the mature cebia tree. The tree is only native to warm, tropical climates.  Its physiologic properties include: very buoyant, water resistant, hypoallergenic, and expansive.

4. Allergens  Pillows can cause two different types of reactions: chemical and environmental. Both reactions have similar signs and symptoms.  Symptoms of an allergic reaction mimic those of hay fever.  Sneezing  Runny or stuffy nose  Cough and postnasal drip  Itchy eyes, nose, and throat  Watery eyes  Breathing problems are likely, which mirrors asthma  A possibility of an atopic rash.  These reactions to pillows are typically associated with the down in the pillows, however, it is more commonly the mold and bacteria that grow in the down pillow that cause the reaction.

5. Silver (Ag)  The silver ion has a high reactive moiety and avidly binds to tissue proteins, causing structural changes in bacterial cell walls, and intracellular and nuclear membranes. This leads to cellular distortion and loss of cell viability. This is what gives silver it’s anti-microbial effects.  Recent studies have proven this to denature the DNA and RNA in bacteria such as: legionella pneumophila (legionnaires disease), which grows in moist areas; and that of Escherichia coli (E-coli); and staphylococcus aureus (Staph) in wound care.

6. Silver (Ag)

7. Ecotoxicology  Study of the effects of toxic chemicals on biological organisms  PBCs – industrial chemical used to create plastics and foams. Increased exposure has been known to cause problems with the thymus gland, immune deficiencies, reproduction, nervous system, and increased risk of cancer.  Other chemicals in our environment are pesticides, mold and fungal, phthalates, VOCs, Dioxins, Asbestos, Chloroform, and Chlorine.  All of which have serious side effects and should be avoided.

8. Ecotoxicology Skin penetration via three methods

9. Sleep  Sleep has been studied very intensely in the last 20 years and it has been proven that chronic lack of sleep causes:  High blood pressure  Heart attack  Heart failure  Stroke  Obesity  Psychiatric problems, including depression and other mood disorders  Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)  Mental impairment  Fetal and childhood growth retardation

10. Sleep  Chronic loss of sleep is now being associated with the break down of the Blood Brain Barrier, which will lead to many more studies  The wakefulness-promoting neuroprotein orexin was shown to be necessary for the circadian rhythm of amyloid beta production. The report suggested that excessive periods of wakefulness (i.e. due to sleep debt) could cause chronic build-up of amyloid beta, which could hypothetically lead to Alzheimer’s disease. This is consistent with recent findings that chronic sleep deprivation is associated with early onset Alzheimer's disease.

11. Blood brain Barrier

12. Conclusion  The Silver Nature’s Sleep Pillow has addressed all of the primary factors in form and function for a pillow.  Supportive  As close to toxin free as you can get.  Use of Kapok, 100% organic Cotton, Bamboo.  Hypoallergenic  By the use of Kapok  Anti-microbial  By incorporating silver  All of these elements of the Silver Nature’s Sleep Pillow help decrease chronic lack of sleep and it’s side effects.