5th February 2008

TRAVELODGE TRIALS THE UK'S FIRST HI-TECH PJ'S

They may look like something you would find in an astronauts wardrobe - but in fact these space-age suits are high-tech pyjamas being trialled in a UK first, by budget hotel chain Travelodge.

The customised therapeutic pjs are produced from a revolutionary fabric called 'Dermasilk' which feels like a second skin. It allows the skin to breathe, regulates body temperature (in hot and cold conditions) and maintains the skin's moisture balance. (All essential qualities required to attain a good night's sleep).

This unique material made from natural knitted silk also has the additional benefits of controlling body odour and is ideal for people who may suffer from skin disorders - such as eczema and dermatitis as it reduces the symptoms of itching and scratching.

Leigh McCarron, Travelodge Sleep Director said: "As a retailer of sleep, we are constantly investigating innovative ways, on how we can help our customers attain a good night's sleep. Something as simple as changing your bed attire can dramatically affect your quality of sleep.

"To support our pjs trial, we conducted a sleepwear study, which examined the nation's attitude towards nightwear. These findings have been incorporated into our final pyjama prototype - resulting in the ultimate sleepwear."

The sleepwear study surveyed 3000 British adults and findings revealed:

- A 23% of Brits said they suffer from itchy night clothes which stops them from getting a good night's sleep
- Being too hot / cold is a common complaint for Brits with 66% confirming their body temperature changes constantly throughout the night which affects their sleep pattern
- More people feel too hot (54%) in comparison to feeling cold (35%) whilst sleeping

The space-age sleepwear will be trialled with customers at the following participating
Travelodge hotels: London Heathrow T5, Birmingham Fiveways, Bristol Central, Manchester Central and Edinburgh Central

The second skin sleepwear is available for men and women and comes in four different sizes. (Small, medium, large and extra large) The outfit consists of: leggings, long sleeved tee-shirt, gloves, socks and a facial mask.

Chris Idzikowski, Sleep Expert from Edinburgh Sleep Centre said: "Anything that improves peoples' sleep is beneficial and skin is one of those neglected areas. These second skin silk pjs could benefit individuals who suffer from being too hot or cold during the night. Silk is composed of natural fibres and is one of nature's most admired insulators. It holds heat near the body and quickly absorbs any excess moisture away into the air thereby improving comfort - and comfort is one of the keys of good quality sleep.

Further findings from the research revealed, women are willing to look less desirable in bed in order to keep warm. Wearing passion killer socks are more favoured by women at 23%, which is more than double in contrast to men wearing socks to bed at just 11%.
Men on the other hand are more concerned to retain body heat via their head and hands and more men at 6% will wear a night cap and gloves to bed in comparison to just 4% of women.

Further information on the hitech pjs trial is available at www.travelodge.co.uk

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For further information, please contact:
Shakila Ahmed
Travelodge
T: 01844 35 8703
E: pressoffice@travelodge.co.uk

Notes to Editor:
A selection of images are available upon request, please call 01844 35 8703 or email pressoffice@travelodge.co.uk

DermaSilk Therapeutic Clothing is made of knitted natural silk which has been stripped of its outer coating and bonded with Microbe Shield technology. It is far superior to cotton because it retains up to 30% of its own weight in moisture without feeling damp. This unique fabric maintains a stable moisture balance on the skin whether its worn on warm or cold days.