i know with polyurethane foam there is no relationship between density and firmness - chemical additives can make it firmer or softer regardless of density
with latex though because it is a more natural product there is less that can be done to affect its firmness without affecting density. sure talalay has lower density for same firmness and blended may perform a bit differently from all natural but never the less there is a relationship between firmness and density
so what is it ?
i hear the figure 5 lbs / cu ft figure with relation to latex a lot - but this is probably for latex in the ~ 30 ILD range. i couldn’t find any information on how density varies from 14 ILD to 44 ILD which is the common range of latex produced.
you are probably wondering - why does he care ?
well because i am trying to estimate durability of 14 ILD Latex versus 12 or 14 ILD memory foam.
the top layer is the one that takes the most abuse, and in case of latex it is also the one that has least density and therefore least ability to take that abuse. now if 14 ILD latex is 5 LB then i guess we can expect it to be as durable as 5 LB latex cores - but if it is 3 LB or so then it begs the question if maybe memory foam would be more durable.
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