What are the different types of foam in a mattress?
Below, we're breaking down the various types of foam you can find in a mattress so you can choose the one that's right for you. The most common types of foam used in mattresses today include polyurethane foam, memory foam, convoluted foam, and latex foam.
What is the difference between memory foam and regular foam?
Memory foam is much denser and firmer than regular foam. Originally designed for NASA, Memory foam is a soft, shapeable material used for mattress toppers, mattresses, and pillows. Made out of viscoelastic polyurethane foam, it’s a cushiony material that is highly responsive. Memory foam contains bubbles or cells.
What is polyfoam mattress material?
What is it? Polyfoam is a popular, synthetic alternative that is made from petroleum. It is similar in makeup to memory foam, but it does not have the added chemicals that give memory materials that sinking, “melting” feel. Polyfoam is the most commonly used type, and you will often see it used in furniture and mattress pads.
Are memory foam mattresses comfortable to sleep on?
The classic memory foam is engineered to mold to the contours of your body and is constructed in a way that envelops you in a hug. The only drawback with the traditional memory foam is its capacity to retain heat. The sleeping mattress becomes uncomfortably warm. People complain about feeling “sleeping hot.”
What is memory foam used for?
The most common uses for memory foam are for mattresses, pillows, blankets, and shoes. They can prevent several medical ailments and reduce the symptoms of countless others. The main ingredient in memory foams is polyurethane along with a combination of other elements. These elements impart their unique characteristics to the foam.
When was memory foam invented?
While the first memory foam was developed in 1966, it wasn’t until the next generation that they were used for domestic purposes. It was initially too expensive to be used in mattresses or pillows, however, with current advanced technologies, it has become more affordable.
What is a gel memory foam mattress?
Gel or Visco memory foam uses small gel particles infused with Visco to reduce trapped heat and lower the response time . The gel is either infused into the foam or distributed within the layers of the mattress.
Which is better, memory foam or gel infused?
The gel infused is a new technology that is still being explored and researched. Memory foam provides a better alternative than spring mattresses because they provide durability and comfort at the same time.
How does pressure affect memory foam?
When pressure is applied to memory foam, it softens and takes the shape of the body. After the pressure is removed, it takes time for the foam to return to its original state. This response time depends on many factors such as composition, the rate of elasticity, variable viscosity, and resilience.
Which foam has the highest VOC?
Traditional memory foam releases the highest amount of chemicals at 61 whereas the gel foam is a bit lower in its emission of chemicals. Plant-based memory foams feature low to zero VOC release and do not cause many health hazards.
Is foam good for allergies?
Another benefit is that these foam is antimicrobial and can repel bacteria, dust, and mites. This can be incredibly beneficial to those suffering from allergies. This type of foam can also reduce the transferring of motion transfer. People who toss or turn in their sleep won’t bother others sleeping on the same mattress.
What is memory foam made of?
Memory foam, also called viscoelastic polyurethane foam, combines some chemicals compounds and additives to polyurethane polymer. When added to the polymer, the compounds increase their elasticity and density, and that factor allows the foam to contour to your body. It’s also called low- resilience foam. Let’s understand the terminology in simpler terms:
What is the difference between Pure Foam and Memory Foam?
Pure Foam or polyurethane foam is mainly made from petrochemical compounds, is less expensive than memory foam. On the other hand, Memory foam is a variation of poly-foam where is processed with chemicals that help it retort to pressure and heat.
When Was Memory Foam Invented?
The viscoelastic foam was initially being Invented in the mid-1960s for NASA airplane seats. This highly energy absorbent and soft viscoelastic memory foam was not only comfortable, but its use in padded seatbelts and harnesses protected the astronauts against impacts and turbulence. As soon as it was developed and used by NASA, the memory foam entered into different areas.
How Does Memory Foam Work?
As discussed earlier, the most outstanding feature of memory foam material is its ability to molds (viscoelasticity). When exposed to pressure, it becomes soft and contours to the body by evenly distributing body weight.
Why is memory foam so expensive?
Memory foam is comfortable as well as durable. One may find the pricing on the higher side in comparison to other bedding material. The high price can be justified for the following reasons:
How is memory foam density measured?
The density of memory foam is measured by dividing the weight of the material by its length, width, and height. It is measured in cubic feet and ranges from 1.5 to 8.
What is open cell memory foam?
Open-cell memory foam has internal pockets and is used on the sleeping surface.
1. Shredded Memory Foam
Shredded memory foam pillows are usually stuffed with tiny pieces of foam, which makes them soft. One advantage of these pillows is that they allow air through the tiny pieces, which contributes to more comfort.
2. Contour Memory Foam
Contour memory foam pillows are the most popular type of memory foam pillows. They’re made of a foam block that has a dipping grove across its middle.
3. Traditional Memory Foam Pillows
These are the oldest varieties of memory foam pillows, and just like the contours, they are very common. They are made with a block design, just like the regular pillows. The biggest advantage of these pillows is that they are very cheap, compared to the other types. However, they may not be very comfortable as they retain a lot of heat.
4. Wedge Memory Foam
Wedge memory foam pillows have a wedge shape and can be used as regular pillows to support the neck and head when sleeping. You can also use them for other purposes, such as raising your head when reading.
5. Neck Roll Memory Foam
You have probably already guessed what a neck roll memory foam is, based on its name. These pillows are designed to offer support to the neck as a person sleeps. If you always feel pain in your neck after sleeping or are recovering from a neck injury, these could help you.
6. V-Shaped Memory Foam
Just like their name, V-shaped memory foam pillows are designed in a v shape. They support the upper body and are ideal for people who prefer sleeping on their stomachs.
What is Memory Foam Made of?
Memory foam is polyurethane combined with some chemicals that allow it to contour to your body. It’s also called viscoelastic, which combines two concepts: viscosity and elasticity.
Why is memory foam good for fibromyalgia?
It’s a top choice among people with arthritis and people who have fibromyalgia because it best simulates the feeling of sleeping on a fluffy cloud. The contouring also helps to keep the body in a natural alignment, which we’ll get to in a moment.
What is viscous material?
Viscosity – the material moves slowly and reluctantly when pressure is applied. Honey is an example of something that is viscous.
Is memory foam good for sleeping?
Good for All Sleeping Positions. Memory foam’s contouring and cradling properties make it an ideal surface for all sleeping positions. Side sleepers get support in their hips and shoulders; back sleepers get lumbar support; and, stomach sleepers are less likely to have their low back bow into the bed.
Why is memory foam called memory foam?
Memory foam, also called viscoelastic polyurethane foam, gets its name because it “remembers” your impression once you get up.
What is the most common type of foam used in furniture?
It is similar in makeup to memory foam, but it does not have the added chemicals that give memory materials that sinking, “melting” feel. Polyfoam is the most commonly used type, and you will often see it used in furniture and mattress pads. It is measured in density, pounds per cubic foot (PCF).
What is poly foam?
Polyfoam is a popular, synthetic alternative that is made from petroleum. It is similar in makeup to memory foam, but it does not have the added chemicals that give memory materials that sinking, “melting” feel. Polyfoam is the most commonly used type, and you will often see it used in furniture and mattress pads.
How does memory gel work?
There are a couple of ways memory combines with gel to create a cooler night’s sleep: gel can either be infused into it or a layer of gel is stacked on top or in between layers of foam. The gel is designed to wick away heat when you are warm and redistribute that body heat when you are cold. Learn more here:
How much does evlon foam weigh?
Commonly used for couches on the nicer end, evlon foam is very firm, dense, and heavy. It weighs 2.2 pounds per cubic foot. Evlon has a really quick response and bounces back quickly, so it will not have that melting feeling you may feel from a viscoelastic material.
What is foam certification?
With foam, you will likely see “ CertiPUR-US® Certified ,” which is certification done by a third-party organization that tests for chemical levels and verifies its consumer and environmental safety.
What happens when you push your hand down on memory foam?
When you push your hand down on the surface, the memory materials will show the print after releasing pressure.
What is open cell memory foam?
Open cell memory foam is made the same way as traditional memory foam but has internal pockets that allow for better air circulation throughout the mattress, decreasing its heat retention properties.
When was polyfoam used in mattresses?
Polyfoam has been used as an uppermost layer in innerspring mattresses since the 1950s and remains a popular choice for comfort layers of many mattresses to this day. There are also many mattresses constructed entirely of polyfoam.
How long does a convoluted foam mattress topper last?
Plus, because of its uneven surface, it can be difficult to clean. Durability can also be a problem: A convoluted foam topper will typically last for three years or less.
Why is latex foam so expensive?
And because latex foam has a more open cell structure than other types of foam, it allows for more airflow and cooler sleep. Cons: Due to the cost of harvesting and processing the material , a mattress made out of latex foam is more expensive than other foam mattresses.
What is polyurethane foam?
What it is: Polyurethane foam, also called polyfoam or poly, is the most common and least expensive type of foam you'll find in a mattress. It's mostly made up of compounds that come from petrochemicals.
What is the best mattress for back pain?
Who it's best for: A latex mattress is a solid choice if you want an eco-friendly mattress that feels conforming yet responsive. It'll help alleviate back pain, promote cool sleep, and last you for many years.
What are the pros and cons of polyfoam?
Some common complaints about polyfoam include excessive off-gassing and the tendency to develop body impressions over time. Polyfoam might feel right from the start but tends to lack durability.
Types of foam
Once you have the right foam in mind, you will also find links to separate articles that go into greater detail. You will also find quick links to where I’ve narrowed down the ideal foam for your needs.
Closed cell foam
Closed cell foam is made with high-pressure nitrogen gas used on a rubber compound Closed cell foam offers a wide scope of sizes and density options that suit many domestic and commercial uses. It is fairly durable, and non-porous as it’s enclosed by its outer cells that form a vapor barrier.
Memory foam
Memory foam, also known as “viscoelastic”, is a polyurethane mixed with other chemicals that increase its density and viscosity. Memory foam is a very energy-absorbent material and is commonly used as a top-level internal component in sofas, mattresses, and seats.
Rebond foam
Rebonded foam, rebond, chip, or recon foam, is an open cell polyurethane foam made from reclaimed foam fragments. It is flexible and firm, with very high durability and longevity. Ideal for commercial and industrial use such as bar seating, seating for tractors, gyms, and on public transport.
Charcoal foam
Charcoal foam suits numerous applications. It is lightweight, impact absorbent, and can be cut to accurate, small, and narrow sizes. It is commonly used as packaging for shipped goods items. it is also sound absorbant, so is often used for sound dampening and soundproofing and around engines.
Latex foam
Latex foam is a firm, high-impact, durable rubber compound derived from the sap of the Hevea brasiliensis rubber tree plant which is heavily processed. It offers endurance and a long life span with a heavy but flexible feel. Typically used as a middle or lower-level mattress component.
Natural Latex foam
Natural latex foam is a material made from a blend of natural and synthetic ingredients. Not to be confused with organic latex foam that contains no synthetic material at all, and meets the best organic practices. Natural latex offers less firmness and comfort than standard latex foam.
Traditional Memory Foam
Gel-Based Memory Foam
- Gel or Visco memory foam uses small gel particles infused with Visco to reduce trapped heat and lower the response time. The gel is either infused into the foam or distributed within the layers of the mattress. Later they were then produced using beads containing gel. They are a phase change material, meaning, they change from a solid form to a liquid form to achieve the desired tempera…
Plant-Based Memory Foam
- Instead of polymer-based products, plant memory foams are developed using plant-based oils. Aloe Vera, green tea extracts, and activated charcoal are combined with the foam to increase breathability as well as heat control technologies. These products are environmentally friendly as well as beneficial to human health. Plant-based memory foam was pr...
Hazards
- One of the most concerning points about memory foam products is that they release Volatile organic compounds. VOCs, as their name suggests, are organic compounds that evaporate at room temperature. These can cause a wide range of health problems especially, to those who are prone to allergies. The gases also give off an odor which can be very unpleasant. Traditional me…
Conclusion
- Memory foam mattresses are an excellent investment especially, for thosesuffering from chronic back or neck pains. All three types offer their own advantages. The plant-based memory foam appears to be the best option. However, it is harder to find in the market and is more expensive. The traditional foam is the least expensive and functions better with a top layer. The gel infused …