Hi Phoenix,
Thanks for providing new mattress buyers like myself a site where we can get informed. I’ve found it invaluable in my search for my first post-college bed.
So I recently decided to try out Natural Form’s Relax 200 bed which utilizes Helix air coils in the core of the bed. This is surrounded by HR “hybrid” polyurethane foam. A polyurethane foam comfort layer and a Australian long wool topper. After finding your site I decided to ask Ethan, my sales rep, to elaborate on the details of the qualities of the polyurethane. Yesterday he sent me this:
"I actually spoke with our foam supplier directly to get the info on the hybrid foam.
The hybrid is manufactured exclusively for our company. It is 3lb density; the ILD is 10. Traditional memory foam varies on average from 4-6lb densities.
So top to bottom there are only two foam layers, separate from the air system.
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Hybrid Visco Topper (3 inches ; Density: 4lb ; ILD: 10lb
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Rail/Support Foam (Approx. 1 inch thickness below the helix chambers and 7-8 inches thickness on the rails ; Density: 1.8lb ; ILD: 34lb)
There is also an approximately ¾ inch foam surrounding each of the helix chambers as well as a specially cut 1 inch foam protecting the air tubing. I am attaching a picture of that as well. The view is from the underside with the tubing exposed at the protective foam behind it."
I’ve attached the picture here too so you can see for yourself.
So after about a month i’ve enjoyed testing out the mattress. It is supposed to adjust to your body using the helix air system that adjusts the support of the coils using the surrounding ambient air. This ensures that your spine is aligned in the neutral position regardless of your position.
After reading through your material, I’m aware of your thoughts on air mattresses in general. It makes sense that foam can provide more support and comfort in most cases since it has thousands of columns as opposed to 8 or so. It is for this reason, and the fact that latex is more durable than even the best of polyfoams, that I’m reconsidering the Natural Form mattress.
At this point it is a question of value, at $3,200 i feel that I’m overpaying for a bed that has inferior durability compared to latex and has the same capability for comfort and support if not worse than a latex bed. I feel i could buy a better latex bed for $500-1000 less. However, the Helix air cores are guaranteed for life, if they depress 1" or more they are deemed defective and will be replaced. The rest of the bed is not covered of course. And the other consideration i have relates to the type of construction. One of the biggest factors in a bed for me is that it keeps my spine aligned. It seems that with a latex bed i would have to decide between Progressive, Differential or Zoned construction to achieve my desired comfort and support. Whereas with the Natural form mattress, i do not need to worry about these choices since the helix cores adjusts automatically.
I would love to hear your thoughts on this, im not sure if I am putting too much thought into it or if im even in the ballpark with my analysis.