Who hasn’t experienced this? Instead of deep rest, many people experience restless nights in summer due to heat build-up and heavy sweating. In particular, the combination of high temperature and humidity creates an unpleasant sleeping climate under the comforter – with consequences for the quality of sleep. This is precisely where a new textile development comes in that has the potential to change the bedding market in the long term.
A newly developed comforter, developed as part of an interdisciplinary research project funded by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Energy between the Institute of Materials Science at Hof University of Applied Sciences (ifm), the Sleep Medicine Center at the University of Regensburg and industrial partners such as the Erzgebirgische Steppdeckenfabrik from Ehrenfriedersdorf and the manufacturer of technical textiles Jahn from Schwarzenbach am Wald, now promises a remedy. The focus is on a completely new type of blanket filling structure consisting of so-called spacer fabrics – three-dimensional textiles with a free flow cross-section and an air-filled intermediate layer.
This textile architecture allows moisture to be transported away from the body quickly without losing its warming effect. The stationary air layer continues to provide insulation, while the open structure actively contributes to regulating the microclimate – without any electronics or additional elements.
Focus on sleeping climate
While conventional comforters offer good thermal insulation, they often have weaknesses when it comes to moisture transport. The structure of most filling materials – whether down, feathers or synthetic fleece – hinders the evaporation of perspiration. The body’s natural cooling mechanism is disrupted and heat builds up – especially on warm nights. Research clearly shows that it is not only the temperature, but above all the humidity in the bed that is decisive for sleeping comfort.
Softness meets function
As classic spacer fabrics have so far mainly been used as mattress toppers, the researchers had to work specifically on drapability and noise development. Textile adaptations such as integrated joints and special yarns made it possible to make the material suitable for use as a flexible, comfortable blanket filling. This was complemented by an air-permeable mesh ticking, which also supports moisture transport.
Laboratory tests prove advantages
Technical tests in the textile laboratory at Hof University of Applied Sciences showed significantly improved “decay behavior” of heat and moisture compared to conventional blankets. The new development was also convincing in sleep medicine tests: the humidity in the bed cave was significantly lower, the test subjects reported reduced sweating and better sleeping comfort. Sleep quality and sleep efficiency were demonstrably improved, particularly for people with high levels of nocturnal heat build-up.
Sustainability and hygiene included
The blanket not only scores points in terms of functionality, but also in terms of hygiene. The open structure of the spacer fabric and the ticking dry quickly, which counteracts the formation of mold and mites – ideal for allergy sufferers. The comforter is also washable at 60 °C. Manufactured in an environmentally friendly way using recycled yarns and energy-efficient processes, the blanket also meets the ecological requirements of modern home textiles.
Target groups and areas of use
This comforter is particularly recommended for people with heavy sweating or hormonal heat regulation, such as during the menopause, as well as for people with allergies or sensitive skin. The perfect area of application is summer nights with high temperatures or bedrooms with an unfavorable room climate.
Innovation with market potential
The combination of textile technology and sleep medicine expertise has resulted in a genuine product innovation: the new comforter with spacer fabric filling offers effective climate regulation, improves sleep quality and meets the highest hygiene and sustainability standards.
