What are air mattresses made form is a question which many people ask prior to purchasing an air mattress. The material of which the quilted top of an air mattress is made of will determine its durability, coziness and of course price. As far as functionality is concerned, different materials are more suitable for specific mattress needs.
In order to purchase an air mattress which will properly suit you particular needs and specifications, it is important to be well informed on these materials. Here is a brief rundown of some of the most common materials used to make air mattresses.
1. Polyvinyl Chloride Air Beds (PVC)
The most common material used to produce air mattresses is PVC; it is a material that is easily available and inexpensive. The most affordable air mattresses are those made of PVC, they are also waterproof and very versatile. The one downside to PVC mattress is that due to the presence of phthalates which are found in Polyvinyl Chloride, they are characterized by a certain odor and many people believe that certain allergies in children as well as diseases are connected to phthalates.
That being said, there is no current medical studies that back this theory up. But since 2008 phthalates has been banned for use in kids toys. This substance is an additive to PVC plastics to make it stretchable, bendable etc. So if PVC is a concern for you or your kids, please check out out Non Toxic Air Mattresses as a alternative.
2. Urethane Plastic The New Popular Material
This synthetic material which is also used to manufacture air mattresses is very similar to PVC in the sense that it is versatile, easy to use and maintain. It is however a much softer material than PVC making it a much more comfortable options. When compared to PVC, Urethane plastic is much tougher therefore more durable. Even though it is slightly more expensive, due to its higher levels of versatility and comfort, Urethane Plastic is quickly becoming a replacement for PVC air mattresses.
3. Thermos Plastic Urethane
This material is by far the best material used to make air mattresses. For starters being as it does not contain phthalates, there are no odors being let out making at a much healthier choice. It is also much lighter and more elastic than PVC or normal Urethane plastic and is highly resistant to abrasions. Air mattresses made out of Thermos Plastic Urethane are the most expensive option currently on the market, however they are the strongest and the most durable.
4. Textile Reinforcement
The addition of textile reinforcement to air mattresses has been a recent move to revolutionize this industry; today textile reinforced urethane has become quite common and popular. When it comes to air mattresses for everyday use, the most appropriate choice would be the textile padded air mattresses; they are thicker and very resistant to any unwanted punctures. Any air mattresses, regardless of the material have an improved amount of durability with the use of textile reinforcement.
These are the four most common materials used to make air mattresses. It is important to take into consideration your reason for purchasing the air mattress prior to deciding on the material that will be the ideal choice for you. In order to guarantee the longest life span possible for you air mattress, make sure you read and follow all of the manufacturer’s instructions on use, maintenance and storage of your air mattress.