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There is frequent confusion about
the type of foam used in mattresses produced for use in a nursing context.
People are often uncertain how they should interpret the information provided
by manufacturers. Every manufacturer uses its own terminology, making
it even more difficult to understand things properly.
In general, the type of foam used is polyurethane
foam (in this sector of the market, we also speak of “cold foam”).
This is available in both hard and soft versions. The actual hardness
or softness is determined during production of the foam by the use of
additives such as water.
It is important to note that this has nothing
to do with the density or specific gravity of the foam. That is expressed
in kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m³), i.e. the weight of a block
of foam measuring 1 x 1 x 1 metres.
The density of the foam is to a large extent
responsible for its quality. In other words, a block of foam measuring
1 x 1 x 1 metres with a density of 43 kg/m3 has less “mass”
(i.e. amount of foam) than one with the same dimensions but a density
of 55 kg/m3.
To put it very simply: the lower the density,
the lower the quality of the foam and the shorter its durability, especially
in intensive use at a hospital or nursing home.
Nowadays, “slow” (visco-elastic)
foam is very popular.
Every producer has its specific types of “slow”
foam but they all basically amount to the same kind of thing. In actual
fact, this type of foam has long been used in the packaging industry,
so it is not really all that new. The original term for “slow”
foam is “Shock Absorbing Foam” (SAF).
Slow foam is also made of polyurethane but
special additives give it its “slowness”. Unlike other types
of foam, which immediately spring back to their original form when you
press and release them, slow foam – as the name implies –
only does so gradually.
Slow foam also has the unique property of
conforming to the shape of your body due to your weight and body temperature.
This means that pressure is distributed evenly, thus protecting sensitive
parts of the body that may be at risk of developing bedsores.
It is important for foam to be produced in
an environmentally friendly manner, without using CFCs. Polyurethane foam
is basically an environmentally friendly product and can be recycled both
mechanically and chemically.
Safety aspects are playing an increasingly
important role. Most manufacturers are capable of producing a polyurethane
foam that complies with the CRIB5 standard for fire retardancy but few
can produce a slow foam that meets that standard.
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