Composition and function of the membrane
THE SYMPATEX MEMBRANE: A COMPACT HYDROPHILIC SYSTEM WITH LONG-TERM EFFECT
It sounds complicated, but it is actually very simple: perspiration is the body's way of protecting itself from overheating. Although this natural process is of vital importance, it does entail the risk of unwanted cooling - for example, when moisture contained in clothing draws warmth from the body. The effects can include lower performance levels or the risk of getting a chill. The solution to this has a name: Sympatex.
OPTIMAL COMFORT IN EVERY WEATHER: WATERPROOF AND WINDPROOF WITH PERFECT BREATHABILITY
There's nothing worse than cold, wet clothes. That's why Sympatex has developed a special membrane that absorbs water vapour directly from the skin and directs it outwards through your clothes. This keeps your body warm and dry - even in extreme situations. And the best thing is: the warmer you get, the more effectively the Sympatex membrane works.
That's not all: the functional textile also provides effective protection against cold and rain. It's like a valve that pushes sweat and heat outwards, but lets no cold or moisture get to your skin. How is this possible?
PATENTED SYMPATEX MEMBRANE: INTELLIGENT AND EFFECTIVE
The secret of the high-tech Sympatex membrane is in its novel molecular structure. Unlike conventional microporous membranes, its structure is non-porous. Because pores allow moisture to penetrate clothing. Furthermore, detergent residues, dirt and salt crystals can clog pores and thus affect the durability of the membranes.
The Sympatex membrane has a non-porous structure and is therefore 100% waterproof and 100% windproof. It consists instead of billions of hydrophilic (water-loving) molecules that use a physiochemical process to quickly expel moisture. In other words, the Sympatex membrane offers optimal breathability and is extremely durable.
A UNIQUE COMBINATION: HIGH-TECH AND ECO-FRIENDLY
Some customers ask us, is it unhealthy to wear such high-tech materials on the skin? Sympatex membranes pose absolutely no health risk and to prove it they carry the Oeko-Tex Standard 100 and bluesign® certification. They are made of naturally degradable materials and contain none of the pollutants common in other fabrics. They are also fully recyclable, like PET bottles, and can be produced in a resource-saving and pollution-free manner.
MARKS OF HONOUR:
The Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certificate is issued by an independent institute. It certifies that Sympatex products are environmentally friendly and free from agents that can be damaging to health. Sympatex even meets the high standard that is normally only required for baby products.
As a bluesign® system partner, Sympatex complies with the world's strictest environmental protection and health and safety guidelines. This guarantees strict regulation of air and water emissions, resource productivity, consumer protection and health and safety at work.
These illustrations explain how the Sympatex membrane works.
The Sympatex membrane consists of a copolymer (oxygen-carbon-hydrogen) mix of water-repellent polyester (shown in red) and water vapour-permeable polyether (shown in white). Polyether is therefore responsible for transporting the water vapour (shown in blue) outwards.
The outstanding breathability of the Sympatex membrane has been confirmed by the independent testing of the Hohenstein Institute. The membrane's water vapour permeability rating of 1.5 Ret puts it in the top category: ‘extremely breathable'.
100% BREATHABILITY – THANKS TO DYNAMIC CLIMATE CONTROL
Intelligent systems adapt to fit their environment. Just like the Sympatex membrane. The greater the difference in temperature and moisture between inside and outside, the greater the physiochemical effect. In practice, this means: the more warmth and moisture the body generates, the higher the performance of the innovative Sympatex membrane system. And, conversely, when the wearer is at rest the thermal insulation improves.
This is explained by the following physiochemical principle: the hydrophilic components of the Sympatex membrane absorb moisture from the body and release it outwards by evaporation. The effect increases as the temperature/humidity difference between the membrane sides becomes more pronounced. In this way, the Sympatex membrane adapts flexibly to the most difficult conditions.
100% WATERPROOF – EVEN UNDER THE MOST DEMANDING CONDITIONS
This is what we call top performance: Sympatex membranes exceed the standards required by the German Institute for Standardisation (DIN). Depending on the carrier material, the Sympatex membrane can withstand the pressure of a water column of up to 25 m (25,000 mm). This means that it can even cope with continuous rain. And what's more, it remains 100% waterproof even after washing or dry-cleaning.
100% WINDPROOF – GIVING THE WIND-CHILL EFFECT THE COLD SHOULDER
Rain and cold pose a challenge for every material. Add wind to the equation and you soon feel the cold. The Sympatex membrane is 100% windproof and helps keep you snug and warm in practically any weather.
The wind-chill effect
Wind blows away the body’s own insulating layer of warm air – this is known as the wind-chill effect.
PRACTICALLY UNNOTICEABLE: THE THINNEST MEMBRANE IN THE WORLD
The Sympatex membrane is hard-wearing yet extremely thin (from 5 µm = 1/200 mm). Even lightweight textiles featuring this membrane can defy the stormiest weather.
The thinnest membrane in the world
Comparison of the material thickness of different membranes
MAXIMUM FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT: ELASTIC AND DURABLE
The Sympatex membrane is more flexible than all other membrane systems. With an elasticity of up to 300% (bi-stretch), the wearer's movement is not restricted in the slightest. Even under extreme stress, Sympatex membranes are tear-resistant and remain fully functional throughout the life of the clothing.
