Professional opinion

SAMINA guarantees an ideal bed climate

Institute of Ergonomics, Munich, Director, Dr. Florian Heidinger and Dr.Bodo Jaspert, Chartered Engineer.

Längst ist aus der Schlafforschung bekannt, dass der Aufbau, die Materialien, die Wirkweise und die Gesamtqualität eines Schlafsystems eine wesentliche Rolle auf den optimalen Erholungsvorgang haben. Im Vordergrund stehen dabei die orthopädisch richtigen Lagerung der Wirbelsäule sowie das Bettklima, also die wärme- und feuchtigkeitsableitende Wirkung von Zudecke und Schlafunterlage. Insgesamt wird das wichtige Mikroklima in einem Schlafsystem durch das harmonische Zusammenspiel der einzelnen Bettelemente geprägt.

Through sleep research we have known for a long time that the construction, materials, effectiveness and indeed the whole quality of a sleeping system have a significant role to play in the process of recuperation. A major aspect is the proper alignment of the spinal column from an orthopaedic point of view, and the bed climate: the effectiveness of cover and base in eliminating warmth and moisture. Overall the all-important microclimate of a sleeping system will be influenced by the harmonious interplay of the individual bed elements.

Over a long period of time, SAMINA has received top marks from orthopaedic specialists, medical practitioners, chiropractors and physiotherapists for its ability to enhance correct lying positions according to anatomical and orthopaedic guidelines. Recently a microclimatic performance test was held on the high-quality duvets produced by SAMINA which are filled with the very best pollutant-free and biologically active virgin sheep’s wool.   The aim in every case was to create a warm and dry bed climate. The scientific investigation was carried out by the renowned Institute of Ergonomics in Munich under the direction of Dr. Florian Heidinger and Chartered Engineer, Dr. Bodo Jaspert.

The most important element in the matter of bed climate is without doubt the cover. The microclimate (temperature and moisture level) between the sleeping person and the cover, and the pad underneath is determined by a range of influential factors. First, the person and his/her heat exudation. Humans exude heat also in sleep by a process of emitting dry and moist heat. During sleep a person has measurable moist heat exudation that takes place through skin evaporation, sweat evaporation and breath evaporation. A large part of this evaporation is upwards, that is in the direction of the cover. The dry, but above all, the moist exudation is not constant but dependent upon numerous factors such as clothing insulation, downwards insulation of the bed elements, environmental climate and individual conditions (age, gender, nutrition, hormonal situation, stress etc.).

The construction of a sleeping system and the materials used are decisive factors in the bed climate as a whole.  Similar to the function of clothing worn during the day, (e.g. from underwear to outerwear to overcoat), the sleeping system is the connecter between the person and sleeping area environment. The room climate is also very relevant in this respect.

When conducting studies and tests in scientific research, it is very important to ensure that results are reproducible. So when materials are being tested, microclimatic simulation models are used. The main item in this is a climate dummy that replicates the person in lying position. The main criteria for the investigation are the heat insulation characteristics and moisture permeance of the covers. To ensure a dry and warm bed climate the discharge of moisture is the most important criterion. In this respect all virgin sheep’s wool covers were given “very good” or “good”.
With regard to heat insulation characteristics SAMINA offers ideal solutions with its range of covers tailored to individual warmth requirements: an airy summer duvet "midsummer night dream”, a spring/autumn duvet or super warm 4 seasons duvet for the “normal type”, the "warm type” and the “cold type”. During the performance test, the choice of virgin sheep’s wool turned out to be the right one as there is no other fibre that offers at one and the same time the same degree of moisture permeance and such good levels of heat insulation.  This is also confirmed by tens of thousands of satisfied SAMINA customers.