Are foam mattresses good or bad?
The search for a new mattress can be challenging, especially if you have no idea where to start. With an overwhelming array of different types of mattresses and varying opinions on what the best mattress would be, you can quickly feel lost in this maze of options.
Many of us sometimes wonder whether foam mattresses are OK or not? In this comprehensive article, we will guide you step by step in choosing the perfect foam mattress. That way, you can make an informed choice.
Why is it important to choose the right foam mattress?
The right mattress supports your body in the right way. Your muscles and joints can relax and recover, and this contributes to your energy levels and mood throughout the day.
Many people underestimate the importance of a good mattress. They sleep on old, sagging mattresses that provide insufficient support, or choose a mattress purely based on price without considering their specific needs.
A bad mattress can cause back pain and neck pain that makes you sleep poorly. Sleeping poorly for long periods of time is particularly unhealthy. It often leads to all sorts of side-effects that can lead you into a vicious circle, resulting in chronic sleep disorders. All the more reason to pay attention to choosing the right mattress that suits you perfectly.
Types of foams in mattresses: an extra word of explanation!
Foam mattresses or polyurethane foams
We focus on foams. Latex or foam rubber is also considered a foam, but in this article we leave out latex mattresses.
If we dive deeper into foam production, we learn that polyurethane foam (or PU foam for short) is created by the polymerization reaction between a polyol and an isocyanate. When gas is added to this chemical foaming process, it eventually leads to a strong foam with an open cell structure. In practice, many additional elements are added to the mix to influence the foam reaction or to impart certain properties to the final result.
The standard material obtained is easy to compress and quickly returns to its original shape. This makes polyether or PU foams suitable for sleeping on.
These foams can be made in large blocks or the process can be applied in a suitable mold (molding).
PU foams are made by many manufacturers. The different chemical compositions or foam processes lead to different names and properties. And according to the application, each manufacturer chooses the color for the foam. This has no impact on quality, by the way.
Foam mattresses last up to 10 years, depending on the hardness and density used.
Many values play a role in determining the quality of foams. We like to take a closer look at two important aspects: density (or density) and hardness.
What is density when foaming?
Density is often expressed in kg per cubic meter. We also call this value specific gravity (SG). So the SG value represents the number of kilograms of foam per cubic meter. In other words, how much does a one meter by one meter block weigh that is also exactly one meter high?
The higher the SG value, the better the longevity. Children’s mattresses start from an SG value of 20 kg/m3 and specimens for more durable adult use are best starting from 35 kg/m3 and above. Quality products offer SG values from 50 kg and above. Thus, mattresses are clearly also getting heavier.
Did you know that Technogel® has a density as high as 1,060 kg/m3? Extraordinarily high! This also makes it a very special material that is often used as a relatively thin top layer (from 1 cm to 1.7 cm). Because the density is so high, the insulating values are low. This makes it a very climate-regulating material.
Often density is associated with hardness, but that is a half-truth.
What is hardness in foaming?
Each foam has a certain compressive strength, expressed in kPa value. This value indicates how much weight the foam can handle and therefore how hard it feels. Simply put, compressive strength indicates how many pounds of pressure per m2 the material can handle before a deformation of more than 10% occurs.
For those really interested, this is the formula to calculate compressive strength: 1 kPa = 1 kN/m2 = 100 kg/m2.
For mattresses, a lower kPa value for a similar density leads to easier compression and thus a softer feel to the mattress.
Why is it important not to confuse density with hardness?
Density says something about the durability of the foam. The kPa value says something about hardness. Of course, a lower density foam often feels softer as well, simply because fewer pounds of “material” are used in the same cubic meter.
It is difficult to compare the same mattress in a soft or medium version with a lower density than the firm version (firm), and certainly not if the price also remains the same. More logical would be for the density of all three versions to be the same and the kPa value to be different.
Often sellers, with good intentions, go about this loosely because they themselves don’t know either. Hence this extra word of explanation. Do you choose quality? Then go for a high density with a kPa value suitable for your sleeping position. Unfortunately, these values are often unknown or not transparently stated. So you will have to rely on what you experience yourself during testing.
What is the difference between a polyether mattress and a cold foam mattress?
You often read and hear that polyether mattresses are the cheapest and have a closed cell structure. As a result, they are said to have poorer ventilation and moisture control. They would be hard and offer minimal resilience, making them less suitable for people looking for comfort and support. Therefore, they would cost less and be better used for children or guest beds. Unfortunately, all this is very short and therefore not true.
Polyether mattresses always have an open cell structure. This is peculiar to the process as you could read above.
Cold foam is also a polyether foam and takes its name from the manufacturing process used in the past. The molds in which cold foam was poured were unheated. Hence the name cold foam. Current foamers no longer use this technique.
Thanks to the right chemical composition, they manage to add even more resilience and a more irregular cell structure. Therefore, this foam is also called HR or High Resilience foam: highly resilient foam with even better ventilating properties.
What key factors determine whether a foam mattress is right for you?
Several factors come into play when choosing a mattress. We list the most important ones:
- Type of foam: There are several types of foam mattresses available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Among polyurethane foams, you distinguish among others: polyether mattresses, HR or cold foam mattresses, visco, memory-foam or memory foam mattresses, gel mattresses and hybrid foams. Each type of foam offers a different experience in terms of comfort, support, range of motion and temperature regulation. Also realize that foams are usually combined. For example, a Tempur® or Technogel® mattress is constructed from one or more layers of supportive HR foam and then memory foam layers or gel are assembled on top.
- Firmness: Mattress support is one of the most important factors in determining whether a mattress suits you. The right firmness depends on your body shape, height and weight, sleeping position and personal preference. A mattress that is too hard or too soft can lead to physical complaints.
- Dimensions: The dimensions of the mattress should match your height and the size of your bed. A mattress is best 20 cm longer than your own height. This way, you have enough room to move while sleeping.
- Ventilation and temperature regulation: Mattresses differ in their ability to dissipate heat and regulate moisture. Polyurethane – although in a totally different material processing – is also used to make insulating sheets. So they insulate heat well. People who get hot quickly while sleeping are better off choosing a well-ventilated mattress with extra attention to ventilation. Think HR foam or gel mattresses. If you just like it nice and warm, then you can certainly test polyether mattresses or memory foam mattresses.
- Allergies: If you suffer from allergies, it is important to choose hypoallergenic materials in the mattress cover and a mattress that ventilates well to prevent the growth of allergens such as dust mites.
- Value for money: A good mattress is an investment in your health. So it is really wise to pay attention not only to the price, but also to the quality and durability of the mattress.
- Bed base: Mattresses consisting only of foam layers are also known in technical jargon as “full core” mattresses. Generally, these mattresses fit all types of bed bases. In doubt? Be sure to read our blog again: https://mindthebed.com/welke-bedbodem-kiezen-lattenbodem-boxspring/
The best mattress for you – Conclusion
There are a lot of choices in the range of foam mattresses. Probably one that suits you as well. Keep in mind that there is no one “best” mattress that works for everyone.
It is important to understand your own sleep patterns and needs in order to make a choice that suits you. Above all, stay aware of signals your body is giving you. For example, think of pain or stiffness, which may indicate an inappropriate sleep environment.
Replace your mattress regularly. After about 8 to 10 years, it has had its best time. By investing in a good sleeping environment, you can prevent back pain and, most importantly, improve your overall health and quality of life.
