What are folding mattresses and how to choose them?

Among all the products that guarantee a comfortable stay, folding mattresses are highly and well-deserved popularity. There are enough reasons for this, but the main one is the obvious ease of use. It is not difficult to choose the right model of a transformer mattress: it is enough to know what these products are and what is remarkable about each of their varieties.

The characteristic feature of folding mattresses is clear from their name. They are made up of several segments connected by strips of durable fabric. The largest number on the market is a three-section version of the transformer - this decision is considered to be a classic one. You can also find mattresses with two segments, folding in half, and less common models, the number of sections in which can be up to six.

Another feature of the products under consideration is the way they are stored and transported. Regular mattresses are rolled up, while folding mattresses turn into "accordion" or "book". This solution allows you to achieve the following advantages:

• significant space savings;
• preservation of the internal structure of the product;
• the possibility of using a folded mattress as a pouf.

The described type of product can be useful in many situations, the main ones are presented below.

• Lack of bed or sofa. In such cases, a transformer mattress is the best solution that saves money for its owner.
• Relax outside the home (on the lawn, in a van or tent). In such cases, it is justified to use folding products with enhanced protection against water and dust.
• Arrival of guests. First of all, this applies to dwellings in which there is no free sofa or bed. In such a situation, the "guest" mattress can be a real godsend.
• Lack of large storage space. Alternatively, the folded transformer can be placed in a closet or trunk. For thin models, a large laundry box in a pull-out sofa bed is suitable.
• The need for convenient transportation. A carrying bag helps to solve this problem (it also protects the folding mattress from external influences).
• Change the softness of the sofa used. Unlike toppers, the products under consideration have no height restrictions, and their design may provide for the presence of spring blocks.

There are many criteria when choosing a folding mattress. There are three main ones - filling material, product rigidity and presence or absence of springs.

Among all the materials used in transformer mattresses, certain types are most common.

• Coira. This filler is made from coconut intercarp fibers. Its main feature is rigidity. Coir is also chosen by connoisseurs of natural materials and durability (the average service life is 15 years or more, the likelihood of rotting tends to zero).
• Latex. Elastic and environmentally friendly filler, which is deservedly in high demand. Like coira, it is very durable.
• A combination of coconut fiber and latex. This option is most often used in orthopedic models and is characterized by pronounced elasticity.
• Polyurethane foam. The main advantage is its versatility (the manufacturer of this synthetic material can give it any rigidity). Of the minuses - the absorption and retention of moisture, as well as a relatively small operational resource (about 10 years).
• Foam rubber. A budget solution with no orthopedic qualities. Products with such a filler quickly lose their shape, and therefore are not recommended for purchase.

Depending on the degree of rigidity, there are 3 main groups of transformer mattresses.

• Tough. They practically do not bend under the mass of a sleeping person. They are the best solution for people weighing more than 90 kg and for babies whose spine is just forming and requires additional support. The main material of such products is coconut fiber.
• Soft. Unlike hard mattresses, they flex very easily - even with slight pressure. First of all, they are suitable for elderly people who are not overweight. The optimal filling material is natural latex.
• Average. A universal solution suitable for the vast majority of consumers. Of the materials, the most preferred combination of latex and coir.

In general, people with a body weight of 55 to 90 kg can use mattresses of any level of firmness (often personal preference is the decisive factor). There are two exceptions to this rule - people over 50 years old, and patients suffering from diseases of the musculoskeletal system.

The first option assumes the presence of a spring block. There are two varieties of the latter.

• Bonnel. A feature of this design is the placement of springs in 1 row, followed by their connection with a thin wire. This technology cannot provide point support for the spinal column, and therefore is used less and less. As a rule, a spring block of this type is found in products of the budget category.
• Independent. Unlike the previous one, it consists of separate elements placed in special pockets. This contributes to a rational distribution of the load and guarantees the most comfortable rest. A transformer mattress with an independent spring block is more expensive than the version with a bonnel, but it is ideal for daily use.

As for springless models, filler is the key element for them. The latter can be of both natural and artificial origin, as already mentioned earlier. Especially popular are products with pronounced elasticity, designed for children, adolescents and middle-aged people. These mattresses provide optimal support for the body during rest, which allows them to be categorized as anatomical.

Currently, there are many sizes of folding mattresses on the market, among which the consumer can easily select the option that suits him. If the client does not like the standard formats of transformers, he can order the product with the dimensions he is interested in (provided that such an option is provided by the manufacturer).

The main sizes of folding mattresses are:

• Single beds. The width of the standard version is 80-90 cm, the length is 190-200 cm.The most popular formats are 80x190, 80x200 and 90x190 cm.
• One-and-a-half. They differ from the previous variation in width, which is about 50% larger (most often - about 120 cm).
• Doubles. With the previously mentioned length, the width is 140-200 cm.The most popular format for a double transformer mattress is 160x200 cm.

The thinnest folding mattresses are 3-4 cm high and in most cases are used for outdoor recreation. The specific value of the thickness of the product is determined by the density of the filler and the number of layers, as well as the presence or absence of a spring block.

Talking about transforming mattresses, it is worth paying attention to those of them that are most popular. The exact price of a product is determined by its size.

The main material of the product is synthetic latex. The high density of the filler guarantees resistance to deformation, which is organically combined with moderate softness. Thanks to the properties of artificial latex, this model will not be damaged by dents for many years. The mattress can be used either alone or in combination with another product underneath - as a topper. The maximum load for 1 berth is 90 kg, the height is 6 cm, the price is from 3910 to 10450 rubles.

The composition of the filler of the transformer under consideration is represented by two materials - coconut coir and elastic foam. The first is characterized by greater rigidity: it almost does not bend under load, which, first of all, is important for the prevention of diseases of the spine. As for the second material, it better follows the contours of the figure, without exerting strong pressure on the blood vessels. The maximum load for 1 berth is 90 kg, the height is 12 cm, the price is from 6400 to 18,540 rubles.

Another double-filled model. The central part of the mattress is represented by a rigid layer of coir, and the top and bottom are made of synthetic latex. This combination is suitable for most consumers who like comfortable products with a medium level of elasticity. The maximum load for 1 berth is 90 kg, the height is 16 cm, the price is from 6990 to 20850 rubles.

This transformer offers its owners two sides with varying degrees of rigidity. The first is characterized by moderate softness with a pronounced memory effect, due to which it promotes maximum relaxation of tense muscles. The second side is made from coconut coir and has a moderate level of firmness. First of all, it is suitable for people suffering from lack of physical activity. The maximum load for 1 berth is 100 kg, the height is 11 cm, the price is from 8400 to 25840 rubles.

Unlike the models discussed above, this mattress has a spring design. It is represented by independent elements, the density of which is 256 units per 1 sq. m. The first side of the product is relatively hard, which is explained by the coir that forms it, and the second is made of synthetic latex and is distinguished by pronounced softness. Both fillers organically interact with the spring block, which clearly follows the contours of the figure.

Maximum load for 1 berth - 110 kg, height - 19 cm, price - from 9860 to 27090 rubles. As for the warranty for all listed products, it is 2 or 3 years (depending on the manufacturer).

There are several basic conditions that must be met to choose the right folding mattress.

• High quality of the product. The quality of the materials used and the absence of external defects are its characteristic features. It should also be remembered that a quality product cannot be too cheap.
• Manufacturer. The priority option is brands that have been on the market for many years.
• Compliance with the requirements of the future owner. If there are no specific wishes (for example, a transformer is purchased in case of the arrival of guests), models with medium rigidity are a universal solution.In the presence of severe health problems, the client needs a preliminary consultation with the attending physician.
• Outdoor use. There are two main criteria for outdoor recreation - durability and the absence of problems with removing dirt. Also, in such cases, it is justified to use mattresses that can withstand increased stress.
• Maximum weight. In order for the transformer to serve for a long time, this parameter must be foreseen in advance. Otherwise, the permissible load may be exceeded, which will adversely affect the condition of the product.

By following the recommendations above, you can acquire a product that will more than justify the money spent on it. Comfortable, beautiful and resistant to wear and tear, it will delight each of its owners - both unpretentious and very demanding.