A products ‘Breathability’ is the common term used to describe its ability to allow air to flow through it. Also known as the airflow or an air-permeability test.  In general, the more open a fabric’s structure, the more air will flow through it. For example, knitted materials such as jersey like a t-shirt will allows more air to flow than a woven material such as a cotton jean or trouser.

A products breathability also has a direct link with thermoregulation. So, the more a product is able to breathe, the more the risk of overheating will be reduced.

Breathability and thermoregulation are two extremely important aspects of products designed for babies. With soft products, these tests look to evaluate the outcome of a baby roiling into a cushion or if sleeping prone. The approved British and European Standards airflow testing are designed to assess and measure the potential hazards of whether a baby would overheat or suffocate. This area of research is of particular interest to Purflo, and we take a keen interest in studies and research papers around it.

As a brand, we have developed a range of products with breathability at their core.  As part of the original research and development of our first product, the breathable mattress , the product underwent extensive clinical laboratory research studies. Professor Peter Fleming CBE – Professor of Infant Health and Development Physiology directed these studies at Bristol University. Professor Fleming is also an acknowledged world leader in Sudden Infant Death.

In recent years, airflow testing has become more common place and established testing methods and standards exist to enable us to follow testing set out by British and European safety committees.

At Purflo, we have several products which are ‘hypoallergenic’, this simply means that the fabrics and fibres used prevent the build-up of bacteria and dispel dust mites which are known allergens of Asthma and Eczema.

Studies suggest that 1 in 5 children are diagnosed with asthma or allergic rhinitis. An infant’s immune system is passed down from their mother and at six months, when their own immune system is yet to develop, they are at their most vulnerable. After six months, the average child’s new bed will harbour a colony of mites, producing a significant amount of airborne allergens.  Using a hypoallergenic material will help to prevent allergens at source, and provide a safer place for babies to sleep during this sensitive time.

Our hypoallergenic products are made with either Amicor™ fibre or Dupont™ Sorona®. Amicor™ is one of the earliest fibre technologies pioneered and developed for Antimicrobial Textiles. Dupont™  Sorona® is a unique patented fibre made from 37% plant extract so as well as been hypo-allergenic, it is also sustainably sourced.

The recommended room temperature in which a baby sleeps is between 16-20°C with appropriate clothing and bedding. That probably feels a little chilly to the parent, but research supports that SIDS is less likely if a baby is not too hot. Using a baby room thermometer , will help you quickly and intuitively know the temperature of the baby’s room.

It is very normal for a baby’s hands (and feet!) to feel cold, and this is not indicator of the baby’s body temperature.  Baby should be checked regularly to ensure they are not too hot. Physically checking the back of baby’s’ neck or chest is a good way to check without disturbing a sleeping baby. If they are too hot, remove a layer of clothing and continue to physically check baby.

During hot weather it can be tricky to get the room that your baby is sleeping in to the optimum temperature. Use our what to wear guide for advice on how to dress, and use bedding appropriate to the room temperature.

Ensure cots and cribs are not placed in direct sunlight, or next to radiators or heat sources. Having a well-ventilated room is also important so if its possible, open doors and windows to increase air flow.

Always contact a health professional if you are concerned that your baby is unwell.

Testing is a multistage process, and every new Purflo product is rigorously tested and evaluated at each stage in its development.

At stage one, each product concept is risk assessed. This takes place in-house and with external technologists. This process sets to identify any potential hazards or risk the product and its intended use might present.  The risk assessment  includes a review against the General Product Safety Regulations as well as identifying relevant standards the product will need to meet. It is worth noting that safety standards, unfortunately do not exist for every product, particularly very new products. Therefore, risk assessment internally and externally will verify the most appropriate elements of standards to test to. The concept may be refined as a result of this evaluation.

At stage two, once a product has been refined and ‘complete’ it is then sent to a testing laboratory know as the ‘test house’ who will then test the product to the most appropriate and relevant safety standards.

In addition to physical product testing where mechanical hazards are assessed, all components used in our products are tested too. Components are assessed for durability and to understand their chemical content.

At stage three, once we have satisfied and controlled testing in place, our Purflo families try out our product, road testing them in real environments.  This is a helpful stage to assess practical things such as instructions for use, helpful tips and advice, so that when we launch our new products they have been used, washed, worn and re-used many, many times.

Where a product standard exists, a manufacturer must as part of their due diligence, test all products to that specific standard. Safety testing is not a legal requirement; however all responsible manufacturers will test, and most will ensure this is done on an ongoing regular basis .

Standards are put together by industry experts.

Where no specific standard exists, an independent test house will recommend testing elements of the most appropriate standards. They will look at the characteristics of a product, its structure, intended use, material and recommend testing.  All products are tested to General Product Safety Regulations.

In the UK, only UKAS approved test houses can issue safety certifications to determine if a product is safe for its intended, labelled and promoted use.

At Purflo, we follow closely approved and accredited research as part of our ongoing product development.

Our products are designed and developed in our UK offices. Our parent company also has design, development and technical offices in China which allows us to create our products at speed, but also enables us to be close to our manufacturing partners. Our team are in attendance during production and at final checking stages ahead of shipment.

Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) – sometimes known as “cot death” – is the sudden, unexpected and unexplained death of an apparently healthy baby.  Although extremely rare and the risk of your baby dying is very low, sadly in the UK, more than 200 babies die suddenly and unexpectedly every year.

Most SIDS occur during the first 6 months of a baby’s life. Infants born prematurely or with a low birthweight are at greater risk. SIDS also tends to be slightly more common in baby boys. SIDS usually occurs when a baby is asleep, although it can occasionally happen while they are awake.

Over the years, a huge amount of research has taken place on a global scale that has been shared and used to help educate parents and care givers around the world in order to reduce known risks.

Please visit our safe sleep hub for more information.