Risk:
Lots of low quality foam is made overseas in Asian factories that have
much less stringent regulations for consumer protection. Some of these
manufacturers use dangerous chemicals like formaldehyde in the
manufacturing process which can cause allergic reactions and/or
unpleasant smells.
How To Avoid It: Buy from a reputable American manufacturer
that does not use dangerous chemicals to produce their foam.
Risk: Many
of these manufacturers produce foam in what are essentially large
cookie sheets. Liquid foam is poured in and allowed to settle as it
cures. This produces inconsistencies in density, as gravity acts on
the foam, drawing more material to the bottom. The result is foam with
unpredictable densities; foam that is labeled as having a “4 pound
density” may really only be 3 lbs. There are even some high-priced
“mall brands” that still use this outdated process.
How To Avoid It:
Buy from a manufacturer using more advanced processes. A few
manufacturers, like Sleep Aid, are using a more modern production
technique called vacuum injection. Liquid foam is injected into a
sealed vacuum chamber, counteracting the effects of gravity, and
thereby ensuring a consistent density of foam. This process also
greatly reduces the fumes and “off-gassing” associated with
production, and that’s good for our environment.
Risk:
Cheap foam breaks down rapidly, sometimes flaking and crumbling before
it even leaves the shelf. This is simply a result of low-quality
materials and low-tech production techniques.
How To Avoid It:
Buy from a reputable company! High quality foam will last upwards of
ten or twenty years. Low quality foam can break down in a matter of
weeks. It’s worth paying a little more to ensure that you receive a
durable, high-quality product.
