Exploring the effect of mattress cushion materials on human–mattress interface temperatures, pre-sleep thermal state and sleep quality

Abstract

A comfortable mattress can create a good sleep environment, but the thermal behaviour of the interaction between the human body and mattress materials is still not well understood. The effect of mattress materials on human–mattress interface temperature and human thermal state was evaluated by subjective questionnaire and measurements to detemine the human–mattress interface temperatures of the whole body and various locations of the body (WTH-M and ETH-M). The woollen fabric and polymeric foam of mattresses were evaluated as optimal cushion materials; these were indicated by measurements at 15.5 and 20°C, due to the higher WTH-M and ETH-M. Moreover, the interface temperatures measured at the back, buttock and thigh were higher with most materials than at other parts of the body, indicating a lower temperature response at the body extremities due to the body–mattress interface. Under the cold climate, people would prefer warm thermal sensation rather than the neutral thermal feeling. There should be more consideration on the thermal insulation of the extremities such as the feet. The human thermal response was not only affected by mattress materials, but also by body parts and indoor air temperatures. These findings are important to understand the heat transfer and human thermal comfort requirements, providing a comfortable thermal environment to ensure sleep quality.

Effect of an Inflatable Air Mattress with Variable Rigidity on Sleep Quality

“…To improve sleep quality, various mattresses have been designed in existing studies [ 25 , 26 , 27 ]. In a few studies, a thermal controlling device was applied to the developed mattress to improve the sleep quality of the users [ 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 ]; others studies have determined the relation between sleep quality and the rigidity of a mattress [ 27 , 32 , 33 ]. Furthermore, several studies have varied the materials used to design the mattress and have modified its structure [ 34 , 35 , 36 ].…”

Compressive Properties of Green Velvet Material Used in Mattress Bedding

“…The higher the initial hardness factor value is, the softer the seat surface will be. IHF is calculated by formula (2). The ANOVA results in Tables 3 and 4 indicate that there were significant differences among 50 kg/m 3 , 40 kg/m 3 PLON blocks and 30 kg/m 3 , 20 kg/m 3 PLON blocks.…”

“…The bedding layer is a buffer layer between the quilting layer and the spring layer of a mattress, which can protect the spring core and make the pressure of the spring layer more balanced [1,2]. Flexible Polyurethane Foam (FPF) is mainly used for mattress bedding layers, providing suitable support for the human body.…”

Mechanical characteristic and analytical model of novel air spring for ergonomic mattress

“…It is generally accepted that there are many effects of mattresses on sleep comfort and health, such as thermal comfort [1,2] and supportive comfort that directly affect sleep quality, physiological and mental health. The main function of mattresses is to support human body, allowing muscles and spinal discs to recover from sustained loading by providing reasonable pressure distribution in humanmattress interface and spinal alignment [3], which is greatly influenced by the firmness of mattresses [4,5], individual anthropometric parameters [6,7].…”