Waterproof & Breathable Barrier Fabrics

Health Care and Protective Applications

The material is critical for protection against liquids, stains, and biological contaminants:

• Medical and Healthcare Bedding: Used for protective mattress and pillow barriers to facilitate quick, hygienic cleanup.
• Infant and Pet Products: Ideal for materials requiring absolute liquid proofing against accidents while maintaining comfort.
• Premium Mattress Encasements: Integrated into high-end retail products to offer protection against spills, sweat, and bodily fluids.

The breathability feature mitigates the accumulation of heat and humidity often trapped by traditional plastic barriers.

Barrier Performance Metrics

Core Advantages of Breathable Barriers

• Active Moisture Management: While blocking liquid, the membrane allows water vapor to escape, preventing the build-up of uncomfortably hot and clammy air beneath the cover.
• Absolute Liquid Proofing: Provides a complete, verifiable seal against spills and fluid ingress, protecting the longevity and sanitation of the mattress core.
• Sound Mitigation: Modern TPU membranes are engineered to be quiet and flexible, eliminating the distracting crinkling sound of non-woven barriers.
• Health and Safety: The barrier prevents the growth of mold and mildew within the mattress and blocks allergens and dust mites.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Q: Does a higher MVP rating mean better waterproof performance?
• A: No. MVP (breathability) measures vapor transfer, while waterproof performance is measured by hydrostatic pressure. Optimal barrier fabric achieves a high rating in both metrics, balancing protection with comfort.

• Q: Does the lamination process affect the flexibility of the knit ticking?
• A: We use very thin, highly elastic TPU films that are specifically designed to bond with knit structures. While they add a minimal amount of structure, they largely retain the original stretch and conformance of the fabric.

• Q: Are the lamination materials Oeko-Tex certified?
• A: Yes. The PU/TPU films we use are sourced from suppliers who provide full disclosure and typically hold Oeko-Tex Class I or Class II certifications, ensuring they are free of harmful plasticizers and chemicals.

Membrane Selection for Performance

Barrier material choice is critical to final performance characteristics:

• TPU Films: Offers the best combination of elasticity, breathability, and durability. Ideal for high-stretch knitted mattress covers.
• PE Films (Polyethylene): More cost-effective, but generally less durable and less breathable than TPU. Used for basic, disposable, or low-stretch applications.
• Bonding Agent: Selection of the adhesive must ensure a permanent bond that withstands heat and moisture exposure during washing and drying.

Production and Quality Assurance

The barrier application requires precision and controlled conditions:

• Lamination Control: Uniform temperature and pressure are critical during the bonding phase to ensure a smooth, bubble-free, and permanent adhesion of the membrane.
• Pinpoint Defect Testing: Rolls are inspected visually and often tested using specialized light tables to detect microscopic perforations in the barrier layer.
• Batch Certification: Hydrostatic and MVP tests are conducted on samples from every production lot to guarantee performance consistency.