Probably more than you need to know
From an ebay merchant:The Memory Foam SUPERSTORE
So all memory foams are not the same, correct ? That is correct. Every manufacturer has it?s own recipe ! The product which we sell, is our own special formulation in which high-density (4 pound) visco-elastic foam with just the right degree of compression (our little secret ! ) makes for the most resilient, high quality and comfortable pad that we know of. Whether buying memory foam or any other type foam product it can be tricky. Tricky because, as you will learn later, there are two factors involved in evaluating the quality, feel and durability of foam. Density and compression. Low-density foam pads are just that. Low density: Not much mass. Not much weight. More air than foam. For example, the foam used to line a computer case or camera bag is firm but yet very lightweight. This foam has been designed for impact not continued support of weight. This foam is high in compression but low in density. This helps to explain why the cheap foam mattress pads purchased at discount houses and department stores usually don?t work very well or last very long. They are cheap for a reason. You?re buying a lot of hot air.
Compression ? What?s that ? Compression is mainly what determines the firmness of a particular piece of foam. It is the ratio of a foam?s ability to support force at different levels. It may also be described as the ILD (Indentation Load Deflection). It is generally measured as the force (in pounds) required to compress a 50-inch indentor foot into a 4-inch thick sample to 25% of its overall height. Compression simply determines the degree of firmness of the product.
So what is density ? Density is a measurement of the mass per cubic unit volume. It is measured and expressed in pounds per cubic foot (pcf) or kilograms per cubic meter (Kg/m3 ). Density is largely the determining factor in judging the quality of foam products. The lower the density the lower the quality, thus reducing the durability and the life expectancy of the product. However, some foams are densified by loading them. This occurs when some manufacturers "load" their foam with additives such as chalk dust, marble dust, barium sulfate, clay or purified sand from oil field drilling operations. These inorganic materials are added when the foam is in its liquid state. These fillers are not chemically bonded to the polymers; instead, they are mechanically trapped within the molecular structure of the foam. Loaded or filled foams are most always weak in strength and durability. If you?ve ever owned a sofa or foam mattress, which really flattened out and became dusty and gritty when it broke down, it was most likely loaded foam. Buyers of memory foam pads should be wary of these type products and there are some on the market today. None of the foam products we sell are loaded or filled in any way, we only sell premium first quality.
Is a memory foam mattress topper what I really need ? If your existing mattress has broken springs poking through or an extreme sag, a memory foam mattress pad will help but you probably need a new mattress as well. If your mattress is in relatively good shape but just too hard, you?re an excellent candidate for one of our 3 inch or 4 inch memory foam mattress toppers. It just may save you the expensive cost of replacing the entire set and give you the best pillow top mattress in town. (for a fraction of the cost).
Which thickness is right for me ? Tempur-pedic?s © formula for their premium quality mattresses, calls for 3 inches of memory foam laminated to 5 inches of high-density polyurethane foam. Less than 3 inch pads have not been very popular with our customers locally or nationally. With their huge success worldwide, 3 inch memory foam has become the standard for most buyers of memory foam, attempting to duplicate the Tempur-pedic © feel. However, our exclusive 4-inch memory foam mattress toppers are designed for those looking for that extra inch of softness to sink their hips and shoulders into. Heavier sleepers might consider this option.
What are the benefits of sleeping on memory foam ? Memory foam is hypoallergenic (as are other polyurethane?s). Temperature responsive, as the product warms and molds to your body. An excellent reliever of pressure points (terrrific for side sleepers who experience numbing in the shoulders and arms as well as those who spend extended periods of time in bed). Studies have proven that sleeping on this type product significantly reduces tossing and turning. It is simply much more comfortable than sleeping on a conventional innerspring mattress while adding needed support to the lower regions of the back. Whether you sleep on your side, stomach or back a 3-inch memory foam mattress pad will most certainly bring to you the much needed additional softness and support you are looking for. Thousands of consumers worldwide who experience an array of back ailments ranging from herniated or ruptured discs, Sciatica, Fibromyalgia as well as a host of other problems, have testified as to the benefits of sleeping on memory foam. We do not claim that sleeping on a memory foam pad will cure any bodily ailment or any medical condition. However, in many cases it undoubtably offers much relief. For those without back problems, a 3 inch memory foam mattress topper will dramatically change the way your existing innerspring, water, air or foam mattress feels, as your body gently sinks into our luxurious soft memory foam. Back problems or not, you?ll love it !
What about allergies ? All polyurethane foam is hypoallergenic. However, much misinformation is circulating around the internet, ebay and the market place in general regarding memory foam?s ability to resist dust mites as well as anti-fungal and anti-bacterial claims. We are unaware of any chemical additive being produced today which will continually repel and kill dust mites. With regard to the anti-fungal and anti-bacterial claims, chemicals like formaldehyde and others may be added to foam to give it those characteristics. Our experience has been that the trade off for adding these temporarily active chemicals to the foam, versus the potential allergic reaction to the chemical odor or presence of it, is not worth it from a manufacturing or consumer standpoint.
I thought this was interesting. It looks like buying from here or Mark's 1/2 price bedding would be ok.
Facebook
Twitter