(NaturalNews) A new variety of pajamas, spun with silver fiber, is being marketed as an anti-microbial defense for hospital patients who are concerned about the superbug methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
MRSA is an antibiotic-resistant variety of the common bacteria that causes staph infections. If untreated, staph infections can lead to skin necrosis (death) or spread to other organs, with potentially fatal consequences. It has emerged as a growing public health concern due to its prevalence in
hospitals and other institutional settings.
The Sleep Safe pajamas are made of a fabric composed of 2 percent
silver fiber. Silver is well-known for its anti-microbial properties, with recorded use going as far back as a recommendation by Hippocrates in the fourth century BCE.
The manufacturer of the pajamas began clinical
studies of their effectiveness in January 2007, and the studies are scheduled to be completed soon. According to a spokesperson from Marks & Spencer, the first retail chain to carry the pajamas, "interim results were positive."
Currently, only men's pajamas are available, in teal, navy or burgundy. The clinical trials are testing nightwear for both women and men, including pajamas, sippers, night shirts and night dresses.
Health advocates greeted the pajamas with mixed reviews.
"We welcome the fact these are going on sale, but it shows how desperate the public is," said Katherine Murphy, from U.K.'s Patients' Association.
"It sounds like a gimmick," said Tony Kitchen of
MRSA Support. "It cannot be a super suit and probably doesn't make a lot of difference."
"The problem lies within the hospitals," Kitchen said. "They are dirty and it should not be up to the public to safeguard themselves -- it's the ethos of the
hospital that needs to change."
Other
public health advocates suggested that if the pajamas are found to work, they should be paid for by the public
health service and not be the responsibility of
patients.
The Sleep Safe pajamas retail for £45 ($91).
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