Bedding
Bedding is body supports and pads used for sleeping . The most commonly used body support is the duvet (= duvet). Body pads are pillows, side pillows, mattress toppers (= lower bed) and mattresses . You will be protected by bed linen (duvet covers and sheets ). There is also the bedspread (= overbed) that is placed over the bedspread during the day.
Standard sizes
Duvets
| Size (in cm | designation |
|---|---|
| 80 × 80 | Baby size |
| 100 × 135 | Toddler size |
| 135 × 200 (AT: 140 × 200; CH: 160 × 210) |
Standard size |
| 135 × 220 (AT: 140 × 220) |
Excess length |
| 155 × 200 | Excess width |
| 155 × 220 | Comfort size |
| 200 × 200 | Double bed size standard |
| 200 × 220 | Double bed size extra length |
| 240 × 220 | Double bed size comfort |
| 260 × 220 | King size |
In Germany, the standard sizes for duvets have changed over the last fifty years, which is due on the one hand to the increased height of buyers and on the other hand to the desire for more comfort. At the same time, industrial production (which was handcrafted until 1950) resulted in greater standardization of dimensions. The current dimensions can be found in the adjacent table.
The oversizes 135 cm × 220 cm and 155 cm × 200 cm have lost their market importance, the comfort size 155 × 220 is becoming more and more important at the expense of 135 cm × 200 cm, although this is less ideal for washing because of the larger volume. The comfort size is recommended for people over 180 cm tall.
This does not mean that only these sizes are available, but different dimensions in Germany are always custom-made. The cases then need to be tailored.
In Austria, the standard dimensions for duvets are 140 cm × 200 cm.
Types of duvets
Common types of comforters are
- the upper bed , also called plumeau and in Austria (die) Tuchent (from: duchna, Czech), in which the entire contents rests in a single-chamber cover.
- the (checked) quilt (also called quilt) , in which the cover is pierced in several places in order to make it much more difficult for the filling material - formerly cotton wool, wool fleece, today lighter synthetic fiber fleece - to move within the cover.
- the duvet , in which the cover is sewn in numerous squares to prevent the filling from migrating, and
- the “duo duvet”, in which two individual, quilted bed halves are only sewn on the outer edges with a binding tape. The advantage is that the enclosed air cushion (air is a poor conductor of heat) holds body heat, which is why this shape has become particularly popular as a winter bed.
- the bridge ceiling , in which the aforementioned squares are not sewn through, but are separated from one another by spacers about 1 to 2 cm high. These bars avoid thermal bridges.
- In recent years, the four- season quilt has become popular, in which two duvets with different filling quantities and different intermediate seams can be buttoned or hooked together in a sandwich process (highest warming effect, winter blanket) or can be used individually as a pure summer or transitional blanket.
- Roughened blankets made of wool or synthetic fiber fabric in bed covers or in sheets are standard for emergency quarters, prisons or the military.
Cases
The sleeves are used to accommodate the filling material. They are intended to prevent the contents (e.g. quills) from penetrating the outside or unwanted particles (e.g. skin flakes) or mites from penetrating. On the other hand, the casings must be permeable to air and allow moisture that has penetrated to escape. Air-impermeable fabrics are therefore prohibited. Sleeves are therefore mostly made of tightly woven cotton. Depending on the density of the threads per cm² one speaks of
- Percale , for example, down perkal , cheaper qualities and
- Inlet, for example made of batiste , for the high quality.
The lifespan of a cover varies greatly depending on the quality and use. Replacing envelopes that have become porous and re-embedding the contents in new envelopes is rarely recommended because this is usually more expensive than buying a completely new duvet.
Pillow
| Size (in cm | designation | approx.% share |
|---|---|---|
| 80 × 80 (AT: 70 × 90) |
Standard size | 70% |
| 40 × 80 | Comfort pillow | 20% |
Here, too, the traditional pillow size of 80 cm × 80 cm (in Austria 70 cm × 90 cm or 60 cm × 80 cm) is increasingly being replaced by comfort pillows, which are recommended by doctors and physiotherapists for orthopedic reasons. The smaller shape ensures that the shoulder rests on the mattress while the pillow is reserved for the head. The resulting height difference prevents the cervical spine from kinking during sleep, which can lead to tension. The back and the cervical spine should ideally form a straight line both in the back sleeping position and in the side position . Most duvet covers are still delivered with a pillow size of 80 cm × 80 cm. Neck rolls and other sizes such as 40 cm × 60 cm are of little importance. However, so-called neck support pillows, which, unlike ordinary pillows, have a solid molded core made of foam or latex that cannot be shaken open, are becoming increasingly popular. The dimensions are not standardized and very varied.
Fillings
Bedding is filled with different materials and qualities.
Mixture of down and feathers
Only feathers and down from geese and ducks are used for the filling . The higher the proportion of down, the greater the filling power and the warming effect. As a special feature, eiderdown can also be used. Heat retention and breathability are almost twice as great as with goose down.
It is not insignificant in which region the animals lived and when they were plucked. In general, Canadian or Siberian geese are of higher quality than animals from more southerly regions due to the local climate. Goods from China in particular mostly come from slaughter animals whose plumage is not fully ripe at the time of slaughter and must therefore be regarded as inferior. "Live plucking" are feathers from animals that have been plucked alive, which has been very controversial recently. Whether the animals were plucked at the time of their moult cannot be checked and it is therefore assumed that animals were crueled. Similar to caged eggs, many trading companies do not include live plucking in their range and declare their goods as “no live plucking”.
Feathers have a continuous keel. A spring can be compressed and springs back again. The goose feather is more curved than the duck feather and has a broad tip. The duck feather is smaller and more delicate and tapers at the front. The differentiation is very difficult for laypeople. Feathers that are used for bedding are usually a maximum of 5 cm long.
| Previous designation | New according to Euro norm |
|---|---|
| RAL 092 A2 | DIN EN 12934 |
| Pure down | 100% down |
| slightly feathery down | 90% down and 10% feathers |
| Feathery down | 60% down and 40% feathers |
| Three-quarter down | 30% down and 70% feathers |
| Half down | 15% down and 85% feathers |
| feathers | 100% feathers |
The RAL 092 A2 standard was used for the various mixing ratios. This has now been replaced by DIN EN 12934. The following relationships are defined as shown opposite.
The previous designations are still used as a catchy short name in sales. A down comforter must contain at least 60% down, otherwise it is a feather bed. 70% feathers and 30% down is referred to as a feather bed according to the Euronorm (formerly three-quarter down). Class 1 = best quality = only goose and duck. There are up to 7 classes.
Goose feathers and goose down are similarly more expensive than duck feathers and duck down. Therefore, up to 30% duck is often added to the goose fillings, which is still permissible according to the standard. The term “pure goose down” may only contain less than 10% duck down.
Although not worse than white in durability, filling power, heat retention and breathability, gray / brown filling qualities are cheaper. Such raw materials are often bleached and then appear pure white. White filling has an optical advantage with light-colored bed covers in conjunction with white bed linen.
durability
A poor initial quality can lose its filling power after a few years if there is insufficient care and accommodation in the bed box. Goose down from species-appropriate free-range husbandry can do a good job for 15 years if it is aired and loosened regularly and if bedspreads are not used. Pillows are subject to faster wear and tear and usually need to be replaced after 5 years - also for hygienic reasons.
hygiene
As a rule, ventilation is sufficient, but the bedding should not be placed in the sun, otherwise the feathers will become brittle. Bedding with feather and down fillings can be washed several times with down shampoo, but without fabric softener. It is necessary to use a lot of water and to rinse thoroughly. On the other hand, detergents containing chlorine immediately destroy the filling power of down and feathers. Drying in the tumble dryer is recommended; it is important to ensure that the contents are also dry inside the bed.
Pure new wool
Virgin wool is understood to be wool that has been processed by sheep shearing for the first time since it was obtained. The new wool has a crimp and bulkiness of the wool hair. Virgin wool can store a lot of air and thus form a good insulation layer. Sheep's wool can absorb around 30–35% of its own weight in moisture from sweating and releases it into the outside air seven times faster than other materials, if the new sheep's wool still contains a portion of the wool fat lanolin.
Sheep's wool blankets are made from a fleece made from new sheep's wool that is sewn between cotton fabric or other fabrics. The sheep's wool fleece is sewn to the cotton layers.
The optimal filling weight depends on the season: 0.8–2 kg. A blanket for the summer is processed with less filling material than one for the winter. The sheep's wool blanket can regulate heat and moisture very well and thus relaxes the muscles.
Hygiene and cleaning: Sheep's wool that still contains lanolin is self-cleaning. To do this, it must be ventilated in cold and damp weather. Solar radiation, on the other hand, is more harmful. The new sheep's wool only absorbs water vapor, which is why water initially rolls off (above a certain amount this behavior changes). Sheep's wool can be cleaned and rinsed with cold water that is at most lukewarm or special wool detergents. You should not scrub or wriggle, otherwise the wool fleece will irritate or felt. To dry the wool blanket flat on z. B. placed a clothes horse where the water can drain and the water vapor is released back into the outside air.
Due to the rapid release of moisture into the room air, the new sheep's wool blanket is low in mites and therefore suitable for allergy sufferers. A sheep's wool blanket is also recommended for rheumatism and arthritis patients due to the heat and moisture regulation.
Camel hair
Camel hair is the silky, shiny chest hair of camels . Fillings are light, supple and temperature-regulating. Moisture can be transported quickly.
Cashmere
(also: Kashmir) comes from the cashmere goat . Each animal provides only 150–200 g of hair per year. The heat retention capacity is enormous.
cotton
20% of the weight can be absorbed as a liquid. Cotton is a less warming material. Environmental damage caused by cultivation and harvesting has brought them into disrepute. Goods with the designation kbA (kbA = controlled organic cultivation ) are available in stores. Quality seals that also evaluate the processing are z. B. GOTS Global Organic Textile Standard or IVN Naturtextilie .
Poplar fluff
Poplar fluff are the seed fibers of the poplar fruits . They are very fine and have very large cavities inside, which is why they are very good thermal insulation.
Wild silk
Wild silk is obtained from the cocoons of silk moths that have already hatched . Wild silk is less heat-insulating. Silk is considered a noble, shiny and skin-friendly material. It is able to cool or warm as required and can absorb up to a third of its own weight in moisture.
Fiber beads
Especially since microfiber bed linen has been marketed as absolutely allergy-free bedding, fiber beads have become a popular filler. The fill power is retained even after repeated washing and the bed linen can be easily washed in your own washing machine up to 60 ° C. However, to store the same heat, a larger amount is needed than for feathers and down, which is why such duvets are often very heavy. Because of their fluffiness, fiber spheres are better suited as a filling for pillows.
Fleece (hollow fibers and continuous fibers)
If the weight is low, the fleece is soft and warm. However, it is often found that these hollow fibers can pierce the shell after a short time and move outwards. This happens when the shell used is not (no longer) fiber-tight or, for. B. is damaged by cat's claws.
Web links
Individual evidence
- ↑ Thüringer Allgemeine : Only a few support pillows really help , from September 4, 2017, loaded on November 24, 2017