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Allergen
|
A substance that causes an allergy such as house dust, dustmite droppings or
down and feathers. |
| Allergy |
Sometimes the body reacts adversely to certain substances
such as house dust, dustmite droppings or down and feathers. A person having an
allergic reaction may suffer from wheezing, a runny nose, watering eyes,
sneezing or in severe cases an asthma attack. |
| Anti-allergy |
Bedding products that help to prevent allergies are termed anti-allergy.
They may provide a barrier to allergens for example an anti-allergy mattress or
pillow protector. I Love My has a range of anti-allergy bedding filled with AmicorTM fibres that eradicate dust mites, as well as preventing
the growth of destructive bacteria, mould, mildew and fungi. Thus providing a
healthy sleeping environment for allergy sufferers. This range is endorsed by Allergy UK with their British Allergy Foundation Seal of Approval.
As an alternative you may choose non-allergenic products and frequent laundering; I recommend the
spundown duvet, pillow and mattress protector that may be washed at
60oC and anti-allergy covers for bed, duvet and pillow. Click here
for details of mattress protectors & covers.
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| Back support
pillow |
A V-shaped pillow design to provide
extra support when sitting up in bed - photo. |
| Ball Fibre |
Down-like clusters of polyester fibre used in best quality pillows. The
clusters move freely in a pillow and make them easy to plump to shape. They also
allow a pillow to be washed time after time. (Also used in our synthetic
mattress enchancer.) |
| Batiste |
Named after Jean Baptiste, a French linen weaver. Light weight, soft,
fabric. It is made of tightly twisted, combed yarns and mercerized (glossy)
finish. Softer to handle than Cambric. Used for the highest quality duvet covers
to create lightweight duvets which are very soft. |
| Batt |
Standard pillows contain a roll of
polyester fleece as their filling called a batt. These may become damaged and
flattened over time and misshapen when washed. I recommend ball fibre pillows
rather than batts! |
| Bound edge |
The edging of a duvet finished using biased binding – photo
- this creates a much neater edge than on standard duvets which have overlocked
stitching which is prone to unravelling and may come undone over time. All
synthetic duvets in the I Love My Duvet range have bound edges. |
| Cambric |
A fine, plain-weave cotton fabric,
often glazed on one side, and used as a down-proof casing. |
| Canadian Goosedown |
The soft clusters found on the breast of a Canadian goose. Down is very good
at trapping air and so keeps you warm. Down has no quill and so is very soft.
Canadian goosedown clusters are generally larger and trap more air than down
from regular geese. This makes the duvets lighter, warmer and more luxurious.
|
| Cassette construction |
Rectangular pockets to keep the filling in a natural duvet evenly spread
when in use – no more cold spots and filling trapped in the end of the duvet! photo
A similar construction used in some mattress enhancers. |
| Chambray |
A soft, comfortable fabric woven of coloured and white yarns first developed
in Chambray, and today often used in men's cotton shirts. In bed linen a
chambray border can add a certain style to plain white linens. |
| Combination duvet |
Sometimes called a Four Season's duvet, this term was coined to describe two
duvets of different togs (usually 4.5 Tog and 9.0 Tog) that can be used
independently or buttoned/poppered
together depending on the season. In the coolest months both duvets are used, in
spring and autumn the higher tog and in summer the lower tog duvet; thus
providing comfort whatever the temperature! |
| Comforter |
The American name for a duvet. |
| Double |
The size of bedding to fit a standard UK 4ft 6” bed.
|
| Down |
The soft clusters found on the breast of a duck or goose. Down is very good
at trapping air and so keeps you warm. Down has no quill and so is very soft.
The lightest and most luxurious duvets contain a high percentage of down. If a
manufacturer follows the European Standard for natural duvets then a down duvet
will contain a minimum of 60% down, the remainder of the filling being fine
(nestling) feathers. |
| Dustmite |
A tiny spider-like creature that lives
on house dust. Found in even the cleanest of homes, they tend to live in the
mattress. Their droppings may cause allergies. I recommend the use of a mattress
protector to keep them away from you bedding. Washing at 60oC kills
dustmites and their eggs. The spundown range (duvet, pillow, mattress and pillow
protector) is specifically designed to wash well at this temperature. |
| Egyptian cotton |
A fine, lustrous, long fibre cotton grown in Egypt. Generally more expensive
than the commonly available cottons. 100% Egyptian cotton bed linens with a
thread count of more than 180 should feel more lustrous and softer than standard
cotton. When used in towels it makes them more absorbent and softer. |
| EN12934:1999 |
European standard for natural duvets. Reputable manufacturers follow this
code. They will state clearly the percentage of down and feather contained in a
natural duvet. Look out for this on product packaging and sash labels as a sign
of a good manufacturer. Less reputable manufacturers may use more feathers (as
they are cheaper). |
| Fabric |
The material surrounding the filling
of a duvet, pillow or mattress protector. |
| Feather |
The covering of a duck or goose with a quill and fine strands. Feathers keep
a bird warm without weighing them down and so make excellent light fillings for
duvets. Bigger feathers provide structure and support for pillows and mattress
enhancers, and extra weight for duvets. |
| Filling |
The contents of a duvet, pillow or mattress protector – may
be naturally occurring, such as down and feather or synthetic (man-made) such as
polyester. |
| Four Seasons Duvet |
Sometimes called a combination duvet, this term was coined to describe two
duvets of different togs (usually 4.5 Tog and 9.0 Tog) that can be used
independently or buttoned/poppered
together depending on the season. In the coolest months both duvets are used, in
spring and autumn the higher tog and in summer the lower tog duvet; thus
providing comfort whatever the temperature! |
| Hollowfibre |
Thread or filament in textiles with a
hole running up the middle. This traps air more effectively than a solid fibre
and so makes a duvet warmer. Similarly the hollow fibre shape is harder to bend
and so provides structure and loft. |
| Hungarian Goosedown |
The soft clusters found on the breast of a Hungarian goose. Down is very
good at trapping air and so keeps you warm. Down has no quill and so is very
soft. Hungarian goosedown clusters are generally larger and trap more air than
down from standard geese. This makes the duvets lighter, warmer and more
luxurious. |
| Jacquard |
Any fabric that has a pattern woven into the fabric rather than printed on it. The name comes from Joseph Marie Jacquard who designed a loom attachment capable of weaving patterns into fabric. |
| Kingsize |
In the UK this is bedding designed for a 5ft wide bed. (Not to be confused
with the American Kingsize for 6ft beds!) |
| Loft |
The height of a duvet or pillow
filling. Better loft means more air is trapped and a warmer duvet or more
support from a pillow. |
| Lyocell |
A natural fibre derived from wood pulp. Very soft and breathable for added
comfort in bed. Related to Viscose and Modal. Used in fabrics and fillings mixed
with cotton or polyester to provide softness or temperature and moisture
regulation. Tencel is a brand name of Lyocell owned by Lenzing. |
| Lyosilk |
A fabric made with a blend of silk and lyocell. Lyosilk is
extremely soft and lightweight. |
| Lysoft |
An advanced fibre blend made from natural raw materials and
polyester. Lysoft has a remarkable ability to absorb and disperse moisture,
allowing your body to breathe naturally and leaving you feeling fresh, cosy and
comfortable all night long. Lysoft is a trade mark of the Fine Bedding Company.
|
| Lysoft cotton percale |
Lysoft can be woven with cotton to create very soft and breathable fabrics
such as lysoft cotton percale. Lysoft is a trade mark of the Fine Bedding
Company. |
| Mattress enhancer
|
A topper for the mattress that can be up to 2 inches thick
to provide extra comfort. An enhancer may help to extend the life of an older
mattress or provide extra softness to a firmer mattress. |
| Mattress protector |
A covering for the mattress to provide protection
against everyday spills or a barrier to allergens. |
| Memory foam |
Memory foam is made from polyurethane
with additives that add to its viscosity level, thereby increasing its density.
It is often referred to as visco-elastic polyurethane foam. Famously, memory
foam was originally developed by NASA to ease the pressure of extreme G-force
during space shuttle take off; although it was never used in a mission. Today it
is used widely for mattresses, pillows and mattress toppers. It provides
excellent support and can reduce pressure points, thereby improving your night's
sleep. |
| Microfibre |
Very fine fibres, strictly speaking of
less than 1 micron diameter. Microfibre fillings are very warm, soft and light.
Microfibre polyester is used in high performance ski-wear to provide warmth
without weight. Duvets filled with polyester microfibre can be very light and
yet very warm, and feel like down duvets, but are naturally non-allergenic. The
spundown and perfectbalance ranges of duvets contain microfibre. |
| Modal |
A natural fibre derived from wood pulp. Very soft and breathable for added
comfort in bed. Related to Viscose and Modal. Used in fabrics and fillings mixed
with cotton or polyester to provide softness or temperature and moisture
regulation. |
| Natural |
Used to describe the filling or fabric
for a duvet, pillow or mattress protector that has been made of substances that
are found in nature and not man-made. Includes down and feather and cellulosic
fibres such as modal and lyocell that come from wood pulp. 100% cotton is a
natural fabric. |
| Neck support pillow |
A small pillow that fits around the neck to provide
extra support in bed or when travelling. |
| Non-allergenic |
Substances that do not normally create an allergic reaction
such as polyester. |
| Overlocked edge |
In standard duvets & pillows the fabric may be stitched together on the
outside using an overstitch. These may become ragged and unravelled over time.
Higher quality products, such as those in the I Love My range are finished with
bias binding or piping. |
| Percale |
A closely woven, plain weave, spun fabric. The high thread
count gives the fabric a soft, silk-like feel. Used for sheets, bedspreads and
the higher quality duvet covers. For the technically-minded it has thread count
of 180 and above. (Higher thread counts indicate higher quality
fabrics.) |
| Piped edge |
The high-quality finish on a natural duvet or pillow. Fabric is stitched
around a cord as shown in the photo.
|
| Polish Goosedown |
The soft clusters found on the breast of a Polish goose. Down is very good
at trapping air and so keeps you warm. Down has no quill and so is very soft.
Polish goosedown clusters are generally larger and trap more air than down from
standard geese. This makes the duvets lighter, warmer and more luxurious.
|
| Polyester |
The man-made fibre derived from oil based products used to
fill most synthetic duvets and pillows. Polyester is non-allergenic, provides
good warmth and is very affordable, but is less breathable than naturally
occurring fillings such as down and feather. |
| Queen size |
The American term for bedding to fit a 5ft wide bed, usually called King
Size in the UK! |
| Sateen |
Usually 'cotton sateen' this term describes a type of weave
that produces a smooth and lustrous surface, reminiscent of satin. Soft and
lovely to handle. |
| Siberian Goosedown |
The soft clusters found on the breast of a Siberian goose. Down is very good
at trapping air and so keeps you warm. Down has no quill and so is very soft.
Siberian goosedown clusters are generally larger and trap more air than down
from standard geese. This makes the duvets lighter, warmer and more luxurious.
|
| Siliconised |
A term used to describe a slippery coating used on high quality polyester
that makes the fibres slide past one another easily. The filling feels softer to
the touch and can be washed at higher temperatures than standard oiled polyester
fibres. Siliconised polyester is also more durable and will keep its Tog for
longer. |
| Silk |
Natural filling for duvets & pillows. Made by pulling silk floss from
the cocoon and layering. Very breathable and naturally hypoallergenic. Filling
actually resistant to dust mites and is a healthy choice for those who suffer
from allergies. |
| Spiral hollowfibre |
Polyester fibres can have a spiral shaped to provide additional loft and
trap more air. They provide warmth and help to keep the duvet plump and cuddly!
|
| Superking |
Bedding to fit a 6ft wide bed (called Kingsize in the US,
just for confusion!). |
| Swirl stitching |
A pattern of stitching with parallel swirls of continuous stitching. Swirls
are better than straight lines as they help to provide structure and height
(loft) to the duvet and make it look plumper when on the bed. See photo |
| Synthetic |
Used to describe the filling or fabric for a duvet, pillow
or mattress protector that has been man-made. Includes polyester, acrylic and
polyurethane. 100% cotton is a natural fabric. |
| Tencel |
Tencel is a brand name of Lyocell owned by Lenzing. Lyocell is a natural
fibre derived from wood pulp. Very soft and breathable for added comfort in bed.
Related to Viscose and Modal. Used in fabrics and fillings mixed with cotton or
polyester to provide softness or temperature and moisture regulation. |
| Thread count |
The number of threads of yarn in 1 square inch of fabric - add up the number
of threads in the horizontal and vertical directions. Generally speaking the
higher the thread count the softer a fabric is to the touch. Good quality bed
linens have a thread count of 180 or more. |
| Tog |
The thermal performance of a duvet. A high tog indicates a warmer duvet, a
low tog a cooler duvet. The Tog should not be confused with weight, as a down
duvet can be very light but also very warm! |
| ZZZzzzzz |
Sweet dreams with i love my duvet! ZZZZZzzzzz!!! |
jargon buster 
