Individual mattress fillers combine several materials, including:
- Latex from Hevea juice;
- Natural wool;
- Exotic fibers;
- Hallcon;
In order not to get confused among such a variety, you need to know what bed mattresses are made of and which option is better to choose. The filler must support a person’s weight, as well as maintain the proportions of his spine, so that night’s sleep is as comfortable as possible.
Fillings for mattresses: classification
Due to the large range of mattress fillings, consumers are faced with a difficult choice of the appropriate option. To avoid making a mistake and choose a comfortable mattress, you need to familiarize yourself with the existing classification of such materials. It is divided into three categories:
- Natural;
- Artificial;
- Combined;
Each type has certain characteristics, pros and cons. For example, some artificial fillers have orthopedic properties, which makes them a valuable find for people with diseases of the spine and joints. However, some natural materials may cause allergies or cannot be washed. You can find out the composition of the mattress from an employee of the store where you buy it, or in the description of the model on the label.
How to choose mattress firmness
The main criterion for any anatomical product. This parameter includes models with an independent spring block, as well as springless mattresses - thanks to the ability to combine different layers of fillers.
Hard mattresses
The best option for people with heavy weight or osteochondrosis. The surface of such mattresses does not guarantee maximum comfort during sleep, but it will distribute the load so that weak or damaged vertebrae receive maximum support.
Soft mattresses
Suitable for elderly and frail people, as well as for children aged 8 to 15 years.
Medium firm mattresses
A standard choice for an average-sized adult. The level of hardness in these mattresses is achieved by alternating different types of fillers - from the hardest to the softest.
Quote from an Armos expert Medium-hard mattresses are considered the most popular option for sleeping. However, it is still better to select a model individually, focusing on personal characteristics, online or in a salon with a personal “try-on”.
Natural fillers
Natural fillers are of high quality and comfort. These include wool, horsehair, coconut fiber and felt. Mattresses made from cherry pits and cactus coir are also common on the market. The advantage of such materials is environmental friendliness and massage qualities. But in some people, certain fibers cause an allergic reaction, which forces them to choose an exclusively artificial type.
Artificial fillers
Artificial models are characterized by hypoallergenicity, which makes them a popular solution for a wide audience of buyers. To produce such materials, safe synthetic fibers and advanced achievements of modern science are used. They allow you to create universal models with good orthopedic properties, a comfortable and even healthy surface. Among the most popular fillers are latex, synthetic winterizer, thermoflex and orthofiber.
Combined fillers
Recently, combined fillers have become in particular demand.
They are made on the basis of two types of raw materials (natural and artificial), and also have good orthopedic qualities. The advantages of such products include long service life, practicality and ease of use. Due to the combination of different materials, manufacturers are able to adjust the degree of hardness for each side of the mattress. Those. the consumer will be able to choose a comfortable position independently, guided by individual preferences. The combined version is in demand for the production of children's products. This is due to the fact that during the first years of life, the baby needs to sleep on the hard side, and as he gets older - on the soft side.
Types of fillers
When choosing a filler, you need to carefully study its composition and properties.
After all, there are practically useless and even dangerous materials that can be harmful to health and cause allergies. These include foam rubber and cotton wool. Products with such a base have increased softness, so they are not able to maintain the correct configuration of the spine. Moreover, with use, foam rubber breaks down and can be destroyed under the influence of moisture. Vata has other disadvantages. Such material quickly rolls into lumps, and its surface becomes covered with bumps and becomes uncomfortable. Therefore, it is better to immediately abandon mattresses based on these two fillers.
Ormafoam
Ormafoam is a unique and high-quality material with excellent performance properties, as well as the structure of polyurethane foam.
Mattresses based on this filler are characterized by increased comfort and orthopedic qualities. They are able to maintain body proportions and evenly distribute the load on the surface, which provides additional support for the joints. Additional advantages of Ormafoam include:
- Moisture removal function;
- Excellent ventilation properties;
- Hypoallergenic;
- Elasticity;
- Massage properties.
In addition, mattresses based on Ormafoam are sold at affordable prices and have a long service life. Even after several years of use, they retain their original appearance and quality. Due to their excellent orthopedic properties, they are recommended for people with spinal diseases.
Polyurethane foam
Most sleeping surfaces with orthopedic properties are created on the basis of polyurethane foam. Its structure is similar to foam rubber, but due to the use of unique additives and production technologies, it is in many ways superior to traditional material. Mattresses made on the basis of polyurethane foam are characterized by increased comfort, because... they reduce the load on the sleeper's spine, distributing it over the surface. Also, polyurethane foam is one of the most affordable materials, but unfortunately, it is short-lived. In addition, there are suggestions that during use and under the influence of a certain temperature, polyurethane foam releases volatile substances that can be hazardous to health. But there is no scientific evidence for such myths yet.
Coconut fiber
The most popular fillers of natural origin include coconut fiber.
The material is characterized by absolute safety, invulnerability to rotting, and moisture resistance. In addition, it has good springiness and ventilation properties. And unlike many synthetic products, coconut fiber does not release harmful toxins and does not harbor dangerous bed mites or bacteria. Mattresses based on coconut fibers play a preventive and therapeutic role in the fight against diseases of the musculoskeletal system and spine. Also, raw materials are often used for the production of combined models, where they are diluted with latex or more affordable foam rubber.
Struttofiber
Such material as struttofiber is also common in the mattress filling market.
It belongs to the category of artificial products and is often used as a frame for other materials. The rigidity of the sleeping surface depends on the presence of these surface layers. There are several types of mattresses based on struttofiber:
- soft;
- hard;
- with phytotherapeutic effect;
- with a massage effect;
- warm.
Regardless of the chosen type and form, products with such filling are always characterized by increased comfort and excellent orthopedic performance. With proper maintenance, such a mattress will last for many years without deformation.
Bikokos
It is an interesting type of combined filler.
In fact, this is an artificial alternative to coconut fiber, which has retained a lot of its positive properties. First of all, it is hypoallergenic, orthopedic, and resistant to moisture. Other features of the material include affordable cost, good degree of rigidity and long service life.
Holcon
Belongs to the category of synthetic (artificial) materials, with excellent orthopedic properties and advanced production technology. This filler is able to quickly restore its original shape after loading, and is also environmentally friendly and resistant to unpleasant odors, moisture and fire.
Orthofiber
Another popular type of synthetic fillers with hypoallergenic qualities. Currently, many world-famous manufacturers use such raw materials to produce their own mattresses. The material is environmentally friendly, bactericidal, and also has a massage effect on the skin and joints of the sleeper. Many doctors recommend buying orthofiber-based mattresses for people with serious spinal pathologies.
Latexed coconut coir
To produce this combined filler, latex (50%) and coconut fiber (50%) are used. The combination of such raw materials makes it possible to achieve a “golden mean” between rigidity and elasticity. The mattress holds its shape perfectly, relieves stress on the spine during sleep, and also combats various problems in the musculoskeletal system.
Exopena
It is a new material with a unique “memory effect”. Mattresses based on it are indicated for people with spinal diseases, because... They perfectly maintain the shape of the body and guarantee a comfortable sleep. Among the features of the material are environmental safety, resistance to prolonged use, and hypoallergenicity.
Other fillers
Products with a wide variety of fillings are available on the mattress market. Among them, both materials familiar to the average person and real exotic materials are used. For example, there are sleeping surfaces filled with dried seaweed, granulated polystyrene, horsehair and even buckwheat hulls. The listed materials have their own advantages and “purposes”. After all, buckwheat husks and algae synthesize valuable phytoncides, and animal wool provides excellent thermal insulation.
Such unique fillers are in special demand for a simple reason - they belong to a narrow group of natural ones, which is a significant advantage. But they are quite expensive.
Advantages
Holcon is a unique material that has many advantages. The advantages of the filler include:
- environmentally friendly materials are used for production;
- there are no toxic substances in the base;
- mattresses with filling do not absorb moisture and unpleasant odors.
Due to the presence of a porous structure, products with holcon are lightweight.
In addition, mattresses can be laid even on uneven surfaces. The products are as comfortable as possible to use and do not create discomfort during sleep.
Unlike standard foam rubber, which is often used to fill mattresses, Holcon is more durable. Even with prolonged use, the material does not lose its shape.
It is worth paying attention to the fact that Holcon contains synthetic fibers. This is an ideal choice for people suffering from allergies. An important point is that cholcon, unlike natural options, easily tolerates cleaning.
Another advantage of the filler is that it is not flammable. In addition, the density of the material is slightly lower in comparison with the same foam rubber. But this does not in any way affect the performance of the filler.
Mattresses with holcon are in high demand among consumers, which should also not be overlooked. Every year, buyers are increasingly turning to such options.
Which mattress filler to choose: general recommendations
When choosing a sleeping surface, people are interested in which filling is best for the mattress. Determining the ideal solution for a specific consumer is not easy, because... it all depends on his physiological characteristics (spine structure, height and weight), individual preferences and financial situation. For a successful purchase, you need to take into account a lot of recommendations and selection criteria. It is imperative to study:
- Composition and quality of mattress filling;
- Orthopedic properties;
- Dimensions, cost, etc.
Leading brands supply various quality certificates with their products, which simplify the selection process for all inexperienced customers.
And in order not to ask questions about which mattress filler is better to purchase, you should familiarize yourself with the comparative table of such materials, which indicates the properties, pros, cons and other features of the available products.
conclusions
So, as we see: latex products win by a slight margin in this comparison. However, they still have disadvantages and they can be quite critical for some buyers (repetition of body contour, durability, etc.). Therefore, it is impossible to definitively answer the question of which mattress would be the best choice. It all depends on your taste and individual preferences.
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Comparison table of mattress fillings
A large selection of raw materials for the production of mattress fillings makes it difficult to buy the best option for your own apartment. But the key criteria and factors presented in the table help simplify the upcoming choice.
Material name | Vulnerability to bacteria and parasites | Toxicity and health hazards | Vulnerability to moisture and air stagnation | Causing allergies | Life time |
Coconut fiber | Absent | Absent | None | Yes, in some cases | Big |
Polyurethane foam | Present | Potentially dangerous | Present | Absent | Average |
Natural latex | Absent | Absent | None | Present | Big |
Struttofiber | Present | Absent | Low | Low | Average |
Memorix | Absent | Absent | Average | Average | Average |
Holofiber | Absent | Absent | None | Absent | Big |
Biococonut | Present | Absent | Present | Present | Average |
Characteristics and production technology
Today, Hollcon filler (hereinafter referred to as hollcon), which has high performance properties, is especially popular.
Hollcon is a non-woven material made from synthetic polyester fiber
. It is a special springy fiber that is resistant to moisture and caking. That is why it is actively used as a filler and insulation in the furniture and clothing industries.
For the manufacture of the material, a unique technology is used (thermopol, or otherwise - thermal bonding). Its essence lies in the effect of high temperatures on bicomponent polyester fibers. Chemical fibers are melted in special sectional furnaces, thereby ensuring a tight connection with each other.
For the production of padding, hollow (that is why the name of the material contains the word “holl” - “empty”, “hollow” in English) spiral polyester fibers are used. Next, the so-called Italian strutto technology is used, when the elements of the product (threads-fibers) are laid vertically in relation to each other. Thanks to this, the material is not pressed through and quickly restores its volume. The arrangement of the fibers is advantageous in relation to the pressure on the entire surface, because the fibers after thermal bonding are twisted into a spiral.
We can conclude that high compressive resistance is ensured by this material due to the following innovative methods used in production:
- unique thermal bonding;
- vertical orientation of fibers in the material web (struplast);
- perforation of already formed layers;
- high fiber rise.
It is worth noting the high environmental friendliness of this glueless method of joining synthetic fibers.
Russian manufacturers produce high-quality products that meet standards (when choosing products from Holcon, pay attention to the quality certificate “OEKO-Tex Standard 100”), so this material is safe for children and people with allergies. It is used not only in furniture or textile production, but also in the creation of toys, in construction and other areas.
Optimal fillings for children's mattresses
When choosing the best sleeping surface for your child, you need to pay attention to the composition of its filler. The material used to fill the mattress must be hypoallergenic, otherwise it may cause an allergic reaction. It is better to buy products from trusted brands that have certificates of hygiene and naturalness. Among the most popular solutions are:
- Coconut fiber;
- Latex;
- Polyurethane foam.
The listed fillers are characterized by good orthopedic properties, resistance to moisture, and the ability to allow air to pass through. In addition, these materials are impregnated with antibacterial compounds, which eliminates the possibility of bacteria or allergies.
Properties
Particular attention should be paid to the properties that cholcon has. As noted above, the filler is one of the environmentally friendly ones. In addition, Holcon is an antistatic material, which sets it apart from other options.
Many experts claim that this material has higher wear resistance compared to other options.
Listing the main characteristics, it is worth noting that cholcon is absolutely inert to infection by bacteria. Harmful microorganisms do not develop in the mattress, as often happens with other fillers.
It must also be said that the holcon has an attractive appearance. Mattresses with struplast (another name for the material) are presented in a fairly wide range, which gives customers the opportunity to choose an option in accordance with their own preferences. In addition, models with this filler have excellent orthopedic properties.
It is worth noting that the purpose of the products may differ from each other. That is why manufacturers add other fibers to the base. Often bamboo, cotton or wool is used for these purposes. Thanks to the use of these components, the resistance of the base to the development of bacteria increases. In addition, additional fibers eliminate the appearance of static voltage.