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Innovation of Outlast at Heimtextil 2012

21 Nov '11

4 min read

Functional materials containing Outlast® technology provide better performance: Contrary to traditional products, Outlast® bedding dynamically manages temperature and humidity for optimal sleep. Remember: An optimum climate comfort is always influenced by temperature and moisture. Outlast uses a new test method to visualize the perfect microclimate.

Climate and sleep go hand in hand. Latest studies point out that climate optimized sleep surroundings lead to a longer deep sleep and the latest cutting-edge technologies open new possibilities leading to innovative helpful insights. While sleeping humans have a need to be warmed and to be cooled. In an optimal microclimate heat and moisture must play together perfectly.

Each human decreases its body core temperature in the first half of the night by approx. 1°C. This is mostly done by transpiration, which is the body's own cooling mechanism. By evaporation of moisture, the skin (and also the blood circulation) is cooled down. “A difficult process holding a strong dynamic and which is running not at all in a linear way. And it is much more dynamic than the actual temperature development,” says Christoph Russ, owner of c.russ-NETCONSULT, Otterfing/Germany. Through imaging in real time he is visualizing with „THG AreaView“ measuring systems the actual development of temperature and humidity between human and object (in this case: a duvet). Special for this process is its ability to visualize also hidden layers. Layers, which can't be detected by an infrared camera or by other optical devices.

So it is possible for the first time to view the Outlast® difference related to heat and moisture and to document once again the numerous benefits of the smart Outlast® phase change material. “We have passed already various test runs with THG AreaView demonstrating in color that Outlast® materials can reduce moisture significantly during the phase where you fall asleep,” says Volker Schuster, Technical Director of Outlast Europe – 2 -GmbH, Heidenheim/Germany. “As the data sensors of this new measuring system are very tiny they can be directly built inside the microclimate measuring inside the air film between skin and duvet. Where comfort plays a critical role in sleep,” so Volker Schuster. “We found out in one trial that Outlast® materials reduce relative humidity by 10% and support humans in their attempt to cool down during the phase of falling asleep. A great start into the night leading to an efficient improvement of comfort and better sleep.” Outlast® phase change materials (PCMs) work dynamically. They can absorb and store excess body heat releasing it back when needed. Welcomed “side effect”: Sweating is reduced dramatically temperature is balanced actively and dynamically. Outlast® bedding products reduce overheating and shivering and the warmth is distributed regularly so you wake up more refreshed.

Coming back from the moisture which can be visualized by THG Area View to the aspect temperature. The visitors of the international fair Heimtextil 2012 in Frankfurt can experience the Outlast® difference of Outlast® bedding products with an infrared test station in Hall 8.0, Stand C 66. The demonstration is simple and fast, the visitor will be able to set their own hands on two different test surfaces, one with Outlast® technology and another without. Photographs are then taken with a thermal image camera (infrared, IR) demonstrating impressively a large visual difference between these two fabrics which is related to body heat. The IR pictures prove that Outlast® materials can absorb and store body heat (traditional materials can't).

In times where competition is getting tougher, Outlast offers a true winning benefit to their customers and retailers. They are able to offer an added value with improved comfort in the sleeping environment as well as increase the attractiveness of their line of goods. Experience has shown that PCM products have great sell-through and can drive an increase in sales. Find out more – visit the following Outlast® licensees at Heimtextil, January 11-14, 2012 in Frankfurt/Germany:

About Outlast

Outlast Technologies, Inc., a privately held U.S. corporation, is the worldwide leader in phase change materials and applications. Outlast® technology is the heat management technology originally developed for NASA that enables any textile le to absorb, store and release heat. Outlast® technology pro-actively responds to changes in skin temperature to manage heat and reduce moisture for everyday comfort.

For over 20 years, Outlast has been committed to the development of new fibers, fabrics and coatings incorporating phase change materials, expanding the use of Outlast® technology across more than 200 brands and a multitude of products in apparel, footwear, bedding, packaging and labels, and accessories.

Outlast Technologies, Inc.