The internal filling or core material largely determines support, comfort, and overall lifespan:
Memory Foam Cores:
• Typical lifespan: 3-5 years
• Durability factors: Density (higher is better), foam quality, heat treatment
• Common issues: Softening over time, body impressions, heat retention
• Premium versions: Gel-infused, open-cell, or plant-based memory foams offer better durability
Latex Cores:
• Typical lifespan: 5-8 years
• Durability factors: Natural vs. synthetic, Dunlop vs. Talalay process
• Common issues: Natural latex may develop small cracks over time but maintains support
• Premium versions: 100% natural latex offers superior resilience and longevity
Polyfoam Cores:
• Typical lifespan: 2-4 years
• Durability factors: Density (measured in pounds per cubic foot), foam grade
• Common issues: Faster compression, body impressions, support degradation
• Premium versions: High-density polyfoam (1.8+ pcf) offers significantly better durability
Fiber Fill Cores:
• Typical lifespan: 1-3 years
• Durability factors: Fill type, fill weight, baffle construction
• Common issues: Clumping, flattening, uneven distribution
• Premium versions: Clustered fiber fills with quality baffling maintain loft longer