Nowadays polyester bedding sets are coming into fashion. It is a product created from toxic substances that undergo a complex cycle of chemical reactions. Several synthetic fabrics are combined under this name. These are durable materials that come in different densities, colors and properties, depending on the percentage of artificial fibers contained in the fabric.
Pure polyester would be very harmful for a bedding set, but since it comes with the addition of natural fibers, its use for sewing this type of product is 100% justified. New technologies make it possible to produce “breathable” synthetic fibers; when intertwined with natural ones, the result is a material that can absorb moisture and allow air to pass through, which is very important for bed linen.
Polyester bedding - good or bad
Artificial fabrics do not wrinkle and shine. Do not cause allergic skin reactions. Even children's underwear is sewn from this material, so it is definitely impossible to say that this fabric is worse than natural fabric; everyone has their own opinion on this matter. Polyester is part of the popular fabric - microfiber. Read reviews about microfiber bedding here.
Polyester is an excellent option for those people who suffer from allergies, do not like to bother with washing for a long time and prefer durable things.
The latest technologies for producing ultrathin fibers were developed in Japan in 1960. And since 1990, this material has already conquered European markets.
We’ll immediately point out the disadvantages of polyester bed linen, because it’s not as long to list them as the advantages. So,
- has a low degree of breathability;
- sometimes there are hard options;
- difficult to repaint. Even the initial dyeing is difficult because the dye does not penetrate the fibers.
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Photo of diving fabric: .
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Advantages over other fabrics
- the material is pleasant to the touch;
- does not wrinkle or roll during operation;
- has high wear resistance;
- has increased strength;
- has an antifungal effect;
- It does not require special care. Even stubborn and greasy stains can be easily washed in cold water at low temperatures;
- dries quickly;
- does not sit down or stretch. Thanks to this, it retains its shape for a long time.
- cools the bed in summer;
- not electrified;
- hypoallergenic;
- the material is resistant to mechanical stress;
- The kit does not include various insects (moths, fleas).
If you become the owner of such a set, then do not rush to immediately make your bed with it. You should first wash and dry it to remove the specific smell and make the material less rigid.
Characteristics
What is polyester: synthetic polyester fibers that are obtained from petroleum waste. The process occurs in several stages using complex chemical reactions. To obtain the fabric, polyester fibers are woven crosswise to each other.
Polyester underwear has the following positive properties:
- durable, wear-resistant;
- pleasant to the touch, shines beautifully;
- keeps its shape, does not wrinkle, does not shrink after washing;
- does not form pilling (if the material is 100% polyester);
- repels dirt;
- easy care, stains simply wash off;
- dries quickly;
- does not fade in the sun, can be dried outside;
- there is a cooling effect, which is pleasant in summer;
- does not attract insects, microorganisms, fungus.
Negative qualities:
- does not allow air to pass through well, it is unpleasant in the summer, and is not good for the skin during sleep;
- almost does not allow moisture to pass through;
- There are rigid types of fabrics;
- difficult to paint.
Is polyester bed linen electrified or not: yes, but when treated with an antistatic agent, the effect of accumulating static electricity is reduced.
Any material has pros and cons. Polyester has more positive characteristics than negative ones.
Bed dress
Polyester pillow and blanket, pros and cons:
- keeps warm, warms;
- has good sound insulation;
- does not absorb odors;
- germs and insects will not grow in it;
- durable, low price;
- the blanket does not deform and keeps its shape;
- the pillow will soon flatten and its shape will not return;
- do not attract or retain dust.
Unlike natural accessories, these items can be easily washed. It turns out that polyester blankets, rugs and pillows are more hygienic.
For the same reason, mattresses for cribs are made from polyester. To prevent harmful bacteria from multiplying in the child’s bed, they are washed periodically. This will not spoil the product; after washing it will dry quickly. The mattress will not harm the child's body.
Bed linen made from other synthetic fabrics
Artificial fabrics are also called mixed fabrics, due to the mixing of natural and artificial fibers. The most common material for sewing sleeping sets is a mixture of polyester and cotton called polycotton. It has absorbed the best characteristics of natural and artificial materials. It contains up to 35% polyester, the rest is cotton. Therefore, this fabric is very soft, pleasant to the touch, and breathable, like natural fabric. But at the same time, it is durable, wear-resistant and durable, like synthetics. The color range of such bed linen is very rich, and over time, your favorite colors will not lose their brightness and richness.
Viscose
Viscose bedding sets are deservedly popular. This fabric is made from natural cellulose. Therefore, it is difficult to distinguish it from cotton. Depending on the thickness and properties of the fibers from which it is made, it turns out to be similar to cotton, linen, wool or silk. Sleeping on such bedding is soft and pleasant; it differs from natural material in its increased hygroscopicity, and you can find out whether viscose or polyester is better in this material.
It has a beautiful shine and is easily painted in various colors. Pure viscose becomes less durable when wet, so manufacturers took this into account and began adding special reinforcing fibers to its composition. It looks especially interesting on the bed, forming wonderful decorative folds. This fabric does not electrify, has good breathability and is hygienic. It is used to create children's sleeping sets. They will be durable, able to withstand a large number of washes and not change their shape.
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Photo and characteristics of neoprene fabric: .
Poplin
One of the mixed fabrics widely used for sewing bedding sets is poplin. Its structure is surprisingly soft and practical. It is made from cotton, artificial, silk and viscose fibers. A special technique of weaving threads (the base is thin cotton threads, and the guides are twice as thick) ensures high strength and density. Its velvet surface has a matte shine.
Poplin bedding sets can retain their original appearance for a long time. Their colors do not fade. This underwear has a “breathable” effect and retains heat.
The high cost of poplin sets is compensated by durability, preservation of their characteristics and comfort created from use.
Viscose and polyester fabric
It is very similar to real silk, has the same characteristics not only in appearance, but also in tactile sensations: pleasant, soft, light, smooth and has a shiny iridescence.
Natural silk is very expensive, but its artificial counterpart has a much lower price and is in no way inferior to it, and even has a number of features. It is made from viscose and polyester.
Almost similar to it in terms of hygienic properties. But still, it takes longer to heat up than its natural counterpart, so you often have to go to bed in a still cold bed. However, in summer this property is very helpful. Artificial silk sets will not disappoint you when used and will last a long life.
Is there any harm
Is it harmful or not to use polyester underwear:
- When producing polyester fibers from a petroleum melt, monomers (compounds of several molecules) are formed, which are connected to form a polymer chain. Sometimes monomers get stuck between chains and are not involved in the overall system. After some time, they will dissolve in water or enter the air. It depends on the type of monomer. These substances are harmful to humans.
- The material is not breathable; during sleep, oxygen does not enter the skin. The body is not sufficiently saturated with it. It doesn't allow water to pass through well, and in the heat the sweat won't go away.
- If the room is not hot, it is pleasant to sleep on polyester sheets in summer. It gives a feeling of coolness.
- When natural materials are added, the positive properties of polyester remain. Breathability and water permeability are improved with natural fibers.
- Polyester in bedding does not cause allergies if the body is accustomed to reacting to natural irritants: plants, animal hair. Other people may have a reaction to synthetics. This is something to consider when purchasing.
In order not to suffer from polyester underwear, you should choose high-quality products that will not emit harmful substances. It is desirable that they do not have a strong chemical smell.
Caring for a set of artificial fabrics
Like any clothing or item for long-term use, it requires proper care. It is not complicated, you just need to follow these steps:
- Before washing, all parts of the set should be turned inside out;
- existing zippers, snaps and buttons must be fastened;
- white bedding should be washed separately from colored ones with special powders;
- carefully read the label with the recommended washing temperature;
- load only one set into the drum of the machine, this will ensure a good wash and will not overload the machine itself;
- The use of bleaching agents is not recommended;
- Under no circumstances should such laundry be boiled;
- to soften the material, use conditioner;
- bedding made from artificial fabric should be dried in the open air; it should not be hung on hot radiators;
- such sets do not require ironing, but if you still decide to iron it for additional disinfection, you should do this by selecting the “silk” mode;
- For ease of storage, all parts of the bedding can be placed in one pillowcase, then you don’t have to look for it throughout the closet.
Color spectrum
Oddly enough, the color of bed linen affects the quality of sleep much less than is commonly believed. Therefore, when choosing a shade or pattern, you can safely be guided by personal preferences, compatibility with the tone of the bedspread and other textiles in the bedroom or the color of the walls. There are, however, general rules that we will try to list.
For example, an overly bright and small pattern can cause visual pressure, irritate and even cause headaches. This also applies to small bright checks, diamonds, and stripes.
Red and orange tones in the bedroom are not as appropriate as rumor tells us: instead of activating romantic aspirations, red underwear can provoke a marital quarrel. In addition, warm, bright shades interfere with relaxation and activate the body not for rest, but for work.
Black linen and dark colors (lilac, dark blue, dark green) should not be used if you are prone to melancholy and depression.
Lilac and violet tones of bed linen promote calm falling asleep and stable sleep. These shades have a calming effect on excited and nervous people.
Even for linen with a pattern, it is recommended to choose a plain sheet. The abrasion of this item of linen is the highest, and the visual value of the pattern will be minimal. In addition, a set completely decorated with a riotous pattern, regardless of the tone, can similarly cause subconscious irritation.
Reviews
Olga, 48 years old:
After using bed linen for a long time, I came to the conclusion that the weakest link is the sheet. It wears out and breaks the fastest. I heard about a new fabric - polyester, and decided to try it for strength. After the first wash, I was very happy: firstly, there is no need to iron, the fabric does not wrinkle, and secondly, the sheet lay on the bed like a glove. At night it does not crumple or slip, which provides me with a comfortable sleep. I have been using the set for a year now, and it has not faded or stretched, as happens with natural materials. I'm happy with the purchase!
Katerina Vyacheslavovna, 52 years old:
I have always dreamed of silk bedding. But all the time I felt sorry for money. Finally, having heard about a set made of artificial silk, which costs an order of magnitude less, I decided to make a purchase. The fabric really cannot be distinguished from the real thing to the touch. At first it became electrified, especially the pillowcase when it came into contact with the hair, I solved this problem by washing it with conditioner.
I thought that I would slide all over the bed, but my doubts were not justified. But it slips away when ironing; probably, when the fabric is heated, this property appears. That’s why I abandoned this idea, especially since it doesn’t wrinkle very much after washing and can be covered that way.
Galya, 34 years old:
I always thought that microfiber was synthetic and it was impossible to sleep on it. I have not yet bought bed linen, the composition of which is 100% modal. I had never come across such material, so I had to look up its decoding and care on the Internet. It turned out that it was cotton fabric with the addition of artificial fibers. It looks so much like real cotton that you can't tell the difference. This fabric does not fade and washes well. It's wonderful to sleep on, it's so smooth and soft that you don't want to get up in the morning.
Margarita, 28 years old:
I bought a set made of viscose. I want to immediately talk about the positive aspects of this fabric. The main thing is its hygroscopicity. Our little son often sleeps with us, we really didn’t want him to sweat, so this fabric perfectly absorbs excess moisture, even better than natural moisture. Also suitable for allergy sufferers or small children, so as not to cause allergies. It does not shock with electricity, does not fade, but I wash it without spinning and in the delicate wash mode. I haven’t tried others, I don’t want to spoil them and experiment in vain. It dries quickly¸ even in winter. I recommend buying viscose bedding sets not only for yourself, but also for your children.
Also read about the composition of polysatin fabric at the link.
At the crib
When choosing bedding for a child, you should first of all pay attention to the hypoallergenic nature of the fabric and filling. Fabrics such as natural linen, calico, poplin and percale would be the most suitable options. Jacquard, satin and materials with artificial additives are not recommended for children's underwear. Excessive decoration of linen - lace, multi-layer trim, fringe - is impractical in a crib.
Natural fillings for pillows - down and feathers - can often be allergic, and often allergies appear with age or do not show themselves at all at first, in addition to headaches, stomach upset and weakened immunity. Therefore, for young children, the best choice would be a hypoallergenic artificial filler - holofiber, or sheep or camel wool for a blanket.
As for the color scheme, the traditional choice for a nursery is linen with images of your favorite fairy tale or cartoon characters. Usually the images are applied to the duvet cover and/or pillowcases. Underwear in calm pastel shades (lilac, blue, salmon, pale green), soft blue and discreet purple are well suited for a child - colors that calm and set the mood for a night's rest. Orange, red or yellow underwear can agitate your baby and disrupt sleep.
The choice of textiles in the bedroom is an issue that requires the closest and most careful attention, because it is thanks to it that you will create not only a cozy interior, but also ensure yourself a complete and healthy rest, giving energy and strength for the whole day.
Properties of this combination of fibers
This combination has not yet become widespread, but some manufacturers prefer it. There are several features worth noting:
Good strength.
Suit blend fabric
When you wear it for the first time, you don’t have to worry about something breaking. Such things usually serve their owners for a long time.
At the same time, the material does not “breathe” well.
For winter these are the most suitable compositions, but for summer they are rather poorly suited.
The addition of elastane makes the garment stretchy.
A jacket, for example, will retain its shape even if it has already been worn and washed several times. There will be no sagging places or, on the contrary, too narrow.
Interesting. The combination of viscose and elastane prevents the owner from developing allergies. Allergy sufferers are not recommended to wear clothes made only from polyester. But such combinations do not raise any doubts. But things can wrinkle, and pellets often appear on the surface.
The main thing is to carefully study the labels. Usually they write on them what materials are added and in what quantities. Elastane and polyester also have their own designations.
Elastane production technology
As mentioned above, elastane is produced chemically in the laboratory, using polyurethane rubbers as raw materials. Let me make a reservation right away: the technology for producing elastane fabric will be described superficially, because We do not pursue the goal of a detailed consideration of the issue of elastane production; let the specialists deal with this. For the sake of a general idea, we will only briefly touch on the main aspects of production. So, there are several types of elastane fiber production:
- Chemical formation;
- Formation from solution (dry or wet);
- Injection from a polymer melt.
The result is a soft, smooth, silky fabric that flows around the skin like water. Further, at the request of the client, elastane can be dyed in any color, printed with a pattern or left plain.
The production of elastane is a labor-intensive process.
Elastane fibers are added to natural fabrics to improve their performance. It often complements: cotton, silk, knitwear, viscose, linen, polyamide, polyester. The proportion of elastane to the main raw material can range from 2 to 30%. The higher the percentage, the greater the density. It is worth noting that in nature there is no fabric consisting of 100% elastane threads. It is always used as a complement. The ideal combination is 95% viscose and 5% elastane. With this ratio, the material has a surprisingly soft structure, is pleasant to the body, breathable and very practical.
How to choose?
Along with other materials, polyester fabric comes in different qualities. When purchasing a set of underwear, it is advisable to evaluate it using your sense of smell. If you smell a strong chemical odor, it is not recommended to purchase the product.
Often, the illiquid quality of a product can only be revealed after a short period of use. For example, after painting the body. Or after the initially colorful set turns pale and dull after washing, and the water in the machine takes on an intense color. Sleeping on such a bed is strictly contraindicated.
As a rule, laundry sets are delivered to retail outlets tightly sealed. If the seller categorically refuses to open the factory packaging, resisting a thorough inspection of the products and feeling the fabric, it is better to refuse the purchase. It is worth looking for a product that is sold with pride and confidently demonstrates all its advantages.
The main advantages of polyester fiber
Advantages of artificial fabrics , in particular polyester fiber:
- shine gives products a special attractiveness;
- things don't wrinkle;
- on hot days, the fabric has a cooling effect, this quality is especially important for bed linen;
- Stains of various origins can be easily washed off sheets and duvet covers;
- after washing, things dry quickly;
- there are no fleas in pillows and blankets, and they are not afraid of moths either;
- the fabric does not shrink or stretch;
- does not cause skin irritation or rashes, so this is an ideal option for allergy sufferers.
Due to the fact that PEV is used even for sewing children's clothes, making diapers and underwear, one can judge that it is completely safe. A pillow filled with natural down or feathers is not only an allergen, it harbors bed mites and multiplies pathogenic microbes. Synthetic fillers do not have such consequences.
In terms of care, the fabric is also unpretentious:
- Can be washed in a machine and even with cold water;
- set the gentle wash program on the unit;
- When washing, you should not mix items made from light PEV with dark items;
- no need to bleach;
- if ironing, then only on the minimum setting;
- After numerous uses, sheets, pillowcases and duvet covers do not lose their original color.
Perhaps these are all the rules, there is nothing complicated about them.
Application
Polyester is widely used, especially in combination with other fabrics.
Polyester in clothing
They produce outer and underwear, linings for clothes (coats, skirts, dresses, socks, lingerie, shorts, socks).
Curtains and interior
Widely used in interior decoration.
They are hung in the kitchen, in the bathroom, in the gazebo on the street.
Such curtains are less susceptible to wear and tear, which is why they are popular.
Bed linen
Bed linen is produced in combination with cotton in various proportions, bedspreads.
Used as insulation in bedding (holofiber, padding polyester).
History of creation and types of polyester
Polyester was derived from petroleum products in the first half of the 20th century. Initially, it was used to produce fabrics for technical purposes.
Polyester fiber appeared in the Soviet Union in 1949. In the post-Soviet space it is better known as lavsan.
