Polyurethane foam mattress: types, design features and advantages

• Polyurethane foam and its properties
• Polyurethane foam mattresses - benefit or harm
• Advantages and disadvantages of foam mattresses

Such a common material as polyurethane foam was born more than 80 years ago. It is characterized by a wide range of applications - it is needed in construction, used in the creation of thermal insulation materials, and mattresses are also made on its basis, which will be discussed in our article. Polyurethane foam mattress – a health hazard or a reliable sleep accessory? Which is better, polyurethane foam or spring mattress?

In fact, expert opinions often differ. Some argue that polyurethane foam, in the form in which it is used in mattresses, is not harmful. At the same time, some experts refute this, citing as evidence the results of studies indicating the presence of emissions of harmful volatile compounds.

In our review we will talk not only about the chemical, but also about the orthopedic properties of foam mattresses. Why about foam rubber? Yes, because polyurethane foam and foam rubber are, in fact, the same material.

Advantages and disadvantages

Polyurethane mattresses are orthopedic devices that take the shape of the sleeper’s body and completely restore it after sleep. Such devices have the following advantages:

• affordable price;
• high quality;
• rot resistance;
• easy to transport;
• do not cause an allergic reaction;
• repeat the shape of a sleeping person;
• relax muscles;
• durability;
• ease of repair;
• help prevent blood stagnation;
• ease of operation and maintenance;
• help prevent bedsores.

Note! Polyurethane is a material that is breathable, so a person does not sweat while sleeping, which prevents the appearance of various rashes on the skin.

However, in addition to an impressive list of advantages, polyurethane mattresses have a number of disadvantages:

1. inexpensive modifications very quickly lose their presentation and are easily deformed;
2. need regular cleaning;
3. the service life of such a device does not exceed 10 years;
4. mattresses are made entirely of synthetic material, so most users wonder what harm this does to health.

Types and modifications of polyurethane

Few consumers know that this product is based on foam rubber. However, despite the fact that polyurethane is a completely synthetic material, it is completely safe for humans because it does not contain toxic substances. This filler is quite often used to make children's mattresses, since it does not cause allergies and has a beneficial effect on the spine.

For mattresses, structural polyurethane foam is often used, which, after hardening, changes its structure and forms air-filled cavities.
This property provides the material with resistance to rotting. In addition to the usual filler, there are denser polyurethane structures, which are correspondingly more expensive. The basis of such fillers are empty cells, which differ in different sizes. Due to this, the device maintains a balance of elasticity and softness and forms the required level of rigidity.

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

Surface structure

Mattresses made of polyurethane are springless and spring:

• Springless are models whose filling is made not only of polyurethane, but also of latex and coconut. Such devices can also be made of polyurethane chips and have gel inserts. These modifications completely repeat the shape of the human body during sleep, and then slowly return to their original form.
• Spring. Such models can be with independent spring blocks or continuous weave springs. The first option is more reliable, since such parts better support the body of a sleeping person.

Density of polyurethane

Polyurethane mattresses have varying degrees of hardness. Depending on this criterion, this product is divided into the following types:

1. ordinary;
2. hard;
3. soft;
4. viscoelastic;
5. high-density polyurethane mattresses.

Note! Particular attention should be paid to viscoelastic models, since they best adapt to the shape of the human body, thereby increasing the effectiveness of the product and, accordingly, the price.

Types of mattresses and their characteristics

A polyurethane mattress is an orthopedic device that is used to prevent bedsores in people with limited mobility and to form correct posture in children. Few people know that polyurethane and foam rubber are the same thing. For mattresses, polyurethane foam is used, which, despite its softness, can change its density during the manufacturing process. Therefore, this product is excellent for the prevention of various spinal pathologies during sleep in adults and children. There are several types of polyurethane mattresses, let's look at the main ones in more detail.

Anti-bedsore

An anti-bedsore mattress is a special medical design that is used for people with partial or complete immobility. The main task of such devices is to prevent the formation of bedsores. Depending on the principle of operation, such products are of two types:

• Static. Such modifications are distinguished by a fixed structure and a cellular surface, which reduces pressure on the affected areas of the body. Orthopedic products of this type completely follow the shape of the human body and evenly distribute the load on it. Among the advantages of such modifications are affordable price, reliability and autonomy in use. Among the disadvantages, it can be noted that static models are not recommended for use in completely immobilized patients.
• Dynamic. Such models are used mainly for the prevention of bedsores in completely immobilized patients. The operating principle of this product is based on constantly changing pressure using a compressor, which provides a massage effect for all areas of the body that come into contact with the surface. Among the advantages are the movable structure and the possibility of use for people with large body weight. Dynamic modifications, in turn, are cellular and tubular. The first version of the product is divided into many cells with air. This type of mattress is more suitable for the prevention of first and second degree bedsores. The tubular version is made from individual air cylinders and is intended for home use. There are also dynamic mattresses with a built-in blowing function, which are used for patients with excessive sweating and skin burns.

Polyurethane foam mattresses 10 cm

The most popular are thin devices made of orthopedic foam.
The height of such products does not exceed ten centimeters. Such mattresses are characterized by high elasticity, which perfectly complements the medical properties of the model. Another name is toppers. Toppers do not require special fastenings and are easy to transport. This model is quite practical and does not take up much space, as it can easily be rolled up and placed in a linen drawer.

Models for children

Such products differ from adult models only in size. They are intended for cribs, since small children, to prevent spinal curvature, need to sleep on hard bases. The safest option is a springless polyurethane mattress that does not contain metal parts.

For children's modifications, only high-quality fillers are used. It can be coconut coir, latex, polyurethane foam or struttofiber.

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

Rules of care and use

Products made from orthopedic foam require regular cleaning and ventilation. In order to maintain the original appearance of the device for a long time, you must follow these recommendations:

1. once every three months it is necessary to ventilate the mattress and clean it with a vacuum cleaner;
2. The material should be cleaned only with special means;
3. It is better to dry the product in the fresh air;
4. the structure should be turned over regularly;
5. It is not recommended to exceed the permissible load on the product.

Reviews

Anna, 27 years old, Khabarovsk
I purchased a polyurethane design for a crib. Completely satisfied with the purchase. The child is over a year old, sleeps well, there were no complaints from the orthopedist regarding the condition of the musculoskeletal system.

Kirill, 35 years old, Moscow

I bought a foam mattress for myself. Before this, I had read a lot of negative reviews about the dangers of the material, but I took a chance. I can say one thing - everything that is written about the negative qualities of foam rubber is complete nonsense. During use, I did not find a single flaw in the product; it perfectly adapts to the shape of the body during sleep and fully performs its functions. I recommend to everyone.

From all of the above, we can conclude that polyurethane mattresses are a high-quality construction that has orthopedic properties and is used for the prevention of various pathologies of the spine. Such designs perfectly take the shape of the human body, relax muscles and do not cause an allergic reaction. However, in order for the product to serve you for a long time, it requires proper care and regular cleaning.

Areas of application of polyurethane foam

PPU or polyurethane foam, due to the presence of numerous pores, has high thermal insulation properties and a high degree of elasticity, which determined the scope of its application. The material is widely used in:

• construction as insulation;
• in the production of upholstered furniture and mattresses;
• as a filler for soft toys;
• for the production of sponges for cleaning needs;
• filters;
• rollers for painting work.

For upholstered furniture, mattresses, higher quality polyurethane foam is used. In other areas, lower grade material can be used.