|
THE X-STATIC®SILVER
STORY
We at Red Rae
Saddlery suggest you make a nice cup of tea before
you read on !!!!
The use of silver for its medical and therapeutic benefits dates back
thousands of years. In fact, the Romans were the first to publish and
document the "magical healing" powers of silver when used to
cover wounds. Further, Cyrus the Great, in the 5th century BC, would
only let his troops go to war if they carried water in silver vessels—something
he knew would keep the water supply
clean and safe. It is somewhat humbling to know that a Persian King
touted the benefits of the active ingredient used in X-Static~).
Roman intuition proved to be correct. Modem Western medicine
recognizes silver as the most effective antimicrobial agent, natural or
otherwise. At the turn of the century, silver was actually considered
the first antibiotic—silver foil was used as a wound dressing. Today,
silver is used for its broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties in
healthcare products ranging from bandages to bum care treatments to
catheters-almost any product where infection control is critical. The
majority of Americans are first exposed to silver at birth, when silver
nitrate eye drops are used to prevent infection. Silver is also widely
used for industrial applications, most notably in drinking water filters
and swimming pool filtration systems.
X-Static® - The
Silver Fiber~
X-Static - The
Silver Fiber, has a layer of pure silver permanently bonded to the
surface of a textile fiber. The process is such that the fiber, with its
silver layer, retains traditional textile and tactile characteristics.
It can be used in knits, wovens and non-wovens as either a filament or
spun yam. X-Static offers all of the benefrts known to be inherent to
pure silver, only in a new format—a textile fiber.
X-Static has been used primarily as an industrial and medical product
for the last decade, servicing high-tech industries and the Department
of Defense. More recently, however, XStatic has been thrust into
consumer product markets as a result of the need for a safe and
effective antimicrobial solution. X-Stalic is the best antimicrobial
solution on the market, yet it is a fiber system that is uniquely suited
to meet several additional market demands:
I .Antimicrobial: Eliminates
odor-causing bacteria and athlete’s foot fungus.
2. All Natural: Safe
and non-toxic, containing no chemicals or pesticides.
3. Heat Transfer: Cooler
in the summer, warmer in the winter.
4. Anti-static.
5. Therapeutic: With
its conductive properties (silver is the most conductive metal), the
fiber system has many health benefits.
X-Static has been researched and tested by leading institutions
around the world and is widely accepted in the medical community.
X-Static is used in many FDA approved products and is also registered as
an antimicrobial with the EPA. The X-Static brand is growing rapidly in
the worldwide consumer marketplace and X-Static products have won
prestigious awards for outstanding performance and function.
X-Static
ANTIMICROBIAL PERFORMANCE
The antimicrobial performance of X-Static has
been validated by prestigious institutions throughout the world. In addition
to independent laboratory and field tests, X-Static was the focus of numerous
medical abstracts published overthe past several years. A synopsis of these
studies has been included in this document—all show that X-Static provides
unparalleled antibacterial performance. Several studies prove that when
someone wears an X-Static product, the fiber is so effective that sweat
actually becomes antimicrobial. When you compare X-Static to other
antimicrobial products, there are several distinct performance advantages:
• Speed: X-Static
eliminates 99.9% of bacteria in less than one hour of exposure. (Most
antimicrobial products test over 48 hours and still do not reach this level
of effectiveness.)
• Catalysts: The
hotter and wetterthe environment, the more effective X-Static becomes. This
is perfect, because bacteria are more prevalent in these environments.
• Safe &
Natural: X-Static is made with pure silver, a naturally
occurring element. There are no chemicals and there is no fear of toxicity
for the consumer. Silver is one of the safest and most benign substances to
mammals. (The use of chemical antimicrobial products has been clouded by
fears of harmful side effects.)
• Permanent: X-Static
is not a surface treatment. Silver is irreversibly bound to a polymer so it
becomes a physical part of the fiber. X-Static is permanent and performance
does not diminish over time. In fact, X-Static has been tested for more than
250 washes with virtually no reduction in
antibacterial performance.
Anti-odor Performance
Antimicrobial is not always synonymous
with anti-odor. X-Static offers both antimicrobial and anti-odor performance.
Bacteria are only one cause of body odor.
Ammonia and denatured proteins are also significant contributors to odor in
apparel and hosiery products. Incredibly, both ammonia and denatured proteins
bind most readily to silver. Because silver is on the outside of the fiber,
X-Static allows for immediate binding with ammonia and denatured proteins—resulting
in instant odor reduction.
HEAT TRANSFER
The biophysics of clothing has become an area of significant interest in
recent years. It represents the marriage of physiology, physics, textile
science and clothing design. The specific area of thermal performance has
been the primary focus of this burgeoning area of study. Given the proper
materials and constructions, it is now possible to use the existing energy
of the body and the environment to actively regulate temperature through
heat transfer. Because of the inherent properties of silver, X-Static is
perfectly suited to this task.
Body heat is transferred by four basic mechanisms:
1. Radiation: the primary heat transfer mechanism in cold weather, contributing
to approximately 90% of body heat loss. (In warm weather, heat loss due to
radiation will be very low or none.) In order to increase body temperature
in cold weather, it is critical to actively use the radiative energy
generated by the body. The most effi cient means of using this energy is
to reflect it back to its source and/or to store it.
2. Conduction: the primary heat transfer mechanism in warm weather (because
radiation contributes to little or no heat transfer). In order to transfer
heat and reduce body temperature, it is necessary to actively move, or
conduct, heat from the skin to the outside environment.
3. Evaporation: the change of a liquid into a gas. When the body can’t
dissipate enough heat through conduction or convection, it will use
evaporation, the result of which is sweat. Evaporation is active in warm
and cold weather, depending on activity levels. In order to remain
comfortable, the moisture generated by the body must be transported
efficiently away from the skin.
4.
Convection: the movement of heat between a solid and a liquid or
gas. Convection is noticeable in cold and warm weather. For
example, wind will cool your skin, making you more comfortable in hot
weather and less comfortable in cold weather. Convective heat transfer can
be discouraged or encouraged by using or not using insulation and wind
barriers.
HEAT TRANSFER
X-Static—The Cold Weather Solution
Any cold weather solution must address radiation, evaporation and
convection. X-Static addresses these heat transfer mechanisms using the
following principles:
Reflectivity: Silver has an Infrared (IR) Reflectivity rating of
greater than 95%, the highest of any element. In other words, 95% of the
radiative energy that contacts silver will be reflected back to its
source. As a result, X-Static minimizes radiative heat loss by actively
reflecting the body’s energy back to the skin. X-Static apparel designed
for cold weather will therefore be significantly warmer than apparel
without X-Static.
Emissivity: Silver has one of the lowest emissivity ratings of any
element, which means that it radiates thermal energy very slowly. Silver
will remain warm for a very long period of time (as opposed to other
elements, which would remain hot for a very short period of time). With
X-Static apparel designed for cold weather, any heat not reflected back to
the body by the fiber will be absorbed and stored in the fiber for an
extended period of time. As a result, the X-Static product will keep the
wearer warmer longer than a passive fiber system.
Moisture Transfer: X-Static enhances the natural movement of moisture
through hydrophobic materials the same way the body does—by using
evaporation. When XStatic is placed in a moist environment with another
hydrophobic material, the conductivity of the X-Static will act to
accelerate the evaporation of moisture. As moisture is evaporated, a
correspondingly greater amount of moisture can be drawn through the
hydrophobic yam system for subsequent evaporation. As a result, X-Static
apparel will transport moisture away from the body faster, allowing for a
more comfortable environment and less potential for Convective heat loss.
X-Static—The Warm Weather Solution
As the temperature warms, radiation is no longer the primary cause of
heat transfer. Any warm weather solution must address conduction,
evaporation and convection. X-Static addresses conduction and evaporation
(convection must be built into the fabric design) using the following
principles:
Thermal Conductivity Silver is the most thermally conductive element on
the planet. X-Static, therefore, works to quickly and evenly distribute
and transfer heat throughout a product. In warm weather, when conduction
is the primary means of heat transfer, XStatic enhances the bodVs natural
actions by accelerating the conduction of heat from the skin (a fabric
withoutX-Static would simply be a bamerto heat conduction). Much like a
silver spoon in a cup of hot tea, X-Static will conduct the heat from the
skin to the ambient air, thereby cooling the body.
Moisture Transfer As described above, X-Static accelerates the movement
of moisture through evaporation. As a result, X-Static apparel allows for
increased comfort in warm weather by minimizing moisture contact with the
skin.
ANTI-STATIC
Everyone has experienced the effects of static electricity. Receiving a
static shock or feeling static cling is a simple annoyance for most of us;
however, it can be extremely hazardous in many industrial settings. X-Static
is known worldwide as the premier anti-static yam for consumer and
industrial applications.
Static electricity is a phenomenon called statIc discharge, or triboeleclric
charging. Walking across your carpet in regular socks, which causes two
non-conductive materials to rub together, can create charges in excess
50,000 volts (ouch!). Dry conditions, such as those that exist during the
winter months, and synthetic materials amplify the problem. The only way to
minimize or eliminate the problem is to dissipate the electrical charges
through a conductive material.
Silver has the highest electrical conductivity rating of any element.
Therefore, X-Static, which is coated with pure silver, will conduct
electricity extremely efficiently. Just a small quantity of X-Static in
apparel or socks will instantly dissipate triboelectric charges, resulting
in static-free, comfortable products.
Therapeutic
X-Static is used in several FDA approved medical devices for its therapeutic
qualities. Examples include TENS units (electrical stimulation devices for pain
relief) and diabetic foot care products. The mechanisms of action in these
therapeutic devices are electrical and thermal conductivity.
Using the foot as an example, many people daim to experience acupuncture-like
effects when wearing X-Static socks. Another common observation is the
elimination or significant reduction of edema (swelling). People also claim that
their feet do not feel as tired as they do without X-Static socks. Today,
X-Static is widely touted in Asia for its therapeutic effects in numerous
products.
Why is there such a profound effect?
Electricity; The body consists of thousands and thousands of nerves that
reach the surface of the skin. In fact, the bottom of the foot alone has more
than 7,000 nerve endings. The body uses these nerves to transmit electrical
signals, including the feeling of pain and discomfort. Because silver is the
most conductive element, X-Static products will pick up the electrical charges
on the surface of the skin and dissipate them (much like external tnboelectric
charges). The result is less discomfort.
Magnetism:
Whenever electricity passes through a medium, a magnetic field is
created. Therefore, when the electrical currents from the body are distributed
throughout the XStatic fiber, a magnetic field is created around the body.
Beyond the traditional belief in the benefits of magnetic therapy, many
prestigious healthcare institutions have recently published studies defending
the claim that magnetic products will increase blood flow and reduce swelling.
It makes sense, then, that people wear X-Static socks on long airplane trips so
that their feet will not swell.
INTRINSIC VALUE
By the time people reach the age of understanding, at approximately three to
four years of age, they have been inundated with positive messages about silver.
A few examples:
Born with a silver spoon in your mouth
This originally meant that you had a better chance of surviving childhood. We
now know that silver kills E-Coli and salmonella. Both of these organisms were
prevalent on non-silver eating utensils and were a common source of infant
sickness and mortality.
Every cloud has a silver lining The
aristocracy in Rome and elsewhere during the Middl~ Ages drank from silver
goblets, which were known to provide natural antibacterial protection. Becat
people equated silver with clean water and because rainwater was considered
clean water, the twc were joined: silver-like water was the advantage of poor
weather.
He is silver-tongued
Today this saying refers to the wisdom or clevemess of an individual.
However, the saying originally dates back to the Middle Ages, when royalty would
test their wine for poison with a silver rod. If the rod turned black, it meant
that there was arsenic in the wine. So, if you had a silver tongue, you
possessed supernatural talents.
/ wish I had a silver bullet...
These are a few of the countless sayings about silver that transcend cultural
differences. Each culture has similar, if not identical, sayings. The intrinsic
understanding of the value of silver is, therefore, common around the world.
Because of the intrinsic value of silver and because silver is used as a
currency around the world, you do not have to explain to a consumer why a
product that contains silver is going to cost more. They expect that it will
cost more and, because of the value, they are willing to pay more.
X-Static is not confined by traditional price point barriers. Rather, it
offers the ability to truly focus on value: Intrinsic Value, Educational Value
and, ultimately the most important, Performance Value.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is Silver Safe? Is X-Static safe?
Silver is widely used today in medical products
and in consumer products. In fact, the very first drug most people receive when
they are born is silver nitrate, in the form of eye drops. Today, silver is used
in everything from bum care products for infection control to eating utensils.
The best colloquial example is the abundance of silver fillings for dental
repair (although there has been a movement away from silver because of the
dangers of the mercury that was used with it in the past).
X-Static is extremely safe because it is made
with pure silver. Prestigious institutions throughout the world have validated
the antimicrobial performance and safety of X-Static in published medical
journals.
How long does X-Static protection last?
X-Static lasts for the life of the garment.
Silver is permanently and irreversibly bound to the surface of a fiber to create
X-Static. It cannot wash off or wear off. We have tested XStatic for more than
250 washes with virtually no reduction in performance. The wash testing was
stopped only after the garment fell apart.
Are some people allergic to silver?
Some people are allergic to silver jewelry and
make the assumption that they are allergic to silver. On the contrary, silver
jewelry is made of an alloy called "sterling silver" and the people
are allergic to the various other metals in its makeup. X-Static is made with
pure silver—there have been no documented cases of allergies to pure silver.
What kind of testing has been performed on X-Static?
X-Static is registered with the EPA and has more
than 12 years of published clinical research supporting its safety and claims.
X-Static is also used in many of Class I and Class 2 FDA approved medical
devices. The top medical institutions in the world, including Johns Hopkins and
the National Institute of Health, have tested, approved of and currently use X-Stabc.
Should I be nervous about using an antimicrobial?
Yes, if it is not X-Static. X-Static is not like
other antimicrobial products. First, X-Static is natural and there is no fear of
toxicity. Second, X-Static has all of the requisite regulatory approvals. Third,
X-Static is not just an antimicrobial. It happens to be the best antimicrobial
product, but it also has many other valuable attributes.
How much silver is actually in X-Static?
The amount of silver varies, depending on the
specific product, but X-Static generally contains about 17.5% pure silver.
CLINICAL RESEARCH
Pennsylvania State University, ®1987
Silver-Coated Nylon Fiber as an AntibactenalAgent
Antimicrobial Agents and
Chemotherapy American Society of Microbiology
This published and peer reviewed study
definitively proved the antibacterial properties of X-Static. This analysis also
verified that an extract derived from the fiber was bactericidal. This attribute
explains the disinfecting quality witnessed by the wearing of hosiery containing
X-Static. Of particular interest, the efficacy of X-Static was demonstrated to
be more bactericidal than silver nitrate.
Pennsylvania State University; ©1987
Effect of Silver Coated Thread on the Microbial
Population of Shoes
"Interest in the project developed from our
previous studies, from which we found that silver coated thread (X-Static) was
remarkably inhibitory to the growth of and reproduction of several human
pathogenic bacteria. Obviously, the presence of silver in the right shoe of the
volunteers greatly diminished the total count of microorganisms and their
associated odors."
Pennsylvania State University,
©1987 Efi~ct of Silver Coated Thread on the Microbial Population of
Carpets
"Interest in the project developed from our
previous studies, from which we found that silver-coated thread (X-Static) was
remarkably inhibitory to the growth of and reproduction of several human
pathogenic bacteria. In condusion, the incorporation of silver-coated thread
into carpet severely inhibits microbial growth and reproduction in
carpets."
Cornell University, ©1987
Newly Made Antibacterial Braided Sutures: In
Vitro and In Vivo Biocompatibility Study Journal
of Biomedical Materials
Research
This published and peer reviewed study
demonstrates antibacterial properties toward new and established bacterial
colonies. Additionally, the biocompatibility data suggested that the X-Static
fiber implanted into gluteal muscle caused less of an inflammatory reaction than
that of ordinary nylon. This study reaffirms the intrinsic safety of X-Static.
Cornell University, ©1987
In Vitro Quantitative Study of Newly Made
Antibacterial Braided Nylon Sutures Surgery,
Gynecology & Obstetrics
This published and peer reviewed study is another
example of the bacteriostatic qualities of X-Static. As could be expected, the
performance of the fiber was excellent. Of particular note, this study
demonstrates that silver ions will migrate into wound sites through
electrophoretic activity.
United States Army Institute of
Surgical Research, ©1 995 Enhanced Survival of
Autoepidermal-Allodermal Composite Grafts fl~ Journal
of Trauma, Injury, Infection and Critical Care
‘We have previously described
antimicrobial effects and enhanced wound healing in experimental bums and grafts
treated with silver/nylon dressings, either with or without application of
direct current The results show as previously described for primary grafts, that
silver/nylon with direct current shortens the time of reepithelization when
compared to silver/nylon without DC orVG controls’~.
Umted States Army Institute of Surgical Research, @1995
Direct Current Reduces Wound Edema after Full
Thickness Burn Injury in Rats
The Joumal
of Trauma, Injury, Infection and
Critical Care
HOME
| CONTACT | REPAIRS |
SHOOTING
| SADDLERY | LEATHER
GOODS | SADDLE
FITTING | BARBOUR
| ORDERING
|
SHOE
REPAIRS
Email Us today sales@redraesaddlery.fsnet.co.uk
Tel: 01920 463170 or outside U.K (44)1920 - 463170
Hosted
by www.fasthosts.co.uk
|
