Abstract: A method for determining the softness of a sheet of tissue paper through NIR spectrometry, includes, after having created a softness values model according to data obtained through NIR spectrometry for a set of reference tissue paper sheets, carrying out the spectral analysis of said sheet and determining the softness value on the basis of the model. The method includes obtaining the softness values of the reference tissue paper sheets of the model through sensory analysis.

Abstract: The object of the invention is a method for manufacturing in a foam medium a sheet of paper or non-woven. In the invention, the surfactant used to form the foam is a nonionic compound of an ethoxylated alcohol of the Formula I:R--(OCH.sub.2 CH.sub.2).sub.n --OH (I)wherein n is an integer from 2 to 22 and R is a linear or branched alkyl group having 6 to 20 carbon atoms or where R is in the form of R'--X wherein X is an aromatic nucleus and R' is a linear or branched alkyl group having 2 to 16 carbon atoms. In particular, the invention applies to making household papers such as paper towels.