Is Memory Foam Toxic When Inhaled
This is a question that many people have been asking lately, as more and more people are becoming aware of the potential dangers of chemicals used in mattresses and other products.
Memory foam is made from polyurethane, which is a type of plastic. It is often made with additional chemicals, including flame retardants, which can be harmful to your health.
When you lie down on a memory foam mattress, the foam conforms to your body shape and provides support. This can cause your body to heat up, which can cause you to sweat and release toxins through your skin.
Inhaling the fumes from a memory foam mattress can also be harmful to your health. The chemicals in the foam can be absorbed into your bloodstream and cause health problems.
There are a few things you can do to reduce the risks associated with memory foam. Look for mattresses that are made with natural or organic materials. These are less likely to contain harmful chemicals.
Make sure you ventilate your bedroom well to reduce the risk of inhaling fumes from the mattress. And, if you are concerned about the safety of memory foam, consider using an air mattress instead.
How Can I Sleep On A Memory Foam Mattress
A memory foam mattress can suit all types of sleeping positions, whether you sleep on your back, on your side or on your front. However, its important to choose the correct firmness level for your sleeping position. The best firmness rating for you also depends on many other factors, too, including your weight and comfort preferences.
Here are the main benefits of memory foam mattresses for each sleeping position:
Memory foam conforms to your spine to offer excellent lumbar support.
Memory foam distributes body weight away from your hips and shoulders while supporting your waist to keep your spine in healthy alignment.
Memory foam helps support the natural curve in your back to reduce pressure on your lower back.
Is Memory Foam Toxic
Lauren Fountain, Certified Sleep Coach
Lauren Fountain
Certified Sleep Coach
Lauren is a Certified Sleep Science Coach with extensive experience researching and testing a wide variety of sleep products.
Learn About The Editorial Team
Memory foam mattresses have increased in popularity over the last few years, and many sleepers with hip, back, or shoulder pain find that memory foam offers unparalleled pressure relief. However, some sleepers still feel hesitant to opt for a memory foam mattress, citing concerns over the health and safety of the chemicals used to make memory foam.
While searching for a comfortable mattress may be top priority, it also makes sense to research the health and safety of the mattress youre buying. Well dig further into what memory foam is, how its made, and the potential health effects it may have.
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The Best Memory Foam Mattresses
Bottom Line
The Nectar is firmer than some other memory foam models we’ve tested. It has enough give to prevent soreness while staying firm enough to keep your body from sinking too much.
If youre a fan of memory foam mattresses, you have plenty of options to choose from when shopping for a new bed. Based on our in-house testing, we found that the Nectar Mattress stands apart from the competition for its balance of support and contouring, quality construction, and approachable price-point.
How It Performed
According to our test team, one of the beds most noteworthy performance features was the excellent pressure relief. Side sleepers on our team found this mattress to be a good fit since the contouring surface provided ample cushioning for the shoulders and hips, where pressure typically builds up for side sleepers during the night. The foam surface also absorbed motion with great efficiency, making this bed a strong choice for sleep partners who dont want to disrupt each others sleep with nighttime movement.
What Its Made of
Nectar offers a generous 365-night sleep trial and a lifetime warranty with this mattress. The bed also comes with free shipping and returns throughout the contiguous U.S.
Bottom Line
How It Performed
What Its Made of
Bottom Line
How It Performed
What Its Made of
Bottom Line
How It Performed
What Its Made of
Bottom Line
How It Performed
What Its Made of
Best Gel Memory Foam: Plushbeds Cool Bliss Luxury Cool Gel Memory Foam Mattress
While the brand calls it “memory foam,” this mattress is actually crafted from natural latex instead of polyurethane. Essentia’s foam formula softens the latex to duplicate the cushiony feel of memory foam and adds plenty of perforations for added breathability. You can choose between an 8- or 10-inch model, depending on the thickness you prefer .
This model is a firmer foam mattress and is designed to support your lumbar spine and shoulders. Lighter-bodied side sleepers will likely find this bed too firm, while back and stomach sleepers will find it supportive and cushioning.
The mattress arrives compressed and rolled in a box. The natural materials mean there shouldn’t be any off-gassing smells, and you’ll have 120 nights to decide if it’s right for you.
What customers say: There are only 22 reviews of this mattress on the Essentia website, but the majority of them are extremely positive. “I chose this one because I alternate sleeping on my back, my stomach, and my side, and my husband is a side sleeper. It is so comfortable but yet still firm-ish. It does conform to your body and is cushiony,” one shopper writes.
Eco-friendly rating: 4 out of 5. Essentia has a slew of credentials that make it a more eco-friendly pick, for a mattress that uses foams.
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Which Type Of Mattress Is Best For Back Pain
There are a few factors to consider when purchasing a mattress if you suffer from back pain. First, you want to make sure the mattress is firm enough to support your back. A mattress that is too soft will not provide the necessary support and may actually make your back pain worse. You also want to make sure the mattress is not too hard, as this can also cause pain. The best type of mattress for back pain is one that is somewhere in the middle, not too hard and not too soft. You may also want to consider purchasing a special pillow for your head and neck to help support your spine.
Memory Foam Mattresses: The Pros And Cons
If you reached this article, chances are a.) youre moving places, b.) you hate your current mattress, or c.) youre curious about the memory foam craze. Whatever the reason, the unprecedented success of memory foam as a high-quality, comfortable mattress since its introduction in 1966 makes it worth any discussion. Good job, NASA.
Memory foam beds have their fair share of pros and cons. Liking it or not depends significantly on your overall sleeping style and mattress priorities.
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How Does It Feel To Sleep On A Memory Foam Mattress
If youve never tried out a memory foam mattress, its natural to wonder what it feels like. While words cant explain it perfectly, this section gives you an idea:
- Floating on Clouds: With a more plush, cushioning feel, our testers describe memory foam as what they envision it’s like to sleep on a cloud.
What To Consider When Buying A Memory Foam Mattress
- Firmness: While it may be comfortable for many, the ability of memory foam to mold to the body has caused some people to report feeling stuck or as if they are sinking into their bed.
- Overheating: Contouring around the body can limit airflow, causing heat buildup in the mattress and on the skin.
- Mattress thickness: A thicker mattress may be more comfortable especially for couples and pregnant women. A thinner mattress can be a good choice, however, for those with limited mobility, as they may find getting in and out of it easier than a thick mattress.
- Longevity: In general, memory foam mattresses will last 8 to 10 years.
- Allergies: Pollen, dust, dust mites, and bed bugs are primarily prevented from entering a memory foam mattress because of its material.
- Mattress base: A platform bed, slat foundation, or adjustable base will work better with a memory foam mattress than a box spring.
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Back Support & Spinal Alignment
When you lie down, your spine should maintain a similar position as when youre standing. If people sleep on the wrong surface, their spine tends to jut out or collapse at unnatural angles. If you wake up sore or stiff in the morning, it could be your mattress fault. With memory foam, the contouring effects can help the spine to maintain its natural shape.
The best way to test your bed to see if it allows for proper alignment is to lie down on your side and have someone take a picture of you from behind. If youd prefer to work alone, then set a timer on your smartphones camera and take a picture that way.
Then, take a look at the angle of your spine. It should be a nearly perfect horizontal line. If your hips and shoulders are raised or sinking, then you know its time for a different bed.
People looking into this type of mattress should make sure they get one that has the proper density and good support layers to keep the spine neutral. As a general rule, the higher the foam density, the firmer the mattress. All mattress companies and websites will specify what the density specs are. Look for something thats at least 3.5, if not closer to 5.0.
You can also review our mattress firmness ratings for the beds youre interested in, which are based on the beds overall feel. These ratings are given on a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the firmness, and they can help you get a good idea of the right mattress for your sleep position and body type.
What Is A Memory Foam Mattress
A memory foam mattress is a type of mattress that is made from a material that contours to your body. Memory foam is a viscoelastic material that was originally developed by NASA. Viscoelastic materials are those that change shape in response to heat and pressure. The material was designed to reduce the impact of G-forces on astronauts during takeoff and landing.
Memory foam mattresses have become popular because they provide a high level of comfort and support. The material contours to your body, providing support for your spine and pressure relief for your joints. Memory foam mattresses are also known for their durability and ability to retain their shape over time.
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Firming Up Your Soft Mattress
Firming up a soft mattress can provide more support and comfort. Several methods can use, including using a mattress topper and changing the bed frame. A mattress topper can provide extra cushioning and support. A bed frame can improve the mattresss support by providing even weight distribution. Adjusting your sleeping position and experimenting with different positions. It can also provide a firmer surface for you to sleep on. Yet, investing in a new mattress may be the best option if all else fails. With the right measures, you can ensure that your mattress is comfortable. Firming up a soft mattress can improve sleep quality. Besides, provide the necessary support for a good nights rest.
Whats The Best Type Of Mattress Topper
A bunch of different mattress topper types are on the market, including memory foam, latex, wool, down, and down alternative.
Memory foam toppers may be best for people who want their bed to feel softer, or people who want pressure point relief.
If you dont like the feeling of sinking into your bed, opt for a different type of topper, like springy latex or soft wool, down, or down alternative.
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How Long Does Memory Foam Last
The lifespan of this product depends on a couple of factors.
So, to answer the question, our estimation is 4-6 years for a low-density foam, and 8-10 years for high-quality and high-density foam.
How Memory Foam Can Ease Back Pain
Memory foam can help to ease:
Whether you sleep on your back or side, a traditional mattress does little for your lower back. Most of the time, your lumbar area is left suspended in mid-air without any support from your mattress so is it any wonder so many of us suffer from back pain?
Memory foam is one of the best types of mattresses for a bad back as it moulds to your body shape and follows the natural contours of your spine, providing optimal support for your upper and lower back. This allows your spine to rejuvenate and heal overnight and reduces the chance of back problems developing again in the future.
If youre struggling with back pain, check out our range of Orthopaedic Mattresses. These medically-inspired designs use memory foam, medical foam and pocket springs to provide ultimate support for your lumbar region.
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Pains In The Arms And Hands
Memory foam mattresses can help to reduce:
- Pins and needles
The tailored, pressure-relieving support of a memory foam mattress allows you to sleep in an optimal anatomical position. This results in increased blood circulation around your body. Healthy blood circulation reduces the chance of pins and needles, numbness and blood clots in your arms and legs.
Are Memory Foam Mattresses Safe
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The memory foam mattress trend has picked up speed in recent years because of the mattress in a box phenomenon, making quality mattresses readily available to anyone with an internet connection. Memory foam is one of the most popular types of mattress-in-a-boxes because they are easy to compress and roll up into a box.
Memory foam is a favorite material for mattresses because it conforms closely to the body and relieves pressure points, making it the top choice for anyone with chronic pain. Its virtually noiseless, too, and its responsive structure means it isolates motion much better than traditional innerspring beds.
Despite memory foams versatility, some shy away from buying it because they are worried about exposure to toxic chemicals. Today, most mattress companies produce their memory foam using natural manufacturing processes, and their foams are certified by various organizations to ensure they are clean.
This article will go over the basic structure of memory foam, how its made, and what to look for in non-toxic memory foam mattresses.
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Who Should Choose A Memory Foam Mattress
Okay, lets get down to it. Its time to make a choice. Who should pick a memory foam mattress?
- Those who prefer to sleep in their mattress- Memory foam allows you to really sink into the mattress. If you like to slowly sink into your mattress and feel it envelop you, a pure memory foam mattress could be the way to go. Overall, you should feel more like you are sleeping in your mattress rather than on it.
- You are a side sleeper- Memory foam is usually superior when it comes to pressure relief. If you are primarily a side sleeper, a memory foam mattress could be a great choice. While lying on your side, you should feel the pressure on your shoulders and hips melt away. Just make sure to find a mattress with a thick enough comfort layer. You dont want to be bottoming out!
- You want to save money up front- If you choose to go with a memory foam mattress, you will most likely spend less money. For those with a smaller mattress budget, a memory foam mattress could be a solid choice.
- You sleep with a partner- If youre looking for a couples mattress, memory foam is always a good option. This material is great at isolating motion in the mattress, so if you or your partner move around at night, you shouldnt disturb one another.
Do you think a memory foam mattress is the best option for you? Check out our favorite memory foam mattress below:
Not Enough Time Has Passed
It can take up to 30 days or more for a new memory foam mattress to break in and adjust to your body weight, body type, and preferred sleeping position.
This is why many sleep trials stipulate that you cannot return the mattress until this 30 night adjustment window has passed.
Solution: Adjust or Return
The solution is to wait for the 30 night trial period to pass to see if you get used to the mattress and your back pain eases returning it for a refund if youre still unhappy.
However, spending 30 nights in agony isnt recommended.
So you might like to try some of the adjustment strategies that Ive already listed in this guide to help you cope in the meantime if you have no choice but to sleep in the mattress.
You could try using a mattress topper, walking/rolling on the mattress to break it in, heating/cooling the room, trying a different base, or switching your sleeping position.
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