Suitability of lyocell fiber for pillow fillings

Abstract

The choice of a comfortable pillow is essential for good sleep. The filling material for pillows should be bulky, resilient and comfortable. For reasons of price, availability and resilience, polyester is the most commonly used filling material. Its drawbacks, however, lie in poor moisture management and a lack of biodegradability. This is the first study of the physical and microclimate properties of pillows with carded filling containing lyocell fiber. Pillow samples were manufactured on an industrial production line. Their carded fillings were rolled and comprised either 30% or 50% lyocell, blended with polyester (virgin and recycled), high elastic triexta and biodegradable polylactide fibers. In simulated sleeping conditions, using a thermal sweating manikin, it was proven that pillows with fillings made of 50% lyocell blended with polyester demonstrated an enhanced microclimate through much better moisture management than pillows with fillings made from pure polyester. It was also found, under use and care conditions, that lyocell affected the sensorial properties of pillows. Pillow form stability and height regain correlated with lyocell’s linear density. A higher lyocell content (50%) improved the form-keeping characteristics of pillows after repeated washing and drying. The type of lyocell used had only a minor effect on the compression resilience of the filling and perception of pillow firmness. The evaluators perceived higher pillows as firmer. The developed new methods for the evaluation of pillow quality and the results of this study can be of practical relevance in the bedding industry, where the reduction of non-biodegradable raw material is strategically important.