Good health and excellent mood depend on many factors. Healthy sleep at night is fundamental. A well-rested person is more productive, resilient, and friendly. A properly selected sleeping place can provide comfortable sleep. A sagging, too hard surface can spoil a night's rest and cause significant pain. To avoid such consequences, a mattress should be chosen properly, taking into account many criteria.
One of the main selection criteria is the material. Among the variety of products made from various raw materials, products made from polyurethane foam with a pronounced orthopedic effect occupy a special place. More details about this filler are given in this publication.
Content
What is polyurethane foam?
A quality polyurethane foam mattress can be called an excellent alternative to expensive orthopedic products. It costs much less, has high support properties, and has a long service life (subject to compliance with all production technologies). PPU is a foam rubber with a modernized structure and higher parameters. Thanks to the new manufacturing technology, ordinary foam rubber has become an elastic, heat-resistant, dense material. PPU contains more than ninety percent air. When making mattresses, PPU is used whole, in layers. A solid block is considered the prerogative of expensive models. In cheap variations, PPU is used in thin layers glued together.
Polyurethane foam: benefit or harm?
Any material of non-natural origin causes some concern among consumers. How safe are polyurethane foam mattresses? Chemicals are indeed used in the production of polyurethane. They are dangerous for humans when openly burned. Hydrocarbons are obtained from oil. When burned, they are released into the air. Therefore, there is an opinion that even with slight heating, the product begins to emit a specific smell. However, this is not true. The filler can become toxic only if the technology is not followed. If the production technology is fully followed, the polymer becomes inert. It is completely suitable, safe for human health. Residual vapors and unpleasant odors are aired out at the factory.
Another common opinion against polyurethane foam is excessive softness. Some experts claim that polyurethane foam mattresses are not able to create conditions for the correct positioning of the spine. They believe that foam rubber bends strongly under load. All this can lead a person to serious problems with the spine. This is partially true. Cheap models really do not show the highest level of rigidity. It is better to buy them for infrequent use - at the dacha. High-quality products made of monolithic block have improved properties. They show a good orthopedic effect, the rigidity indicators are above average.
Advantages, disadvantages
| Advantages | Flaws |
| Resistance to heavy loads. The product is suitable for long-term use by obese people. Polyurethane foam has good density. This increases its capabilities. | Moisture sensitivity. This filler is something like a sponge. It absorbs moisture too well, even from the air. This is not the best quality. |
| Affordability. The cost of such filler is much lower than others. At the same time, the service life and other parameters can be quite competitive with expensive models. | Need for professional care. You won't be able to clean the product yourself. In most cases, you have to seek help from professional companies. This requires additional financial investment. |
| Expressed orthopedic effect. The material adapts to the body of the sleeper. It is recommended for people who suffer from various diseases of the spine. | Flammability. Foam rubber is very flammable. It easily ignites and releases dangerous chemicals when burning. However, many household items in the house have similar properties. If you treat your bed correctly, such a drawback will never be revealed. |
| Convenience of transportation. Springless structures are easy to transport from one place to another. They can be simply rolled up and placed in the passenger compartment of a car. | "Physical" aging. With prolonged use, foam rubber begins to crack and crumble. |
| High air permeability. The porous structure of polyurethane foam allows the structure to "breathe". Good air circulation prevents the appearance of mold, bacteria, condensation. |
Types
Modern polyurethane foam mattresses are divided into several types. They are:
- with memory effect,
A memory foam mattress adapts perfectly to the contours of the body, which is very important for people with back pain. - viscoelastic,
The main property of viscoelastic foam is the ability to take the shape of the human body under the influence of its temperature, which significantly reduces pressure on the spine, muscles and joints. - standard,
Standard polyurethane foam for a mattress with a density of 25 kg/m3 - soft,
Soft polyurethane foam is very similar in its properties and structure to foam rubber, but it is much stronger and more durable. - super soft,
Super soft polyurethane foam is produced using special additives that reduce the rigidity of the material, and is used for stuffing pillows and as the top “softening” comfort layer of mattresses. - products with increased rigidity.
PU foam with increased rigidity with permissible loads of 90-100 kg
Each type has its own characteristics and indications for use.
Models with memory effect are suitable for people with problems with the spine. Standard mattresses can be purchased for a double bed. Super soft ones are recommended for elderly people. Products with increased rigidity are intended for people whose weight exceeds eighty kilograms.
In addition to foam rubber, the mattress has other components. The polyurethane foam layer usually reaches only fifteen centimeters. Other fillers are additionally laid to it. Coconut coir is most often used. Coconut coir has an excellent antibacterial effect, high rigidity. It significantly extends the service life of the structure.
To give the mattress an orthopedic effect, the polyurethane foam layer is made embossed. The fillers are covered with fabric on top. Most manufacturers prefer jacquard. Jacquard fabric is wear-resistant, has an attractive design, and is pleasant to the touch. If you additionally purchase a mattress pad, the "native" cover will retain its original appearance for a long time.
Thin polyurethane foam mattresses
Foam mattresses can also differ in size and thickness. Thin products are in particular demand. They are called toppers. Toppers are used as a mattress pad. Their main purpose is to improve the comfort level of the sleeping area.
Using a thin polyurethane foam mattress, you can provide the following conditions.
- Make the bed softer, harder - it all depends on the needs of the sleeping person. Hardness adjustment may be required if the old covering sags or health problems arise.
- Arrange a bed with limited height. Sometimes furniture dictates its own conditions for purchasing bedding. Bunk beds, transformable beds often require the use of thin mattresses.
- Create an additional sleeping place for guests, country recreation. In this case, there is no need to purchase expensive models. The topper will cope with its task perfectly.
Polyurethane foam toppers have good characteristics. High-quality models are able to perfectly adapt to the contours of the body. They will help to relax muscles, have a good rest. Foam rubber toppers are not afraid of temperature changes, they are well ventilated. They will not deteriorate during "wintering" at the dacha. Another important advantage is hypoallergenicity. The filler is safe for people prone to allergic reactions. At the same time, the cost of the products is very reasonable.
Is it possible to repair a springless mattress?
Buying a high-quality springless mattress is an investment for a long period of time. If the manufacturing technology is followed, the product can serve reliably for more than five years. However, any thing wears out over time, requires adjustments, minor repairs. Springless structures are easily subject to partial repairs.
There may be different reasons for their malfunction:
- mechanical damage by a sharp object;
- reboot;
- normal "physical" aging;
- the appearance of holes and cracks under the influence of water and other environmental factors.
Replacement of a springless block, load-bearing beam, frame parts, cover - all these services are offered by many companies. Complete re-upholstery, restoration of a polyurethane foam mattress does not take much time, is relatively inexpensive. If you want to do a small repair yourself, you can. For example, many owners can easily sew a new cover, replace a damaged layer of polyurethane foam. This does not require special skills or expensive equipment.
Choosing a Children's Mattress
Parents often choose foam mattresses for their children because of their good orthopedic properties, affordable price, and hypoallergenicity. When choosing such a mattress, it is necessary to consider several important criteria.
- Individual parameters of the baby. Height, weight, age. Experts recommend choosing mattresses with low and medium levels of hardness for children. They will allow the child's body to develop and grow correctly.
- Bed size. The sleeping surface should be the perfect size. If the mattress is smaller, it will lead to discomfort during sleep and rapid wear of the product. The mattress can be smaller than the internal volume of the bed by only 1-2 centimeters.
- Mattress weight. The higher the weight of the polyurethane foam product, the higher its quality. High weight means high density of the structure. With high density, the sleeping surface can last for many years.
- Surface stability. When choosing a product, you need to evaluate it by touch. First, sit on the surface, then stand up. Pay attention to the time it takes for the surface to restore its original shape. Quick restoration of the original shape is a significant indicator of high quality.
- Wear resistance of the cover. A child's bed is subject to heavy loads. Children love to jump on the mattress, play, have fun. All this leads to increased wear of the cover. For this reason, it is necessary to initially give preference to dense, wear-resistant fabrics of good quality. Jacquard is an ideal option. The fabric has amazing performance properties.
