A twisted mattress is a product that will no longer surprise anyone. Now many brands have them, and their assortment is constantly growing. This is not a separate type of construction, but simply a method of packaging, transportation and storage. That is, twisted and untwisted mattresses may well have absolutely the same properties. But one manufacturer will pack the products in a roll, and the other will sell them in the usual, unfolded form. Let’s understand the technology of such packaging, its advantages, disadvantages and limitations.
How Mattresses Are Rolled
Special equipment is used to roll up products. It is needed in order to compress the structure as much as possible and remove excess air from it. In springless models, such compression guarantees a reduction in size by five to ten times. At the same time, the fillers and the cover do not suffer.
Spring models of mattresses are also twisted in production. But there are a number of conditions for this:
- sufficiently flexible and thin springs that can be tightly compressed without damaging the spiral;
- the absence of dense, rigid materials in the filler that risk crumbling from excessive compression (for example, coconut coir);
- frameless type of model – if there is a dense metal or plastic frame in the structure, it will deteriorate in the twisting equipment;
- An elastic cover is a very dense, non-stretchy material when rolled up, it risks not withstanding the strain and bursting.
After rolling, the mattresses are immediately sealed in a dense film. It protects the material from dirt, dust and moisture and at the same time keeps the product rolled up. When the film is removed, the inside is filled with air, the product gradually acquires its usual dimensions. After that, it is no longer possible to roll it up to its original state by hand. For this reason, it is better to transport such mattresses immediately to their destination. If you bought sleeping places for a summer cottage, but previously decided to deploy them in the apartment, this is not the best idea. Subsequent transportation will require much more space, time and effort. So unroll the roll in the house in which the mattress will be permanently located.
Advantages Of Rolled Mattresses
Rolled products have their pros and cons. Their advantages include the following:
- Compact and mobile. This is especially true for spring products. Designs with an independent spring block often take up a lot of space. If you buy the model unfolded, it is almost impossible to transport it in a car. And the rolled product fits into most cars. There is nothing to say about thin springless solutions: they are lightweight, take up a minimum of space and are available for transportation even in public transport.
- Cheaper shipping. This is true if the vacuum-packed mattress is delivered by the store itself or by a transport company. Tariffs usually depend on weight and dimensions, and in the second case, a twisted solution is better. It is much cheaper for the customer. Especially taking into account the next point.
- Easy to move from floor to floor. An ordinary large mattress is difficult to climb stairs, especially narrow ones. It must be unfolded in a special way and spend a lot of time to fit the product into the aisles. The roll version is much simpler – you can climb it up any stairs, with it you can easily enter the elevator, if there is one.
- Easy to store. Those who are used to buying things in advance so that they are stored until the right hour will appreciate this opportunity. Due to its small size, a rolled mattress can lie for a long time on the mezzanine, in a large closet, dressing room, on a glazed balcony (but away from sunlight). If you have purchased two or three roll-up models (for the whole family or for a guest room), this will not be a problem. But check what shelf life in twisted form the manufacturer allows. Often it is no more than six months. Then the mattress is used or simply unwound so that it can take shape.
- The fact that manufacturers began to roll up products before selling more often plays into the hands of practical buyers who want to save money. But this technology also has disadvantages.
Note: If anyone is looking for a folding mattress for a small space, they can visit the website or search online for more information.
Disadvantages Of Rolled Mattresses
Once again, we remind you that not all mattresses can be rolled. This is to some extent a drawback of the technology itself. But if we turn to the disadvantages of roll products, they are as follows:
- Inability to return the twisted mattress back to a compact state after unpacking. This will happen in rare cases when the products are very thin and the materials are soft – but even then the task is difficult. In other situations, when the mattress straightens after opening the package, it is impossible to twist it back.
- The need to carefully monitor the accuracy of unpacking. Since the products are twisted under pressure, they put a lot of pressure on the film. If you cut the coating sharply, a tightly pressed mattress risks “shooting”. It is recommended to unpack away from fragile objects. And also be careful not to damage the case itself with scissors or a knife. Cut the package in safe places.
- Restoration of the desired shape is not immediate. Usually, manufacturers allow 72 hours for this. Some models straighten within a day, but it is better to wait, because the margin of time will only be beneficial. While the mattress is lying and taking in air after unpacking, it is recommended to turn it over several times on different sides.
- The presence of a chemical smell after unpacking. This is found in all lines – both budget and luxury. The chemical smell in twisted models is more pronounced. This is due to the fact that mattresses are immediately packed after manufacture and stored in this form in the manufacturer’s warehouse. The smell that could disappear during normal storage is as if locked inside the structure. For this reason, the product must first be straightened, and then ventilated for several days. But this recommendation is often true for models that do not twist.
- Most often, the disadvantages of roll models are either similar to the disadvantages of conventional ones, or are overlapped by advantages. This is not to say that this technology has obvious weaknesses that would make it worth refusing to buy.
What Fillers Are Used In Twisted Mattresses
It depends on the model, so the filler options are different. Pressed coconut coir and other fragile materials are definitely not used in such products. But they often contain:
Blocks of independent springs – including those in which many springs are used per square meter.
- Natural latex. It is characterized by a high degree of flexibility, elasticity and perfectly retains its characteristics after twisting. And the material perfectly restores its shape even after prolonged exposure.
- Artificial latex. It is less elastic than natural but still tolerates twisting well. This is especially true for models that use thin layers of such a filler.
- Different foams based on PU foam. The already mentioned latex is also made of polyurethane foam. Polyurethane foam becomes the basis of many fillers, but its properties depend on the additives used. Foams are most often soft, elastic and restore their shape well. And this is exactly what is required for roll-up mattresses, when they are allowed to rest.
- For cases in such models, ordinary materials are used. Often these are mixed jacquard fabrics with a polyester backing. They stretch enough, but do not lose their density and at the same time do not burst when folded.
Rules For Unpacking A Twisted Mattress
We have already partially touched on them, describing the disadvantages. But here is a simple, understandable instruction that will suit every buyer:
- Wipe the mattress package with a damp cloth from dust and dirt, wash the floor or other base on which you are going to lay out the product.
- Remove the top layer of film. Usually, this is protective packaging that simply protects the product from dirt.
- Cut the vacuum packaging so that it does not touch the surface of the mattress. Do this in a spacious room in which nothing will touch the mattress when unfolding.
- Unscrew the product, align it as much as possible and lay it out on a hard, flat surface. So it must be left for three days.
- If possible, provide high-quality ventilation in the room. When this is not possible, wait until the mattress straightens. Then take it out into the yard or balcony to ventilate. Whatever you choose, be sure to protect the surface from moisture and direct sunlight.
- After straightening and airing the mattress, vacuum it and put a suitable mattress topper over the cover. We recommend wearing waterproof mattress toppers before using any mattresses. This will significantly extend the life of any product.
- After unpacking, the product should be cared for in the same way as any other. Protect it from moisture, carry out only dry cleaning, turn and turn the mattress from time to time. The flipping manipulation ensures uniform surface wear over a long period of time. This way you will avoid premature deformation of the structure.
Limitations Of Choice
Among the roll mattresses, there are many orthopedic solutions and conventional designs without pronounced orthopedics. There are options with and without springs, adult and children’s models. Manufacturers also offer customers different size solutions. These are mattresses for single, one-and-a-half and double models. The latter are not sold in a twisted format so often.
Very heavy spring blocks, supplemented with a large number of other layers, are rarely rolled up. The thicker and more complex the structure, the less likely it is to be rolled up. The same applies to non-standard sizes – for example, systems for King Size beds.
Features Of Buying A Roll Mattress
Once again, we are not talking about a separate category of mattresses, but about the way they are packed. By twisting, the products are made more compact and easier to transport. But the requirements for other characteristics that are important for the buyer remain the same. When buying products, look at the degree of rigidity, orthopedics, height, quality of the cover and the ratio of fillers. Choose a product taking into account your condition, age, quality of health. The choice among twisted models is not as large as in the case of standard products, but it is still there. Therefore, study in detail the characteristics offered by the manufacturer – they will give a comprehensive idea of the capabilities of the bed, its advantages and possible disadvantages.