Foam rubber is a filler that is made in various ways, so manufacturers today have the opportunity to offer product options for it for every taste. Foam mattress can be chosen hard or soft, more or less elastic, regular or orthopedic.
How to choose a quality mattress
In order for the purchase to provide a complete rest for many years, it is necessary to choose a mattress with a quality filler. The foam inside should be tight, it depends on what loads it is able to withstand. There is a special stiffness coefficient, but you can check it in a simple way - see how quickly the foam straightens after deformation, does it crack when pressed and stretched.
The density of the filler is of great importance so that the spine during sleep feels the necessary support and the body weight is distributed correctly.
When buying, preference should be given to well-known manufacturers with a good reputation, then a foam mattress will serve for a long time and effectively.
Advantages of a foam mattress
Mattresses made of foam rubber have a lot of positive characteristics:
- They provide a good rest. Due to the fact that all the muscles of a person relax, blood circulation improves, sleep becomes more complete.
- This filler is an environmentally friendly, safe material that allows you to use the mattress even to those people who suffer from allergic reactions.
- Foam rubber tolerates moisture well, which contributes to its durability.
- Foam mattress is quite easy to keep clean - it is very easy to clean and dries quickly.
- The porous structure perfectly passes air, which ensures ventilation, i.e. the body of a person lying on the mattress can breathe freely.
- The light weight and compactness of these mattresses make them multifunctional, facilitating transportation.
The production of this filler is economical, so you should buy a cheap foam rubber mattress if you need to buy a thing for little money that is not inferior in quality to more expensive models.
DIY foam mattress making
Do not rush to a furniture store in order to purchase such a leisure accessory. The manufacturing technology of this item is so simple that it will not be difficult to make a foam mattress with your own hands.
For this you will need: foam rubber, fabric for a cover, a sewing machine, scissors, threads, needles.
First, marking of the mattress is done on a piece of foam. Then, accordingly, a pattern is made on the fabric intended for the cover, while a few centimeters must be left for allowances and seams. This cover for the mattress is sewn on a sewing machine and is put on the prepared foam rubber. For more convenient use, it is recommended to sew a zipper into it.
The main role of the cover is to protect the filler from external influences (dirt, rubbing, moisture). But, in order to give the mattress a more respectable and aesthetic appearance, the coating fabric should not only wash well, but also have a nice texture and beautiful color.
Which mattress is better - cotton or foam
Both cotton and foam products are in about the same price category. They also have many similar positive qualities - lightness, compactness, ease of transportation. A significant difference is the fact that in a cotton mattress there is the likelihood of all kinds of microorganisms and ticks. It is unsafe for health, especially for people prone to allergies. Over time, a foam mattress can be deformed, and a cotton pad usually gets lumpy.
In military units, medical and children's institutions, preference is mainly given to foam mattresses, because it is the safest for health and easy to care for. Thanks to these properties, it is also recommended to use such accessories for prams.
Care Tips
In order for the filler in the mattress to be distributed correctly, the first 3-4 months it should be turned over every 2 weeks. Then this can be done once every 3 months.
The mattress should be aired monthly, leaving it in the air for at least 5 hours. Cleaning is easy with an ordinary vacuum cleaner. If there are any small spots, a sponge dipped in any upholstery cleaner or soapy solution will help. If the impurities are serious enough, then dry cleaning will be required when special cleaners are used for such materials. If water gets on the mattress, wipe it with a dry cloth and dry thoroughly. Only after this can be covered with bed linen.
Foam absorbs odors very well. This should be taken into account when carrying out repairs, disinfection, and other measures involving the use of strong smelling agents. In such cases, it is better to wrap the surface of the mattress with a coating that does not allow air to pass through.