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The moisture absorbency of a quilt's filling material is very important

December 04, 2016 2 min read

moisture absorbency alpaca quilts doonas

Moisture Absorbency - Quilt fillings & Cover Fabrics

A very important, yet possibly the least understood but an point about the type of filling in bed quilts.

During the night we all perspire, some more than others, and extensive studies in Europe have discovered that, on average, one litre of moisture is given off each night. This is normal as it is the way one's body adjusts to its environment, however, it is what happens to this moisture which is really important.

To get an optimal night's sleep, it is essential that you keep dry, hence our mantra 'dry and cool in summer and warm in winter'. It's true!

For a balanced good nights sleep, you need a quilt filled with a naturally moisture absorbent filling material. Alpaca fleece and wool fibre can absorb up to 30% of their weight in moisture.

Bamboo and cotton are cellulose plant fibres and are very good at moisture absorbency, both in the amount of moisture they can absorb and how quickly they absorbs body moisture.

We are often asked, what happens to the moisture that an alpaca or bamboo quilt absorbs moisture during the night? Well, it's simple, the moisture evaporates during the day when it is warmer. On the other hand, if a quilt is filled with a material that does not absorb moisture i.e. it is hydrophobic, such as polyester, it will not absorb moisture which then stays on your skin which causes temperature variations. The result is usually a poor quality sleep with regular temperature changes i.e. a hot and sweaty night sleep. Not desirable nor good!

It is also important that a quilt cover fabric is absorbent, which is why they are usually made from cotton. Cotton is absorbent, although not as absorbent as bamboo, so it assists in this 'wicking effect' which bedding manufacturers refer to.

I hope that this article has been of value and will assist you in selecting the right quilt when you next look to buy.

Need any further information? No problem. please call us, we love talking to customers and helping them out.

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