For many consumers, the discovery will be the fact that foam rubber and polyurethane foam are the same thing! The correct name of the material is soft polyurethane foam (PPU). Several decades ago, the Norwegian company Porolon supplied it to the Soviet Union, so the name became a household name.
Typical filler requirements:
- Elasticity and resilience.
- Restoring shape after exercise.
Hence the often skeptical attitude towards foam rubber products: they are short-lived, quickly “sag”, old foam rubber crumbles. Its main disadvantage is considered to be flammability; when burning, toxic gas is released.
The qualitative characteristics of the material changed at the end of the 20th century, when various additives began to be added to the composition, which affected the density, elasticity, flammability, etc. Nowadays, polyurethane foam is used in the manufacture of the vast majority of mattresses.
Which one is used?
The material is used in a variety of fields and selected for different needs according to certain characteristics. For mattresses, the density of foam rubber is important; the service life of the product depends on it. They use polyurethane foam with a density from 25 to 40 kg/m3. The density is indicated by two numbers after two letters in the name, the next two numbers indicate the hardness index.
Mattresses are made from the following types of foam rubber:
- Standard PPU. The brand is designated ST.
Foam rubber ST. Used for children's mattresses. Foam density from 25 kg/m3. - With increased rigidity. Its designation is EL. A popular suggestion is the EL2240 brand. This is a budget option; you shouldn’t expect longevity from such a mattress; it will only last about five years. The EL2540 will last a couple of years longer, but the EL2842 can remain in good condition for ten years.
Foam rubber for a mattress with increased rigidity EL. Loads allowed on it are 90-100 kg. - The brands HR and VE denote latex foam; such foam is used for sofas and other luxury furniture. You can purchase such foam rubber for furniture at Leroy Merlin. This type of foam is also used in thin orthopedic sofa mattresses.
Damage to foam mattresses
Are there any health risks from polyurethane foam mattresses? Foam mattresses have been made for decades, and the controversy over their harmfulness will not subside. And there are reasons for these disputes: synthetic “origin” and low orthopedic properties. Reviews of polyurethane foam mattresses can be found here.
The material is made from synthetic components. They emit volatile substances with an unpleasant “chemical” odor. And some cheap models, manufactured in violation of technology, retain it for a long time, or even the smell does not disappear at all. The substances released are hazardous to health, just like those released when a mattress burns. But it has not been proven how harmful the released substances are in minimal quantities.
The video shows the density of foam rubber for a mattress:
Harm has not been proven, so polyurethane is the most common material for the production of mattresses.
Its advantages contribute to this:
- Doesn't burn on its own. Combustion is supported by another source of fire.
- Quickly restores its shape.
- Affordable for many.
- Low thermal conductivity.
- Vapor-tight.
- Waterproof.
- Easy to transport.
- Easy to care for.
The harm of foam mattresses also lies in their low orthopedic properties. Doctors insist that the sleeping place should be quite hard. Therefore, mattresses are equipped with an independent block of springs, a layer of coconut coir and other “devices”. And the usual foam version is often soft, bends greatly, which leads to curvature of the spine. The body does not always rest well on soft things; in the morning there may be numbness in the limbs, muscle stiffness, and tingling in them. The result, at a minimum, is poor health and a bad mood. And the maximum is problems with the spine.
What is the composition of the Asonia pillow?
Sleeping pillows from Ikea: .
How to choose an orthopedic neck pillow?
Tips for caring for foam mattresses
When buying a product based on polyurethane foam, you should understand that with proper care, even an inexpensive option can last a long time and at the same time be as comfortable as at first.
The most important thing is to follow the simple rules for caring for the product, which are presented below.
During the first three months, experts advise turning the purchased product over on different sides every two weeks so that the filler is firmly fixed on both sides.
After this time, you will be able to decide for yourself when the product should be turned over, focusing on your own desires.
To keep a mattress dry and fresh, it needs enough air. Therefore, it is recommended to ventilate the room for several hours once a month, after removing all bedding from the bed.
It is recommended to place two-story children's beds in rooms whose height is at least 2.5 meters. This allows a child sleeping on the top floor to get up calmly without fear of hitting the ceiling with his head.The material from which the structure of the bed for bedridden patients is made has special requirements. It must be durable, wear-resistant and environmentally friendly. Read about the types, models and manufacturers of medical beds here.
Like any thing, a foam rubber-based product must be cleaned from time to time using special cleaning products specified in the instructions. A classic means of care is to use a home vacuum cleaner, which absorbs dust well.
You can also use special soap solutions, but do not get carried away with too much moisture. Relative dryness is one of the important requirements when caring for a foam mattress that must be observed.
It has been proven that some types of foam rubber products absorb a variety of odors quite easily. Therefore, if you are planning to make repairs and use paint or other construction products with a strong odor, it is better to take the bedding out of the room for a while or cover it with a special material that does not allow air to pass through.
Read also: Thin mattresses for a sofa
These rules will help you keep the purchased product clean and tidy. Combined with the reliable quality of polyurethane foam, you can enjoy a good rest without any harm to your health.
Dimensions
The size of the mattress must match the size of the sleeping area.
There may be significant differences in the size of products from different manufacturers. For example, in the USA it is customary to indicate the dimensions of mattresses in inches. An American mattress will not be suitable for beds made according to European standards. Hence the recommendation: choose a mattress and bed from the same country of origin, and ideally from the same manufacturer.
Mattresses are produced for children and adults. But what size should a standard mattress be? The standard sizes of a double mattress for adults are of two types in length: 190 and 200 cm. The size of a mattress for a single bed in width is 70 or 90 cm. The size of a 1.5 double bed is 120 cm. Depending on the size, it is suitable for a “double bed” mattress 140 x 200 or 200 x 200. The dimensions of one-and-a-half sheets for the bed can be found here.
Children's mattresses are available in standard sizes: 120 x 60, 140 x 60, 140 x 70.
Non-standard mattresses are made to order according to the required dimensions.
An example of a non-standard foam mattress.
When thinking about the thickness of a mattress, you need to base it on the weight of the person who will sleep on it: the greater the load, the thicker the mattress should be to prevent sagging. For a thin person and for a mattress in a guest bedroom, a thickness of 10 cm is sufficient. It will support the spine well and quickly restore its original shape. For a weight of 60 kg or more, it is better to choose a mattress with a thickness of 15 cm. The height of a standard mattress can be found in this material.
If there is a side around the perimeter of the bed, measure its height; the mattress should be at least a couple of centimeters higher!
Recommendations on which mattress is best to choose can be found in this article.
What is polyurethane foam in a mattress?
In the description of an item there is often a designation of polyurethane foam filler. This is an abbreviation for polyurethane foam. The filler will look like a dense sponge. Its thickness varies. The material gives the item lightness and durability - it does not sag or lose quality even with the significant weight of the owner.
Polyurethane foam is available in two types. It can be cast or standard. The latter is especially in demand in the production of orthopedic items. Doctors consider this filler to be a good option both for models intended simply for sleeping, and for therapeutic ones. They sell them in different sizes.
Kinds
Foam mattresses are divided into types depending on the degree of rigidity of the products:
- Soft. Reminiscent of a cozy downy feather bed. Comfortable, but harmful to the spine.
- Medium hardness . They restore their shape quite quickly and provide normal support to the spine.
- Tough . These are orthopedic mattresses; their rigidity is provided by additional components (coconut coir or independent springs).
Highly elastic elastic foam is used for the mattress. It is also called artificial latex or latex foam rubber.
Advantages and recommendations for choosing foam mattresses
If you are wondering how to choose a mattress and want to purchase a relatively good thing that you will use for a long time, then a high-quality foam mattress is an excellent option.
It is excellent for sleep and is safe in quality for children and adults.
When purchasing a product, you should pay attention to the following points (advantages).
Breathability. A good polyurethane foam mattress has a porous structure that allows it to “breathe.” In addition, thanks to this property, you can take any position during sleep that is comfortable for you.
At the same time, you will not feel tension in your muscles, discomfort during sleep, and your cells will be saturated with a sufficient amount of oxygen. In order for this property to justify itself, the product must be manufactured not by the molding method, but by blocks.
Hypoallergenic. High-quality polyurethane foam mattresses do not overheat even when exposed to sunlight and do not cause allergies.
Density. A good polyurethane foam itself must be dense, depending on the selected coefficient. Density can be checked by observing how quickly the material straightens after a load is placed on it.
An acceptable density ratio is very important for healthy sleep and well-being. If the mattress has a sufficient degree of density, providing the necessary load on the spine, body weight is distributed correctly during sleep.
Multifunctionality. Light weight and compactness make it easy to carry the product if necessary and use it for a variety of purposes. Many families use polyurethane foam products for outdoor recreation in the summer and take them with them on fishing trips.
Read also: Mattress covers
Manufacturer. When planning to purchase a polyurethane foam mattress, pay attention to the manufacturer. It is advisable to focus on well-known manufacturers who have been working on the market for many years. Even if their price seems a little high to you, you should not look for little-known companies, because they can sell successful fakes.
Thus, a high-quality product based on polyurethane foam has all the necessary set of positive properties that are necessary for comfortable sleep and relaxation. At the same time, the cost is relatively low and affordable for a person with an average income.
The price of a foam product may be inflated if the mattress cover is made of expensive material. In other cases, you can choose a good economy class option.
How to do it yourself?
Everyone needs a new mattress from time to time. And many people can do it themselves. This could be an option for the dacha. And it happens that the fabric on the mattress is still good, but the foam has already sagged.
You will need:
- Foam rubber.
- Mattress cover material.
- Felt.
- Glue for foam rubber.
If the spring blocks are in good condition, then it is enough to replace only the pieces of foam rubber with new parts.
Work algorithm:
- Lay foam rubber on the floor and cover it with felt.
- Glue pieces of foam rubber to the sides to hide the springs.
- On top, when the glue dries, put felt, and then foam rubber.
- The final step is to insert the foam into the case.
If you need a new mattress without springs, you first need to decide on its size. Purchase foam rubber with the required parameters. Then sew a mattress cover. When cutting, take seam allowances into account. All that remains is to place the polyurethane foam in the case.
Video of a DIY foam mattress:
