Comparison Askona Balance Forma 160x200 vs Askona Compact Bonus 160x200

— Springless. Filler only design without any springs. See below for more information on the different types of fillers. Also note here that the springless design has good orthopedic performance, is almost silent, is much less prone to uneven wear than the spring design, but handles worse with high loads and costs significantly more. It is considered optimal for children's mattresses (see "Purpose"), but is also widely used in "adults".

— Spring (independent blocks). Actually, the name itself describes a characteristic feature of these mattresses and their difference from the Bonnel systems: each spring in such a product is separated from the rest and compresses and decompresses independently. Due to this, a very high orthopedic effect is achieved: the mattress very accurately adjusts to the shape of the sleeping person's body, because. only springs under load sag. Note that the independent design has several varieties, which differ, in particular, in the number of springs per unit area. At the same time, the more springs are provided, the more comfortable the mattress will be, the better its orthopedic properties will be; however, the price also rises accordingly. Actually, the higher price is the main drawback of this design compared to the Bonnels. In addition, all mattresses with springs, regardless of type, have a number of common drawbacks: they tend to “squeeze through” and lose elasticity d...uring operation, and metal springs can be made from different materials, including not very resistant to corrosion.

— Spring (Twin Pocket). Models of independent spring mattresses made using double spring technology. Each manufacturer calls this technology differently: Twin Pocket, Dual Pocket, Dual Spring, etc. It consists in the presence of an additional reduced spring inside the main one. With a significant load on the mattress, it comes into action, reducing the impact on the main spring, which in turn prevents pushing through, which is the fault of independent spring mattresses.

— Spring (Bonnel). The simplest and most inexpensive type of construction, both among spring models and in general among orthopedic mattresses; It was used back in Soviet times, and is still found today. The springs in such a product usually have a characteristic hourglass shape (narrowed in the middle), and each of them is connected to two adjacent ones. "Bonnels" are quite reliable and can withstand heavy loads well, but they have one serious drawback: when you press on a separate spring, not only it is compressed, but also the neighboring ones associated with it (the so-called "hammock effect"). This significantly reduces the orthopedic properties, and also leads to the characteristic squeak of the springs. At the same time, this design is also characterized by all the main disadvantages of spring systems, described below in paragraph "Spring (independent blocks)". Therefore, it is usually used in inexpensive mattresses intended for people without serious health problems.

— Independent blocks / Bonnel. A type of mattress that combines the two types of spring blocks described above in its design. The ways of combining such blocks can be different. So, in one embodiment, an independent block is located closer to the top of the mattress and provides the necessary orthopedic properties, and the Bonnel block installed under it optimizes load distribution and increases the reliability of the structure. Such a mattress may have the properties of a two-sided model (see below) — spring blocks may vary in stiffness. Another option is double models, in which the beds have different types of spring blocks; it will be useful in the event that the requirements of partners for a sleeping place differ. However, both options have a rather high cost, and for the first — also significant weight and dimensions.

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.

- 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.

— 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.

The maximum weight for which one bed of the mattress is designed is, in fact, the maximum weight of a person who can regularly sleep on a mattress for a long period of time without the risk of "overloading" and spoiling the product. Of course, this parameter cannot be exceeded; however, when purchasing a mattress, you should also make sure that the selected model has a certain weight reserve — at least 10 kg. This is due not only to the fact that the mattress can be used by different people (and the weight of permanent owners can also change), but also to the uneven load that occurs during use. The fact is that manufacturers can specify this parameter per sleeper, i.e. practically immobile person. In fact, the matter is not limited only to sleep — as a result, the mattress may experience a load greater than the calculated one, even in cases where the weight of the person on it does not exceed the claimed characteristics.

The number of springs per square metre of surface in a mattress of the appropriate design (see "Type"), in other words, the density of the springs. The greater this number, the higher the density of the springs — the smaller the size of each individual spring and the more accurately the deflection of the mattress will correspond to the contours of the body of a lying person (ceteris paribus, of course). On the other hand, the use of numerous springs significantly affects the price. Among the main spring blocks are Pocket Spring(~ 256 springs/m²), Multipocket(~ 512 springs/m²) and Micropocket(~ 1024 springs/m²).

— 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.

- 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.

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.