Flexible polyurethane foam containing copper

A method of incorporating, into a low density flexible polyurethane foam derived from a polyol and a polyisocyanate, particles from copper and copper oxide in an amount of at least 1% by weight of metallic copper, by weight of the total weight of the metallized foam, comprising:

• mixing the particles with the polyol and reacting the polyol with the polyisocyanate in the presence of a foaming agent to form the flexible polyurethane foam, whereby the particles are incorporated in-situ within the foam and the foam has a density of up to 120 kg/m3.

A method of incorporating, into a low density flexible polyurethane foam, particles selected from copper and copper oxide in an amount of at least 1% by weight of metallic copper by weight of the total weight of the metallized foam, comprising:

• forming a slurry of the particles in a polymer latex medium treating the foam with the said slurry to allow impregnation of the particles into the foam, which foam has a density of up to 120 kg/m3.

An article for alleviation of discomfort from an ailment associated with a joint, limb or muscle, which article comprises a flexible polyurethane foam having a density of up to 120 kg/m3, covered by a fabric, which flexible foam has, incorporated therein, particles selected from copper and copper oxide, in an amount, based on metallic copper, of at least 1% by weight of the total weight of the metallized foam.

A method for alleviating discomfort from an ailment associated with a joint, limb or muscle, comprising

• applying to the joint, limb or muscle, an article including
• a flexible polyurethane foam having a density of up to 120 kg/m3 covered by a fabric, the flexible foam having particles selected from copper and copper oxide incorporated therein in an amount, based on metallic copper, of at least 1% by weight of the total weight of the metallized foam.