Influence of Repeated Machine Laundering upon Human Hand-touch Sensation of Quilted-sheets for Bedding

Abstract

120 young females participated in the present study to evaluate touch sensation of recently developed quilted-sheets for bedding. Measurement was also made to obtain mechanical and physical properties of the specimen. Changes in touch sensation and properties of the specimen by machine laundering were also investigated in terms of practical use. Comfortable touch sensation in the quilted-sheets was dominantly affected by 3 touch feelings of smoothness, softness, and stiffness. Although the specimen indicated significant changes in most properties with dependence upon the machine laundering, the specimen was able to provide comfortable touch feeling till several times of the machine laundering. As a result, several modifications are found to be required for the quilted-sheets in both mechanical and physical properties in order to improve comfortable touch sensation. An analysis suggested that they can be established by providing a slightly lower SMD, WVA@35%, and a slightly higher LC in particular.