Continuous Filament Nylon Fiber

BCF/CFN vs. Staple Fiber

When it comes to durability, there is little difference between bulked continuous filament (BCF) or continuous filament nylon (CFN) and staple (spun) fibers in your carpet. The difference lies in the length of the fibers in the carpet yarn, with staple having shorter lengths, giving the yarn more bulk (sometimes described as being more like wool).

Generally speaking, carpet made with BCF or CFN is more expensive than carpet manufactured using staple yarns.  When carpet is manufactured with staple fiber (short fiber), there will be initial shedding of shorter fibers. It will soon stop, depending on the amount of foot traffic and frequency of vacuuming. Staple yarn carpet will need to be vacuumed in order to remove built up tufts of loose fibers that often accumulate on top of the carpet.  These can be unsightly and annoying, but again, they will eventually subside.  Wool is a natural staple fiber; nylon and polyester can be staple or continuous filament; and olefin (polypropylene) is usually BCF.  Carpet yarns made with Bulk Continuous Filament Nylon does not shed.