The newest developments in mattress technology include memory foam, the use of graphite, graphene and natural fibers, and also nanotechnology in designing and constructing mattresses. Developments in mattress technology continue, and today’s mattresses may appear outdated sooner than we think!
Mattress technology does not stand still. Here we will discuss some of the newest developments in mattress technology and how they may benefit you. If you are currently looking for a new bed or mattress, or expect to be shortly, then check out some of these developments.
Memory Foam: Space Age Technology on Your Bed
Memory foam has been designed to react to the pressure and temperature of your body. It softens at the pressure points (shoulders, hips, etc) to allow your body to sink into it without distorting the natural shape of your spine. Fundamentally, memory foam provides ‘full-body’ support – but that’s not all. Once you change position, the foam reverts to its original flatness and then supports your new position.
This technology came from the NASA space program, where it was developed to maximize support for astronauts under the high G-forces they experience. Memory foam now seems an everyday type of foam, but don’t forget the technology behind it. It has made sleeping a better experience for people with many types of orthopedic conditions. Eco-friendly forms of memory foam are now available for today’s mattresses.
Latex Foam Technology
Latex foam originates from the sap of the ‘rubber tree’, particularly the Hevea brasiliensis. There are two processes used to create latex foam from this sap: the Dunlop and Talalay processes. Latex foam has been developed to be highly elastic and resilient, giving excellent pressure-point support. Dunlop latex is best for base layers while Talalay latex is softer, and best for top comfort layers.
However, latex foam is not new technology. What are new are the blends and additives used to modify the latex. Recent latex technology involves blending latex with other substances to create foams with specific properties. It is also possible to manufacture synthetic latex with specific properties that make them good mattress foams.
Graphite latex is an example. Latex foam can be warming, and it has been found that adding graphite to the mix spreads the heat throughout the mattress rather than just at the points of contact. Graphite also acts as a non-toxic fire barrier. This helps reduce the emission of VOCs and other chemicals in the bedroom.
Plant-Based Foams
Plant-based foams use extracts from plants such as Aloe Vera, bamboo, soy, tee tree and others, with individual manufacturers focusing on specific plants rather than a range. Others use substances such as charcoal, graphene (carbon sheets in a honeycomb pattern) and natural oils in the mattress structure. These improve support, comfort, heat dissipation and cooling.
When incorporated into latex and memory foams, such additives can release heat many times faster than standard polyurethane foam mattresses. They can be extremely useful when incorporated into memory foams and latex foams which can sometimes retain heat.
Mattress Cover Technology
Don’t underestimate the importance of the cover on your mattress. It not only provides comfort, but also protection against microbes and allergens. A modern mattress cover doesn’t just keep stuff out of the mattress, it keeps stuff in! Any allergens in the structure of the mattress are kept there. Modern technology has made it possible for designers and manufacturers to maximize the protective properties of mattress covers.
Silver Threads: Take silver-infused and Celiant-infused covers. Silver possess antimicrobial properties. That’s one reason why communion vessels in churches are made from silver – it kills bacteria that may otherwise be passed on. It is also hypoallergenic.
Celiant Energy: Celiant is a trade name – it is a form of synthetic polymer manufactured using polyethylene terephthalate (PET or Polyester) that has particles embedded into its core that are optically active. The particles absorb and convert visible light and infrared radiation (e.g. heat) into a form of energy that can be used by the body to oxygenate tissues. This is claimed to be able to reduce minor aches and pains as you sleep, so you wake up feeling refreshed.
Nanotechnology in Modern Mattress Development
Nanotechnology involves the use of nanoparticles, or very small particles and beads. This is a modern form of technology that is spreading out into the wider industrial world. Tiny gel particles are now incorporated in many types of memory foam. Their purpose is to absorb heat and spread it throughout the structure of the foam, rather than allowing the heat to be focused on the point of contact.
Many people find regular memory foam mattresses to become hot during the night. A newer type of air foam helps keep the mattress cool by dissipating that heat. When you see the term ‘air foam’ or ‘air memory foam’, that shows that some of the newest developments in mattress technology are at work
Newest Developments in Mattress Technology: Conclusion
These are just some of the newest developments in mattress technology at work. What some of these indicate is that the old technology was good enough to be used as a template for the new. Many of the new developments have been incorporated into 80-90 year-old technology. Some new developments have replaced that while others have been used to modify it to meet today’s needs.
Development in mattress technology will never stop. Even today, research is being carried out into developing synthetic latex foams that are better than those made using natural latex. This will continue, along the development of even newer synthetic foams such as memory foam. What else will result from the newest developments in mattress technology? Time will tell.
