The Effect of Structural Characteristics on Thermal and Moisture Management Properties of 3D Fabrics Designed for Pressure Relief Applications

This paper presents a comparative study of different 3D fabrics designed and produced to be used as mattress and seat overlays for bedridden or people with reduced mobility. Two 3D patterns were developed using a doubleweaving process. The effect of pick density and filling weft linear density on the thermal properties, air and water vapour permeability and wicking ability of the resulting 3D fabrics was evaluated and compared. The obtained results demonstrated that the fabrics produced with the pattern with less number of intersections and lengthier floats (striped channel structure), less pick density and finer filling weft yarns, depicted the highest air and moisture transfer properties, which makes them a better solution for a cushioning interface material.