The effect of fiber properties and processing conditions on the properties of high loft fabrics was examined. Fiber properties included crimp and hollowness; processing conditions included temperature, time, and the percent of low melt fiber. Samples prepared under these varying conditions were tested for compression and recovery, thermal resistance, and tensile strength. Hollow fibers with high crimp resulted in bulkier waddings than with normal crimped fibers, but relatively more bulk was lost during cyclic higher thermal resistance. As low melt fiber content and time increased, compression and recovery decreased and tensile strength increased. 2 refs.