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? |
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. |
Paying that much is not even an option, but I would like to try to create something with the same feel. |
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 |
I wonder if Simmons is using Venus foam. |
Is there something which leads you to believe they might be? |
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! :) |
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:
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." |
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. |
You and me both have trouble NOT saying Venus. If it's "chamber foam" then it's made by Foamex. They are the only manufacturer in North America with a license to use this patented process. |