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 #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.
Re: PU/Latex/Memory Foam Mattress
Reply #13 Oct 30, 2007 4:01 PM
Foam Nerd
Location: USA
Joined: Aug 30, 2007
Points: 605
donw wrote:
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.

Re: PU/Latex/Memory Foam Mattress
Reply #14 Oct 30, 2007 7:11 PM
Joined: Sep 3, 2007
Points: 167
Okay, here's my whack at re-creating this mattress (king size).

Top layer: 4" Aerus from sleepwarehouse, $460

2" 20ILD talalay latex from foambymail $160

5" 35ILD HR foam (2 lb/sq. ft)  from foambymail  $115

It does seem like quite a soft mattress. This one is a little thinner that the one you're looking at, but 11" is plenty thick. The latex is a little softer, and the PU is a little firmer - maybe they would make up for one another.

Read the thread about mattress "cases" for a decent case to shove it all into.

Re: PU/Latex/Memory Foam Mattress
Reply #15 Oct 30, 2007 9:05 PM
Foam Nerd
Location: USA
Joined: Aug 30, 2007
Points: 605
Conventional wisdom says that's a lot of memory foam. Add 2" of soft latex under that, and you have a really soft mattress. I don't know first hand how that would be to sleep on. 3.5" is about the maximum amount of memory foam I have seen on any mattress. 3" is often recommended for side sleepers, 2" for back sleepers.

I wasn't paying attention, but 5.5 lb memory foam is what FoamByMail is selling. Sensus has occasionally been described as 5.3 lb or even 5.5 lb, but Foamex themselves call it a 5 lb foam.

You don't need 7" of PU foam on the bottom. That's a couple of inches more than you need, unless you just want a thick mattress for aesthetic reasons.

That's my opinion. Few things are carved in stone when it comes to mattresses.
Re: PU/Latex/Memory Foam Mattress
Reply #16 Oct 31, 2007 12:11 AM
Joined: Sep 3, 2007
Points: 167
Steve, was this (Mystere) the one you were looking at? Did you try the other ones? It looks like they offer different thicknesses of memo foam and latex.

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