For whom is a cotton mattress suitable, and for whom a foam mattress - which is better, more convenient and practical?

Good old cotton wool (batting) and foam rubber are still in demand. Both options are ideal for a summer house or a rented apartment: cheap, time-tested, comfortable, soft. The product is easy to transport by rolling it up. You can lay it on a hard, uncomfortable sofa. It remains to be seen which mattress is better, cotton or foam?

What is a cotton mattress?

Cotton mattresses are made from cotton wool, but not ordinary cotton wool, but sewing cotton wool, obtained from cotton. For stuffing, recyclable materials and regenerated fiber can be used - remnants of cotton, wool, and synthetic production. They practically do not differ in quality.

Thanks to modern technologies, sewing wool does not clump for a long time.

The filler is distributed in the case using an industrial hair dryer. Afterwards the product is quilted. The special quilting is called picking. The larger the peak on a cotton mattress, the better it holds its shape. With a product width of 140 cm, the normal number of peaks is 54 pcs.

Advantages and disadvantages

With the development of technology, cotton mattresses have faded into the background. Undoubtedly, they are inferior in convenience and quality to modern models with an independent spring block, latex, or orthopedic foam. But they have several significant advantages:

• Cheap - cotton mattresses are the cheapest.
• Natural - in most cases they are made of cotton and wool.
• Mobility and compactness - easily folded and transported.
• Thermal insulation - retains heat well, but does not overheat in winter.
• Average indicators of elasticity and rigidity are universal, suitable for all people.

The disadvantages of cotton models include:

• Ability to absorb moisture and odors.
• Long drying time.
• Heavy weight.
• They get dirty easily; if not properly cared for, they can become moldy and accumulate dust.

Vata absorbs sweat and other biological fluids well, attracts and itself collapses into dust. Products containing it are much more likely to harbor dust mites and bed bugs.

What is a foam mattress?

Foam rubber is 90% air. It is obtained by foaming solid polyurethane, in other words, plastic. Foam rubber is used to make sponges for washing dishes, seals for windows, furniture... But its quality is different everywhere. The simplest and cheapest foam rubber is too soft and breaks easily.

Today, polyurethane foam, or PU foam, is used to make mattresses. It is more elastic and wear-resistant than regular foam.

The thickness of a foam mattress varies from 7 to 30 cm. Products with a thickness of 15 cm are usually made from higher quality polyurethane foam (PPU). It can be endowed with heat resistance, elasticity, and the ability to “remember” the position of the body. To increase rigidity, polyurethane foam mattresses are combined with coconut slabs.

Advantages and disadvantages

Inexpensive foam mattresses are usually considered as a temporary option when moving, for a country holiday. They have their advantages:

• Affordable.
• They weigh little and are easy to transport (with a small thickness).
• You can choose a product of different thickness and rigidity, with additional functions.
• Hypoallergenic, do not attract dust.
• They dry quickly and are well ventilated - mold, bacteria, and condensation rarely appear in foam rubber.

Disadvantages of foam mattresses (economy option):

• Sensitivity to moisture - quickly absorbs any liquid.
• Capacity for destruction - over time they begin to crumble and lose elasticity.
• Flammability - they flare up quickly and release toxic substances when burned.

What is the difference?

Cotton and foam mattresses are similar in only one way - budget price. They differ in filling, elasticity, weight and many other characteristics.
Comparison in the table:

Which is better to choose?

Reviews more often praise cotton mattresses than foam mattresses. They are cheaper and last longer. People of the older generation are accustomed to them and do not want to change. But it is still more correct to proceed from your situation, weight, and state of health.

• People with bad backs and children should purchase a medium-hard foam mattress with a coconut slab. It will prevent your spine from collapsing. True, such a product will cost a little more.
• If the mattress needs to be rolled up and put away regularly, it is better to give preference to batting - it is less prone to deformation than foam rubber.
• It is more beneficial for allergy sufferers and asthmatics to sleep on synthetic models. They practically do not accumulate dust and allergens, are not subject to rotting, and are less likely to be affected by mold.
• For people with more weight, a cotton mattress is better suited. It retains its shape better.

Questions and answers

How to care for a cotton mattress?

The product cannot be washed, wetted, or kept twisted for a long time. It needs to be vacuumed and ventilated every 2-4 months. To make the filler less likely to clump, it is recommended to turn the product on different sides (the more often, the better). If the cotton wool gets wet, you should immediately begin drying it. Otherwise, mold may appear inside.

How to care for a foam mattress?

To prevent the foam rubber from being destroyed or deformed, it should be stored flat and horizontally. You need to use a mattress cover, regularly ventilate and vacuum the product. It is not advisable to wash foam rubber; it may lose its elasticity. Stains and dirt are removed point by point with a weak soap solution or upholstery cleaner.

Cotton and foam mattresses belong to the budget category. They do not have high performance or durability, but are quite comfortable and easy to transport. If you choose between them, then a cotton mattress will be more versatile and budget-friendly. But foam rubber also has its advantages - it is lighter, softer and accumulates less dirt and dust. You need to weigh all the pros and cons, and also pay attention to the quality of the product. The product should be dense, elastic, with even stitching and a tight cover. Chemical smell is unacceptable.