Compression Property of TPEE-3D Fibrous Material and Its Application in Mattress Structural Layer

Thermoplastic poly(ether/ester) elastomer (TPEE) has great potential as a mattress material due to its high resilience, breathability, and light weight. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of TPEE-3D fibrous material (T(3D)F), a three-dimensional block material made of TPEE fibers randomly aligned and loop-connected, for mattress application. After testing the compression properties of T(3D)F, the effects of T(3D)F structural layers on mattress firmness were investigated. The results showed that T(3D)F had good energy absorption capacity, broad indentation hardness range (126.94–333.82 N), and high compression deflection coefficient (2.79–4.39). The thickness and density of T(3D)F were the main factors influencing mattress firmness, and the impact of thickness was more significant (p < 0.05). Owing to the hard and soft segments contained in TPEE, T(3D)F could be used for both the padding and core layers of the mattress. The hardness value and [Formula: see text] of the mattress with a T(3D)F padding layer increased with T(3D)F density but decreased with T(3D)F thickness. Moreover, the hardness value and [Formula: see text] of the mattress with a T(3D)F core layer increased with T(3D)F density, while with T(3D)F thickness, its [Formula: see text] increased and [Formula: see text] decreased. Therefore, the thick and low-density T(3D)F padding layer could improve the comfort of the mattress surface, a thin T(3D)F core layer could satisfy both the softer surface and the firmer bottom of the mattress.