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.Overall height (thickness) of the mattress.
This parameter is selected by the manufacturer, taking into account the general purpose and design features of the product, so in most cases it is not fundamental when choosing. We only note that traditional type mattresses have a thickness of
10 – 15 cm to
30 cm or more. And products with a thickness of less than 10 cm belong to the category of so-called
futons, or toppers. Most often, such models are not used separately, but as additional overlays on another sleeping surface. For example, you can add a topper to an existing classic mattress — if it is not soft or hard enough, or if its properties have deteriorated due to wear — or lay the topper on a sofa, making the sleeping place on it more comfortable. Due to their thinness, futons are relatively inexpensive, and buying such a product is often more profitable than replacing an existing mattress.
