Reactions ▸ Letters to the editor
▸ From the web
Foam mattresses
Re: To sleep, perchance on foam
Despite recent assertions in C&EN (July 17, page 20), the polyurethane mattress industry has not made nearly enough progress toward providing an acceptable product to the public. The temperature profile of foam mattresses is critically important not only to whether the mattress feels hot but also to muscle-skeletal support. Based on my experience, these mattresses become rubbery, sink, and lose shape under simple body heat. This leads to spine and muscle problems. For this same reason, those who want a cold room should be informed that an electric blanket cannot be used with a foam mattress. Worse still, a buyer cannot adequately assess the temperature profile of a foam mattress through a 10-minute test in a store.
Readers questioned potential drawbacks of foam mattresses online.
mattresses, and what happens to them when they’re discarded?
Susan Gendreau Are there any test results that prove that phase change materials such as polymer gel beads or graphite have any [effect] on thermal conductivity or does it continue to be just a marketing ploy?
Tom
Re: Mummified toes A reader shares an experience with a toe cocktail.
cenm.ag/toedrink
cenm.ag/mattresses The positive side is fine. But, how about its “fire resistance.” … Polyurethanes are highly flammable.
K. N. Krishna Prasad The “moisture-wicking capability” must be referring to sweat, among other things. Is there an issue of accumulating odor?
Macy Mullen Old-fashioned steel and cotton mattresses can be recycled when they lose their utility. What’s the lifespan of these high-tech
As Member No. 41152 of the Sourtoe Cocktail Club, I can attest to the fact that, while the toe may be disgusting, the drink is perfectly fine as long as one chooses a decent alcoholic beverage such as a good Irish whiskey to accompany one’s becoming part of a unique tradition.
Paul
Join the conversation. facebook.com/CENews @cenmag
Marie Zuckerman North Haven, Conn.
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[email protected]. SEPTEMBER 4, 2017 | CEN.ACS.ORG | C&EN
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