Why Use Alpaca?
The Alpaca are raised in a stress-free natural setting environment that is grown without herbicides. They are not dipped in pesticide baths, and no chemicals, dyes, or bleach have been used during the fiber processing.
Natural and Amazing
Alpaca fiber is the perfect alternative for those with allergies to sheep's wool and feathers. Unlike sheep's wool, alpaca fleece contains no lanolin or grease and is cleaned with natural products. Alpaca fibers have a medullated core, which is partially or fully hollow, helping to deter dust mites—the leading cause of asthma and allergies in the bedroom.
For allergy-prone individuals, this makes alpaca fleece a fantastic hypoallergenic fiber that stays naturally clean and dry. Instead of using chemicals, simply place the fibers in sunlight to naturally clean and deodorize them—a simple and effective solution.
Often called the 'Fiber of the Gods,' alpaca fleece offers unmatched softness, surpassing even cashmere. Unlike sheep’s wool, alpaca fibers have smooth, rounded scales close to the shaft, creating a luxuriously soft texture.
This unique porous structure provides excellent insulation, helping to maintain a constant balance of temperature when in contact with the skin. And, alpaca fleece is naturally fire-retardant, requiring no toxic chemicals for safety.
Malpaca® pillows are filled with 100% alpaca fleece, offering a truly luxurious, hypoallergenic sleep experience. Investing in these unique pillows will provide you with the most comfortable and safe sleep you've ever had.
Common Alpaca Questions
What is an Alpaca?
An Alpaca is a member of the Camelid family, descendants of camels, and most closely related to llamas. Alpacas are small, gentle animals raised primarily for their soft, luxurious fiber. Their valuable fleece is harvested annually by shearing them similar to sheep.
What is the difference between llamas and alpacas?
Llamas were raised for centuries in South America as beasts of burden; Alpacas have been bred for only for their fine fiber.
Where are Alpacas from?
Alpacas are native to the South American Andes Mountains and can be found in Chile, Bolivia, and Peru.
How many Alpacas are in North America?
There are only about 150,000 registered Alpacas in North America since they were first imported in 1984. In comparison, there are over 10 million sheep.
What are Alpacas used for?
Alpacas are fiber producing animals. In the U.S. they are bred for their investment potential as breeding stock, as well for their valuable fiber, which is sheared each spring.
Are there wild Alpacas?
No. Alpacas have been domesticated for over 5,000 years. Without the assistance of man, they would not survive in the wild as they lack defenses that would protect them from predators.
What is baby Alpaca?
Baby Alpaca is the most rare and finest classification of Alpaca fiber. It's simply a measure of fiber density, not fleece from babies.
How long have Alpacas been raised?
Records show Alpacas have been raised for over 5,000 years, however there's speculation they've been utilized for over 9,000 years.
Are the Alpacas killed to get the fiber?
No. Alpacas are sheared, much like sheep, every year. They are much happier and cooler in warm weather once the fiber is removed, and it regrows by the time cool weather comes again.
How often are Alpacas sheared?
Most Alpaca producers in the U.S. shear once each year.
How many colors does Alpaca fiber come in?
Alpacas come naturally in 22 color variations. The spectrum includes white, fawn, brown, gray, and black, with all the natural shades in between. Alpaca dyes beautifully and is available in a variety of dyed colors.
What does Alpaca fiber feel like?
Referred to as the “Fiber Of The Gods”, Alpaca fleece has softness like no other natural fiber, as it has smoother rounded scales that are close to the shaft, unlike sheep’s wool. It is even softer than cashmere!
What is the difference between Sheep's wool and Alpaca fleece?
Sheep's wool has a different physical make-up than that of Alpaca fleece. The outside of each fiber of sheep's wool has pointed scales that rest farther away from the shaft, making it feel prickly when worn next to the skin. Strands of Alpaca fiber have scales too, but they are rounded at the edge, and are closer to the shaft, giving that smoother cashmere like feel. Because the Alpaca fiber is medullated, it is either hollow or partially hollow. This provides tremendous thermal capacity that allows for a breathable fiber with an insulating nature from both warm and cool temperatures. Sheep's wool contains lanolin, where alpaca fiber does not.
Does Alpaca itch like wool or will I be allergic to Alpaca?
Most people who are sensitive to wool products find that they are not sensitive to Alpaca. Alpaca doesn’t contain lanolin, which holds dust and microscopic allergens that create an allergy reaction to sheep's wool.