The best filler for jackets, pillows and blankets has always been considered down. However, such products have a rather high price, and some cause allergies. Thanks to modern technology, it was possible to create alternative heaters, which have a more affordable cost - a synthetic winterizer and holofiber. This article gives the characteristics of the materials, as well as tells what their differences are and what to look for when buying.
Synthetic winterizer
The synthetic winterizer is an abbreviation of the phrase "synthetic canvas". It is made from special polyester fibers obtained from fused thermoplastic called polyethylene terephthalate. This material was developed in England in 1935. Natural materials are often added to polyesters, for example, cotton, wool or bamboo threads, which were obtained from the processing of textile waste. With increasing fiber, they resemble a spiral or spring, in large quantities they are intertwined with each other and make up a flexible material with a large number of useful properties.
One of the main advantages of syntepon is the ability to retain heat for a long time. Another plus is considered low weight, which is why jackets and down jackets on the winter pad are very light, and blankets are airy. The material does not deteriorate during compression and very quickly returns to its original form. It does not absorb moisture and dries quickly after washing.
The synthetic winterizer is environmentally friendly and harmless. It is non-toxic and does not cause allergies. The exception is some types made by glue method. Insulation is produced in three ways.
- Thermal. In this case, the fibers are held together by high temperatures.
- Needle Punch. This method involves the mechanical connection of spirals.
- Glue. About it has been said above. Such a filler is made by gluing fibers with a special emulsion.
The cost of a synthetic fabric varies depending on its quality and production method. The most environmentally friendly is a synthetic winterizer made with a needle-punched method.
Hollofiber
Hollofiber is more modern. Products with this filler appeared on the domestic market relatively recently, but are already in high demand. The peculiarity of this material is that it lets in air, which fills the structure of the threads, thereby providing more heat to outerwear. Actually, it was this function of the insulation that formed the basis of its name. Hollow fiber in translation from English means "hollow fiber".
The twisting density of the spirals that make up the holofiber is much higher than in its synthetic counterpart. Due to this, the air that has penetrated into the insulation heats up faster and does not cool much longer, respectively, and outerwear filled with holofiber is much warmer than sintepon.
Hollofiber holds its shape perfectly thanks to the thermal method of fastening hollow spirals. The fibers are heated and fused at the junctions with each other. Thus, an elastic and flexible material is obtained that does not deform under compression and quickly restores its original appearance.
This insulation has become an unspoken leader among synthetic heaters. It has many advantages:
- it has a high level of aeration, which allows the body to breathe under it;
- water-repellent properties allow for a long service life;
- the filler does not absorb odors, which is very convenient, for example, for smokers;
- holofiber does not ignite even in contact with the flame;
- the material perfectly retains dust on the surface, preventing it from penetrating the structure;
- goods with holofiber in the form of a heater are easy to wash: it does not sit down after drying;
- a huge plus of this filler is environmental friendliness: it is completely non-toxic, as a result of which it can be used for sewing baby clothes, bedding and toys.
Sintepon and holofiber have a couple of common advantages, so they are preferable to natural heaters. Firstly, they are immune to microbes, and secondly, they have a reasonable price, so the goods are more affordable.
How to distinguish?
Despite the presence of similar properties, there is still a significant difference between these two materials. Compared to synthetic fabric, holofiber is considered to be a more technological, strong, high-quality and durable filler. It is able to maintain its original appearance for a much longer amount of time. The environmental friendliness of holofiber is still higher than that of its synthetic analogue, which is why it is more recommended for children's things.
What's better?
For pillows and blankets
When choosing a filler for bedding, you should again refer to their properties. Both sintepon and holofiber are lightweight and provide warmth and comfort during sleep. But there is one feature of a synthetic fabric that negatively affects its quality, while its analogue is completely environmentally friendly and hypoallergenic: a synthetic winterizer purchased in an unverified place at a low price can turn out to be of very low quality, which will negatively affect the health of the body. The fact is that some unscrupulous manufacturers use secondary raw materials for the production of this insulation.
The resulting product is strictly prohibited for use.
Another point that speaks in favor of holofiber as a filler is the long life of such products.Pillows, blankets and other sleeping accessories made from synthetic winterizer wear out faster. Also, holofiber practically does not accumulate static electricity, which is important. Spiral fibers provide optimal aeration of the material; therefore, sleeping on it is much more pleasant and comfortable.
clothing
Most often, sintepon and holofiber are used for the production of insulated jackets, down jackets, overalls and even hats. Outerwear with these fillers is very light and provides heat for a long time. Coats with synthetic insulation are easier to care for than downy or other natural ones. Both materials are optimal for outerwear, however, in this case too, holofiber is ahead of the synthetic fabric in some respects:
- the material is very flexible, almost weightless and perfectly retains heat;
- a high level of aeration allows the body to breathe even under outer clothing;
- spiral fibers perfectly retain warm air, so down jackets with holofiber insulation are perfect for frosts down to -25 degrees.
In turn, the synthetic winterizer is suitable for temperatures not lower than -10 degrees, which is not the limit for our latitudes. In terms of heat, many compare holofiber with natural down.
For children
It is necessary to purchase baby supplies with special care, because toxic substances in clothing can cause an allergic skin reaction. When buying a blanket or pillow, it is recommended to give preference to the holofiber filler, as it is more environmentally friendly and has a number of hypoallergenic properties. In addition to the flexibility of the material, you need to pay attention to the ease of washing such a product. When buying sleep accessories with synthetic insulation, it’s better not to save money, since a cheap synthetic winterizer can be hazardous to health.
Children's down jackets and overalls are also better to take with a holofiber filler, since the sintepon loses up to half the volume after washing. Hollofiber does not absorb sweat, retains heat perfectly and prevents the baby's body from overheating (this is one of the most important points when choosing clothes for children).
Care Rules
In order for a thing with a heater to last for a long time, you should properly care for it. One of the main rules is the prohibition on prolonged soaking of clothes or blankets. The maximum recommended time is thirty minutes. In no case should you bleach a jumpsuit or jacket with filler from synthetic winterizer or holofiber. The procedure will adversely affect its quality. Drying should take place at room temperature. Before cleaning, it is best to carefully study the clothing label and follow only it.
As a rule, washing can be done at a temperature of 30 degrees. Products with synthetic filler can be machine washed.
It is recommended to use capsules for washing or gel: they do not affect quality as much as powder.
Squeezing a similar thing is optional. Clothes should be hung on a hanger, a pillow and blankets put on a linen grid.
If the synthetic fiber has fallen off or has become less voluminous, the jacket can be beaten off with a stick, or you can get the filler by making a small incision on the wrong side and comb the synthetic winterizer with a special device. Then the insulation is returned to the place, and the jacket is quilted again.
About what filler to choose for a toy (synthetic winterizer, synthetic winterizer, holofiber), see the next video.