Outlast technology increasing role in bedding
By David Perry -- Furniture Today, May 26, 2008
Boulder, Colo. — A material originally developed for the space program is making its presence felt in the mattress industry.
Outlast temperature-regulating technology, based on a high-performance material developed for NASA, can be found in a variety of sleep products from Select Comfort, Carpenter, Sealy, Serta and Restonic, according to officials of Outlast Technologies.
The company says the bedding industry offers significant growth opportunities for their product as consumers and retailers learn more about the importance of regulating temperature during sleep.
"We've clearly brought attention to the importance of mitigating the buildup of heat under the covers, and have provided manufacturers with a multitude of platforms for achieving this through our performance-tier program," said Guy Eckert, executive vice president for business development at Outlast. "It's also apparent that Outlast technology improves the comfort of foam-based products which consumers have identified as 'sleeping warm.' "
Outlast temperature-regulating technology is used in the apparel, footwear, bedding and accessories industries. Outlast fibers, fabrics and coatings contain patented micro-encapsulated phase-change materials called "thermocules," which absorb, store and release heat, providing increased comfort for consumers, company officials said.
Eckert said bedding retailers are learning more about keys to getting a better night's sleep.
"The importance of maintaining a cooler sleeping environment has never been emphasized, though studies have shown that your body temperature cools throughout the night and that REM propensity increases when your body temperature is at its lowest point during the evening," he said.
His outlook for Outlast Technologies' prospects in the mattress industry: "The future looks bright for Outlast as we continue to refine our technology, expand our patent positions, broaden our collections to include sleep apparel, and market our system approach to a better night's sleep, globally."
Unlike traditional fabrics and insulation that trap heat, products with Outlast technology are designed to absorb excess body heat when a sleeper becomes too warm, and then release the heat back as needed.
The technology also allows two sleepers with different temperature preferences to find compatibility in the same sleep environment, the company said. Outlast technology is particularly well suited to help moderate symptoms associated with menopause, officials added.
"Each woman has a unique set of needs when it comes to her health and wellness," said Rebecca Hulem, a menopause coach working with Outlast. "What is so great about bedding with Outlast technology is that it responds to each woman's unique body temperature. By 2015, half of all women in the U.S. will be going through the change of life, so this technology is a real lifesaver."
