UQ thermal barrier. Where to put it?

[TFC Rick]

Hey folks,

I recently came across some space blanket type cloth that we put on folks in the OR and would like to try and use this in an underquilt. I thought about sandwiching that and maybe some batting in between some 1.1 or the thermal inside a PL.

What order should I put them to keep from soaking my batting? Space blanket then batting?

Thanks in advance.
Rick

[FLRider]

If it's non-vapor-permeable like a space blanket, then you want it closer to your body than the insulation. If it is vapor permeable, like InsulBright or InsulFleece, then I recommend putting it in between layers of insulation.

Something to consider, though, is that you'll only very occasionally need a vapor barrier here in FL. I didn't even wind up using my space blanket at the FL hang on Saturday night, when it got down into the twenties. I might if it gets that cold again, though.

Hope everything goes well for you!

[TFC Rick]

How do I know if it breaths or not? I can't really feel my breath when I blow on it. I found a website stating Thermoflect to be a breathable scrim, but the manufactures site doesn't specify this.

Is there a good test to perform? I'm thinking in the middle of a PL is the place to go for this thing.

[FLRider]

Try to inhale with it against your mouth. If you can get air in with a good seal, then it's breathable. If not, it's a vapor barrier.

The PLUQ is great for a cheap underquilt at FL temps, but I'd be wary of putting a vapor barrier between the layers there. Just my two cupronickel disks, though; your milage may vary.

[BillyBob58]

Take a hand held mirror and put it in the freezer. Or use your car mirrors on a cold day. Breath on them- your breath should condense. Now try the same through your material. The easier you can get condensation on the mirrors, breathing through the fabric, the less of a VB it is. No condensation, probably a good VB. Seems like this would work. Remember, even if you can not easily breath through it, that might just mean it is a really tight weave and wind proof. But a wind proof garment can still be breathable. ( think GoreTex).

Or put it under your clothes, next to your skin, and go about your business. If it gets clammy and way humid, even when just sitting around, you have a true VB.

[TFC Rick]

Thanks Billy Bob! Don't you work in an OR setting? Have you seen these blankets before?

[JohnSawyer]

Somebody had these some oh... 2 years ago or so... heat sheet? Not sure...

Any pics? I might be interested in one or two of these.


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[TFC Rick]

John google Thermoflect and one of top results is the manufacture. The are a softish blue on one side and silver on the other. They do have little "dimples" all over them. They are shaped like a rectangle with a curve at the neck area.

You've got two coming your way just for GP.

[BillyBob58]

Thanks Billy Bob! Don't you work in an OR setting? Have you seen these blankets before?

Yes I do. All I have really seen in person is the Bair(SP?) Huggers forced warm air systems. I think I have seen them some where, but I'm not using them.