Traditional Urethane Foam in Beds

High Density Foam

• High density polyurethane foam mattresses are firmer, providing more support and lasting longer than less dense mattresses. The Association of Bedding and Furniture Law Officials require that a high density foam must weigh at least 2.3 lbs. per cubic foot. Check the label of a foam mattress to see if it is high density. Generally speaking, the higher the density, the greater the cost.

High Performance Foam

• Conventional polyurethane foams have consistently smooth, fine cells of the same size. These cells respond to pressure the same way and compress at the same rate. More expensive high performance polyurethane foams have cells of random sizes. Some smaller, smoother cells give way easily, giving a soft feel to the mattress -- while larger, coarse cells resist pressure and give firmness and support.

Advantages

• Polyurethane mattresses do not squeak or make noises like conventional mattresses. They resist crumbling and matting and do not have a lingering odor, nor do they aggravate most common allergies. A polyurethane mattress will lose only 15 and 20 percent of its firmness, most of which occurs in new mattresses. Polyurethane is cheaper than latex foam.

Disadvantages

• The tight cell structure of polyurethane limits its ability to breathe or take in air, making it feel hot in the summer and cold in the winter. Since polyurethane is synthetic it contains no anti-fungal, anti-microbial or anti-dust mite properties that are contained in latex foam, which is made from natural materials. After five to 10 years, polyurethane cells break down and lose their firmness.