GB2532874A - Sleeping aid - Google Patents

Abstract

A system for promoting back sleeping to reduce the appearance of facial wrinkles comprises a pillow 2having a casing containing Downs wool. The Downs wool has springy fibres that mould around the head of the user to cushion the users face and encourage back sleeping. The pillow may include a second support pillow 18 or insert 8 for placing beneath or within the pillow. A silk pillow outer casing or slip 10 may also be provided. The system may have a pillow topper 16 comprising a casing smaller than the main pillow casing and containing a carded wool. An eye pillow 20 having a casing containing a natural seed filling and/or a knee support comprising a casing with a wool filling may also be provided.

Description

SLEEPING AID

This invention relates to a sleeping aid, particularly an aid to facilitate back sleeping and reduce the formation of facial wrinkles.

TECHNICAL FIELD.

The desire for an individual to retain the appearance of youth with minimal facial lines and wrinkles has led to a hugely successful cosmetics industry. Anti-wrinkle lotions and creams are widely available but their long term effectiveness is questionable. Cosmetic surgery is also an option but this is costly, invasive and does not always produce the desired outcome.

It has been known for some time that the appearance of definition lines and wrinkles can result from the positioning of one's face against a pillow during sleeping. Sleeping aids have been developed with the aim of reducing the development of facial lines. For example, WO 2011/163078 (Roban, Andres) describes a therapeutic pillow with a hand rest designed to support the head and neck of a sleeper and to provide facial protection against wrinkles while sleeping in any position. A facial ridge is formed into the pillow that provides support to the cheek area to reduce crushing or wrinkling of the facial tissue due to the weight of the head of the pillow. While this device may lessen the appearance of wrinkles, the pre-formed shape of the pillow negatively impacts on the comfort of the device for the user which will discourage its repeated use.

The particular position an individual adopts for sleeping is also known to affect the degree of appearance of facial lines. For example, prone sleeping ("tummy sleeping") has been found to encourage wrinkle formation whereas supine sleeping ("back sleeping") may reduce the formation of wrinkles due to the minimization of facial compression and the natural effect of gravity on the facial tissues. US 2003/0188383 (Ense, Shephen) discloses a pillow design that supports a user's head, neck and face by positioning the user's head such that the side and back of the head are supported while the face is protected from adverse contact with the pillow. However, the support is made from a pre-formed elongated foam box which can reduce its desirability to the user.

Other sleeping aids have been described that claim to promote back sleeping to reduce the appearance of facial wrinkles, such as US 81615888 (Juverest, LIc) and US 8726436B (Wright, Louisa). Both devices assist in retaining a sleeper in the supine position but have pre-formed mounds for physically directing or retaining the head of the user in a particular position. Such products have met with limited success due to their feel and appearance being very different to that of a conventional pillow.

It is an aim of the present invention to provide an improved sleeping aid that overcomes, or at least alleviates, the abovementioned drawbacks.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION.

Accordingly, a first aspect of the present invention provides a sleeping aid in the form of a pillow comprising a casing containing a Downs wool with springy fibres. A second aspect of the present invention provides the use of a pillow according to 2 0 the first aspect of the present invention to promote back sleeping, thereby reducing the appearance of facial lines.

Downs wool is provided by sheep belonging to the short wool group, with the most common Down breeds being from the English regions of Southdown, Suffolk, Dorset, Hampshire, Oxford, Shropshire and Sussex. The resilient wool is short stapled and has a particular crimp, giving it the ability to stretch and then return to its natural length. The particular Downs wool used in the invention is processed to provide wool particles with springy fibres.

Preferably, the amount of the wool contained within the casing is such as to allow movement of the wool within the pillow in response to the weight of a user's head, preferably forming supportive mounds to the shape of the user's head. For example, the pillow may be around 68-70 x 38-40 cm and contain 500-700g, especially 600g, of Downs wool.

The casing is preferably a downproof casing. A downproof casing is a fabric having a tight construction used as a casing for feather inserts. It is designed to hinder quills from feathers from penetrating the fabric. Its use as the casing in the present invention helps prevent any fibres from the wool filling causing irritation to the user. The air permeability of the casing is preferably complementary to that of the filling to ensure maximum comfort. In this respect, the wool filling has a high air permeability and this should, as far as possible, not be blocked by the casing.

The casing may be provided with an opening having a zip or other fastener in a suitable position, such as at an end or middle of the casing, to allow access to the interior of the pillow, for example to allow the amount of wool to be altered to suit the user and/or to allow the casing to be cleaned.

More preferably, the sleeping aid according to the first aspect of the invention for use in the second aspect of the invention includes a second support pillow smaller than the pillow of the first aspect. The second support pillow may be provided as an internal support or insert within the pillow, preferably provided substantially centrally within the pillow to provide support to the back of the head when the pillow is in use. Alternatively, the smaller second support pillow may be provided on top but, more preferably, beneath the first pillow. Preferably, the second support pillow contains Downs wool but the amount of wool and the dimensions of the second support pillow or insert are such that the wool is always present throughout the entire area of the pillow/insert. In contrast, the dimensions of the first pillow and the amount of wool contained therein are such as to allow greater movement of the wool filling within casing.

It is to be appreciated that the smaller second support pillow may be a permanent feature of the pillow, for example, being stitched to a back surface of the casing of the first pillow or may be provided as a separate insert for placing within the first pillow. Optionally, suitable fastening means may be provided to maintain the position of the insert within the pillow.

The second support pillow may be aligned in an appropriate position to provide further support for the neck and head of the user providing the additional advantage of aiding breathing of the user. In this respect, lying in the wrong position on one's back can restrict air flow during breathing which may cause snoring.

It is preferable to provide the first pillow with an outer casing or slip. Preferably, the slip is comprised of natural materials, especially being silk. A firm silk is preferably used, especially being 20-50 mommes, ideally being > 50 mommes. Momme weight describes the weight of 100 yards of silk, 45 inches wide, in pounds. For example, if fabric is listed with a momme weight of 8mm, it means that 100 yards of fabric weighs 8 pounds. A firm silk will retain its dimensions best.

2 0 Alternative natural materials for the outer casing or slip include bamboo, pineapple or banana fabric or cotton, preferably being woven such as to retain dimensional stability.

The pillow and slip should be dimensioned to allow bunching of the pillow to the sides of the head. Preferably, this is achieved by the pillow and slip having the same length but the pillow slip being wider than the pillow.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the pillow is around 68-70 x 38-40 cm containing 500 to 700g, more preferably 600g, of springy Downs wool and has a second support pillow comprising an insert that is preferably around 32-x 20-40 cm containing 80-150g, more preferably 120g, of springy Downs wool.

A natural fabric pillow slip, preferably being silk, more preferably being 20 -50 mommes silk, preferably measuring around 68-70 x 40-45cm encases the pillow. Alternatively, the second support pillow may be provided externally of the first pillow and provided with its own pillow slip of silk or other natural fabric.

The present invention may also include a pillow topper for placing on the intended upper surface of the first pillow. Preferably, the pillow topper comprises a casing smaller than the first pillow casing and contains a carded wool. For example, the topper may be around 48-50 x 28-30 cm. The casing may be downproof.

Preferably, stitching is provided at intervals through the pillow topper to help retain the wool throughout the topper. For example, stitching may be provided in the shape of a diamond. It is preferable for the topper to be encased in a pillow topper slip, again preferably being comprised of firmly woven silk.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the pillow topper is provided with two lines of substantially parallel stitching across substantially the entire width of the pillow topper. The lines of stitching are spaced apart such as to provide a space therebetween for receiving a head of a user. The opposing free ends of the pillow topper are able to fold upwardly in use.

To this end, a third aspect of the present invention provides a sleeping aid in the form of a rectangular pillow having two relatively short sides and two relatively long sides, the pillow comprising a casing containing a carded wool, the casing having at least two lines of substantially parallel stitching extending substantially between the short sides of the pillow, the parallel lines of stitching being spaced apart such as to provide a space therebetween for receiving a head of a user.

A fourth aspect of the present invention provides the use of a pillow according to the third aspect of the present invention to promote back sleeping, thereby 3 0 reducing the appearance of facial lines.

A fifth aspect of the present invention provides a sleeping aid system for promoting back sleeping, the system comprising a pillow according to the first aspect of the present invention and a pillow topper comprising a casing smaller than the pillow casing and containing a carded wool, and optionally one or more of the following: a smaller second support pillow for placing beneath or within the pillow of the first aspect; an eye pillow comprising a casing containing a natural seed filling; and a knee support comprising a casing and a wool filling.

Preferably, the system comprises at least the pillow, pillow topper and the smaller second support pillow whereby the three-pillow system can be personalised to the user to promote comfortable back sleeping.

More preferably, at least one, preferably all, of the pillow, topper, eye pillow and knee support is provided with a cover or slip of a natural fabric, preferably silk. The casing is preferably downproof and air-permeable. The second support pillow and/or the knee support preferably contains springy Downs wool. Preferably, the wool has been particulated in the finishing.

2 0 A sixth aspect of the present invention provides a method of training a person to sleep in the supine position using the system according to the fifth aspect of the present invention.

Preferably, all fillings and fabrics used for the casings and slips complement each other in terms of air permeability to maximise thermal comfort to the user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS.

Embodiments of the invention shall now be described, by way of example only, with 3 0 reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a front view of a sleeping aid in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, shown in use; Figure 2 illustrates the type of springy Downs wool used in the present invention; Figures 3 and 4 illustrate types of wool that are unsuitable for use in the present invention; Figure 5 is a schematic view of a pillow and insert according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 is a schematic view of an eye pillow for use with the present invention; Figure 7 is a schematic view of a knee support for use with the present invention; Figure 8 shows the basic component parts of a sleeping aid in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 9A shows front, rear, side and end views of the pillow topper or "ear pillow" 2 0 of the sleeping aid shown in Figure 8; Figure 9B shows front and rear views of a pillow slip for the pillow topper shown in Figure 9A; Figure 10A shows front, rear, side and end views of a large head pillow of the sleeping aid shown in Figure 8; Figure 10B shows front and rear views of a pillow slip for the head pillow shown in Figure 9A; Figure 11A shows front, rear, side and end views of a small "secret" pillow of the sleeping aid shown in Figure 8; Figure 11B shows front and rear views of a pillow slip for the small "secret" pillow shown in Figure 11A; Figure 12 shows the sleeping aid of Figure 8 arranged for use; Figure 13 shows the sleeping aid of Figures 8 and 12 in use, including an optional eye pillow; Figure 14 shows a perspective, front, rear, side and end views of an eye pillow for a sleeping aid according to an embodiment of the invention; and Figures 15A and 15B illustrate hindered and unhindered airflow during breathing dependent upon the positioning of the head during back sleeping.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION.

The present invention provides a sleeping aid in the form of a pillow that assists and trains a person to fall asleep in the supine position and remain in that position for the duration of their sleep, thereby reducing the likelihood of the formation of facial lines that can occur as a result of compression, tugging and stretching of the facial tissue resulting from the weight of the head when resting on a pillow in a prone or lateral position.

Figure 1 of the accompanying drawings is a perspective view of one embodiment of a sleeping aid according the invention. The device 2 resembles a conventional pillow in appearance and, crucially, is fully mouldable around the head of the user to provide a similar feel on the side of the head and cheeks to that of a standard pillow when resting on one's side. However, its particular design and novel use of particulated Downs wool filling for the pillow 2 provides a new and improved solution to the problem of being unable to remain on one's back during sleeping thereby promoting back sleeping when resting on the pillow.

The pillow 2 comprises a rectangular cushion, preferably 69 x 39 cm, containing a springy wool 4 (see Fig. 2), preferably 500-700g, especially 600g, housed within a casing. The wool is provided with a springy finish to the fibres which is important in providing the pillow with the required characteristics to promote back or supine sleeping. The wool is a Downs wool, provided by the sheep of the short-wool group found in regions such as Southdown, Dorset, Hampshire, Oxford, Shropshire and Sussex. The strands of wool are naturally crimped and the wool is processed to provide wool that is springy and particulate, enabling the pillow to be repeatedly moulded around the head of the user. The particulate nature of the wool (illustrated in Fig. 2) enables the filling to move around within the casing to form any particular shape unlike other wools or finishes 5 and synthetic materials that tend to clump together, as illustrated in Fig. 3. The springiness of the wool is also important; a particulate wool 6 without spring will not provide the required characteristics, as shown in Fig. 4.

It has surprisingly been found that the use of Downs wool provides all the required characteristics for achieving a pillow that moulds around the head of the user. In this respect, it should be noted that the type of wool referred to is not that which relates to the soft undercoat grown by some animals, being more akin to the soft insulating feathers on birds. This type of down fiber is a type of wool but it is very fine and grows as a separate layer, covered over and protected by a layer of hair-type fibers, a coat of longer and somewhat coarser wool, or a combination of the two. In contrast, the present invention uses Downs wool from Downs sheep. Downs sheep are typically bred for their meat not their wool. This type of wool has a relatively short, staple length, generally being 5-15cm long, more preferably 5-10 cm with a fiber diameter generally in the range of 20-35 microns. Downs wool is naturally springy, with great elasticity and strength. Its lock is dense and resilient, with medium grade fleeces, with blocky, rectangular staples that hold together. It has previously used for hard-wearing items such as sweaters, mittens and blankets but it is not normally used to fill pillows. Its novel use as a pillow filling for promoting back sleeping to reduce the appearance of facial lines is an entirely new application for this type of wool.

Examples of Downs Wool are provided in the Table below: Downs Wool Type Fiber diameter / microns Staple Length / cm Southdown 23-29 (white), 27-31 (black) 3.8-10 (mostly 5 -7.5) Dorset Down 25-29 5-11.5 (mostly 5 -7.5) Hampshire 24-33, mostly 25-29 5-10 Oxford 25-37, mostly 28-34 7.5-12.5 (some 15-18) Shropshire 24.5-33, mostly 26-29 6.5-10 Suffolk 25-33 5-9 In use, an individual's head is positioned in the centre of the pillow and the Downs wool is able to move around to cushion the sides of the face while in the supine position, thereby providing the user with a snug feeling that is generally only achieved with prone or lateral sleeping. This side cushioning encourages the user to remain in the supine position and thus promotes back sleeping thereby reducing the appearance of facial wrinkles.

The cover material or casing for the pillow which retains the Downs wool is made of 2 0 a downproof material to help prevent penetration of wool fibres during use.

Downproof fabric is so named because it resists the penetration of down quills (on the feathers of ducks, geese and other water fowl), for example being a closely woven natural fabric. The casing or cover material is provided with a zip fastener along one side (not shown), preferably measuring 35 cm long, to allow re-fluffing of the contents of the pillow, and the optional insertion of a small pillow insert 8 (see below).

The Downs wool may be processed using the Hercosett treatment which may remove the need for a casing of a downproof material. This type of processing is a surface treatment for the wool which removes the scales from the wool that can cause itching. The light coating enables the wool to maintain its breathability and also allows greater porosity to the casing for air permeability.

Referring to Figure 5 of the accompanying drawings, the pillow 2 may also be provided with an insert 8 that is smaller than the pillow (for example, 34 x 29 cm) that is placed in the back of the pillow, optionally being attached by suitable securing means such as stitching or Velcro TM. Again, the insert is filled with Downs wool, preferably 120g of wool. The insert 8 provides the back of the head with support while the main pillow surrounding the insert can mould around the head of the user. Omission of the insert may result in a gap forming within the pillow due to the weight of the head, reducing the overall comfort of the pillow to the user, which would lessen the desirability of the product.

The dimensions of the pillow and the amount of wool contained therein are such as to allow movement of the wool filling within the casing. In contrast, the dimensions of the insert are such as to ensure that the wool is present throughout the entire area of the insert. In this manner, there is always some cushioning behind the head of the user while the filling of the main pillow is able to move around to support the face in an upright positon thereby encouraging the sleeper to remain in the supine position. Additional filling may be provided separately to adjust the amount of filling within the pillow, as desired by a particular user.

The pillow casing is preferably provided with a cover or pillow slip 10. The sizing of the pillow slip relative to the pillow is also important to allow the correct moulding of the pillow around the user's head. The length of the pillow slip is preferably the same as the length of the pillow (for example, 70cm) to encourage the sides of the pillow to pop up to surround the sides of the head when in the back sleeping position, but the width of the pillow slip is preferably wider than the pillow (for example, 45cm) to allow the pillow to bunch effectively around the head.

The wool filling provides an additional benefit of temperature control which promotes sleeping. The pillow slip 10 is preferably made of a natural fabric to aid sleeping. The pillow casing and slip are ideally dimensionally stable and complementary to the filling in terms of air permeability to ensure maximum thermal comfort. In this respect, the wool filling has a high air permeability and it is preferable for the casing and slip to be made of a material that does not substantially hinder this flow of air, i.e. does not block the air flow. A silk pillow slip is preferred, although other natural fabrics may be used such as bamboo, pineapple or banana. Preferably a firm silk fabric is used for the pillow slip, preferably being 20 -50 mommes. The wool filling and natural fabric of the pillow slip increases the general feeling of well-being and comfort for the user which promotes retention of the body in the supine position. Any discomfort experienced by the user would increase the likelihood of them moving into an alternative sleeping position.

The aforementioned pillow 2 with insert 8 and slip 10 serves to promote back sleeping by providing a comfy and fully mouldable pillow that supports the neck and head in the supine position while softly cushioning the sides of the face, encouraging the user to remain in this position so that the formation of facial wrinkles is minimized.

Additionally, a pillow topper or training pillow (not shown) may be provided while a user is training to sleep on their back. The topper is slightly smaller than the main or base pillow, for example 48 x 29 cm, and fits on top of the main pillow. It is filled with a carded wool, to form a soft padding around the head and/or neck of the user. Carding is a process in which fibres are manipulated into sliver form prior to spinning. Carded wool has undergone a mechanical carding process to disentangle, clean and mix fibres to produce a continuous hank of wool. Whilst tangles are removed from the wool, the fibres do not fully align in the same direction resulting in a haphazard arrangement to produce a fluffier wool. Preferably, a stitch pattern is sewn through the topper, for example in the shape of a diamond, to hold the wool in place and keep the central wool separate from the sides and corners. Again, the wool is provided in a casing that is provided within a pillow slip, preferably being the same size as the pillow topper and made of a silk material.

In use, the sides of the training pillow will rise up to provide the user with the feeling of sleeping on their side whilst they are actually on their backs, again promoting sleeping on the back with the aim of the user becoming an habitual back sleeper. The pillow will also cushion the neck of the user separately to aid breathing during back sleeping.

Further accessories can be provided with the aforementioned components to aid back sleeping and thereby reduce the appearance of facial wrinkles that result from sleeping on one's front or side. An eye pillow 20 may be provided as part of the training system, being placed on the eyes to encourage sleep and remind the user to stay on their back or the eye pillow will fall off (see Figure 6). The preferred eye pillow is made from a silk material or other natural fabric and may contain seeds or other natural components that aid relaxation and sleep. For example, the pillow may comprise an outer case 21 x 12 cm and an inner case 21 x 10 cm with a linseed filling (such as 100g). A zip may be provided across a shod end of the case to allow re-filling and/or washing.

Additionally and/or alternatively, a knee support 40 or pillow may be provided for placement under the knee to increase the comfort during back sleeping and thereby promote sleeping in this position, as illustrated in Figure 7. The preferred knee support comprises a pillow having a wool filling that is looser than the wool provided in the main pillow for the head. Preferably, springy Downs wool is provided for the filling. The loose wool allows a soft cushioning behind the knees that again encourages back sleeping. A firm filling would be bad for lymph circulation due to the lymph nodes being located behind the knees. A firm feeling would also provide too much pressure on the veins in the leg.

The main pillow with the springy Downs wool provides the basic component of the invention for encouraging back sleeping to reduce the appearance of undesirable facial lines. The softness of the pillow and its ability to mould around the head of the user greatly enhances the usability of the product and means that a person is more likely to continue using the device in contrast to the pre-formed head supports of the prior art. The insert serves to improve the comfort of the main pillow and therefore will encourage habitual supine sleeping still further. The provision of a training pillow or topper assists in maintaining the user in the supine position when the user would normally prefer side or prone sleeping. Thus, the invention 2 0 enables a user to become accustomed to sleeping on their back which results in a reduction in the appearance of facial wrinkles. It is readily apparent that a user will be more successful in maintaining a supine position while sleeping if the sleeping aid provides comfort to the user. In this respect, the natural fabrics used for the casings and slips aid thermal comfort and complement the temperature regulating properties of the wool filling.

Figures 8 to 14 of the accompanying drawings illustrate an alternative embodiment of a sleeping aid according to the present invention, again for promoting back sleeping to reduce the appearance of facial wrinkles. Identical features to those discussed in relation to Figures 1 to 7 are given the same reference numerals for simplicity and only the differences will be discussed in detail.

The three basic components of the system comprise a large head pillow 2 containing Downs springy wool as hereinbefore described, a smaller "secret" pillow 18 equivalent to insert 8, and a medium-sized pillow topper or "ear pillow" 16.

The small "secret" pillow 18 (see, in particular Figures 11A and 11B) also comprises Downs springy wool provided in an amount so as to ensure that the wool is present throughout the entire area of the secret pillow. The larger head pillow 2 is provided with a central rear zip opening 24 (see Figure 10A) to allow re-lofting of the filling. A placket or fly is preferably provided internally behind the zip to prevent wool being caught within the mechanism.

The medium-sized pillow topper or ear pillow 16 contains carded wool and is provided with two parallel lines of stitching 17 (see, in particular, Figures 9A and 9B). The distance between the lines of stitching is sufficient to enable a person's head to be received between the two lines HS. In this manner, the free ends of the pillow are able to flap upwardly in use towards the ears' of the user to cushion the head and assist in retaining the person in the supine position (see Figures 12 and 13). It is to be appreciated that the ear pillow may be used by itself, or on top of a conventional pillow, to promote back sleeping, albeit the three-component system comprising a head pillow, secret pillow and ear pillow is preferred.

As illustrated in Figures 9B, 10B and 11B respectively, each of the ear, large head and smaller secret pillows 16, 2, 18 are provided with silk pillow slips 16S, 2S, 18S.

The slips are substantially the same length as the casings of their respective pillow but greater in width. Additionally, each pillow slip is provided with a larger than normal flap 19, 21, 23. Ideally, this extends along at least 25% of the length of the respective pillow slip, more preferably around one-third of the length (approx. 36%). This serves to ensure that the pillow slip is held firmly against the tension caused by the weight of the head resting along the horizontal plane of the pillow.

In use, the smaller secret pillow 18 is provided beneath the head pillow 2. This ensures there is always some cushioning behind the head of the user while the filling of the head pillow is able to move around to support the head in an upright positon thereby encouraging the sleeper to remain in the supine position. The pillow topper or ear pillow 16 then lies on top of the head pillow (see Figures 12 and 13) to provide additional cushioning and support to the head and further assist in encouraging back sleeping. The sleeping aid may also include an eye pillow or mask 20 (see Figures 13 and 14) and/or a knee support (substantially equivalent to the head support 2) as hereinbefore described.

The smaller secret pillow may also aid breathing of the user. In this respect, the pillow can ensure the correct tilting of the air to provide unrestricted air passages during sleeping. This is illustrated in Figures 15A and 15B. In Figure 15A, no secret support pillow is provided and the head tilts forward, causing partial restriction of the airways which can lead to snoring. In contrast, in Figure 15B the secret support pillow supports the neck and serves to tilt the head, thereby opening the airways and reducing the likelihood of snoring.

As mentioned above, the use of wool for the filling material creates a microclimate that assists in regulating body temperature and humidity. The degree to which body temperature and humidity is regulated is known as thermophysical comfort, that is, a state in which the individual is free from thermal stress. The wool's natural resilience is another property which aids comfort.

2 5 The casings and slips are made from woven fabrics that are used as filters or protective barriers whose function is to prevent the penetration into the human body of various microparticles or microorganisms. The elements of the structure which decide whether a woven fabric is capable of performing such a function are the inter-yarn pores, which are dependent on the weave and structural parameters 3 0 of the fabric.

The pillow casing and pillow slips used in the present invention should be dimensionally stable and complementary to the filling in terms of air permeability to ensure maximum thermal comfort. High air permeability values and good downproof properties are not mutually exclusive. In this respect, downproofness is a fabric's ability to contain down and feathers. The test involves placing a test pillow into a rotating box where it is tumbled for 30 minutes, during which time it is struck by rubber stoppers. This procedure attempts to mimic the actual use of the product. Downproofness is considered poor when many fibers and/or feathers are able to pass through the fabric. Air Permeability is the number of cubic feet of air passing through a square foot of fabric per minute (or liters per square meter per second), expressed as: ft 3 /ft 2 /min (or liters/m 2 /sec). Apparatus: Frazier @ High Pressure Air Permeability Instrument. In the present invention, the casing and/or slips should be downproof but have an air permeability that maintains the flow of air that is possible within the wool filling, i.e. the casing should not act as a barrier. This ensures that air is able to flow freely throughout the pillow system thereby preventing the build up of heat and sweat.

There is a degree of trade-off between down proof and air permeability (AP). An example of a down proof fabric encasing the wool topper is as follows: HSTTS UKAS example Laboratory test under BS EN ISO 9237:1995 Air Permeability a) Light Downproof fabric, 1 thickness, measures AP -56.4mm/sec b) Double thickness of the same fabric, measures AP -25mm/sec 2 5 c) Complete Pillow Topper, two thicknesses with carded wool filling, measures AP -22 1mm/sec Using a more closely woven downproof fabric pillow case can result in a lower AP 30 hence reduced thermal comfort Example Downproof fabric our ref CL18 for a) one thickness: measures AP-41 mm/sec J 0 b) two thicknesses measure AP -15.8 mm/sec c) Complete Pillow Topper, two thicknesses with carded wool filling, approx. measure AP 13mm/sec ( extrapolated) The lower the AP of the case, the lower the thermal comfort of the pillow topper. Therefore the fabric of the casing should be complementary to the wool.

Source our tests HSTTS UKAS accredited laboratory reports 262790 on 26/10/2015 and report 263353 29/10/2015.