I'm gonna add one one more that I recently started using myself- a satin pillowcase.

And it's not so much about reducing shedding (which is almost always a result of dryness), it's about keeping the unit moisturized. Since I have switched from cotton I have noticed that the back and sides of my full cap does not dry out any more quickly than the top, as it did with normal cotton.

Every day that passes I am more and more convinced that the key to keeping these things looking good is moisture. Harsh shampoos, many styling products, alcohol, chlorine (hence the shower filter) heat, and anything that wicks moisture will prematurely dry the piece.