Ancient man had to rely on animal skins for keeping warm at night. Then, people learned how to weave fabrics from wool. Later, we discovered how to stuff feathers or down from geese and ducks in between two layers of fabric to provide a thick layer of insulation. Then there were those awful years when polyester was all the rage. Today, we are likely to be using a faux fur throw blanket on our beds.
Faux fur is a man-made fabric. Natural furs are controversial and expensive. Previously available synthetic materials did not breathe, felt itchy and plastic and were not at all comfortable. Today's fabrics are much fluffier and snuggly. They are also easily affordable, so that every member of the family can have their own. It is even possible to have spares to put on living room furniture or use for camping and picnics.
Today's man-made fibers are made in any color the customer could ask for, as well as a range of different patterns, including animal prints. They are made in all sizes for wrapping baby, to protecting the furniture and for using as bedding. Whereas a comforter, which may be stuffed with goose feathers or duck down, has to be dry cleaned, today's synthetic can be laundered along with the sheets and towels. Instead of schlepping a heavy duvet to the dry cleaners or laundromat with a heavy-duty washing machine, just throw it in the washing machine at home and either hang it on the washing line outdoors or use the clothes dryer.
So, what comes next? Here are some new fabrics used for outerwear that could reasonably adapted to use in bedding. One possibility is zero-loft aerogels. The term loft refers to the thickness of a fabric, like a down duvet. These are filled with compressible insulating material. New zero-loft aerogels provide two or three times the thermal performance of a down- or feather-filled duvet without the clumsy bulk. Some people like the bulk, and may have to get used to something thinner.
Zero-loft aerogel has the advantage over feathers or down in that it is not as bulky. Also, aerogel is better when wet. Feathers and down compress when they are wet, losing the insulating layer of air. Aerogels do not have this problem.
Hydrophobic down is another fabric material that is undergoing development for commercial use. Here, the down is coated with a water repellant. Hydrophobic down can retain as much as 80 percent of its loft after three minutes in water.
Gore-Tex was all the rage for a while, but skiers and other cold, wet weather-people find it does not allow them to breathe. This means they accumulate moisture on the inside which is most uncomfortable. New, air-permeable materials do not have this disadvantage. Could this technology translate well into the bedding sector?
Technology as regards fabrics is evolving rapidly. Today's fake fur throw may end up as tomorrow's dishcloth. What lies ahead? Maybe the next generation of bed coverings will sing lullabies, emit lavender and other sleep-inducing scents. Maybe they will respond to temperatures of the sleeper and the room to keep user at the right temperature for optimum sleep.
Faux fur is a man-made fabric. Natural furs are controversial and expensive. Previously available synthetic materials did not breathe, felt itchy and plastic and were not at all comfortable. Today's fabrics are much fluffier and snuggly. They are also easily affordable, so that every member of the family can have their own. It is even possible to have spares to put on living room furniture or use for camping and picnics.
Today's man-made fibers are made in any color the customer could ask for, as well as a range of different patterns, including animal prints. They are made in all sizes for wrapping baby, to protecting the furniture and for using as bedding. Whereas a comforter, which may be stuffed with goose feathers or duck down, has to be dry cleaned, today's synthetic can be laundered along with the sheets and towels. Instead of schlepping a heavy duvet to the dry cleaners or laundromat with a heavy-duty washing machine, just throw it in the washing machine at home and either hang it on the washing line outdoors or use the clothes dryer.
So, what comes next? Here are some new fabrics used for outerwear that could reasonably adapted to use in bedding. One possibility is zero-loft aerogels. The term loft refers to the thickness of a fabric, like a down duvet. These are filled with compressible insulating material. New zero-loft aerogels provide two or three times the thermal performance of a down- or feather-filled duvet without the clumsy bulk. Some people like the bulk, and may have to get used to something thinner.
Zero-loft aerogel has the advantage over feathers or down in that it is not as bulky. Also, aerogel is better when wet. Feathers and down compress when they are wet, losing the insulating layer of air. Aerogels do not have this problem.
Hydrophobic down is another fabric material that is undergoing development for commercial use. Here, the down is coated with a water repellant. Hydrophobic down can retain as much as 80 percent of its loft after three minutes in water.
Gore-Tex was all the rage for a while, but skiers and other cold, wet weather-people find it does not allow them to breathe. This means they accumulate moisture on the inside which is most uncomfortable. New, air-permeable materials do not have this disadvantage. Could this technology translate well into the bedding sector?
Technology as regards fabrics is evolving rapidly. Today's fake fur throw may end up as tomorrow's dishcloth. What lies ahead? Maybe the next generation of bed coverings will sing lullabies, emit lavender and other sleep-inducing scents. Maybe they will respond to temperatures of the sleeper and the room to keep user at the right temperature for optimum sleep.
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Buy luxury and low priced faux fur throw blanket directly from the online store. We highly recommend this reputable supplier's website at http://www.furaccents.com
