Is PU foam environmentally friendly? Is PPU harmful?

First, let's figure out what is polyurethane foam?

polyurethane foam is a plastic produced by thermosetting chemical reaction. The structure of this material is similar to ordinary soap foam, it consists of cells isolated from each other, inside which gas is contained, only cells with the same size, unlike conventional foam. The solid polymer makes up only 3-5% of the total volume of PU foam, and the remaining 95-97% is gas, which is a heat insulator.

The fact that Polyurethane foam has a full set of environmental performance indicators is confirmed by both a number of hygiene certificates and realities. The chemical resistance of this material is indicative, which determines its long service life, and indirectly confirms its environmental friendliness. Both PPU and polyurethane do not decompose, do not interact with anything, and therefore are completely inert. In addition, today the use of highly volatile ether fractions in the creation of these materials has been completely eliminated.

It should be noted that these materials do not contain asbestos, as well as formaldehyde and other chemicals. The spraying of polyurethane foam was accompanied by checks that did not detect any harmful substances. The biological neutrality of polyurethane foam, which is resistant to mold and bacteria, to decay processes, is also indicative. This material does not cause any allergies.

When using polyurethane foam, pillows and mattresses are being manufactured, it is used to create sofas and transport seats. It is also used as thermal insulation in boilers or refrigerators, as well as in other equipment that may come into contact with food during operation. PPU is applicable even in beekeeping, where it is used to create beehives of modern design. And it is also used in septic tanks, where it is necessary to create surfaces for colonization by bacteria - practice shows that under such conditions, even a stone has a shorter period of destruction than PPU.

Polyurethane foam is widely used in medicine for the manufacture of various devices, and sometimes it comes into contact not only with preparations intended for ingestion, but also with human mucous membranes - as an example, we can consider equipment for taking an impression in dentistry, prosthetics. As a conclusion, it can be emphasized that the volume of consumption of such material modern humanity it really turns out to be very high, and a person can almost constantly contact him.

Continuing the consideration of the list of advantages that this material has, it should be noted that its use as a heater for houses and other buildings becomes expedient also because rodents show complete indifference to it. Rats and mice do not attempt to gnaw on this material, and their digestive systems are unable to digest it for the reason mentioned of its chemical stability.

It has also been mentioned that modern-style PPUs, although they are capable of burning, do not spread fire themselves, being self-extinguishing. Exist different degrees combustibility of such materials - G1, G2, G3, and the lower the digital indicator, the slower they burn. G3 is still used most often, because its cost is lower. Low burning rate and self-extinguishing are ensured by the introduction of flame retardants into the composition of such material, which remain in the closed capsules of the material forever - the indicator will not decrease over time.

Speaking of vapor barrier and decay

Closed-cell PPU decent quality does not require any vapor barrier - especially since PPU modern type have more than 92 percent of closed cells, and therefore a vapor barrier is definitely not required, and such a heater will not absorb moisture.

That is, closed cells or good vapor barrier are absolutely necessary to ensure normal functioning insulation - especially when it comes to climates with serious negative temperatures. But even at positive temperatures, when there is no risk of destruction of the insulation due to freezing of moisture crystals in it, closed-cell options are the most preferable, since the thermal conductivity of such a material will be stable, while open-cell will significantly increase the thermal conductivity.

Porous materials such as cellulose, being in constant moisture, are prone to rotting, to the formation of mold, and even if initially it is not a year or two due to the use of special chemistry, it will manifest itself later. So the benefit of using PPU is fully obvious.

In cars, seats, a front dashboard, various door linings, etc. are made of polyurethane foam. They even make bee hives out of polyurethane foam. All these things undergo strict quality control for the safety of human use. Industrial PPU is the same mattress, but very hard and can be stuck on a wall or even a ceiling. In the section of our website called you will find confirmation that polyurethane foam various manufacturers after application and polymerization, it does not emit harmful substances, and there are simply no terrible formaldehydes and other harmful resins in polyurethane foam.

The properties of polyurethane foam allow it to be used in the construction of children's and medical institutions, in Food Industry where the requirements for clean air and fire safety are especially stringent.

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Is polyurethane foam really harmful?

Polyurethane foam is most often positioned as a "green" building material due to its energy-saving properties. It insulates better than fiberglass or cellulose, as well as many other materials. However, when evaluating environmental friendliness, it is important to consider whether polyurethane foam in liquid or solid form is harmful to health. When considering materials such as polyurethane foam, health damage is assessed by analyzing the side effects that chemicals in its composition can cause. When dried, a correctly applied PPU layer does not emit any substances into the atmosphere, harmful fumes are possible only with unprofessional handling. Let's look at the worst case.

Harmful properties of polyurethane foam components

The components of the polyurethane foam mixture in liquid form create potentially dangerous fumes, which cause possible harm from polyurethane foam. Therefore, personnel directly spraying PU foam, as well as people in the vicinity of the spraying site, must use appropriate protective equipment. Subject to all safety measures, even in liquid form, the mixture is not hazardous to health. Manufacturers rightly claim that dried polyurethane foam is not harmful to health if the ingredients of both phases are properly mixed and reacted to the end. If the correct chemical reaction does not occur, the components of the mixture may release toxic fumes. Consider the harmfulness of polyurethane foam in this case:

• Isocyanates found in paints, PU foams and other foam materials can cause asthma as an occupational disease in workers who come into direct contact with these substances without protection.
• Amine catalysts can cause hypersensitivity and irritation resulting in blurred vision. Is liquid PUF harmful when constantly inhaled? Such contact can cause severe irritation, ulcers, and burns to the mouth, throat, and esophagus.
• The polyol manifests itself only in direct contact with the body (for example, when swallowed), provoking vomiting, spasms and intoxication of the central nervous system
• Flame retardants can accumulate in the body, causing chronic poisoning even at low doses of evaporation.

You need to understand that polyurethane is harmful only if used incorrectly, using low-quality sprayers and lacking special protection when working with this material. Sprayed polyurethane foam is harmful only if safety rules are not followed.

Is polyurethane foam insulation harmful for residential premises?

This question worries the vast majority of amateur builders, since very often special additives are a secret of production, and it is not possible to find out how harmful polyurethane foam is. Any mixture produced undergoes the most severe tests to confirm its non-toxicity under different operating conditions. So the actual harm of PPU is zero if you use a mixture from a trusted manufacturer that has all the necessary quality and safety certificates.

Polyurethane foam and harm to health: how to avoid negative consequences?

Three main mistakes are made in working with PPU:

• Non-compliance with operating requirements
• Ignoring protective equipment in direct contact with liquid mixtures PPU
• Use of poor quality sprayers

Advice from a professional

To minimize inhalation of vapors during spraying or deposition on internal surfaces, it is recommended to provide good ventilation processed premises.

Our article on polyurethane foam spraying technology will help you avoid the first two mistakes. Regarding the atomizer, it is preferable to use devices high pressure, which ensure uniform mixing of both phases of the mixture with 100% completion of the chemical reaction, so that the question of whether polyurethane foam components are harmful disappears. In addition, such spraying provides a guaranteed quality of the coating.

9th International Exhibition "Wooden housing construction/HOLZHAUS" was held from 13 to 16 November at the IEC "Crocus Expo". And if exhibits promoting polystyrene foam have practically disappeared at this exhibition - how effective to use insulator for low-rise wooden housing construction, then the exhibits in which polyurethane foam enough has been presented. The questions that arose during the conference held on the use of these materials in construction are answered by this article.

AT last years Foamed polymer heat-insulating materials are widely used. Indeed, from the point of view of thermal physics, these are the most effective heat insulators. But when it comes to housing, such a product of the construction industry, with which a person has to communicate daily for many hours for decades, thermophysical properties alone are not enough. Here the main thing is chemical safety and durability.

The main cause of chemical hazard lies in nature polymer materials. The fact is that:

1. The polymerization process does not go to the end, but only by 97-98%;

2. The polymerization process is reversible, therefore, polymers are constantly decomposing (destruction process) under the influence of light, oxygen, ozone, water, mechanical and ionizing influences, and especially under the influence of heat. The combination of these factors leads to a relatively short service life of polymers - an average of 15-20 years, after which they turn into powder.

Polymers are dispersed organic compounds that have a very high surface contact with atmospheric oxygen with the occurrence of an oxidation reaction. And the products of their oxidation, even at room temperature, adversely affect environment. Moreover, with increasing temperature, the rate of oxidation increases.

All polymeric heaters are FIRE DANGEROUS and the main damaging factor in case of fires are volatile combustion products of foamed polymers. Only 18% of people die from burns, the rest - from POISONING.

According to the classification for fire hazard, all FOAMED POLYMERS belong to the class "G", that is, "COMBUSTABLE MATERIALS".
Problem fire hazard Foam plastics are usually considered from two sides:
- the danger of the actual combustion of polymers (pyrolysis),
- danger of products of thermal decomposition and oxidation of the material (destruction).

Toxicological danger of polystyrene foam

At first glance, EPS foam should be the safest among organic polymers. in the process of its polymerization, foaming and subsequent degassing, the toxicity of STYRENE should be eliminated. However, POLYSTYRENE (PS), from which POLYSTYRENE FOAM is made, refers to equilibrium polymers, i.e. is in thermodynamic equilibrium with its highly toxic monomer - STYRENE (C):

PS n \u003d PS n-1 + C.

Therefore, this polymer is subject to the process of depolymerization with the release of the monomer - STYRENE.

STYRENE is a highly toxic substance. The heart suffers from microdoses of styrene, women have special problems (styrene is an embryogenic poison that causes deformity of the fetus in the mother's womb). Styrene has a strong effect on the liver, causing, among other things, toxic hepatitis. Styrene vapors irritate mucous membranes. He has the tightest clearance of all toxic substances(the MPC day value of STYRENE is 1500 times less than, for example, that of carbon monoxide) that can be released from building materials (see table 1)

Such a low MPC value for styrene and, accordingly, the multiple excess of its MPC norms in the room is caused by the special properties of styrene. This substance belongs to condensed aromatic compounds that have one or more benzene nuclei in their molecule, and, like similar substances (benzene, benzopyrene), has increased cumulative properties: it accumulates in the liver and is not excreted. Substances of this group are particularly dangerous. For example, benzopyrene is an active carcinogen with MPC 0.000001 mg/m3.

There are two concepts for assessing the impact of harmful substances on the human body:

Threshold. The threshold concept states that it is necessary to reduce the concentration of harmful substances to a certain level (threshold) determined by the value of the maximum permissible concentration (MAC). The conclusion follows from this provision: low concentrations of harmful substances (below the MPC level) are harmless. In our country (as well as in other countries former USSR) it is the threshold concept that is adopted. Linear. The linear concept assumes that the harmful effect on a person is proportional (linearly) dependent on the total amount of the absorbed substance. Hence the conclusion: low concentrations with prolonged consumption are harmful. This concept is followed by the USA, Germany, Canada, Japan and some other countries. But when considering the toxic danger of exposure to harmful substances on humans, it is necessary to take into account the degree of their COMMULATIVENESS, i.e. the ability of a substance to accumulate in the human body over time.

STYRENE among the substances contained in building materials has the highest degree of commutativity - 0.7 (see table 1). If we imagine that polystyrene 160 mm thick (in a three-layer panel) will last 20 years, then during this period each sq. meter outer wall will release 3 mg/h of styrene. When 10% of this amount enters the room and air is supplied in the amount of 30 m3/m2 h, the styrene concentration will be 0.0075 mg/m3. With a temporary stay in such a room and orientation to the daily MPC = 0.002 mg/m3, the excess of the MPC for styrene will be 3.75 times.

Therefore, for a dwelling with a residence time of 25 years, the MPC value for styrene should be reduced by a factor of 594 and be 0.0000034 mg/m3 (see table).

Table 1. Decrease in the MPC value of harmful substances, taking into account their degree of cumulativeness.

Conclusion: STYRENE requires a reduction in MPC when used in housing construction by approximately 600 times to a level of 0.0000034 mg/m3, which is equivalent to a complete ban on the use of EPS in housing construction.

Combustibility of expanded polystyrene

Due to this property, expanded polystyrene in the form of pre-foamed granules was used as a component for napalm bombs to burn enemy armored vehicles. Expanded polystyrene melts and its melt burns with a temperature above 1100ºС. It is the only polymer that burns at such a high temperature. Therefore, when a building catches fire, in which there is a significant content of polystyrene foam, everything burns, even metal structures.

In turn, during the combustion of polystyrene, its thermal degradation occurs, during which a significant amount of substances hazardous to humans are released. Therefore, even in the Soviet Union unified system sanitary-chemical control of the use of polymeric materials Ministry of Health of the USSR banned the use of expanded polystyrene in construction.

In connection with the above, in Western Europe 20 years ago, expanded polystyrene was completely removed from residential buildings. The main peaceful use of expanded polystyrene in northern Europe and Canada - for insulation of road and railway tracks. To give the road durability, slabs of this material are added to the body of its “layer cake”. Moreover, not foamed, but extruded polystyrene foam (technology developed by BASF, Germany) is used, which has a rigid and durable shell. This makes it possible for expanded polystyrene not to be saturated with moisture, maintain its heat-insulating ability and prevent freezing of the roadway - which is the main reason for its rapid destruction. The use of expanded polystyrene in greenhouses is also effective, especially in northern regions. Studies have shown that toxic STYRENE is not released into a humid environment, but remains in the Styrofoam without causing any harm. In addition, under a layer of sand, gravel or soil, the fire hazard of expanded styrene is out of the question. That's where the place of this material.

Fire hazard of polyurethane foams ("Isolation of a full set of chemical warfare agents")

Unlike expanded polystyrene, rigid polyurethane foam is an inert, toxic polymer with a neutral odor. For this reason, it is widely applied to refrigerator storage food products. Polyurethane foam does not create toxic emissions that cause human disease or death.

But as a result of the combustion of polyurethane foams and polyisocyanurate foams, a mixture of low molecular weight thermal decomposition products and their combustion products is always formed. The composition of the mixture depends on temperature and oxygen access.

The process of dissociation of polyurethane foam into the original components - polyisocyanate and polyol - begins after heating the material to 170-200°C.

With prolonged exposure to high temperatures above 250 ° C, most thermosetting plastics, as well as rigid polyurethane foams, gradually decompose.

When the isocyanate component is heated above 300°C, it decomposes to form volatile polyureas (yellow smoke) in the case of flexible polyurethane foams or to form non-volatile polycarbodimmides and polyureas in the case of rigid polyurethane foams and polyisocyanurate foams. Thermal decomposition of the polyisocyanate and polyol occurs.

At temperatures exceeding 300°C, the destruction of polyisocyanurate foam begins, which, unlike polyurethane foam, contains a more stable isocyanurate cycle. The temperature at which a sufficient amount of combustible decomposition products are formed, which can be ignited by flames, sparks or combustible surfaces, for rigid polyurethane foams from 320 ° C.

For rigid polyurethane foams based on special grades of polyisocyanate, the decomposition temperature with the release of combustible gases is in the range from 370 ° C to 420 ° C. In addition, during the decomposition of various polyurethane foams when heated to 450 ° C, the following compounds were identified: carbon dioxide (carbon dioxide), butane, tetrahydrofuran, dihydrofuran, butanedione, water, hydrocyanic (cyanic) acid and carbon monoxide (carbon monoxide).

Carbon monoxide (carbon monoxide, carbon monoxide, CO).

The main toxic component of the combustion products of polyurethane foams and polyisocyanurate foams at all stages of a fire, both at low and at high temperatures, is carbon monoxide.

The natural level of CO in the air is 0.01 - 0.9 mg/m3, and on the highways of Russia, the average concentration of CO is from 6-57 mg/m3, exceeding the poisoning threshold. Carbon monoxide (carbon monoxide) is toxic, it has the ability to combine with blood hemoglobin 200-300 times faster than oxygen. The blood becomes unable to carry enough oxygen from the lungs to the tissues, and rapid and severe poisoning ensues.

At a content of 0.08% CO in the inhaled air, a person feels a headache, nausea, weakness and suffocation. At 1% concentration of carbon monoxide in the room after 1-2 minutes, it has a deadly effect. With an increase in CO concentration to 0.32%, paralysis and loss of consciousness occur (death occurs after 30 minutes). At a concentration above 1.2%, consciousness is lost after 2-3 breaths, a person dies in less than 3 minutes.

Hydrocyanic acid (cyanic acid, hydrogen cyanide, formic acid nitrile, HCN).

In the combustion products of polyurethane foams and polyisocyanurates, the presence of hydrocyanic acid is observed, the release of which is 10 times less than the content of carbon monoxide.

Hydrocyanic acid (hydrogen cyanide, hydrocyanic acid) (HCN) - colorless clear liquid with a boiling point of boiling - + 25.7 ° C. Due to its low boiling point, hydrocyanic acid is very volatile, especially in a fire. This is a very strong poison of general toxic action. It has a peculiar intoxicating smell, reminiscent of the smell of bitter almonds.

Average daily maximum allowable concentration (MPC) of hydrocyanic acid in the air populated areas equal to 0.01 mg/m3; in work areas industrial enterprise- 0.3 mg/m3. Acid concentrations below 50.0 mg/m3 are unsafe if inhaled for many hours and lead to poisoning. At 80 mg/m3, poisoning occurs regardless of exposure. If you stay in an atmosphere containing 100 mg/m3 for 15 minutes, this will lead to severe injuries, and more than 15 minutes - to death. Exposure to concentrations of 200 mg/m3 for 10 minutes and 300 mg/m3 for 5 minutes is also lethal. Both gaseous and liquid hydrocyanic acid are absorbed through the skin. Therefore, with a long stay in an atmosphere with a high concentration of acid without skin protection, even in a gas mask, there will be signs of poisoning as a result of resorption.

Among the products of thermal decomposition (destruction) of polyurethane foams containing polyethylene glycols, methane, ethane, propane, butane, ethylene oxide, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, ethylene glycol, water and carbon monoxide are found. In addition to the listed substances, propylene, isobutylene, trichlorofluoromethane, acrolein, propanal, methylene chloride, and traces of other substances that do not contain nitrogen atoms were also found in the decomposition products of polyols.

If there is no external source of ignition, then the products of thermal decomposition ignite only at temperatures from 450 °C to 550 °C. When heated above 600 °C, the resulting polyureas and polycarbodimmides decompose with the release of a large number low molecular weight volatile compounds such as benzene, toluene, benzonitrile, toluenenitrile. It was also shown that the aromatic ring of the listed nitrogen-containing compounds is split according to the law of chance with the formation of acrylonitrile, a large number of unsaturated compounds.

In a real fire, the products of thermal destruction actively burn with the formation of water, carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide, as well as nitrogen oxides.

When choosing such a heater, it is necessary to remember that: polyurethane foams and polyisocyanurates foams, in comparison with other organic materials, release a significant amount of toxic products when exposed to high temperatures.

But, unfortunately, in our country there are many organizations that “produce” polyurethane foam components in a handicraft way. Therefore, after some time, the material decomposes, the thermophysical characteristics are an order of magnitude worse than those recommended, the concept of "durability" in this case is not applicable at all. As a rule, no flame retardant is added to this surrogate. Therefore, such "polyurethane foam" burns well with the release of a variety of chemical warfare chemicals.

Not in construction input control. Thermal insulation work building structures mainly lie on the conscience of invited workers, most often guest workers.

In conclusion, we present data on the concentration of volatile toxic substances released during a fire and their impact.

table 2

With the simultaneous entry of combustion products into the human body, a complex effect of joint exposure is observed, and an increase in temperature during a fire increases the sensitivity of the body to the toxic effects of harmful substances.

Such a common material as polyurethane foam was born more than 80 years ago. It is characterized by the widest scope - it is needed in construction, used to create warm insulating materials, mattresses are also made on its basis, which will be discussed in our article. Polyurethane foam mattress - a health hazard or a reliable sleep accessory? What is better polyurethane foam or spring mattress?

In fact, the opinions of experts often differ. Some argue that polyurethane foam, in the form in which it is used in mattresses, is not harmful. In the same time, some experts refute this, citing research results as evidence indicating the presence of emissions of harmful volatile compounds.

In our review, we will talk not only about the chemical, but also about the orthopedic properties of foam mattresses. Why about foam rubber? Yes, because polyurethane foam and foam rubber are, in fact, the same material.

Foam mattresses are made of polyurethane foam - an artificial material with a foam structure. It is used to make various sponges, fillers, insulation materials and more. Since chemical components are used for its production, this causes numerous controversies regarding its harmfulness.

There is confirmed evidence that foam rubber really emits a lot of harmful substances when burned in open flame . But whether the concentration of volatile components is sufficient to cause harm at rest is still unknown. Therefore, foam mattresses are not such a rarity. On the contrary, in the production of cheap mattresses, polyurethane foam has become the most common filler.

Foam rubber has a lot of interesting qualities:

• Does not burn independently (only in the presence of a flame source);
• Quickly restores shape;
• It is very cheap;
• Low thermal conductivity;
• High vapor and moisture resistance.

Due to its properties it becomes an ideal basis for the production of heat-insulating and moisture-proof materials.

Not without drawbacks:

• Polyurethane foam is destroyed by direct sunlight;
• It does not tolerate prolonged contact with water;
• Releases harmful components controversial issue).

As for polyurethane foam mattresses, they also have their advantages and disadvantages. We figured out the polyurethane foam itself - now let's talk about mattresses.

Polyurethane foam mattresses - benefit or harm

Foam mattresses are harmful to health. And it's not even about chemical properties ah polyurethane foam. If we isolate the foam from external environment, then the mattress will still be dangerous. Let's see what its danger is.

Human health directly depends on the condition of the spine. By exercising, following a diet, watching your posture and your weight, we are doing a good deed and give the spine health. But all efforts are often broken on dangerous polyurethane foam mattresses. The whole point is that orthopedists strongly recommend sleeping on fairly rigid grounds- especially for this, excellent orthopedic mattresses with coconut stuffing are produced, independent blocks springs and other goodies.

As for foam mattresses, they cannot provide healthy conditions for our backs. They bend strongly, and the spine bends along with them - over time, this leads to its curvature and the appearance of degenerative changes that we can see on x-rays and tomograms.

Foam (polyurethane foam) mattresses are too soft. Many people think that sleeping on soft base very comfortably. But the body itself does not think so - if by morning you feel numbness, tingling in the muscles, stiffness in movements and a complete lack of mood, you should know that your foam mattress.

Yes, polyurethane foam mattresses have their advantages:

• Affordable price - due to this they are widely used;
• Easy to transport - they can be twisted, crushed, bent;
• Easy to clean.

But any positive properties easily crossed out by the shortcomings:

• Foam rubber mattresses are harmful to the spine;
• Foam rubber releases harmful substances into the air (according to some experts).

Sleeping on polyurethane foam mattresses is not recommended for children or adults. If you happened to buy a children's foam mattress, you can safely send it to the trash can. It does not provide sufficient support for the spine, which will lead to numerous problems in the future.. Children under two years old are recommended to sleep on more rigid bases, such as coconut mattresses, so a polyurethane foam mattress, even if reinforced with other materials to stiffen it, is highly undesirable.

Foam rubber mattresses are also harmful due to their chemical properties. Many experts argue that the concentration of harmful substances in the air near the surface of the mattress is too high, so neither children nor adults are recommended to sleep on them. If you want to give your spine and body health and longevity, choose mattresses made from safer materials, such as coconut fiber.

The modern development of production has brought polyurethane foam to the forefront of the market as a filler for mattresses.

What is polyurethane foam for mattresses

In everyday life, it has a simple name - foam rubber. Its main component is polyurethane foam, which contains about 90% air. It is produced in the form of special blocks, which are obtained by pouring foam into molds.

It is a softening and supporting material that has elasticity and resilience. It does not crumble, does not cake, there is no creasing. Therefore, the material is widely used for filling various mattresses.

Pros and cons of the material

This is an artificial filler that has several advantages:

• Modern production of the material allows you to create a practical filler that is suitable for proper and full sleep;
• The cost of foam rubber is distinguished by its availability;
• Resistant to strong pressure;
• It has orthopedic properties, due to its ability to repeat the anatomical outline of the human body;
• Air exchange is carried out due to the cellular structure of the material, which ensures unhindered passage of air, which means hygienic cleanliness;
• Easily transported;
• Low cost.

Important! when choosing a mattress with polyurethane foam, you should not pay attention to products that have very low price. This threatens that the purchased item will be of poor quality and may be harmful to health. Fake goods are produced without observing the required technology, so they are not safe.

In spite of a large number of advantages of foam rubber, although this artificial material, it has a number of disadvantages that should be remembered:

• Moisture absorption, it is able to absorb even moist air;
• Labor-intensive in the care process, foam rubber is very difficult to clean at home, which leads to additional costs for dry cleaning.

Given all the pros and cons, when choosing a mattress with such a filler, you should carefully check the correctness of its production and the quality of the material used.

Classification of polyurethane foam mattresses

All types of products are classified into two options:

• spring;
• Bess spring.

Additional grouping of goods is carried out by rigidity. Very rarely, mattresses are made on the basis of only PPU blocks. The height of the product is up to 15 cm. Another option is to add foam rubber with layers of felt or coconut, which provide additional rigidity, or latex and strutto.

Is a polyurethane foam mattress harmful to health?

This controversial issue does not go unnoticed in the modern world. Polyurethane foam is a polymer based on organic compounds. They are derived from oil - these are hydrocarbons. In the process of heating the material to the temperature of the human body, it emits a harmful odor and chemical elements.

This fact is the main component of the opinion about the dangers of foam rubber. But there is one argument in favor of the filler. Toxicity is caused by improper production of foam rubber. Hence the conclusion that the purchase of a mattress with such a filling element should be based on the right choice.

What is better latex or polyurethane foam in a mattress

Latex and foam rubber have a number of differences in order to understand which filler is better to carry out. comparative analysis materials.

The first option is natural material, it is obtained by processing the rubber tree. It has a number of advantages - it is antibacterial, nice smell, porous structure, contributing to the passage of air and ventilation of the material, ease of care and orthopedic effect.

Of the minuses, it should be noted the high cost, since it is a natural component, and heavy transportation due to the large weight.

As for polyurethane foam, this is an artificial component that is produced using modern technologies. Its advantages are:

• affordable price;
• the presence of the same properties as latex;
• safety for health during operation;
• possibility and ease of transportation.

Of the minuses of this material, one can note a shorter service life than that of latex, lower wear resistance and permissible load on the material.

To summarize, both materials are quite suitable for use as a filler for a mattress, but latex will be better. But it should be borne in mind that it is better to purchase a product with a foam element on a spring basis - this will increase the life of the mattress and increase comfort during sleep.

Buying a mattress takes a lot of time. The choice should be based not only on personal preferences, but also on the characteristics of a person’s health, take into account his weight and sleep duration.