What Is Qmax—and Why It’s the Key to Truly Cool Bedding

Jul 03, 2025

When it comes to choosing cooling bedding that actually works, one term often gets overlooked—but it’s the real game changer in measuring how cool a fabric feels: Qmax.

If you’ve ever touched certain sheets and immediately thought, “Wow, that feels cool,” there’s science behind that sensation—and it starts with Qmax.

What Exactly Is Qmax?

Qmax stands for maximum instantaneous heat flux—essentially, it measures the rate at which heat transfers from your skin to a fabric surface the moment they come into contact.

Imagine lying down on your bed after a long, hot day. The faster your body heat transfers into the fabric, the cooler that surface feels to you in that instant. That’s what Qmax captures—the “cool-to-the-touch” effect.

It’s measured in watts per square centimeter (W/cm²) and is widely used in textile testing to quantify the initial thermal sensation of a fabric.

How Is Qmax Measured?

The measurement is performed using a thermal tester (often based on the Kawabata Evaluation System) that simulates human skin contacting fabric at a controlled pressure and temperature.

A fabric sample is placed on a sensor.
A test plate, representing warm skin, is applied.
The system records how quickly heat flows into the fabric in the first few seconds.
The result is a Qmax value—the higher the number, the cooler it feels.

This process isolates objective performance from marketing fluff—it’s a number that proves real cooling potential.

What Do Different Qmax Values Mean?

To help you understand how numbers translate to actual sensation, here’s a general guide:

Qmax Value	Perceived Coolness
0.1 – 0.2 W/cm²	No noticeable cooling (typical cotton, flannel)
0.2 – 0.3 W/cm²	Slightly cool touch (light bamboo, poly blends)
0.3 – 0.4 W/cm²	Moderate cooling (many “cooling” marketed fabrics)
> 0.4 W/cm²	Instant cool-to-the-touch feel (high-performance cooling textiles)

So, the next time you see bedding labeled as “cooling,” ask:

“What’s the Qmax?”

If there’s no clear answer, chances are it’s just marketing.

Breescape: Qmax > 0.46 — The Real Deal

At Breescape, we don’t just make cooling claims—we measure them. Our advanced cooling fabrics consistently deliver Qmax values greater than 0.46 W/cm², putting us in the top tier of performance fabrics on the market.

Why does that matter?

Because it means:

✅ Instant cool-touch effect the moment you lie down
✅ Faster heat dispersion from your body to the bedding
✅ Less tossing and turning in warm conditions
✅ Better sleep onset and deeper rest

Compared to many “cooling” competitors stuck below 0.35, Breescape gives you quantifiable, lasting comfort—especially important for hot sleepers, warm climates, and anyone tired of waking up sweaty.

Why Most “Cooling Bedding” Falls Short

Many bedding products are marketed as “cooling” without providing any performance benchmarks. That’s like calling a car “fast” without telling you the horsepower.

Without real measurements like Qmax, “cooling” becomes just a feeling—or worse, a claim that fades after the first few minutes in bed.

In contrast, Qmax is:

✅ Scientifically measurable
✅ Repeatable and comparable across products
✅ Directly tied to your real experience

At Breescape, we hold ourselves to a higher standard—and that standard is backed by numbers.

The Takeaway

When it comes to summer bedding, Qmax is the number that makes all the difference.

With Qmax > 0.46, Breescape offers cooling you can feel and trust—from the first touch to the last dream. Whether it's a midday nap or a sticky summer night, our fabrics actively pull heat away from your body—keeping you cool and comfortable through it all.