Quick Answer: BioFoam is soy-based polyurethane (5-20% plant-derived, mostly still petroleum). Copper-infused foam adds antimicrobial and heat-dissipating properties to comfort layers. A transition foam layer sits between the comfort and base layers to distribute weight. Canada's law tag lists filling materials by percentage and the manufacturer's CA number, and you are legally allowed to remove it after purchase.
In This Guide
Reading Time: 8 minutes
Mattress marketing has a language of its own. BioFoam. Copper gel infusion. Transition layer. Energex. The language sounds precise, but without context, it does not tell you much about how a mattress actually sleeps or holds up over time.
This guide breaks down the most common specialty foam types in plain language, explains what Canada's mattress law tag actually contains, and gives you a practical framework for reading foam spec sheets when comparing mattresses.
BioFoam: What It Is and What It Is Not
BioFoam, eco foam, plant-based foam, and soy foam are all names for the same basic material: a polyurethane foam where a portion of the petroleum-derived polyol has been replaced with plant-derived polyol, typically from soybean oil.
The key word is "portion." Marketing language around BioFoam often implies a significantly greener product than the material actually is.
What BioFoam Actually Contains
Soy-based polyurethane foam typically replaces between 5% and 20% of the petroleum-derived polyols with soy-derived alternatives. The remaining 80% to 95% is conventional petroleum-based polyurethane chemistry. The foam is still polyurethane. It still requires blowing agents, surfactants, and catalysts. The soy content does not significantly change the foam's VOC profile, safety credentials, or recyclability.
Researchers at Naturepedic and independent reviewers have noted that BioFoam marketing often overstates the environmental benefit of the soy replacement. A 2012 Cargill press release (for their BiOH soy polyol product) claimed that soy-based foam mattresses cool 25% faster than gel alternatives, but this claim applies specifically to their BiOH product under specific test conditions, not BioFoam in general.
What BioFoam offers in practice:
- A marginally reduced reliance on petroleum feedstocks in foam production
- May qualify for certain eco-marketing claims when used in combination with other green practices
- Generally the same durability, IFD range, and VOC profile as standard polyurethane foam of similar density
What BioFoam does not automatically offer:
- Significantly lower off-gassing than standard polyurethane foam
- Natural material certifications (GOLS, GOTS) , BioFoam is still synthetic
- A meaningful reduction in foam-related environmental concerns at end of life
BioFoam is not a scam. It is a genuinely somewhat greener material. But it should not be compared to natural latex or GOLS-certified materials when thinking about environmental impact. If you want a largely natural mattress, look for certified natural latex or wool and cotton-based construction, not BioFoam.
Copper-Infused Foam
Copper-infused foam is a polyurethane or memory foam in which copper particles or copper gel have been added to the foam formulation. It is a comfort layer technology used in mid-to-high-range mattresses.
What Copper Does in Mattress Foam
Copper has two relevant properties for mattress applications:
- Heat conductivity: Copper is a good conductor of heat, which means it can help draw heat away from the sleep surface rather than letting it accumulate in the foam layer. This is the same principle as copper kitchen pans conducting heat efficiently. In a foam comfort layer, copper particles increase the foam's thermal conductivity, helping maintain a cooler surface temperature.
- Antimicrobial properties: Copper has documented antimicrobial properties. Studies have shown that copper surfaces can reduce certain bacteria, viruses, and fungi significantly faster than non-copper surfaces. In a mattress foam context, this may reduce microbial growth within the comfort layer over the mattress's lifetime. This is a secondary benefit and not a substitute for mattress hygiene practices.
Examples of copper-infused foam in practice:
- The Restonic Revive Tiffany Rose and Jasmine use Talalay Copper Latex, combining copper infusion with natural Talalay latex for both pressure relief and temperature management (1,188 pocketed coils, queen at $2,995).
- Paarizaat's CopperLite mattress (11" hybrid) uses copper-infused foam in the comfort layer specifically for temperature management and antimicrobial properties.
Copper-infused foam is a meaningful upgrade for warm sleepers in a hybrid mattress. It is less effective when used in an all-foam context, because even with copper's heat conductivity, a dense foam mattress without coil ventilation still has limited airflow through the core.
Transition Foam and Transition Layers
Most quality mattresses have a multi-layer construction. From top to bottom, a typical stack looks like:
- Comfort layer (soft foam, memory foam, or latex, 1-4 inches)
- Transition layer (medium-firm foam or microcoils, 1-3 inches)
- Base/support layer (high-density foam or pocketed coil system, 5-10 inches)
The transition layer's job is to create a pressure gradient between the soft surface and the firm base. Without a transition layer, there is an abrupt change from soft to firm, which can create a "sinking through" sensation where the comfort layer feels like it bottoms out suddenly. A transition layer buffers this, distributing body weight more evenly across the base layer.
Common Transition Layer Materials
- High-IFD polyurethane foam: A firm polyfoam (IFD 35-50) positioned between the comfort and base layers. The most common and cost-effective transition material.
- Energex foam: A temperature-responsive polyurethane with faster recovery than standard foam. Provides a responsive, bouncy transition layer. Low compression set (holds shape well over time). See our separate guide on Energex for more detail.
- Microcoils: Miniature pocketed coils (1-2 inches) used as a transition layer in premium hybrid mattresses. Adds responsiveness, additional airflow, and targeted support that adjusts to body contours independently.
- Latex (natural or synthetic): Resilient and durable, natural latex makes an excellent transition layer but adds significantly to cost.
When reading a mattress specification, check whether a transition layer is listed. A two-layer mattress (comfort + base) without a transition can feel less comfortable and degrade faster than a three-layer design, because all the gradient work falls on the foam density difference between two layers rather than a graduated stack.
Other Specialty Foam Names
| Foam Name | What It Is | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| Gel foam / Gel-infused foam | Polyurethane with gel particles or swirls | Comfort layer, heat management (similar to copper but less effective) |
| Graphite-infused foam | Foam with graphite particles for heat conductivity | Comfort layer temperature management |
| Charcoal foam | Foam with activated charcoal | Minor odour absorption; limited practical benefit |
| Open-cell memory foam | Viscoelastic foam with an open-cell structure for better airflow | Comfort layer; sleeps cooler than traditional closed-cell memory foam |
| Talalay latex | Natural or blended latex processed using vacuum and freeze method | Comfort layer; highly breathable, consistent cell structure |
| Dunlop latex | Natural latex processed using simpler method; denser and heavier | Base or transition layer; very durable |
8 min read
Canadian Mattress Law Tag: What It Means
The mattress law tag is the small white or yellow label sewn to the mattress cover that says something like "Do Not Remove Under Penalty of Law" (in the U.S.) or contains similar regulatory language in Canada. There is a common misconception about this tag. Here is what you actually need to know.
Canada's Mattress Labeling Requirements
Under Canada's Textile Labelling Act and the federal Competition Bureau's Guide to Labelling of Stuffed or Filled Textile Articles, mattresses sold in Canada must carry a label that lists:
- Filling materials: Each material listed as a percentage of total filling weight, in descending order, in both English and French
- Dealer identity: The manufacturer or dealer's full postal address OR their CA number (a registration number issued by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, formerly Industry Canada)
The "Do Not Remove" language on mattress tags (common on U.S. labels) is directed at the retailer and manufacturer during the sales process, not at the consumer who has purchased the mattress. Once you own the mattress, you can remove the law tag without legal consequence. It is a consumer protection label for the retailer during the sale, not a permanent requirement for the owner.
What the law tag tells you in practice:
- The materials inside the mattress, including foam types, fibre percentages, and cover fabric
- Who manufactured or sold the mattress (useful for warranty claims)
- The CA number (which identifies the Canadian dealer and is searchable through ISED Canada's database)
What the law tag does NOT tell you:
- Foam density or IFD ratings
- Coil count or coil type
- Foam certifications (CertiPUR-US, GOLS)
- The quality or durability of the materials
Brad, Owner, 40+ years of experience: "People come in sometimes asking about the law tag as if it tells them everything about the mattress. It tells you what is in it, not how good it is. A law tag that says '40% polyurethane foam' doesn't tell you if that foam is 1.2 lb/ft³ or 2.5 lb/ft³. The density and IFD are what matters for durability, and those don't appear on the tag. Ask us directly."
How to Read a Mattress Foam Spec Sheet
When a retailer provides a full spec sheet (or when you ask for one), here is how to parse the information:
Example Spec Sheet Reading
Suppose a mattress lists: "2-inch BioFoam comfort layer, 1.5-inch Energex transition layer, 6-inch base foam."
- What to ask next: What is the density (lb/ft³) of the BioFoam comfort layer? Is the base foam at least 1.8 lb/ft³? Is any of the foam CertiPUR-US certified?
- Why it matters: A 2-inch BioFoam layer at 1.2 lb/ft³ density will compress and sag within 2-3 years. The same thickness at 2.0 lb/ft³ will last significantly longer.
- The Energex layer: Energex has very low compression set (under 1.5%), so this is a positive. Ask if it is the genuine ECS Energex product or a generic "temperature-responsive" foam.
- The base foam: "Base foam" without a density number is a red flag in budget mattresses. Ask for the lb/ft³ figure.
At Mattress Miracle in Brantford, we can walk you through the construction of any Restonic mattress we carry. Restonic publishes foam specs, coil counts, and certifications. We think transparency helps you make a better decision, and a decision you are happy with long-term is better for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
BioFoam, copper-infused foam, transition foam, and latex serve different functions in a mattress, with each material optimized for a specific layer position and performance goal. Mattress Miracle at 441½ West Street in Brantford can explain how each foam type contributes to the overall feel and performance of the mattress. Brad notes that the quality of each layer matters more than the number of layers. Call (519) 770-0001 for a mattress construction education.
Shop: Foam Mattresses at Mattress Miracle
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Popular picks at Mattress Miracle:
- Restonic ComfortCare Dalton & Albany
- Whitney double-sided mattress
- Somnia 3.0 posture support pillow
Or browse the mattress collection in our Brantford showroom.
Find Your Perfect Mattress at Mattress Miracle
We are a family-owned mattress store in Brantford, helping our community sleep better since 1997. Come try mattresses in person and get honest, no-pressure advice.
441 1/2 West Street, Brantford, Ontario
Call 519-770-0001Is BioFoam better than regular foam?
BioFoam replaces 5-20% of petroleum-derived polyols with soy-derived alternatives. It is marginally less petroleum-dependent than standard polyurethane foam but is still predominantly a synthetic petroleum-based material. It does not significantly reduce off-gassing, improve certifications, or extend durability compared to standard foam of the same density. If environmental impact is a priority, look for GOLS-certified natural latex or GOTS-certified organic cotton, not BioFoam.
Does copper-infused foam actually keep you cooler?
Yes, to a meaningful degree in hybrid mattresses. Copper's thermal conductivity helps draw heat away from the sleeping surface rather than letting it accumulate. In an all-foam mattress without airflow through a coil system, the effect is limited. In a hybrid mattress with pocketed coils beneath the copper foam layer, the combination of copper conduction and coil ventilation provides strong temperature management for warm sleepers.
What is a transition layer in a mattress?
A transition layer is a foam or microcoil layer positioned between the soft comfort layer and the firm base layer in a multi-layer mattress. Its function is to create a pressure gradient that distributes body weight evenly and prevents the "bottoming out" feeling when the comfort layer compresses under body weight. Common transition materials include high-IFD polyfoam, Energex foam, and microcoils.
What does the CA number on a Canadian mattress law tag mean?
The CA number is a dealer identification number issued by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED). It identifies the manufacturer or dealer responsible for the mattress and can be searched in ISED's CA number registry. It is useful for warranty claims or if you need to identify who made the mattress. It does not indicate quality or certification status.
Can I remove the law tag from my mattress in Canada?
Yes. The "Do Not Remove" language on mattress law tags is directed at retailers during the sales process, not at the consumer who owns the mattress. Once you have purchased the mattress, you can remove the tag. The tag exists to ensure consumers receive accurate material information at the point of sale, which is the retailer's responsibility.
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We are located at 441½ West Street in downtown Brantford. Free parking available. Our team does not work on commission, so you get honest advice based on your needs.
Mattress Miracle , 441½ West Street, Brantford, ON · (519) 770-0001
Hours: Monday–Wednesday 10am–6pm, Thursday–Friday 10am–7pm, Saturday 10am–5pm, Sunday 12pm–4pm.