PU/Latex/Memory Foam Mattress
Oct 28, 2007 7:19 PM
Joined: Oct 28, 2007
Points: 69
Has anyone put together a mattress with PU base, latex in the middle, and memory foam on top? I was laying on a Simmons ComforPedic the other day with this configuration. It felt like Temperpedic support laying in it, but it didn’t have that hard feel when you roll over or sit on it – it actually had a little spring to it. When I was looking at it in a showroom, I was able to see some of the specs on the sheet the sales person was holding:

    Top layer: 4.5” 5.5lb memory foam – ILD unknown, but possibly 2 different foam ILDs (springs back faster than Temperpedic)
    Middle layer: 2" 24 ILD latex (said it was to dissipate heat)
    Bottom: 7" 30 ILD foam (I'm assuming it's PU, but I'm not sure???)

From what I've been reading about foam lately, I thought a combination like this would be too soft, but it was really supportive. After laying in it for awhile, it did seem a lot cooler and more comfortable than a Temperpedic. The price for the above configuration was $4200. Any ideas on putting one together for a lot cheaper?

Re: PU/Latex/Memory Foam Mattress
Reply #3 Oct 29, 2007 8:48 AM
Joined: Oct 28, 2007
Points: 69
Thanks for your input. The ComforPedic mattress definitely wasn't too soft or too hot when comparing it to the Tempurdic - it was pretty firm. It doesn't make sense to me since ILD is ILD - there shouldn't be a variance like one companies medium to another companies firm. The sales person did claim that ComforPedics memory foam layer breathes better than Temperpdic...and it did seem like it after laying on both for about 30 minutes on each. That being said, I still think I would be better off taking the advise of the people on this forum who have slept on foam. I need to do something pretty quick to alleviate this lower back pain - I'm now sleeping along the foot of my king sized Sealy Fenway from Costco since my normal spot has sunk in, but not the 1.5" needed for the warranty.
Re: PU/Latex/Memory Foam Mattress
Reply #4 Oct 29, 2007 9:32 AM
Foam Nerd
Location: USA
Joined: Aug 30, 2007
Points: 605
steve2u wrote:
It doesn't make sense to me since ILD is ILD - there shouldn't be a variance like one companies medium to another companies firm.

You would think so, but I'm not convinced it's true. Based on what I have been told by some people who should know, and some large samples of various kinds of foam that I have, polyerethane foam feels firmer for a given ILD than does latex. I cannot explain this because the ILD's are measured in exactly the same way.

I personally don't think there is anything wrong with a support base of Urethane foam. There is a bias against PU foam here, and for some good reasons, but it can be used effectively. One of the problems is, there is el-cheapo PU foam, with a 1.6-1.8 lb density, there is a better quality 2.2-2.4 lb foam, and then there are some high quality ~3.0 lb foams. If you don't know which it is, that's a problem, because the lighter foam would tend to break down sooner than the more dense foam.

That's a whole lotta money for a mattress.
Re: PU/Latex/Memory Foam Mattress
Reply #5 Oct 29, 2007 10:20 AM
Joined: Oct 28, 2007
Points: 69
haysdb wrote:
That's a whole lotta money for a mattress.<br type="_moz"/>

Paying that much is not even an option, but I would like to try to create something with the same feel.
Re: PU/Latex/Memory Foam Mattress
Reply #6 Oct 29, 2007 1:40 PM
Joined: Oct 28, 2007
Points: 69
Here's a link with a little discription of the ComforPedic from my local retailer:

http://www.mattressgiant.com/default.aspx?n=69&shop=store&perpage=18&category=MFLX&model=990626
Re: PU/Latex/Memory Foam Mattress
Reply #7 Oct 29, 2007 5:17 PM
Joined: Sep 3, 2007
Points: 167
I wonder if Simmons is using Venus foam.
Re: PU/Latex/Memory Foam Mattress
Reply #8 Oct 29, 2007 6:06 PM
Foam Nerd
Location: USA
Joined: Aug 30, 2007
Points: 605
donw wrote:
I wonder if Simmons is using Venus foam.

Is there something which leads you to believe they might be?
Re: PU/Latex/Memory Foam Mattress
Reply #9 Oct 29, 2007 10:20 PM
Joined: Sep 10, 2007
Points: 690
I have to agree about the HR polyurethane base. You're correct in stating that the density is important. And, when you look at high density upholstery foam, for instance, think of how well it holds up over time. We've had our couch and loveseat for 13+ years and there's nary a dent or sag in the foam. Of course, we wouldn't want to sleep on something so firm. But, i also wouldn't care to sleep on the low density, cheaper stuff, either. And, believe me, I have! :)


haysdb wrote:
I personally don't think there is anything wrong with a support base of Urethane foam. There is a bias against PU foam here, and for some good reasons, but it can be used effectively. One of the problems is, there is el-cheapo PU foam, with a 1.6-1.8 lb density, there is a better quality 2.2-2.4 lb foam, and then there are some high quality ~3.0 lb foams. If you don't know which it is, that's a problem, because the lighter foam would tend to break down sooner than the more dense foam.<BR><BR>That's a whole lotta money for a mattress.<br type="_moz"/>
Re: PU/Latex/Memory Foam Mattress
Reply #10 Oct 30, 2007 1:26 AM
Joined: Sep 3, 2007
Points: 167
haysdb wrote:
Is there something which leads you to believe they might be?


Their description: "more breathable, faster response"
Re: PU/Latex/Memory Foam Mattress
Reply #11 Oct 30, 2007 1:17 PM
Foam Nerd
Location: USA
Joined: Aug 30, 2007
Points: 605
donw wrote:
Their description: "more breathable, faster response"

Faster response doesn't really describe Venus, which recovers almost identically to Sensus, which is relatively slow.

It could be Aerus:

Foamex New Breathable Aerus™ 4lb Memory Foam is the cool solution to memory foam.  Aerus with its unique proprietary open-cel construction, allows air to flow through the topper approximately eight times more efficiently than traditional visco elastic.

I have been ultimately frustrated in my attempts at figuring out who's selling what, and was only ever able to get samples of a few different kinds of memory foam. Beyond Tempur, Foamex, and Vita, everything else is "mystery foam."

Re: PU/Latex/Memory Foam Mattress
Reply #12 Oct 30, 2007 1:23 PM
Joined: Sep 3, 2007
Points: 167
Aerus - that's what I meant to say! It seems like I also saw some mention of a special manufacturing method in a vacuum? And they said it was patented.

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