An integrated approach to develop performance index of bed linen fabric

The quality of woven bed sheets is often conveyed by the thread count i.e. the number of threads per square inch of the fabric. However, bed linens need to encompass three essential characteristics such as high breathability, moisture absorbency and soft feel to ensure quality sleep. Sleep quality is significantly influenced by thermal regulation characteristics such as thermal conductivity, air permeability and moisture vapor permeability of the sheeting cloth. Hand of sheeting material is also considered as one of the most important attributes of a high quality bed linen as it comes in direct contact with human body for a substantial duration. In this research, an effort has been made to develop an objective method to measure the performance behavior of the bed linen fabric. Performance index is a calculation of how well a material works to meet its defined goals. The subjective assessment of bed linen performance indicators was conducted by expert opinion to decide the properties affecting the bed linen performance index (BLPI) along with their weightage. Discriminant analysis and coefficient of concordance was determined to find the agreement among the judges. The eight shortlisted properties were determined objectively and the results were normalized to shrink the data in the scale 1 to 5. The weightage and normalized data was used to determine the BLPI by using the developed equation. A high correlation of 0.84 was found between the subjective and objective BLPI. This study concludes that the BLPI could be estimated well using the developed equation.