Polyurethane foam mattress: types, design features and advantages

Good health and good mood depend on many factors. Getting a good night's sleep is fundamental. A well-rested person is more productive, resilient, and friendly. A properly selected sleeping place can ensure a comfortable sleep. A sinking, too hard surface can ruin your night's rest and cause significant pain. To avoid such consequences, the mattress should be chosen properly, taking into account many criteria.

This mattress is practical, functional and durable.

One of the main selection criteria is the material. Among the variety of products made from various raw materials, polyurethane foam products with a pronounced orthopedic effect occupy a special place. More details about this filler are described in this publication.

Polyurethane foam, or PU foam for short, is a modern material that is widely used as a filler for upholstered furniture and orthopedic mattresses.

What is polyurethane foam?

The basis of good mattresses is a monolithic block of polyurethane foam, 16 cm thick

A high-quality polyurethane foam mattress can be called an excellent alternative to expensive orthopedic products. It costs much less, has high supporting properties, and has a long service life (subject to compliance with all production technologies). PPU is foam rubber with a modernized structure and higher parameters. Thanks to new manufacturing technology, ordinary foam rubber has become an elastic, heat-resistant, dense material. PU foam contains more than ninety percent air. In the manufacture of mattresses, PU foam is used in its entirety, in layers. A complete block is considered the prerogative of expensive models. In cheap variations, polyurethane foam is used in thin layers glued together.

Springless mattress made of six glued three-centimeter layers of modern and practical material - orthopedic foam (PPU)

Component composition of polyurethane foam

To make polyurethane foam, a mixture of two polymers is used:

• polyisocyanate;
• polyol.

The substances are mixed in a liquid state and undergo a foaming process. They are the main components of the solid part of the material, which accounts for a smaller part of the total composition. Additional elements are

• flame retardant additives;
• phenol;
• tertiary amine;
• toluene;
• phosphorus.

Most of the foam is made up of gaseous substances. This can be ordinary air or carbon dioxide, depending on the scope of application of polyurethane foam.

Polyurethane foam: benefit or harm?

Thanks to firmness and elasticity, the body is well supported during sleep and creates all the conditions for proper rest.

Any material of non-natural origin causes some concern among consumers. How safe are polyurethane foam mattresses? Chemicals are actually used in the production of polyurethane. They are dangerous to humans when openly burned. Hydrocarbons are obtained from petroleum. 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 odor. 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 and safe for human health. Residual vapors and unpleasant odors disappear at the factory.

Polyurethane can release toxic substances into the air when burned and heated above 200 degrees, but during normal use it is harmless

Another common opinion not in favor of polyurethane foam is excessive softness. Some experts argue that polyurethane foam mattresses are not able to create conditions for the correct positioning of the spine. They believe that foam rubber bends greatly under load. All this can lead a person to serious problems with the spine. This is partial truth. Cheap models do not really show the highest level of rigidity. It is better to buy them for infrequent use - at the dacha. High-quality products made from a monolithic block have improved properties. They show a good orthopedic effect, the rigidity indicators are above average.

Under the weight of the body, PU foam bends and the spine is in an incorrect, curved position during sleep, so you should be careful when choosing the stiffness of the mattress

Conclusion

The safety of polyurethane foam is determined by its properties in the solid state. It does not emit pungent odors, does not burn, does not rot, is not susceptible to mold, and does not attract rodents. A long service life allows you to save energy and avoid wasting natural resources. Other insulation materials (for example, polystyrene foam) release toxins into the atmosphere. And the particles contained in mineral wool have a detrimental effect on the human respiratory system.

The health safety of polyurethane foam is confirmed by relevant product certificates. When interacting with PPU components, you should be careful and work only in special clothing:

• gas mask brand BKF or B;
• safety glasses with side pads;
• impermeable synthetic rubber gloves;
• thick shoes and overalls.

When mixing the components, you need to follow the instructions, work together, control the temperature and direction of the spray jet. Employees will tell you how to prepare for spraying or pouring polyurethane foam and perform the work without health consequences.

Advantages, disadvantages

Buyers often choose mattresses with polyurethane foam due to the low cost and light weight of the product itself

PU foam quickly recovers to its original shape due to its porous structure and high density and elasticity

Main manufacturers

• “Yomna” produced by the Swedish company IKEA, which has been on the production market for more than 60 years. This product has medium hardness and a height of 10 cm. This is a fairly budget model, which is often used as an additional layer on old sofas or beds. judging by the reviews, buyers appreciate, first of all, its dense filling and the presence of a removable cover, which allows it to be washed;
• "Malfors" produced by IKEA. The product is made of dense polyurethane, there are two types - hard and medium hardness, with a height of 12 cm. According to reviews, buyers note the affordable price of the product, the elasticity of the mattress, as well as the presence of a cover with a zipper;
• "Moshult" produced by IKEA. This model is made of elastic polyurethane, has a height of 10 cm, and ensures the correct position of the spine during sleep. Buyers note an acceptable price for a quality product, as well as a 90-day guarantee;
• "Malvik" made by IKEA. The product is white, medium hard, has a removable cover, height 14 cm, provides optimal support for the spine. Judging by the reviews, buyers note the quality of the material, the presence of a removable cover, and easy transportation, since the mattress can be rolled up;
• Ivanovo mattresses (economy). The products are made of high-quality polyurethane and have an orthopedic effect. The height of the mattresses is 6 cm, 10 cm and 18 cm. The main advantages of the products that buyers note are the lightness of the mattress and its low cost.

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Approximate prices for polyamide fabric: .

Thin polyurethane foam mattresses

Thin mattress or topper made of highly elastic, finely porous polyurethane foam

Foam mattresses can also differ in their dimensions and thickness. Thin products are in particular demand. They are called toppers. Toppers are used as a mattress cover. Their main purpose is to improve the comfort level of the sleeping place.

A thin sofa mattress will help level the surface of the sofa and make the bed “softer” or “harder.”

Using a thin PU foam mattress, the following conditions can be achieved.

• Make the bed softer, harder - it all depends on the needs of the sleeping person. Correction of rigidity may be required if the old coating sag or health problems arise.
• Set up a bed with limited height. Sometimes furniture dictates its own conditions for purchasing bedding. Bunk, convertible beds often require the use of thin mattresses.
• Create an additional sleeping place for guests, country holidays. In this case, there is no need to purchase expensive models. The topper will do its job wonderfully.

The polyurethane foam topper has good characteristics. High-quality models are ways to perfectly adapt to the contours of the body. They will help you relax your muscles and have a good rest. Foam rubber toppers are not afraid of temperature changes and are well ventilated. They will not deteriorate during the “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.

A topper made from this material is the most affordable, although the most short-lived

Production

It is made from a material familiar to everyone from childhood - foam rubber. Foam rubber today remains a fairly common material, which is often used for the manufacture of upholstered furniture.

However, contrary to the popular belief about the low quality of foam rubber in mattresses, the material used for the production of polyurethane foam products is a completely new, modern foam rubber, significantly different from the usual one.

The fact is that the latest technologies and developments are used in production, making PU foam models resilient, elastic and practical.

This mattress is practical, functional and durable. It also has excellent orthopedic properties, which manufacturers often enhance using various techniques: changing the surface geometry, making it multilayer, and including spring blocks in the design.

It can be asymmetrical - have different hardness on each side, and also have additional layers, for example, made from coconut coir. These improvements make it more rigid and increase service lines.

Can a springless mattress be repaired?

Eco-friendly orthopedic mattress made of polyurethane foam winter/summer - an excellent option for a springless mattress

Buying a high-quality springless mattress is an investment for a long period of time. If the production technology is followed, the product can serve properly for more than five years. However, any thing wears out over time and requires adjustments and minor repairs. Springless structures are easily subject to partial repair.

The reasons for their malfunction may be different:

• mechanical damage with a sharp object;
• reboot;
• normal “physical” aging;
• the appearance of holes, cracks under the influence of water and other environmental factors.

Replacement of a springless block, supporting beam, frame parts, cover - all these services are offered by many companies. Full reupholstery and restoration of a polyurethane foam mattress does not take much time and is relatively inexpensive. If you wish, you can make minor repairs yourself. For example, many owners can easily sew a new cover or replace a damaged polyurethane foam layer. This does not require special skills or expensive equipment.

Choosing a children's mattress

A springless children's mattress based on orthopedic foam and coconut coir has two sides and is perfect for a growing body.

Parents often choose foam mattresses for their children because of their good orthopedic properties, affordable price, and hypoallergenic properties. When choosing such a mattress, there are several important criteria to consider.

1. Individual parameters of the baby. Height, weight, age. Experts recommend choosing mattresses with a low or medium level of hardness for children. They will allow the child’s body to form and grow correctly.
2. Bed size. The sleeping surface must be the perfect size. If the mattress is smaller, this will lead to discomfort during sleep and rapid wear of the product. The mattress may be less than the internal volume of the bed by only 1-2 centimeters.
3. Mattress weight. The higher the weight of the PU foam product, the higher its quality. High weight means high structural density. With high density, the sleeping surface can last for many years.
4. Surface stability. When choosing a product, you need to evaluate it by touch. First you should sit on the surface, then stand up. Pay attention to the time it takes for the surface to restore its previous shape. Rapid restoration of the initial shape is a significant indicator of high quality.
5. Wear resistance of the cover. The children's bed is subject to a lot of stress. Children love to jump on the mattress, play, and 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.

Children's mattress Umka for school-age children made of polyurethane and coconut coir

Comparison