Does The Memory Foam In Mattresses Wear Out: Summary
By using a combination of turning and flipping you can add years to the life of a memory foam mattress. If you use a topper, and rotate and flip that as well, you can extend its life even more. You can also consider using a good mattress foundation to extend the life of your memory foam mattress. Other actions you can take to make your memory foam mattress last longer include cleaning. Clean up any spillages and give it a vacuum once a month when you rotate or flip it.
So, does the memory foam in mattresses wear out? Yes, it does. Practically all mattresses will compress and sag over time. Nevertheless, if you take the above steps, you will extend the life of your mattress to a maximum.
What Is Box Spring
As the name suggests, it is a huge box with many springs inside it and with some type of fabric on top. Box springs have been bought and used since the beginning of the 20th century when innerspring mattresses were on the rise . The strong base made of a wooden or a metal box with springs in it and wrapped in fabric, placed between the mattress and the frame, could slow down sagging significantly, prolonging the life of mattresses.
People choose box springs not only as a preventive measure for sagging: they are often used to add some height to the mattress/bed or to absorb shock if sleepers tend to move a lot in the sleep.
A box spring is usually placed on a wooden/metal bed frame connected to a headboard and footboard. The term box spring is often mistakenly used to describe a mattress foundation it is somewhat a misnomer in the modern world but it is widely used and people have got used to it.
What Is A Box Spring
Box springs are a combination of wood and steel springs. They serve as a foundation for traditional mattresses. They help to absorb shock from unnatural movements like jumping on the bed or natural movements like rolling over.
A box spring is usually purchased either as a set with a new mattress or individually. Sometimes a box spring can outlive a mattress. This brings up the question of can I use a box spring with a memory foam mattress?
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Can You Use A Mattress Pad On Memory Foam Mattress
Yes as stated earlier, a mattress pad can be used on a memory foam mattress. However, a conventional mattress pad offers a thin layer of cushioning, which works well with a standard spring-based mattress but is not ideal to use on a memory foam mattress, as it may act as a filter that keeps your natural body heat away from your memory foam mattress.
We might not want this since memory foam mattresses are responsive to temperature, and the heat from your body softens them up and allows them to mold and contour, giving you full-body support. Placing a mattress pad on a memory foam mattress might simply remove this important feature of the foam.
So, while mattress pads can be used on memory foam mattresses, you may have a better outcome with something like a breathable mattress protector instead.
Do You Need A Bunkie Board Under A Memory Foam Mattress
A bunkie board is placed on top of a slatted bed base and underneath a memory foam mattress to protect the mattress and prevent it from sagging. Image from Overstock.
Memory foam mattresses are known for their elasticity and density. They tend to compress slowly when pressure is applied but then bounce back to their original form once the pressure is released. They are denser than all other foam mattresses, and a lack of support will cause them to sag. So, do you need a bunkie board under a memory foam mattress?
Yes, you will need a bunkie board under a memory foam mattress. A bunkie board is the best foundation type for memory foam mattresses because they provide a high level of support for the foam core.
However, a flat bunkie board will reduce the mattresss breathability, which may lead to moisture and mildew buildup within the mattress. For more information on how a mattress breathability can affect sleep, see this article from the Journal of Thermal Biology.
Slatted bed bases work well by providing solid support and ventilation, but the gaps between the slats can damage the mattress and reduce its lifespan. A bunkie board that sits on top of the slats will prevent the mattress from bending into the gaps and will, therefore, maintain its structure and functionality.
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Can You Put A Mattress Pad On A Foam Mattress
Everyone wants a comfortable bed to climb into after a long, tiring day. Mattress pads are a contemporary product in the bed linen range that can enhance the comfort of your bed. A mattress pad is an extra layer, often padded or quilted, specially designed to be placed over the top of your regular mattress. Its purpose is to provide an extra layer of comfort especially when the existing mattress is worn or feels less comfortable than you desire.
You can put a mattress pad on a foam mattress in order to make it softer or firmer, cooler or warmer. A mattress pad will help make your foam mattress more comfortable.
If your mattress isnt quite right, putting a mattress pad over a foam mattress has advantages and disadvantages. If the mattress tends to get too hot or it isnt the right softness or firmness, a mattress pad could offer just the right amount of difference. On the other hand, a mattress pad could also interfere with the exact qualities you bought the mattress for.
Generally, a mattress pad isn’t going to do much to enhance the firmness of a mattress that is not firm enough because the pad is too thin. There are some mattress toppers, however, that sometimes get called “mattress pads” which do offer that support or firmness. If you’re interested in learning more about using a mattress pad to make a bed firmer, be sure to read our related article for more detailed information.
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Box Spring Replacement Foundations
If you like the height that your box spring provides but it’s too old to use with your new foam mattress, a box spring replacement foundation is the way to go. That way, you still have the height you’re used to without sacrificing any support.
This Classic Brands Instant Foundation comes in all sizes and is very easy to assemble. It’s perfect for memory foam and latex mattresses. I’ve tested it myself.
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Do You Need Both A Mattress Pad And A Mattress Topper For A Foam Mattress
A mattress topper serves as an extra thick layer on your regular mattress for extra comfort and support. Mattress toppers are thick enough to alter the feel of your mattress substantially. Some may alleviate back pain or body aches. As that intervening layer between you and the mattress, it also tends to prolong the life of the mattress.
You do not need both a mattress pad and a mattress protector for a foam mattress unless you want to significantly change the feel of your bed. Since mattress pads are thinner than mattress toppers, buying a mattress topper alone may be sufficient to alter the softness and cooling properties of your mattress.
Mattress pads and mattress toppers have a similar basic purpose, which is that they are both primarily intended to change the “feel” of the bed. So, what is the difference between a mattress pad and a mattress topper? A mattress pad is thinner than a mattress topper, which can be up to several inches thick.
While some mattress toppers can be softer, many are firmer and designed to add support. A mattress pad, in contrast, being thin, is generally for adding softness and padding, not firmness or support. You might, for example, add a mattress topper for better back support, and then add a mattress topper for its cooling properties and softness. Combining a mattress pad and a mattress topper on a foam mattress is one way to get solutions for several problems at once.
Tip 3 Place The Mattress Topper On Top Of The Mattress
Put a mattress topper on top of the memory foam mattress. The mattress topper retains your body heat and prevents it from reaching the mattress. This helps you stay cool at night.
Additionally, the mattress topper acts as a short-term fix for your saggy mattress because it covers the lumps on your mattress and delays time to purchase a new one. Therefore, it adds a layer of comfort and support to your mattress. We’ve discussed how to properly install a mattress topper in our article.
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How Can I Reduce Compression And Avoid Dips In My Bed
One way is to make sure you rotate and turn your mattress regularly, once a month if possible. This will even out the wear. With a traditional mattress, you are guided to turn and rotate the mattress, with memory foam some mattresses construction methods make this unnecessary. With our unique dual construction method, the topper is fully turnable and can be rotated as well to increase the longevity of your mattress.
Always look for a model with a separate removable topper this ensures that not only can you rotate the core mattress, but turn and rotate the topper. The topper takes the brunt of the compression and you can even this our with turning. It means that if years down the line the topper has compressed beyond whats comfortable, you can simply replace this and not the entire mattress!
Can You Put A Memory Foam Topper In The Dryer
Memory foam toppers can be put in a dryer but, there is a way to do it. You need to put it on low speed and low temperature to dry it safely. Follow the instructions on your memory foam topper cover.
If your topper label says so, you can go ahead and dry it safely. However, if the fabric is delicate, we suggest you follow the air-drying method instead of a hot dryer.
Final Words:
Always follow the instructions of memory foam for cleaning and drying it. Memory foam may look strong and sturdy, but they always need a gentle hand for drying.
Following the right instructions will help you enjoy the quality of memory foam for a long time. You may also check with your manufacturer on how you can dry and clean the specific product bought by them.
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How Do You Cool Down A Mattress Topper
How to Keep Cool With a Memory Foam Topper
Does The Mattress Protector Sleep Hot
Because they are frequently washed and dried in machines, mattress protectors tend to degrade rather quickly. Some sleepers claim that using a mattress protector will cause the mattress to sleep warm or hot . How to pads and protectors attach to the mattress? Most pads and protectors can be attached to a mattress in one of two ways.
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Also To Know Is Can You Put A Memory Foam Mattress Topper In The Washing Machine
Given the delicate structure of the memory foam in the mattress topper, they cannot simply be tossed in the washing machine. … If you use the mattress topper when it is still damp, its structure will damage, so make sure that it dries completely.
lightly spray with a solution of one part mild, low-sudsing detergent to two parts water
Difficulty Getting In And Out Of Bed
The older and less physically fit you are, the harder it will be to get in and out of a bed that is on the floor. This option may work perfectly for kids and young people, but older people may have problems with joint and muscle pain, stability and balance and getting in and out of a bed that is placed directly on the floor may be too hard and strenuous for them.
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Putting A Memory Foam Mattress On The Floor
If youve just moved house, have broken your bed frame, or youre looking for a minimalist sleeping solution then you might be wondering if you can put a memory foam mattress on the floor and sleep in it.
Putting your memory foam mattress on the floor and sleeping in it isnt a good idea because you could end up with back pain, allergies, and cause significant damage to the mattress, whilst also running the risk of voiding the warranty.
But what if the manufacturer says that their memory foam mattress is suitable for floor use or youre left with no other choice?
Then you should read the rest of this article to find out the 7 things that you need to consider before you just put your memory foam mattress on the floor and start sleeping in it night-after-night without knowing of the potential consequences.
Need a new memory foam mattress? Then I highly recommend the Puffy Lux Hybrid due to its excellent pressure relief and support.
Skip The Box Spring With Panda
At PandaZzz, we always embrace the latest innovations the moment its prudent. We arent sad to see box springs go, therefore, and eagerly await the newest inventive solutions bed frame and foundation manufacturers devise to keep your mattress off the floor, your body cool, and your bedroom chic.
As an innovative multi-layer memory foam mattress, the Panda Classic has no need of a box spring. We do invite you, however, to place your Panda Classic on a fitting surface that will keep it cool, dry, and comfortable for years to come.
Some people dont like putting their mattresses on anything. Others go so far as to sleep directly on the floor.
If youre anywhere near normal, however, you’ll want to preserve some empty air between your mattress and the floor. Treat your Panda Classic right from the beginning for the best results, and trust us to honor our warranty and guarantee if anything goes wrong.
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Recommended Mattress Toppers For Memory Foam Mattresses
As mentioned previously, mattress toppers come with beneficial features that aim to enhance the quality of your old mattress and to protect your new mattress from wearing and tearing prematurely. Mattress toppers are also a good option for body temperature regulation they can make you sleep warmer during winter time, and cooler during summer time.
Below are some recommended mattress toppers for memory foam mattresses and what they can do to your memory foam in specific situations:
| Product name and link from Amazon | You should buy this in order to… | Price |
| ~ $120 |
What Is A Mattress Topper
This mattress topper made of memory foam aims to improve your sleeping experience by cradling your body and relieving pressure points. Image from .
A Mattress topper is an extra cushioning layer designed to increase the level of comfort of a mattress.
When a mattress topper sits on top of an old, worn, and uncomfortable mattress, it temporarily covers the signs of wear and tear, adjusts the level of firmness, and delays the need to replace your mattress. It also extends the lifespan of your mattress.
To understand the correlation between sleep quality and the quality of a mattress, read this article from Enck, Associations between back pain, quality of sleep and quality of mattresses. Double- blind pilot study with hotel guests, 1999. If you’re still wondering whether you need a mattress topper, take a look at our guide.
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King Size Bed Foundation
76 inches by 80 inches
A king size mattress is excellent for couples who are looking for more space. Kings offer enough room to accommodate both you and your partners needs, but they do require a larger bedroom to comfortably fit. Since the standard US bedroom is 11 by 12 feet, a king bed leaves little room around the bed for movement or additional furniture. A master bedroom may be more suited for this size mattress.
Platform Bed Frame With Slats
Whether or not a platform bed frame with slats requires a box spring depends on the distance between the slats. As long as the slats are close enough together, theyll support the mattress without a box spring foundation and typically satisfy the mattress warranty.
If the slats are more than four inches apart, then you might need a traditional box spring. Your mattress warranty should indicate the appropriate distance of the bed slat gaps. These slats can come flexed or straight, and theyre available in a variety of materials, including but not limited to:
- Wood
- Plastic
- Composite
With that being said, steel slats provide the most rigid support for your mattress, as compared to wooden slats. Wondering how long do memory foam mattresses last? The average lifespan of memory foam mattresses is 10 years, but to stand the test of time, they need to be well supported by a bed frame or sturdy slats.
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