Polyester insulation: up to what temperature, which one is better

Insulation is a key consideration when dressing for cold weather in order to stay warm and comfortable. Polyester insulation’s lightweight, strong, and efficient thermal qualities have made it a popular option for many. However, with so many varieties available, it can be difficult to determine which is ideal for a given set of requirements and temperature ranges.

There are several varieties of polyester insulation, and each is made to function differently in certain situations. While some perform best in extremely cold climates, others are more appropriate for milder ones. When choosing the appropriate apparel or equipment for your upcoming outdoor experience, being aware of the distinctions can help you make an informed choice.

This post will discuss the temperature ranges that various polyester insulations can withstand and assist you in deciding which kind will be most comfortable and warm for your particular requirements.

Polyester Insulation Type	Temperature Range
Standard Polyester Insulation	Up to -10°C (14°F)
High-Loft Polyester Insulation	Up to -20°C (-4°F)
Microfiber Polyester Insulation	Up to -30°C (-22°F)
Eco-Friendly Polyester Insulation	Up to -15°C (5°F)
Water-Resistant Polyester Insulation	Up to -25°C (-13°F)

History of fabric, manufacturing process

When polyester fibers were developed in the first half of the 20th century, polyester insulation can be said to have been invented. Industrialists were already aware of the process of producing nonwoven materials with thermal-insulating qualities by that point. However, additional raw materials like viscose, cotton, linen, wool, polyamide, etc. were also utilized for this. Experiments have demonstrated that polyethylene is not only appropriate for this use but also superior to alternative materials in many ways. It also costs less for the completed filler that is made from it.

Polyester insulation is made from fibers that are extracted from oil and gas products using a combination of mechanical and chemical processes. They are also employed in the production of polyester woven materials. The benefits and drawbacks of polyester fabric are covered in a different article. General terms for the technology used to obtain the material:

• Raw materials undergo preliminary preparation (loosened, cleaned).
• A fibrous base is formed from the raw materials.
• This base is bonded by a physical-chemical, mechanical, thermal or combined method.
• The finished filler undergoes finishing.

Note that the technique used to bond the fibrous base determines the quality of the polyester insulation. These include weight, hydrophobic qualities, and heat insulation.

Description of the material, cost, composition

Let’s talk a little bit more about polyester now, including its composition, manufacturing process, and whether or not it is warm. To put it simply, this is a collection of hollow or solid polyethylene fibers that are only loosely attached to one another. This looseness causes a lot of air-filled cavities to form in the insulation’s thickness. In turn, the diameter of the fibers that make up the insulation and its thickness determine how many cavities there are. Additionally, the layer will retain more heat the thicker it is.

There are two categories of polyester-based insulation materials:

• Volumetric fillers, the number of air cavities in which increases due to the thickness of the material itself. The most budget option is padding polyester. Its initial cost is less than 200 rubles . per linear meter. More expensive, but better – Thinsulate, from 450 rubles . per linear meter.

• Thin-layer materials, where the small thickness of the filler is compensated by the small thickness of the fibers, which provides a sufficient number of air cavities in the layer. The cheapest variety is polyester fleece. It will cost you from 250 rubles . per 1 meter. There is also a more advanced version of it, depending on the manufacturer, such a fabric can cost from 350 (Korean) to 2500 rubles (original, manufactured by Polartec® LLC).

The fillers—the insulation in question—are made entirely of polyester, or nearly so, with a trace amount of additional fiber.

Types of materials and their main characteristics

Here are the most widely used filler options along with their primary attributes: the density and thickness of 100% polyester insulation, as well as the type of weather (temperature) in which they are intended to be used.

• Synthetic padding. Method of bonding fibers – chemical or physical. Density 100, 150, 200 g. and 300 g./m2. Thickness from 0.7 to 4 cm. Minimum comfortable temperature – up to -20 C °.

• Synthetic fluff. Fibers spiral, elastic and flexible. 1st grade and 2nd grade, 1st is more elastic and uniform. Temperature from +5 to -30 C°. Sold by weight.

• Holofiber. Types Volumetric, Soft (with calender), Ecosoft. Made in layers of different thickness, light and flexible. Density from 70 to 300 g./m2. Temperature from +5 to -30 C°. By the way, for those who were interested in the topic "holofiber or polyester, which is better": as you can see, it is the same.

• Thinsulate. Polyester fibers are thinner (up to 10 times) than in other insulation materials, siliconized and twisted into spirals. Density from 101 to 420 g./m2, thickness from 0.8 to 1 cm. Depending on the type from +5 to -30, extremely up to -60 C°.

• Isosoft. The thinnest polyester fiber, comparable in quality to Thinsulate. Fabrics on both sides closed with a calender (polymer coating). Density from 80 to 250 g./m2, thickness from 0.7 to 2.2 cm. From +5 to -25 C°.

• Thermofinn is a polyester filler, what is it: a mass of hollow twisted and solid bicomponent fibers, the fabric is enclosed in a calender. Density 100, 150 and 200 g./m2, thickness – from 1.2 to 2.7 cm. From -15 to -55 C°.

• Polartec. Thin pile on a non-woven base, with one to three layers of protective coating. Has moisture- and windproof properties. From -10 to -15 C°, with high human activity – up to -20.

• Fleece. Thin pile on a non-woven base, without coatings. Can be used as a lining, from 100 to 600 g./m2 density. Without a second layer of clothing – up to +10 C°.

Remember that the minimum temperature at which 100% polyester will be suitable for you to stay warm depends on more factors than just how cold the air is "overboard." Your degree of activity matters a lot. Walking quickly always feels warmer, and even at 0°C, you can freeze if you stay still.

Since polyester insulation provides warmth without adding bulk and works well in a variety of temperatures, it is a popular choice for clothing insulation. This post will examine the performance of polyester insulation at various temperatures and assist you in determining which kind is most appropriate for your situation, regardless of whether you’re expecting freezing temperatures or mild chills. You’ll be better able to select the appropriate insulation for your daily clothing or outdoor gear by comparing different options.

Properties, advantages and cons

If polyester is warm in the winter (or below it), that is the primary requirement that it must satisfy. This is the amount of heat retention beneath a blanket or article of clothing. Furthermore, there shouldn’t be a "greenhouse" effect from these fillers. The other qualities—hydrophobicity, wind resistance, and abrasion resistance—come second because protective tissue typically encloses the insulation. Naturally, assuming nothing is stated differently by the manufacturer.

The advantages of polyester insulation

• Good heat preservation with a small filler weight. In some species – and with a small thickness.
• Not demanding to care.
• After crushing, he quickly takes the previous form.
• You can always find inexpensive options.
• Insensitive to alkalis and inorganic acids.

• The cheapest varieties, if they are not fastened, after a while begin to fall into lumps. Literally 5 washes, and the comparison is warmer, polyester syntepuh or synthetic winterizer ”is no longer for anything.
• Almost all polyester insulation materials quickly absorb water when exposed to it, losing their heat-protective qualities. Exception: some types of Isosoft, Polartec and Tensulate.
• Can deform at temperatures above 40 C°.
• Dissolve under the influence of acetone, gasoline, benzene, ethyl acetate and liquids containing these substances.

Note: In low-cost insulation materials, the fibrous base is frequently bonded using a chemical process. Should the production technology be breached, the material might still contain traces of dangerous materials. These fillers may simply cause allergic reactions or pose a health risk.

Application areas, care

Polyester fillers are generally used in a very wide variety of applications. They’re even used to stuff car seats and insulate homes. What is polyester, both as an alternative kind of insulation and in clothing?

• Insulation of the outer layer, sports, model and special clothing. Some varieties are an independent material that does not require a protective coating.

• Quilted lining fabric.
• Filler for sewing blankets, bedspreads and pillows.

• In bumpers for children"s beds, stuffing toys.

• Sewing insulated underwear, thermal underwear, hats and other accessories.

• Making sleeping bags.

• Insulation of winter and autumn shoes.

Please be aware that the filler you choose will directly affect the product you use it in. As a result, it is preferable to become knowledgeable about a product’s design before making a purchase.

Polyester insulation doesn’t need complicated maintenance, as was previously mentioned. It’s crucial to abide by these basic guidelines:

• Water temperature for washing – up to 30 C °.
• Number of spin speeds – maximum 800.
• Hang out to dry, no closer than half a meter from any heat source.
• Ironing clothes with PE filler – only at a low temperature, preferably through an iron.
• Steaming – with caution.

Polyester insulation provides a useful and adaptable way to stay warm under different circumstances. Due to its ease of maintenance, moisture resistance, and lightweight nature, it is a widely preferred material for both daily and outdoor wear. There’s a polyester insulation option that can fit your needs, regardless of how severe the winter weather gets.

Think about the temperature range you anticipate when selecting the appropriate polyester insulation type. On chilly days, lightweight options work best; on freezing days, heavier, high-loft insulations work best. A decision that is well-informed will be made easier if you are aware of the unique characteristics and ratings of various insulations.

The ideal polyester insulation for you will ultimately depend on how you intend to use it. Consider your plans, the weather you’ll be experiencing, and your own comfort preferences. You can have warmth and comfort without sacrificing durability or mobility if you make the correct decision.

Video on the topic

Understandable in 2 minutes. What is the difference between Vapor barrier and Waterproofing? What to choose?

For what weather 100% polyester insulation?

Down or synthetics? Which insulation is better?

Comparative characteristics of winter jacket fillers