BFF LTC 4000 Comfort Softee & MIP Integriderm 6000 Comparison
The comparative mattress to the Integriderm 6000 is the LTC 4000 Comfort Softee (not the LTC 4000 Sensus Plus). An analysis of each of these two mattresses is as follows:
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LTC 4000 Comfort Softee
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Integriderm 6000
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Support Factor
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Support Factor*
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Topper
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225 / 18 ILD (HR Foam)
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2.5
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165 / 23 ILD
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1.9
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Core
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250 / 30 ILD (HR Foam)
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2.5
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165 / 40 ILD
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1.9
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Base
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250 / 30 ILD (HR Foam)
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2.5
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165 / 55 ILD
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1.9
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Side Rails
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260 / 70 ILD
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2.0
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165 / 55 ILD
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1.9
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* Amounts have been approximated based on density and ILD noted for each polyurethane foam.
Actual support factors should be confirmed by the manufacturer.
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In order to properly be able to differentiate between these two mattresses, it is important to have an understanding of the way that the properties in polyurethane foam are measured.
Density is a measurement of the mass per unit volume and it is expressed in pounds per cubic foot. Basically, density is the weight of a cubic foot of foam (12” x 12” x 12” ÷ 144 = 1 cu. ft). For example, the 225 translates into a density of 2.25 lbs / cubic ft. and 165 is a density of 1.65 lbs / cubic ft. Density is not a measure of firmness or softness in polyurethane foam, but is important to the type of usage it will receive. To put it simply, the higher the density, the longer the product will last.
Compression is expressed in the industry as IFD (Indention Force Deflection) also known as ILD (Indention Load Deflection). This unit of measure expresses the degree of firmness or softness. The IFD/ILD is not an indication of foam quality or density. To put it simply, the higher the ILD, the firmer the foam.
The support factor in a grade of foam is probably the most important measure because this dictates how much weight or load factor the foam will support. The support factor is largely dependent on the foam compression (or ILD) and the foam density. It is calculated by performing a specific test that compresses the foam, first at 25% and then at 65%. These compression readings (also known as PSI) are divided to come up with the support factor for the foam. In simple terms, the higher the support factor, the better quality the foam is. HR (High Resiliency) foams are most likely to have the highest support factor and will usually outlast other conventional foam grades.
When determining the value in a mattress, all factors need to be considered, including the longevity (density/quality), patient comfort or feel (IFD/ILD), and support that the patient will receive (support factor).
