When gluing foam, it’s important to select the right kind of adhesive for the foam material you’re using. Different types of foam have different chemical compositions and molecular structures, which will affect the way they react to various types of adhesives. Some adhesives may not form a strong enough bond with the material or may even damage the foam.
Fortunately, there are adhesives designed specifically for certain types of materials. Find out which adhesives are best suited for memory foam mattress manufacturing in this article!
What is memory foam?
Memory foam is one of the most popular types of mattress materials. It is made of polyurethane, with additives to increase its viscosity and elasticity. In the context of mattress manufacturing, viscosity means that the product takes a long time to change shape under pressure, and elasticity means that it can stretch but will return to its original shape afterwards.
Memory foam mattresses are designed to slowly mold to the body, relieve pressure, and be durable and shock-absorbent.
Adhesives used for memory foam mattresses
Memory foam glue needs to be able to bond with polyurethane foam without affecting the aesthetics of the product, and it should be easy to apply and quick to set so that it doesn’t hold up production.
Solvent-based mattress glue
Solvent-based adhesive is the most traditional type of mattress glue. These adhesives are made up of polymers dissolved in a solvent. Once applied, the solvent begins to evaporate and the glue hardens. While these types of adhesives create strong bonds, they tend to release fumes as the solvent evaporates.
Those who decide to use solvent-based mattress adhesives may want to consider opting for products that are low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to reduce the risks associated with chemical fumes.
Water-based mattress glue
As its name suggests, water-based glue uses water as a solvent. Water doesn’t release VOCs as it evaporates, making these types of adhesives safer and more eco-friendly than their solvent-based counterparts. However, the evaporation process takes longer. If production is not adjusted to allow for the longer evaporation period, the mattresses may still be damp when they are packaged, which can lead to mold growth.
Hot melt adhesive
The newest and most effective type of mattress glue is hot melt adhesive. These adhesives are applied at high temperatures and set quickly as they cool without the need for evaporating solvents. Since customers today are demonstrating a preference for more sophisticated mattresses with multiple layers of gel and foam, it has never been more important to be able to assemble the various components quickly and easily.
Hot melt adhesives also tend to be inexpensive, non-flammable, eco-friendly and non-toxic.
Adfast: Your source for memory foam mattress adhesives
Adfast is an adhesive and sealant company that offers a selection of hot melt and solvent-based adhesives designed for mattresses. Several of our adhesives, such as Thermobond 7802 and Adbond 8915, are specifically formulated to bond to polyurethane memory foam. Contact us today for memory foam adhesives that will make your mattress manufacturing a breeze!
