Innergetic

The durability of a mattress core is determined using a dynamic fatigue test as established in European Standard EN1957. This dynamic fatigue test simulates (accelerated) the load exerted on a mattress core during its life (around 10 years). Here a roller of specified dimensions and a weight of 140 kg is rolled 30,000 times to and fro over the mattress core, and the height and hardness after 100 cycles are compared with the values after 30,000 cycles. The hardness is determined as the mean gradient at 210 Newton (+ 21 kg), 275 Newton (+ 27.5 kg) and 340 Newton (+ 34 kg) in the force-travel diagram (cf. hysteresis).

Tests performed by the reputable LGA Möbelprüfinstitut in Nürnberg on the new mattress core by Latexco gave astounding values: just 1% hardness loss and 0.9 mm height loss (corresponds to a height loss of 0.6%). The result was a perfect score of 100 out of 100.*

*The standard Latexco cores also show high scores in the dynamic fatigue test.

Elasticity is measured according the European Standard EN ISO8307 , also known as the ball rebound test. This test measures the rebound of a metal ball in % compared to its initial drop-off height. The higher the rebound%, the better the elasticity of the material.

Latex foam mattress cores have an unparalleled natural elasticity and flexibility, which means that a latex foam mattress core can be combined ideally with a moveable base, but also complements box spring bases. Latex foam materials outperform other comfort materials used as mattress core technology.

In addition to the elasticity, the concept of point elasticity adds the importance of the elasticity in a certain contact area. The material simply yields at the point where the load is applied, and reacts to each load with a well-adapted counter-pressure.

Thanks to the excellent point elasticity, latex foam mattress cores have superb conformity. So they match your body contours perfectly. This means the spinal column remains perfectly straight when lying on your side, and follows the natural curvature of the spinal column when lying on your back. Point elasticity is most pronounced in mattress cores with a high content of natural latex, which means they have the best conformity. The conformity can be reinforced further by the arrangement of ergonomic zones in the latex foam. By arranging in the mattress tapered cones with a larger diameter at the shoulder zone, a softer area is created so that your shoulders can press further into the material when lying on your side. The use of cones with a smaller diameter in the hip zone creates a firm area for the heaviest part of the body. In the lumbar area finally, an ergonomic zone is arranged which is ideally 8 to 10% harder than the hip zone to give optimum lumbar support.

Pressure distribution is measured with a pressure mat (incorporating x sensors), providing a visual representation of the pressure exerted on the body. Peak pressure occurrence and pressure distribution give a feel for the pressure relieving capacity of the material.

Latex foam mattress cores have an even pressure distribution. This counters the occurrence of pain in body parts where high peak pressures can occur (heels, shoulders and hips). Also an even pressure distribution guarantees good blood circulation as there is no constriction of the surface capillaries. According to medical literature, oppression of the capillary blood vessels occurs when local peak pressure values exceed 5kPa or 38mm Hg.

The spinal column is made of consecutive vertebrae and intervertebral discs that act like shock absorbers in our body. It therefore deserves a lot of attention. The shock absorbing function relies on two principles: the primary shock absorbing system is formed by the double S curve of the spinal column that is clearly visible from a side-view. (show). The intervertebral discs – made of a fibrous cartilage ring surrounding an elastic core – are the most important shock absorbers in the human body. These intervertebral discs need to re-hydrate, take in fluid, during the night in order to absorb the pressure of the many loads placed upon your back during each and every day. Optimal re-hydration can only occur when the spinal column is in its neutral anatomical position when the pressure on the intervertebral discs is minimal. This means that when lying on your side the mattress core moulds itself to the contours of the body enabling the spinal column to form a perfectly straight line. And when lying on your back your spinal column must be able to form its natural double S curve to enable optimal re-hydration. In other words, a correct sleeping position is of great importance for the recovery of your intervertebral discs and the shock absorbing function of your spinal column.

Various methods are used to test the behaviour of materials when submitted to bacteria and fungi.

Latex foam mattress cores have strong antibacterial and antifungal properties. Bacteria and fungi in the vicinity of the latex foam die off, as the photo shows (source: Morton Thiokol report No. 87-304).

Microclimatic circumstances are simulated in a laboratory, such as the standardized measurements carried out by Dr. Heidinger, Head of Department at the Ergonomics Institute in Munich, who uses a ‘climate dummy’ (a doll fitted with a reservoir of physiological fluid and electrical resistors to simulate night perspiration and body temperature)

Latex foam mattress cores have a healthy microclimate where temperature and moisture balance are perfectly matched to the sleeper. Measurements showed that Latex mattress cores have a mid-range insulation capacity, i.e. not too warm or too cold, and an excellent moisture balance (score 99 out of 100).

Standardized testing of the ventilating properties of comfort materials are less commonly known. Although it can be easily simulated by blowing air with a fan through the material structure.

The open-celled structure of Latex-foam act like millions of interconnected microscopic air chambers, a good ventilation and constant air circulation through the material. Extra ventilation in the material create a pump effect that generates proper air circulation.