Advancing technologies Given the slow global economy, it’s not surprising that one current trend in mattress fabrics is affordability. Suppliers say mattress makers are buying more 100% polyester fabrics because of cost concerns. But that doesn’t mean mattress manufacturers are looking only for less expensive tickings. For higher end beds, they are seeking luxury fabrics containing expensive yarns, such as silk and cashmere or trademarked, functional yarns like Outlast, CoolMax and Celliant. There’s also a growing market for eco-friendly fabrics made with cellulosic fibers such as cotton, linen, rayon, Tencel and bamboo viscose, as well as fabrics made from polyester yarns spun from recycled plastic bottles. “The entire cellulosic category is increasing because of the comfort factor and people wanting to get away from petroleum products,” says Laura Allred, the design director of Continental Ticking in Alamance, N.C. In August, Tietex introduced Pure Earth, a collection of 100% unbleached natural cotton woven fabrics printed with vegetable and mineral dyes for the mattress borders and top panel. “When it comes to yarns, it seems there is something new each week,” says Eric Delaby, vice president of sales and marketing for Deslee Textiles USA, based in Inman, S.C. “We’ve used hemp, kapok, linen, bamboo—all these natural yarns—but now there is ‘milk’ and crab shell, too.” Introduced in Europe earlier this year, Bekaert recently launched Purotex in the United States, says Brandon Wells, vice president of sales and marketing for Bekaert Textiles USA. The fabric is imbedded with microencapsulated probiotics to fight odors and allergens. Some fabrics help manufacturers simplify processes or solve problems. Bekaert offers a Crypton finish—a technology that provides a waterproof barrier and stain protection. Culp introduced a border fabric quilted to FR material this year, says Mike Cottonaro, senior vice president of sales and marketing. The company also sells a ticking with an “FR adhesive backing” that allows manufacturers to
16 | BedTimes | November 2009
Large-scale design This simple, oversized pattern is shown in a zippered cover from Bodet & Horst.
reduce the amount of FR fiber needed. Supreme Quilting, a supplier of covers, quilts and kits, offers an FR solution in a zippered cover designed to help small and midsized mattress producers hold down FR costs, says Steve Holder, vice president of sales and product development for the Etobicoke, Ontariobased company. Zippered covers—very popular in Europe—are gaining popularity in North America, especially among Internet sellers of foam and latex beds, Holder says. “If there is a problem with the bed’s comfort, the customer can literally adjust the bed themselves,” he says. “The manufacturer can ship a new layer of latex and the customer can insert it into the bed—preventing full product returns.” Spacer fabrics are not new, but have become very trendy on foam beds
Saving a step Culp Inc.’s textural QuiltFree fabric requires no quilting.
Soothing tones Blumenthal Print Works is among the suppliers incorporating spalike tones into tickings.
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