We usually recommend that if the person using the visco-elastic memory foam mattress
pad weighs under 200lbs and they are just looking for added comfort they should get a 2" visco-elastic memory foam mattress
pad, if they weigh over 200 we definately recommend a 3" visco-elastic memory foam mattress pad and for those that weigh
over 250lbs the 4" toppers are another good option.
The 3.3 Cloud9™ visco-elastic memory foam is SUPER SOFT being less dense ( at 3.3ILD
). The 4.3 Cloud9™ is slightly firmer and provides a little more support while at the same time remaining
soft and supple ( at 4.3ILD ). Our most luxurious 5.3 Cloud9™ is firmer than the 3.3 and 4.3 and
is more like the nationally advertised swedish foam ( at 5.3ILD ).
The density refers to the amount that 1 cubic foot (12"x12"x12") of the visco-elastic
memory foam weighs, the entire visco-elastic memory foam mattress pad weighs much more. The ILD refers to the firmness of
the visco-elastic memory foam. A really firm foam like our Cloud9™ Mattress
Base is a lower density and a 30ILD and 35ILD for extra support. For more information on foam density and ILD or IFD ratings
visit the pfa.org website.
It's a personal preference really whether you want a softer or firmer sleeping surface.
I personally prefer the 4.3 Cloud9™ 2" visco-elastic memory foam mattress pad and I weigh 200lbs. We do not
recommend getting a 4" visco-elastic memory foam mattress pad unless the person using it weighs over 250lbs or needs extra
pressure point releif and doesn't mind sinking down into the visco-elastic memory foam. We have found through
personal and professional experience that the weight ranges that we refer to work really well with the type of pad thickness
you are thinking of getting. Why spend the extra money if you don't need to.
If you ever have a question, just send us an e-mail: save@wholesale-memory-foam.com and you will
have our immediate attention. You may continue to call me at anytime if you have questions about your product, any customer
service concerns, or simply wish to order another marvelous memory foam mattress pad. Since I answer all inquiries personally,
I can guarantee that any questions or concerns will be handled promptly and thoroughly until you are satisfied.
Definitions:
Density:
Density is a measurement
of the mass per unit volume. Measured and expressed in pounds per cubic foot (pcf), it is one of the most important of
all foam properties. Visco-Elastic Memory Foam is made up of billions of visco-elastic cells. A visco-elastic memory foam
that is less dense (like a Cloud9™ Base) has more air between the visco-elastic cells. A vico-elastic memory foam that is
more dense (like a 5.3 Cloud9™) has less air between the visco-elastic cells. Remember, memory
foam is made up of visco-elastic memory cells and voids. Since voids are empty spaces, when you weigh a sample of memory foam,
you are actually weighing the billions of visco-elastic cells, not the voids. The diameter and length of the cells represent
the mass. Therefore what one cubic foot of memory foam (12”x12”x12”) weighs is equal to the density.
How Density Affects Foam Performance:
Foam surface
firmness is independent of foam density. High
density foams can be produced very soft and low density foams can be made very firm. Therefore, there is no such thing as
a "hard" or "soft" density. High density foam products generally offer a great deal of support, but they may actually be fairly
soft foams.
There is
a difference between firmness and support. Firmness (25% IFD) is a measurement of surface feel of the foam. Support is
the foam's ability to "push back" against weight and prevent the foam from "bottoming out." Higher density foam helps prevent
the feeling of having the foam collapse beneath the weight of your body. Therefore individuals that weigh more should consider
the higher density (5.3 Cloud9™) products, those that weigh under 200lbs should consider the lower density (4.3 Cloud9™) products and
those that weigh under 100lbs should consider the super soft (3.3 Cloud9™) products.
Indentation Force Deflection:
The ( IFD or ILD ) number represents the pounds of force required to indent a foam
sample by a specified percentage of its original thickness. This is measured with specially designed equipment. In most cases,
a 50 square inch round indentor plate is attached to a vertical piston-like cylinder having a precisely calibrated stroke.
Firmness is measured on foam samples having a square surface area of at least 15" by 15". Surface firmness is measured
at 25% sample indentation (25% IFD). As an example, using a 4" thick sample, the 25% IFD reading would be made while the foam
is indented to 3" height under the piston foot plate (25% deflection of the sample height).