**4.2. Non-woven textiles as bedding**

Non-woven carpets influence the quality of the acoustic environment as they reduce noise levels indoors. They absorb the sound of steps and dropped objects and the absorption is higher when a pile carpet (tufted carpet) is used. At the same time, the quality of desired sound (music,

From economical point of view, the use of textile floor covering indoors can decrease or even eliminate the costs for sound and thermal insulating materials, especially in residential

Textile floor coverings do not reflect light; therefore, they can be used for glare reduction in the indoor environment, especially when hard flooring is also applied. The contact between sunlight and the textile fibers (mainly wool) leads to photobleaching effect, which requires additional treatment. However, all treatments of carpets, including those for stain blocking, fire resistance, moths blocking, etc., may affect negatively the indoor air quality (IAQ).

Several authors report and analyze the connection between IAQ and wall-to-wall non-woven carpets. Tufted carpets release Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) weeks after their install‐ ment in the indoor environment, due to the adhesives used for their fixation [15]. The cleaning of the near-wall zones is also very important, as they are a big source of airborne pollutants

The surface pile of tufted carpets is indicated as a very important source of airborne pollutants in the indoor environment [15, 17-19]. The pile accumulates dust and particles, thus converting the tufted carpet into a "reservoir" for pollutants [9]. In addition, wool fibers can absorb formaldehyde, oxides of nitrogen and other toxic pollutants from the air [14]. Regular vacuum cleaning and wet extraction with cleaning products is a way of reducing the VOCs absorbed in the floor covering, but the cleaning products themselves are also a source of VOCs [9].

Tufted and needle-punched floor coverings can also be a source of VOCs and SVOCs in the indoor environment because of the backing. Tufted carpets need more complex finishing than woven carpets to obtain dimensional stability [20]. Synthetic latex is applied for backing of both needled and tufted floor coverings, which can be associated with airborne pollutants and

At the same time, Whitefoot [14] has reported the absence of scientific evidence that the removal of carpet alone has a proven effect on the health of the inhabitants. The author has discussed the advantage of pile carpets, including non-woven carpets, the surface of which can trap airborne pollutants and allergens, thus decreasing health problems related to allergy

The study by Kidesø et al. [21] has concluded that heavy-weight needle-punched and tufted carpets from polypropylene and polyamide are particularly appropriate for residential buildings. The authors especially have underlined the requirement for smooth surface or surface with very low pile. The use of floor coverings with synthetic fibers, however, increases the risk of Microbial Volatile Organic Compounds (MVOCs) in the air. The higher humidity of the indoor air may provoke the development of mold and mildew; as a result, the carpet becomes a source of microbial airborne pollutants. Regular cleaning and use of antimicrobial

speech) remains constant.

due to difficulty of access [16].

unpleasant odors.

and asthma.

buildings.

194 Non-woven Fabrics

Bed linen and blankets are mainly related to two types of hazards in the internal environment: Microbial Volatile Organic Compounds (MVOCs) and particulate matter. In specific cases, Semi-Volatile Organic Compounds (SVOCs) can be also detected, usually for relatively short periods of time.

The main task of bedding in the indoor environment is to provide thermophysiological comfort for the person at rest [24]. Since at rest the human body produces minimal heat energy, higher requirements are demanded for the thermal insulation capacity of textiles for bedding [25]. Like the fabrics for clothing, textiles for bedding and blankets should absorb and transport water vapor emitted by the human body during rest and sleep. The role of bedding is critical for bedridden patients, adults with a high degree of immobility, and infants, because they spend a substantial part of their time in bed [26,27]. To avoid discomfort and getting bedsores, bedding items as material, structure, and finishing, should ensure the thermophysiological comfort by transferring air, heat, and moisture and not be a cause of allergic reactions.

Bed linen and blankets are serious battery of particulate matter. That, in a combination with high humidity and improper ventilation, leads to the development of MVOCs and microor‐ ganisms that cause allergic diseases. Non-wovens are excellent barrier against microorganisms (dust mites) because of their low porosity: with an average size of mites around 10 µm, the average pore size in fabrics for bedding has to be 6 µm or less. Non-woven mattress covers create impenetrable layer against microorganisms. Another solution is the use of textiles with zero permeability, but they do not provide breathability and reduce the comfort in general; they are also unsuitable for people with sensitivity to synthetic materials.

Non-woven textiles participate as visible or hidden elements in textile mattress pads, where a non-woven web is usually quilted between two woven or non-woven layers. Spunbonded polyester is used as face cloth because of its high wear resistance and resistance to washing.

An essential characteristic of the non-woven textiles for bedding is their ability to be subject to antimicrobial treatment [28]. Thus, the amount of MVOCs and unpleasant odors in the indoor environment is reduced by inhibiting the growth of mold, mildew, etc. The antimicro‐ bial treatment, which can involve both antibacterial and antifungal treatments, is performed as part of the finishing of the non-wovens textiles (i.e., coating and spraying) or by adding additives directly to the fiber spinning dope.

Non-woven webs and fiber fills are frequently used in the production of pillows, quilts, and duvets. The use of hollow fibers increases the insulation abilities of fiber fills. Polypropylene spunbonds of around 50 g/m² replace the tightly woven fabrics, used as a nonremovable pillow cover [29]. Non-woven textiles are also applied as outer covering of economical quilts and duvets. Cheaper needle-punched blankets are produced from regenerated fibers for disposable and emergency use, though high-quality needle-punched blankets are also produced from natural and synthetic fibers [30].
