How to identify the quality of cotton mattress fabric through fabric details?

1. Fiber characteristics: natural and artificial distinction
1. Fiber length and thickness
Long-staple cotton: Long-staple cotton fibers are long and thin, such as Egyptian cotton and Pima cotton. The cotton mattress fabric made of them is delicate and soft to the touch, and has good air permeability and moisture absorption. By touching the fabric, if you feel the fine gaps between the fibers and it feels silky, it may be long-staple cotton.
Short-staple cotton: In contrast, short-staple cotton fibers are shorter, may feel slightly rough, and are slightly less breathable. Observe the cross-section of the fabric. If the fibers are short and dense, it may be short-staple cotton.
2. Fiber purity
Pure cotton fabrics should be 100% cotton fibers. Check the ingredient description on the product label to confirm whether it is marked as "100% cotton". In addition, pure cotton fabrics should be grayish white ash after burning, without pungent odor, which can be used as an auxiliary basis for judgment.
2. Weaving process: comparison between fine and rough
1. Warp and weft density
Warp and weft density is an important indicator to measure the tightness of cotton mattress fabric, usually expressed as the number of warp and weft threads per inch (such as 60s*40s, indicating 60 warp threads/inch and 40 weft threads/inch). High-density cotton mattress fabric is more durable, less prone to deformation, and more delicate to the touch.
Observing the surface of the fabric, the texture of high-density fabric is clear, and it is not easy to see obvious gaps between the warp and weft threads; while low-density fabric may appear sparse and prone to wrinkles.
2. Weaving method
Plain weave: Plain weave fabric has uniform warp and weft interweaving, smooth feel, suitable for summer use, but slightly weaker wear resistance.
Twill: Twill fabric warp and weft threads are interwoven into oblique textures, which enhances the strength and wear resistance of the fabric, and is suitable for making durable cotton mattress fabric.
Satin: Satin fabric has a high surface gloss and soft touch, but the price is relatively high and it is easy to wrinkle.
3. Post-processing process: the key to improving quality
1. Dyeing and printing
High-quality fabrics use environmentally friendly dyes, which are natural, long-lasting, and not easy to fade. Check whether the fabric color is uniform, whether there is color difference, and whether the printed pattern is clear and the lines are smooth.
Touch the fabric to feel whether the dye has fully penetrated the fiber, and avoid choosing fabrics with serious surface floating color.
2. Finishing and softening
High-quality cotton mattress fabric may undergo environmentally friendly processes such as enzyme treatment and biological softening treatment to make the fabric softer and more breathable while maintaining the natural characteristics of the fiber.
Check whether the fabric is too smooth or greasy, which may mean that too much chemical softener has been used, and long-term use may be harmful to human health.
4. Durability: the test of time and wear
1. Wear resistance test
Although it is impossible to directly perform laboratory-level wear resistance tests, you can preliminarily judge its wear resistance by observing whether the edges of the fabric are flat and whether there is pilling.
High-quality cotton mattress fabric should have good tear resistance. Gently pull the edge of the fabric to feel its toughness.
2. Elasticity and resilience
A high-quality cotton mattress fabric should have a certain elasticity and be able to quickly return to its original shape after being compressed, which is essential for maintaining the support and comfort of the mattress.
By gently pressing the fabric, observe its resilience and whether there are obvious indentations remaining.
V. Environmental protection: the pursuit of green health
1. OEKO-TEX certification
OEKO-TEX certification is an internationally authoritative textile eco-label, indicating that no harmful chemicals are used in the production process of the fabric. Choose fabrics with OEKO-TEX certification to ensure a healthy and safe sleeping environment.
2. Sustainable production
Pay attention to whether the fabric uses sustainably produced cotton fibers, such as organic cotton, to reduce the impact on the environment while protecting the health rights of consumers.