| Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha) |
NAKANISHI Masae Kobe Women's University, Home Economics, Lecturer (Nara Women's University, part, 家政学部, 講師 (20248115)
MATSUO Masaru Nara Women's University, Textile and Apparel Science, Profossor, 生活環境学部, 教授 (80091841)
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| Research Abstract |
Recently, the demand has been growing stronger for quality bedding that provides sound, comfortable sleep. In response to this growing demand, we have developed an objective method for evaluating bedding performance factors, such as touch, adaptability to the human body, and temperature comfort. We have also investigated the mechanical properties of bedding materials, such as fiber assemblies, surface properties, and heat, moisture and air transport properties. The results of our research have already been applied to the actual performance design of bedding materials. Our research focuses on the following three types of bedding materials :
1) Futons : An important performance factor for futon padding is change in thickness with repeated compression. Various kinds of fibers were used in our experiments and a simulation test was developed to predict changes in thickness. We measured the compression properties of the fiber assemblies, the shape of single fibers, and mechanical properties. We then established relationships between these factors and the changes in padding thickness to obtain data that can be used in the design of quality futon padding.
2) Blankets : The mechanical and thermal properties of various kinds of blankets were measured to clarify the ranges of these properties and the chanracteristics of each blanket type. We then proposed a method of objectively evaluating blanket comfort by relating these properties to comfort values measured in sensory tests. We also examined the changes in physical properties that occur with repeated use and cleaning.
3) Pillows : Sensory tests for softness, adaptability to the human body, temperature comfort, ets., were conducted using commercial pillows. The results of the sensory tests were linked to the compression and heat transfer properties of pillows. We then clarified the relationship between material properties and the performance design of pillow padding.
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