Does Cotton Absorb Sound? 

Cotton will continue to remain one of the widely used natural fibers, and because they are widely used in the textile industry, some persons may downplay their importance in the acoustic scene. Don’t be one of them. If you are asking the question, “Does Cotton Absorb Sound?”

The answer is pretty straightforward – Yes, cotton absorbs sound and does a very good job at it. Due to the pore spaces in cotton, sounds are trapped and converted to heat energy in place of the disturbance.

Cotton materials or cotton in its entirety are very ideal when you have an echo problem to deal with as a result of its structural makeup.

Can cotton absorb sound?

Cotton will absorb any kind of sound regardless of the frequency, but this can only be possible if you are acquainted with the required thickness for each sound level. 

Get this wrong and you will have done nothing to tackle the issue. For starters, thick cotton will be great for low and mid-frequency noise. 

Can sound travel through cotton? 

Let’s get the basic concept here. For anything to ‘travel’, it would have to be from one point to another, and it would have to arrive the same way or almost the same way it left its former location. 

When it comes to sound and cotton, this is not the case. So, in simpler terms, sound doesn’t travel through cotton, because it doesn’t arrive at its destination in the same way it left the point of arrival. This is because lots of sounds are trapped in cotton if it is used as an intermediary or a Membrane. 

Sound will however travel through hard and vibrating surfaces like metal. This is why a clanging cymbal does a very good job of amplifying sound. 

Some experts have even proposed a theory that states “if it can give out sound, then it can’t absorb sound“. Although this isn’t verified, it is actually logical. 

For example, if you hit two pieces of cotton together or other soft clothing materials, you are highly unlikely to hear any sound. This alone tells you that cotton and such materials are good absorbers of sound. 

On the other hand, if you hit two pieces of metal together, you are very likely to hear an ear-deafening sound. This also implies that metal is a poor absorber of sound. 

Wood might be a solid material, but it does a fine job in absorbing low-frequency noise, but when you jam them together, it’s unlikely to get as noisy as metals. 

However, what you should also take into consideration when performing this test, be it for cotton or other materials like wood, should be the thickness and the construction of the said material. For example, wood will only provide a good soundproofing option for low-frequency noise if it has the required thickness. 

The same applies to cotton as well. You are likely to have the best result for sound absorption when the cotton material in question is thick. Using a lean cotton material for this purpose can be likened to wearing out a normal cotton T-shirt on a snowy day. 

Also read: What materials absorb sound? – the types and how they work

Does cotton absorb bass? 

The bass sound is generally categorized under the low-frequency sound, and because of this, thick materials would do a good job in arresting a bass disturbance as long as the said material does not reflect sound. 

Having laid out the above information, it is safe to say that cotton can absorb bass sound effects, as long as it is used correctly. 

For those who are into studio sound modifications, a bass trap would be a good place to start. Bass traps are not only for professionals though, they can also be used in a room dedicated to movies in your home. 

Don’t know what a bass trap is? Let’s get enlightened. 

What is a bass trap? 

A bass trap is a piece of equipment that’s specifically designed to handle low-level frequency noises. 

We have three types of noise frequencies that can be categorized as; low, mid, and high. Sounds in the alto category can fall in the range of mid-frequency, while soprano or high-pitched sounds can fall in the high-frequency category. 

As I stated earlier, a bass trap can either be used in a recording studio or at home. However, you have to note the following before using it at home:

• It may take up some valuable space, so you may have to make some necessary adjustments for it to fit in. However, this shouldn’t be a problem if you have a room specifically dedicated to your movies. 
• The volume may also be something you have to worry about if you don’t have a room sorely dedicated to its use. 

If you are okay with these two factors, you have nothing to worry about. 

Types of Bass traps

There are two types of bass traps depending on your intentions for them: A tuned bass trap and a non-tuned bass trap. 

Tuned bass trap

A tuned bass trap is specially made based on the modifications of a room. In other words, their appearance is determined by the room they occupy. 

You should also note that they only absorb low-frequency sounds. 

Non-tuned bass trap

On the other hand, Non-tuned bass traps are not only designed for low frequencies like the Tuned bass trap. They are what you may call ‘multifunctional’ since they can absorb all sound frequencies. 

The bass trap categories

Having known the type of bass traps on offer, the next part to get acquainted with is the categories. 

A bass trap made with glass or rock wool

Due to its low budget manufacturing cost, Bass trap made with glass or wool may seem a better option economically, however, there are reasons you may want to hold on to that thought. 

Because of how the manufacturing process pollutes the environment and the ecosystem at large, manufacturing companies have been forced to close shops. It doesn’t even end there. 

Medical experts have argued that some of the substances released by the materials during usage can cause cancer in the long run. Because of this, experts have advised you to stare clear of such materials in whatever form they appear. 

If you still insist on using this type of tuned bass trap, you are strongly advised to place a sort of covering over the surface, but I wouldn’t want to take such a risk, especially when the possibility of cancer is involved in the long term. 

A bass trap made with acoustic foam

Acoustic foam bass traps are arguably one of the most popular in the market, and they are usually made with polyamide or other open-cell foam materials. 

One of the cons of the acoustic bass trap is its thickness, and because of this, it doesn’t do a good job of absorbing bass sounds; instead, it also absorbs sounds in the mid and low-frequency column. 

The structural build also means it will quickly wear out with time, which simply means it’s not such a good idea if you want a long-term fix to a problem at hand.

A bass trap made with absorbent cotton 

This is more like saving the best for last because the absorbent cotton bass trap is by far the better of the two options listed above. 

Unlike the glass or rock wool bass trap, the absorbent cotton bass trap does not give any cancer vibes, nor does it wear out quickly like the acoustic bass trap which is due to its very stable components that do not easily compress regardless of the time factor. 

Based on some information I gathered, you would have to make a modal calculation of the room or studio in question, as well as carry out certain measurements if you want the best experience with a bass trap. 

If it is something you can be patient with, then go right ahead with your plans, however, I would suggest you seek the services of a professional if you want the best results, especially if you are working on setting up a studio. 

You can seek the services of these guys if you want to get a bass trap installed. They come highly recommended and obviously know what they are doing. 

Related post: Does soundproof foam work? – Here’s what you need to know

FAQs 

Does thick cloth absorb sound? 

Yes, the thick cloth will absorb sound, especially if it is made up of mostly cotton. Not only will it be able to absorb sound, but light as well, which is why good curtains are made with thick materials. However, you have to note the surface of such materials and ensure it doesn’t reflect sound. 

What materials dont absorb sound? 

As you should know, sound comes in different frequencies which determines how it can be absorbed. For instance, a low-frequency sound in the bass range will be absorbed by a very thick material, but that same material will not do a good job of absorbing a high-frequency sound. The key remains knowing the sound frequency in question and using the right material. 

Do pillows absorb sound? 

Generally, pillows absorb sound, especially when placed correctly. They do a very good job of absorbing sound echoes you might not even notice due to their presence. However, you have to ensure the covers used in dressing your pillows do not reflect sound away such as leather covers. 

Does Cotton Absorb Sound – Conclusion 

Cotton is an excellent sound absorber, and based on the information shared in this article, I believe you are satisfied with the answers. If you aren’t, kindly let me know in the comment section. I’ll be waiting. Cheers.