Stomatex is the patented physics that replicates the way that the leaves of plants transpire.
Stomatex Neoprene is a high-performance fabric made from a lightweight, ultra-thin, non-porous polyester membrane that is weatherproof and highly breathable. It is currently produced in Stomatex Neoprene, although further advanced polymer foam technologies are under development.
Neoprene (a synthetic rubber) demonstrates superior tensile strength and elasticity, offering significant advantages over plastic foam materials and making Stomatex® ideal for close contour applications where body movement must remain unhindered.
How does Stomatex® work?
Stomatex® uses a pattern of dome-shaped vapour chambers, each with a tiny pore in the centre. While resting, excess body heat and perspiration rise into the dome-shaped chambers and exit through the tiny pores at a controlled rate. The chambers flex and stretch with each movement of the body, causing excess heat and perspiration to be pumped out of the small pores. This also allows cooler, drier air to enter from the outside.
The unique pumping action of the vapour chambers increases and decreases with the user's level of physical activity. Stomatex® is truly unique, as it is the only material that can maintain a perfect microclimate between the skin and the fabric at any level of physical activity, allowing it to be worn for long periods of time without overheating
What is Stomatex® made from?
Stomatex® is generally made from thermo-insulating closed-cell foam materials such as Neoprene. It is used in the manufacture of garments and appliances where warmth and/or support may be a deciding factor but where comfort may be compromised by the unacceptable build-up of heat and perspiration in traditional closed-cell foam materials.
What are the benefits of Stomatex®?
By imitating the process of transpiration used by leaves, Stomatex® is able to overcome the problems of perspiration and over-heating traditionally associated with the use of closed cell foam materials such as Neoprene. It can therefore ensure that the body heat, blood flow and compression remain consistent during a wide range of activities.
Reflecting the rate of physical activity, the chambers create a self-contained microclimate, allowing cooler, drier air to pass through at a controlled rate to keep the skin free of perspiration and maintain an ideal skin temperature over an extended period of time.
What are Stomatex's® advantages over ventilated Neoprene?
Neoprene which has holes punched through it has been employed in many applications over the years, primarily because until now there has not been a better alternative. While it has advantages over traditional Neoprene in certain circumstances, the size and formation of the holes significantly reduce the insulation value resulting in condensation of sweat and cooling of the skin. It also causes significant changes in the material's compressive and elastic qualities.
What is the advanced physics behind Stomatex®?
What is the advanced physics behind Stomatex®?
Stomatex replicates the way in which a plant's stomata transpires and passes vapour from inside the leaf into the atmosphere. Likewise, trapped vapour molecules are efficiently removed from beneath the fabric by the flexing action of minute dome-shaped chambers, each with a tiny pore centred within the body of the material.
