Jang Min-ji (37), a housewife living in Songpa District, Seoul, recently replaced her family's bedding with products made from the cooling functional material Duralon. She said, "I kept waking up at night due to sweating, and my kids were not feeling well. I came to think that cooling bedding is essential for the quality of sleep, even if it is expensive."
As the heat wave continues, the demand for relevant products, including bedding made from cooling materials, is increasing. According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, the average temperature across the country in June was 22.9 degrees Celsius, setting a record high. The number of heat wave days ranked second at 2.0 days. In some areas, including Seoul, tropical nights began in June, and days with a feel-like temperature exceeding 35 degrees Celsius have continued into July. The Korea Meteorological Administration noted, "This year may be one of the hottest years on record."
According to the relevant industry on the 15th, the sales volume of cooling bedding products at the bedding company Eve Jari increased by more than 50% compared to the same period last year, from May to June. The representative product, the "Ice" series, saw an increase of 52.6%, and "Cool Pass" rose by 50.3%. These products provide immediate coolness upon contact with the skin and have capabilities for sweat absorption and quick drying. The bedding company Allergang also reported that the sales volume of cooling products increased by 15% compared to the same period last year as of June. If looking at January to April, the increase was 57%, and sales in May surged by 45%. Overall sales in the first half of the year also saw a 33% increase compared to a year ago.
The retail industry has also seen an increase in sales of cooling products. According to the interior platform Today's House, the transaction amount of products containing the keyword "cooling" has risen by 135% compared to the same period last year. By item, sales of cooling comforters increased by 88%, cooling pads surged by 1851%, and cooling mats rose by 1663%.
According to Shinsegae Department Store, the sales of products made from cooling materials increased by 45.3% compared to the same period last year in the month of June. In particular, cooling T-shirts and functional pants gained popularity among women's clothing (40.2%) and men's clothing (35.8%). The demand for sleep-related products such as cool mats, cooling comforters, and pillows has also increased.
From the 1st to the 8th of this month, Lotte Mart reported that the sales volume of cooling material products increased by 50% compared to the same period last year, while Homeplus saw a 122% increase in summer bedding sales. GS Shop reported that summer bedding sales via TV home shopping increased tenfold compared to the same period last year from May 12 to June 15.
The key to cooling products lies in the material's competitiveness. Recently, a notable material, Duralon, is a fabric made from high-density polyethylene manufactured using specialized melt-spinning technology. Its Qmax (contact cooling value) exceeds 0.16, surpassing the industry benchmark of 0.1. It possesses immediate cooling effects, ultra-lightweight properties, quick drying, durability, and hygiene, making it suitable for various uses, including bedding, underwear, and sportswear. Materials such as rayon, modal, and seersucker are also highly preferred.
Market competition is becoming intense. Companies like Welcron, ACE BED, and Casamia are continuously launching summer-specific cooling products to meet consumer demand. Some companies are also strengthening their smart bedding lineup, incorporating temperature sensors and sleep monitoring technology. An industry insider from the department store remarked, "Especially those in their 30s and 40s are actively purchasing high-priced products considering the sleep quality of the entire family," adding that "functionality is key for summer bedding."