The material used to fill the interior space of a mattress. In spring models (see "Type of orthopedic"), this parameter plays a secondary role, because. stiffness, orthopedics and other important characteristics are determined primarily by the springs used. But for
springless filler properties are extremely important, and the materials used should be paid special attention.
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Polyurethane foam(PPU). A fairly popular synthetic material that provides medium to high stiffness characteristics. It is produced in different variations, differing in density and, accordingly, durability and price (the denser the PPU, the more reliable it is, but also more expensive). The foam structure allows the use of
vacuum packaging ; in addition, memory foam mattresses (also described below) are most often made from polyurethane foam with special additives. Pure polyurethane foam is in many ways similar to latex, however, on the one hand, it loses to it in softness and elasticity, on the other hand, it is considered more hypoallergenic and also costs less.
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Latex. Speaking of mattresses, latex most often means a natural variety of this material, based on wood rubber, with some synthetic additives. Like the PPU described above, latex has a foamy structure, it is more resilient, but also softer - the rigidity of such mattresses varies from
...low to medium. Latex mattresses are considered very comfortable, because. provide natural tight support for the entire body; in addition, they are quite durable. On the other hand, the price of such products is higher than that of polyurethane foam, and the anti-allergic properties are somewhat worse (although latex is rightfully considered a hypoallergenic material).
- Coconut or cactus fiber. Also known as coconut coir or sisal (respectively). It is a natural fiber bonded with latex. Such mattresses are positioned as the most natural products, although the mentioned latex can also be synthetic. They are distinguished by a very high rigidity (although quite elastic), strong, durable and quite hygienic, because. when properly processed, the fiber does not accumulate odors and moisture. On the other hand, the cost of such mattresses is quite high, and under heavy weight, the material can crumble - so they are poorly suited for massive people.
- Spunbond. This material is a non-woven fabric of synthetic origin: during its production, molten synthetic material is drawn into threads, which, after solidification, are fastened together by temperature, adhesive or other means. As a result, the fabric is soft, but at the same time durable to tear and abrasion, safe for humans and at the same time inexpensive. Among mattresses, spunbond is found mainly in spring models (see "Type"). It is used as a "shield" to protect more delicate materials and upholstery from contact with the springs. At the same time, most products using spunbond have low rigidity - in more rigid mattresses it is more reasonable to use appropriate materials for the same purposes, such as coconut coir.
- Strutofiber, periotek, etc. A family of materials based on vertically arranged fibers - usually of natural origin, like wool or cotton, but there are also artificial ones. Such materials are notable for their low price and quite decent (though not outstanding) performance characteristics. Their rigidity varies from medium to high.
— Felt. Material based on dense felted wool. It has a very low wear resistance, which is why it is practically not used as an independent filler and usually plays the role of a small layer between thicker layers of other materials.
Note that modern mattress fillers can combine several options at once - for example, polyurethane and latex for double-sided soft-hard models (see "Two-sided"), or several alternating layers of coir and latex.—
Winter/summer effect. This feature is found exclusively in double-sided mattresses (see above). It is due to the fact that the human body functions differently in winter and summer, incl. during sleep. Therefore, in cold weather, a surface made of dense thermal insulating materials (like wool) is considered optimal for normal sleep, and in warm weather, light ones that are good at dissipating excess heat (for example, cotton). Accordingly, the “winter” and “summer” surfaces of double-sided mattresses have different coatings, which allows you to provide maximum comfort at any time of the year without purchasing an additional mattress.
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Memory effect. Mattresses with this function use a special filler (usually polyurethane foam with special additives, the so-called Memory Foam), which is able to “remember” the shape given to it for a few seconds. Such material may seem quite hard, but under the influence of the heat and weight of a person lying down, it contracts and takes on a shape that exactly follows the contours of the human body. At the same time, products with memory effect are quite dense, but do not have a characteristic “pushing” effect, unlike many other types of mattresses (especially spring ones). This, according to the manufacturers, provides very high orthopedic properties, because provides maximum comfort and relaxation of the body in a natural position. And after the impact stops
..., the mattress returns to a flat state in a few seconds.
— Anti-allergenic/antibacterial. Mattresses made from anti-allergenic and/or bactericidal materials, as well as having appropriate features (for example, a design that prevents the accumulation of dust). All these nuances are easy to combine in one product, so for most models with this feature, both hypoallergenic and antibacterial properties are claimed. However, it still wouldn’t hurt to clarify the specifics separately, especially if the mattress is purchased for a person prone to allergies or in poor health. However, such mattresses will in any case be more hygienic and safer than models for which anti-allergenic and antibacterial properties are not declared.
- Vacuum packaging. Mattresses standardly supplied to the so-called. vacuum packaging. When packing such a mattress at the factory, a special machine compresses it tightly, twists it into a roll and seals it in film. Thanks to this, a folded mattress takes up several times less volume than in a working one - vacuum packaging can “shrink” a porous material like polyurethane foam (see “Filler”) almost 10 times. Accordingly, storing and transporting the mattress is greatly simplified; and when the film is removed, it takes its normal shape in a few minutes. At the same time, in terms of characteristics, “vacuum” options are in no way inferior to similar products that have not been subjected to such packaging. However, it must be taken into account that vacuum packaging is disposable - it is impossible to return the mattress to a compact form at home. Therefore, for the average user, the mentioned conveniences relate exclusively to transporting the mattress from the store to the home or other place of use.
— Moisture-repellent fabric. Mattresses with a surface made of moisture-repellent (usually completely waterproof) fabric. For everyday use, such materials are not required, however, such mattresses are indispensable in medical institutions - hospitals, nursing homes, etc., where there is an increased likelihood of biological fluids getting on the bed. In the event of such a problem, the water-repellent surface can be easily washed, and the mattress is ready for use again literally within a few minutes, whereas a traditional product will have to be washed and dried for a long time (and the “filling” of the mattress does not tolerate contact with liquid very well).
— Case with zipper. A protective cover that fits over the mattress and closes with a zipper. It serves to protect the mattress from dust, dirt, stains and accidentally spilled liquids. The zippered cover is usually easy to remove and wash, making the mattress easier to care for and extending its lifespan.
