<p>Purpose – Sleep quality, a crucial parameter for health and life performance, is affected by mattresscomponents; particularly mechanical and thermal comfort management ability of the upper layers. The aim ofthis study is to investigate effects of quilted mattress ticking fabric material (polyester, polypropylene, viscose,lyocell and their blends) on thermal comfort of the bedding system by objective and subjective measurements.Design/methodology/approach – The permeability (air and water vapour), heat transfer, water absorption,transfer and drying behaviours of knitted quilted fabrics which influence the thermal comfort of the beddingsystem were investigated. Subjective coolness and dampness evaluations were gathered by forearm and handpalm tests to provide more realistic discussion in light of fabric characteristics.Findings – According to the results, polypropylene can be suggested for winter use with its higher air andwater vapour permeabilities, lower thermal absorption and conductivities and warmer evaluation results.Lyocell can be suggested for summer use with also high permeabilities, higher thermal absorption andconductivities and cooler evaluation results. Polyester and viscose may also be considered for winter andsummer in turn as a result of thermal feelings they create.Originality/value – In addition to fabric thermal, permeability, liquid absorption and transfer properties, thisstudy also includes subjective coolness and dampness evaluations which can provide realistic resultsregarding the coolness-to-touch and liquid transfer performances of mattress ticking fabrics. The relationshipsamong objective and subjective data were investigated and the proposed subjective evaluation techniques canbe used for different products.<br></p>