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Sleep well on a point-elastic base

Cold foam mattresses are one of the most popular types of mattress. The stable foam bases offer a high level of comfort and support the body well.

What are the advantages of cold foam mattresses?

• Cold foam mattresses are point-elastic home textiles: they only give way in the places where they are stressed and adapt to the individual. Heavier areas such as the shoulders sink deeper and the spine is supported.
• The mattresses are elastic and flexible – and comfortable. They are designed to help reduce back pain and help you wake up more refreshed in the morning.
• Cold foam mattresses also score points for their low weight as well as their durability and stability. The foam quickly returns to its original shape.
• In addition, the pads do not make any noise when you turn.
• The pores in the foam ensure climate regulation and ventilation. The trapped air forms a warming cushion. So cold foam can be for you if you are cold at night.
• To produce cold foam, polyurethane (PU) is foamed. The material then hardens at room temperature without being heated – hence the name cold foam. It is different with comfort foam mattresses.

Which mattress firmness is right for me?

• Mattresses are classified into degrees of firmness. This tells you how hard or soft the base is and how deeply your body sinks into it. There are no standardized values, but the information is usually similar.
• Your body weight is a guideline for your choice . However, your personal preference also plays a role. Some people like to sleep on soft surfaces, others prefer to sleep on hard surfaces.
• Soft mattresses with a firmness level of 1 (H1) are among the exceptions and are aimed at light people with a body weight of no more than 55 kg – i.e. mainly children and young people.
• Medium- soft foam mattresses with firmness level 2 (H2) are designed for a body weight of up to 80 kg.
• Variants with hardness level 3 (H3) are firmer and more stable than H1 and H2. They are recommended if you weigh up to 100 kg or prefer firmer surfaces.
• Hardness level 4 (H4) is recommended if you weigh more than 100 kg. Such mattresses are considered hard.
• Mattresses with a firmness level of 5 (H5) are very firm and hard . They are suitable if you weigh more than 130 kg.
• Tip: Some mattresses can be turned over to get different degrees of firmness. For example, they offer H2 on one side and H3 on the other.

Important criteria: How do I choose a cold foam mattress?

Reclining areas

Foam mattresses usually have different lying zones. This applies to cold foam mattresses as well as gel foam or viscoelastic mattresses. The areas are of different firmness to stabilize individual parts of the body. This means that pressure and weight are evenly distributed across the base. Seven zones are now standard. The head, neck and feet receive medium-firm support, while the shoulders, pelvis and calves can sink into soft zones. The lower back and legs rest on firm sections. Your spine remains in a straight position even when lying on your side. Models with five or nine zones are less common.

Tip: With a 7-zone mattress, it doesn’t matter which part is on top. The areas are mirror images of each other: the pelvis is always in the middle. The lying zones to the right and left of it are the same.

Sleep type

With cold foam mattresses, it doesn’t really matter what type of sleeper you are – whether you prefer to sleep on your side, back or stomach. Most variants suit every preference thanks to their seven lying zones. But to be on the safe side, pay attention to the information in the product description.

Density

The density is an important feature that tells you something about the quality of the mattress, namely how many kilograms of foam per cubic meter (kg/m³) are in the mattress – in other words, how high its density is. A higher density means that the mattress is more long-lasting and durable and retains its shape better. The value is usually between 20 and 70 kg/cm³. From a density of 40 kg/cm³ the quality is considered very good, from 50 kg/cm³ you can assume that the mattress is of high quality.

Freedom from pollutants

Cold foam mattresses are generally free of harmful substances. This is important because you spend a lot of time in your bed and should not breathe in toxic fumes. If you want to be absolutely sure, you should look for certification. If the mattress is tested according to Oeko-Tex Standard 100 , it does not contain any toxins and is also suitable for allergy sufferers.

Height

A thicker core makes cold foam mattresses more comfortable to lie on. But it also depends on your weight: if you weigh more, the base should be higher so that you can sink in better. 15 to 20 cm is common, but you can also find versions of up to 25 cm. Incidentally, a higher mattress also makes it easier to get up and lie down. This is helpful for people with limited mobility or the elderly, for example. For children and young people, thinner models of 10 to 14 cm in height are sufficient.

length and width

Cold foam mattresses are 200 cm long as standard, which is the same length as a conventional bed. Lengths of 210 or 220 cm are available for particularly tall people. The width is usually between 90 and 180 cm. There are also extra-wide variants, around 200 cm. Which one is right for you depends on your preferences: how much space do you need when you sleep and do you sleep alone or with a partner? You get a continuous, large sleeping surface with models from 160 cm. If you and your partner like mattresses of different hardness, you can choose two single mattresses, for example with a width of 90 cm each.

Tip: You can bridge the gap between two mattresses with a large topper, i.e. a soft, large mattress pad.

Relation

Cold foam mattresses are less able to wick away moisture than spring-core versions. However, this task can be taken over by a breathable cover. If it is removable and washable, this is particularly hygienic and particularly helpful for allergy sufferers. With many bases, the cover can be easily removed using a zipper.

The right frame: Which bed system suits the mattress?

Slatted frame

A slatted frame is useful for foam mattresses because it allows air to circulate better. Thanks to their padding, these mattresses are flexible. This makes them suitable for adjustable slatted frames, where you can flexibly raise the headboard for reading or watching TV. You can also combine such a mattress with a rigid slatted frame.

Open bed frame

For good ventilation, cold foam mattresses should be placed in a bed frame that is open at the bottom . Beds at ground level or those with an integrated bed box are better suited to breathable spring mattresses. Since cold foam mattresses insulate heat better, they need more air to release moisture. They can then dry better, which prevents the formation of mold. Metal or wooden beds on raised feet therefore harmonize with these mattresses.

8 tips: How do I care for a foam mattress?

1. After unpacking, you should place a cold foam mattress on the slatted frame and leave it uncovered for a day. This gives the foam time to fully expand and any odors evaporate.
2. To keep the mattress fresh and dry, you should air it regularly with the window open. The best way to do this is to stand it upright, which shouldn’t be a big problem because these mattresses are quite light.
3. Unlike Bonell spring mattresses, you should not turn models with cold foam over – unless it is actually a reversible mattress.
4. Instead, rotate the mattress approximately every two months: swap the head and foot sides so that the cold foam core is evenly ventilated.
5. Use the vacuum cleaner to regularly remove dead skin, hair and dust. First, remove sheets, pillows and bedding from the bed, use the upholstery attachment on the vacuum cleaner and set it to a low setting.
6. Protect the mattress with a mattress protector or topper.
7. Wash the removable covers and the slipcover in the washing machine at 60 °C approximately every three months. But first check the care instructions on the label.
8. After about eight years, every mattress will be worn out. Then you should replace it with a new model.