EN 12132 Feather and Down - Methods of Testing the Down Repellency Properties of Fabrics

The European standard “EN 12132 Feather and down - Testing methods for the down-proofing properties of fabrics” consists of the following sections published under the same title:

• The standard “EN 12132-1 Part 1: Friction test” describes a method for determining the feather or down penetration through the primary cover fabric of a sample containing feather or down filling, using a friction device.

In principle, a pillow is made from the fabric to be tested for down-proofing properties, of specified dimensions, and filled with a specified amount of feather and down material or a blend of these. The pillow is mounted in a fixture and subjected to a specified number of strokes. The number of feather or down particles passing through or exiting the primary fabric is determined.

At least two fabric test samples measuring 140 mm plus/minus 5 mm x 420 mm plus/minus 10 mm are taken. One sample is taken with the long edge in the warp direction, the other with the weft direction. Two test mats are sewn from these samples (lockstitch). The stitch length is 1 mm. The fabric is folded in the center, parallel to the short edge, with the back facing outward. The long edge is sewn 10 mm from the edge. Then, the fabric is turned over with the back facing inward. The short edges are sewn 20 mm from the edge, leaving an opening at the sides for the filling. The resulting test mat is filled with the required weight of filling material according to the composition in the table titled "Rolling the Test Mat," and the stitching is completed along the short edge, leaving no filling material in this area. This results in a test mat measuring 120 mm x 170 mm.

Before testing, the pad is placed in a plastic bag. This ensures that all particles that pass through the pad's primary fabric are collected. The plastic bag containing the test pad is then secured to the clamps of the testing machine. The pad covers are placed in the clamps, and the pad is folded between these clamps. The counter is set to 2700 rpm. The device is turned on and automatically stopped by the counter after 2700 rpm (approximately 20 minutes).

The pad is then removed from the plastic bag. All filler particles in the plastic bag are counted. The test pad is placed under a suitable light source, and the number of visible particles protruding greater than 2 mm is counted. If the number of filler particles in the plastic bag and the number of filler particles protruding from the pad exceeds 50, the counting should be stopped.

The test report must include the following information for each test pad:

• Reference to this standard.
• Device type.
• Description and identification of the fabric being tested.
• Definition of fill material and its mass.
• The number of particles passing through or out of the fabric.
• If the result is more than 50 particles, the result should be stated as: More than 50.
• Any deviation from this standard and any event likely to affect the result.

In principle, a cylindrical pillow is made from the fabric to be tested for down-proofing properties and filled with a specific amount of feather and down material or a mixture of these. This pillow, sliding on an inclined plane, is moved against a pinned plate by a pinned rod, compressing it. After the impact, the pillow is rewound and regained its shape by following the pinned impact rake as it moves backwards. This process is repeated continuously until a specific number of impacts are reached. When the impact of the pinned plate is greater or less than the circumference of the pillow, the pillow is compressed at different locations. The number of feather or down particles passing through or escaping the primary fabric is counted.

Conditioning and testing of the test sample is carried out in an atmosphere in accordance with the EN 20139 standard, and temperature and relative humidity are measured in accordance with the EN 20187 standard.

At least two test samples are taken from the fabric, each measuring 750 mm x the full width of the fabric. One sample is taken with the wide side facing the warp, the other facing the weft. Two cylindrical test pads are prepared from these samples. The surface area is 210 mm x 476 mm². The pad diameter is approximately 151,5 mm plus/minus 1 mm. The resulting test pad has an effective cylindrical surface area of ​​1000 cm².

To test the feather-proof properties, a different impact abrasion is applied:

• 2.000 pulses for plain 1/1 fabrics
• 4.000 strokes for twill fabrics
• 1.500 pulses for satin 4/1 fabrics (for quilts)

After every 500 strokes, the number of feathers and down that pass through or protrude from the surface of the cushion cover is visually counted. Filling that passes through or protrudes from circular edges or seams is not taken into account. The down-proofing properties of fabrics are assessed based on the total number of feathers and down that pass through or protrude and fall out at the end of the test.

The test report should include the following information:

• Reference to this standard.
• Device type.
• Description and identification of the fabric being tested.
• Description and mass of filler material.
• Impact wear.
• Number of particles passing through or leaving the fabric:
  • Pillow prepared with the surface area in the warp direction
  • Pillow prepared with the surface area in the direction of the weft
• Any deviation from this standard and any event likely to affect the results.

The EN 12132 standard addresses critical quality and performance issues in the bedding and textile industry, where feather and down fillings are valued for their insulation, comfort, and breathability. The main reasons for its necessity are:

• Ensuring product quality and durability: Down and feather products are subject to mechanical stresses such as friction (from daily use), impacts (from sitting or throwing, for example), and bursts (from pressure). Without standardized testing, fabrics can allow feathers to escape, leading to product deterioration, discomfort, and a reduced lifespan. This standard provides repeatable testing methods, such as the friction test, which simulates friction using a weighted device to measure a fabric's down-repellent performance. This allows manufacturers to produce reliable products that maintain their integrity over time and prevent costly returns or complaints.
• Improving consumer safety and comfort: Ingrown hairs can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, or hygiene issues, especially for sensitive users such as children or those with allergies. Testing helps verify that fabrics act as effective barriers and reduce the risk of ingrown hairs. By requiring controlled conditions (e.g., sample preparation, test environment, and evaluation criteria), this standard promotes safer bedding that meets consumer expectations for hypoallergenic and durable materials. This is particularly important in European Union countries, where product safety is governed by Directive 2001/95/EC on general product safety and similar directives.
• Facilitating regulatory compliance and market access: In European Union countries, standards are harmonized for specific applications, such as the Construction Products Regulation (CPR) or the Textile Labeling Regulation, making compliance mandatory for CE marking and legal market entry. Manufacturers exporting to these countries must perform these tests to comply with national regulations. While non-compliance can lead to product recalls, fines, or bans, compliance facilitates certification and promotes fair trade by creating a level playing field for suppliers.
• Supporting industry standardization and innovation: The bedding industry relies on consistent testing to compare materials and drive innovation. The EN 12132 standard enables objective evaluation of fabric weaves, coatings, or treatments designed to enhance downproofing, enabling R&D to develop superior products. For example, impact testing helps optimize fabrics for high-use items like hotel textiles by simulating sudden forces. This standardization reduces variability in production, aids quality control, and supports sustainability by minimizing waste from defective products. It aligns globally with relevant ISO standards (e.g., ISO 129 for textiles) and promotes international harmonization.
• Economic and environmental benefits: High-quality, down-proof fabrics extend product lifespans and reduce replacement frequency and raw material consumption (down and feathers are natural but resource-intensive). By preventing down leakage, they indirectly support environmental goals, such as those in the EU's green deal, by opting for standard, durable products over disposables.

Our organization, which has been operating for many years and meticulously follows global developments in science and technology, employs a team of experienced professionals and a broad infrastructure to conduct testing, measurement, and analysis in a wide range of areas for businesses across all sectors. In this context, we also provide testing services in accordance with the standard "EN 12132 Feather and Down - Methods for Testing the Down Resistance Properties of Fabrics."