The pods containing the soft lustrous cotton-like substance are harvested by hand. Then, the fibre is meticulously cleaned and dried, and it is this durable silk, an incredible light fibre, which is used to create the naturally comfortable Ceiba Pillow.
The Ceiba Pillow is produced in an environmentally responsible manner that respects the ecosystem and provides much needed work to indigenous people. Says Laraya-Coutts: “Each Ceiba tree left standing helps maintain this vital ecosystem.”
Kapok as a textile product has been used for over 100 years, first in Europe, then in the U.S. While it is not suitable for clothing because the fibre is short and breaks easily – it’s impossible to make thread out of it like cotton – kapok has been used as stuffing for furniture and mattresses. More recently, kapok was used as stuffing in life jackets both for its soft full qualities and for its water resistance. The seeds and their oil are in lubricants, soaps and animal feed. Years ago, the bark was used to make canoes.

The ancient Mayan word for the Ceiba tree means “raised up sky”, and the Maya believed that a great Ceiba tree stood at the center of the earth, its magnificent canopy symbolizing the heavens, its flowers, and the stars of the Milky Way. Today, the Ceiba tree remains a true tree of life, supporting vital rainforest plant and animal life. In the Ceiba Pillow, soft, lustrous yet durable “silk” provides natural comfort and long-lasting quality.