Aerogel is a very light and insulating polymer that can now be directly incorporated into viscose fibers according to a method developed by Outlast Technologies GmbH. While not adding weight, this invention significantly improves the insulating qualities. For instance, this implies that it is possible to make warm winter blankets that are as light as summer ones. According to preliminary testing conducted by an independent organization, Aersulate-treated fibers provide insulation performance that is up to 35% better than that of traditional viscose fibers.
Outlast Technologies improves sleeping comfort
The perfect mattress blends qualities that frequently appear to be mutually exclusive: it should be soft against the skin while still offering cozy warmth without encouraging excessive perspiration. “Comfortable sleeping is largely dependent on weight,” says Volker Schuster, Head of Research and Development at Outlast Technologies. “A blanket that is too light frequently does not provide enough insulation, while one that is too heavy may appear uncomfortable and limit breathability.”
Airgel and experiences with it. aerogel properties.
The difficulty for producers up to this point has been balancing insulating qualities with weight. However, utilizing a patent-pending method, the Outlast Technologies experts have successfully integrated aerogel—a material that is notoriously difficult to process—directly into the filling’s fibers for the first time. This creative method resolves the earlier dilemma and creates new opportunities for creating bedding that is both incredibly insulating and lightweight.
Thirty-five per cent lighter duvets for a more comfortable night’s sleep
According to Schuster, “Aerogel is a silicate-based solid that isInnovative NASA technology revolutionise bedding: Aerogel insulation integrated into fibres derived from quartz sand and has a unique insulating effect.” Aerogel’s exceptional insulating capabilities stem from its incredibly porous structure, which contains 98% air, making it the ideal insulating material. Aerogel has long been a crucial component of NASA space missions due to these unique qualities. Aerogel binds the air inside the fiber, whereas traditional insulating materials like foams, wadding, or nonwovens use trapped air to control heat. As a result, even in the presence of moisture and/or pressure, it maintains its insulating qualities. This offers it a significant edge over conventional materials, which typically cease to function in such circumstances.
With its innovative, patent-pending method, Outlast has successfully used aerogel, a material that is extremely difficult to produce, and its exceptional qualities for bedding. The production of lightweight, environmentally friendly, and highly insulating fibers and fabrics seems to be greatly aided by this breakthrough. In the past, the business has successfully used its unique Aersulate technology to textile webs without any problems. Aersulate-treated fibers are notably softer than stiffer composites, which are better suited for technical applications. As a result, they make excellent bedding filler materials.
Thirty-five per cent lighter duvets for a better comfortable night’s sleep
Tests were conducted by an independent, ISO-certified laboratory to evaluate the insulating performance of the Aersulate technology. In compliance with DIN EN ISO 11092, this entailed comparing viscose wadding of 2 cm thickness with and without aerogel content. The findings show that compared to traditional viscose fibers, the aersulate-treated wadding performs 35% better as insulation. This implies that Aersulate may make duvet contents 35% lighter without compromising thermal efficiency, which can help you sleep much better during the night.
According to Schuster, “With this new technology, we have fully exploited aerogel’s benefits for the textile industry for the first time without compromising on softness or comfort.” Today’s bedding producers can create incredibly light yet highly insulating goods that satisfy consumers’ increasing needs for functionality and quality. By providing an animal-friendly substitute for bedding made of down, the materials are also environmentally friendly and safeguard animal welfare.
The innovative Aersulate-treated fibers will be introduced for the first time by Outlast Technologies at HEIMTEXTIL 2025. The team will be accessible for discussions and to provide information about the numerous potential uses of this innovation at booth C51 in hall 11.0.
