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Pillow Science
There is confusion concerning 'foams'. This is because many folk confuse natural foams (latex derived from the rubber tree), with synthetic foams (oil based urethane foam which is the most common foam used in pillows and mattresses and seating).
Latex foam
— Long lasting
— Healthy
— Care
Urethane foam
— Deluxe foam
— Memory Foam
Care instructions for Urethane foam
Foam Discoloration
Foam Treatments
— Ultra-Fresh ®
— HealthGuard ®
We’ll start first with NATURAL LATEX:
It costs more than synthetic foam! That needs to be said. This is due to its labour-intensive extraction from the small tropical tree Heavea Braziliensis. In fact it takes one week of daily harvesting from 30 rubber trees to product enough latex for just one pillow! All latex used in Therapeutic Pillow’s Naturelle pillows, neck rolls, back rolls, knee rolls, and ring cushions (donut cushion) comes from the rubber trees of Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand.
A renewable and sustainable resource.
Long lasting
Latex foam posseses unique properties in that it is resilient, diffuses pressure evenly, and is long lasting. It generally will not soften at the same rate as synthetic foam (it must be said though that premium quality synthetic foams such as that used in the CompleteSleeprrr range of memoryfoam and traditional foam pillows, and selected Tranquillow pillows, Family Pillows and Dual Zone pillow … is at the high end of quality and these pillows will stand the test of time).
Healthy
Latex Naturelle also incorporates thousands of interconnecting cells and this is what gives it its wonderful pressure diffusing properties. And it has anti-bacterial properties that inhibit fungal growth, and as such provides an inhospitable environment for dust mites.
Care
It is not recommended that you immerse latex in water. It will take an eternity to dry, so we suggest you don’t do it. You cannot spin or tumble dry latex because like any similar material it will break up under such pressure and heat. So don’t do it. You can possibly clean the surface only by using a limited solution of warm water and very mild detergent. Dab with a dry cloth. Do not scrunch. Let sit to dry in warm airy environment. Do not subject latex to direct sunlight. Therapeutic Pillow International does not offer any guarantee against its Naturelle range of latex products if you apply water to the the product.
All About Synthetic Foams
Urethane foam
Urethane foams come in hundreds of densities and firmnesses, making for an enormous gulf between quality foam and low-grade foam. We use only premium-grade foams for our products because after nearly 30 years in the business we know that quality foam is the only way to go for continuing support and comfort. Modern foam technology now provides us with the opportunity to marry the optimum density to the individual need ...cushioning, nestling ... no bounce, no rebound!
Low-cost foam versus expensive foam
Good foam holds its support and comfort properties and is expensive. Anyone can make a cheap pillow or back support. Simply carve it from the lowest grade you can get your hands on, wrap it, and sell it for a cheap price. Anyone can do that. Some do. We don't!
Give it the 'dry' test
So how do you tell good foam from foam that will collapse? It's easy. Just rub your finger along the foam, and if it feels dry then you know you will have a problem with a density that will not stand the test of time (go to some discount stores and you will see what we mean!) If it doesn't feel 'dry', and as well has some substance and weight to it, then you know that you have a premium product that will stand the test of time.
In summary, Therapeutic Pillow International doesn't do it on the cheap and, quite simply, you get what you pay for. We pay the extra and only use the best materials for the task.
Some Therapeutic Pillow International pillows and back supports are available in two versions
1. Deluxe foam versions
Carved from premium-grade traditional foam and valued for it's superb comfort and support qualities for people of all physiques. Using open-cellular technology, it is widely known for its longevity and reasonable price. Regarded by many health professionals worldwide as the benchmark for achieving the ideal 'marriage' between comfort and good posture.
2. Memory Foam
"Feeling is believing"
Known as visco-elastic, the NASA-inspired Memory Foam has a different cellular structure to that of
traditional (conventional) foam. These properties allow the foam to naturally adjust to the shape of
your head and neck. It has a desirable tendency to support and cushion in all directions.
This new luxurious addition is for those seeking a super-soft pillow or back support whose unique pliability enables it to mould and conform to the body.
Care instructions for Urethane foam
Foam: Do not full wash. Dab clean with a mild detergent solution. Dry flat in warm location, avoid direct sunlight. Avoid immersing in water or dry cleaning. If very wet it may take days to dry completely. Do not machine wash. Gently squeeze dry. Do not tumble dry.
Foam Discoloration
Any foam exposed to natural light will discolor. Over time the foam color will 'yellow'. The gradual yellowing of foam due to a photochemical reaction. It is faster in sunlight than in artificial light, although it occurs in both. This will not affect product performance or foam longevity.
Foam Treatments
Ultra-Fresh ®
An international brand used on a large variety of consumer products to signify
anti microbial protection. Supplied in Australia by Protective technology.
Ultra-Fresh is a Trademark of Thomson Research Associates of Toronto, Canada.
See Ultra-Fresh information page.
More information available on the Ultra-Fresh website: http://www.ultra-fresh.com.au/
HealthGuard ®
HealthGuard is a range of multi-functional antimicrobial products that are extremely effective against bacteria, spores, viruses, fungi and algae.
HealthGuard is embedded during the foam manufacturing process to provide dustmite protection.
Dust mites live in bedding and soft furnishings around our homes. Dust mite faeces are a key trigger of allergies, including asthma. Eliminating dust mites is one of the key ways of preventing asthma attacks in your home.
More information available on the Health Guard Website: www.healthguardtm.com
About the Author:
Leon Parnham is the CEO of Therapeutic Pillow International.
