What Is Memory Foam Used For
With Memory Foam, you are provided with pressure relief as the foam conforms to your body with body heat and pressure. As a result, the hips, shoulders, and neck areas of the body that are most pressured during sleep can be relieved.
Mattresses, pillows, shoes, and blankets are the most commonly used products in the home. Memory foam can be used for long-term pain management and for people experiencing postural issues, such as chronic neck pain.
How To Buy The Best Memory Foam Mattress
To find the best memory foam mattress, dont pick whatever model is most popular. Instead, choose a memory foam mattress based on your sleeping position and body weight. Why? Sleeping position and body weight help determine the ideal level of cushioning, support, and firmness youll need to sleep comfortably.
Also, take a look at other factors like foam quality and mattress thickness when selecting the best mattress. These elements can help you pinpoint a high-quality memory foam mattress that will last.
Memory Foam Vs Latex Mattresses
- Memory foam will have better pressure relief than latex mattresses do, and it will also be better at conforming to the curves of the body.
- In general, latex mattresses will sleep cooler than memory foam because of the more open-celled chemical makeup of latex.
- Latex mattresses will be much bouncier than memory foam mattresses.
- Memory foam is slow-reacting and akin to quicksand, while Latex is immediately responsive.
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How Long Do Memory Foam Mattresses Last
If your memory foam mattress is only made out of foam, it will probably last you around seven years. However, if it’s made with innersprings or coils in the bottom layer, it will last you around 10 years or more. Just make sure you’re taking proper care of your mattress, such as rotating it every six months and keeping your bedding clean.
What Makes The Best Memory Foam Mattress
As the memory foam mattress market is flooded with so many different brands and models, its nearly impossible to single out one mattress as the best.
Depending on the individual sleep preferences, positions, body type, and budget of every sleeper, a mattress can be ideal for some people and totally uncomfortable for others.
There are certain criteria that affect reviews and ratings. These are things that people are more concerned with when choosing a new mattress. Being knowledgeable about them facilitates your purchase and saves you time and possibly money.
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Polyurethane Foam / Poly Foam / Poly
This is the cheapest, as well as lowest quality foam primarily made up of compounds derived from petrochemicals.
3.1.1. Pros
- Effectively blocks dust mites and other allergens
- Acts as a barrier to liquids for those unexpected spills
- Encourages proper spinal alignment
- Lowest quality due to its low density
- Development of body impressions over time
- Lack of support
- Pressure Point relief + Equal weight distribution
- Back and Joint support / Spinal Cord alignment
- Longevity + Very little maintenance needed
3.2.2. Cons
- Heat retention Probably the biggest drawback, due to the dense foam. This isnt as big of an issue with plant-based memory foam.
- Smells / Off-gassing Causes health concerns. It dissipates within 0-3 days.
- Expensive Memory foam mattresses vary dramatically in prices, higher quality ones can be expensive.
- Heavy weight Memory foam mattresses can be quite heavy but since mattresses dont require to be moved around often, this isnt much of an issue.
Sleep Preferences And Body Type
Everyone is different people come in all shapes and sizes and have different sleep preferences.
Andrew is a heavier sleeper and he likes the mattress with a softer feel while Im half of his weight and I prefer a firmer mattress. Both of us are side sleepers, so we need thicker memory foam layers that can cradle our hips and shoulders and prevent the appearance of pressure points.
Couples with different sleep preferences, like us, find it hard to compromise when it comes to shopping for a new mattress.
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Best Memory Foam Mattresses Of 202: Our Top 10 Picks
The best memory foam mattresses are:
- WinkBeds GravityLux Best Memory Foam Mattress for Combo Sleepers
- Helix Midnight Best Hybrid Memory Foam Mattress for Couples
- DreamCloud Best Hybrid Memory Foam Mattress
- TEMPUR-Cloud Best Soft Memory Foam Mattress
- Leesa Original Best Memory Foam Mattress for Back Sleepers
- Layla Best Memory Foam Mattress for Side Sleepers
- Puffy Best Firm Memory Foam Mattress
- Dreamfoam Essential Best Value Memory Foam Mattress
Best Cooling Memory Foam Mattress
The Muse Mattress
- Materials: gel, open-cell, and traditional memory foam
- Height: 12 inches
The high density foam used in The Muse Mattress doesnt just offer cooling features, it also comes in three firmness options.
Side sleepers may feel most comfortable on the soft mattress, while strict back or stomach sleepers may prefer the firmer bed. According to the company, their medium mattress is the most popular option.
Each mattress contains four layers of supportive foam, though the specific makeup varies slightly based on mattress firmness. Not sure what firmness you need? You can exchange your mattress for a different firmness after 20 nights. Most people need a few weeks to adjust.
Beyond the breathable construction and gel-infused memory foam, The Muse Mattress also features a cover made from cooling fabric. Many satisfied reviewers praise this technology, saying the mattress feels cool to the touch and stays cool while sleeping.
People also say this mattress works well for pain relief and is the ideal blend of comfort and support. Several reviewers mention the great edge support, lack of motion transfer, and Muses good customer service. Another benefit? Most reviewers say they noticed no smell after unboxing the mattress.
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How It’s Used In Beds
Viscoelastic materials were designed to contour the sleepers curves and take the strain off of sore joints. It is usually a softer material that fosters quite a bit of cushioning. Some brands will cut it into an egg-crate shape to help with the airflow and cooling.
There are very few all-memory-foam-beds being sold today. Memory materials are typically used in the comfort or surface layer of a mattress. In a memory mattress, the top 1 to 3 layers will use visco-foams, either quilted into the cover or layered beneath it, while the thicker base is constructed with a high-density polyfoam to add the needed support. Memory materials can also be a supplementary material in a hybrid to provide cushioning comfort for the sleeper.
The material can be used in many ways, but it will not normally be found at the base unless it is used in a dual sided mattress. It is not a very supportive material, and that is why it is typically followed up with a much stronger and denser base layer, something like polyfoam, coils, or latex.
Check Out Our Comparison:All-Foam vs Memory Foam Mattresses
Will You And Your Partner Both Be Able To Sleep On It
If you sleep with a partner yet your preferences differsay, you prefer firm but your mate likes something plusheryoull need to find a compromise. Lean toward whats most comfortable for the partner who has musculoskeletal issues , said the Cleveland Clinics Santhosh Thomas. If neither of you has an issue on that front, you could choose the firmer option and attempt to make one side softer with a twin-size mattress topper.
If you really cant find a mattress that works for both people, you have a couple of other options. Adjustable air beds, such as those from Sleep Number, let couples inflate the mattress with air to whatever firmness they want. Some bedding stores that have direct relationships with factories offer this option for foam and innerspring mattresses, too.
Also, if you wake every time your partner rolls overor your kids hop into bed with youyoull probably want to look for a mattress with good motion isolation. Foam mattresses across all price ranges tend to limit the sensation of movement, but you can also find this quality in more expensive hybrid and innerspring mattresses. Mattresses with pocket coils provide the best motion isolation .
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Does The Company Have Reviews Verified 3rd Party Reviews
Lastly, it is always a good idea to take a look at reviews before making a big purchase like a memory foam mattress. Other owners can offer you valuable insights into pros and cons and possible issues. Look for reviews that mention similar problems that you face, lower back pain for example, and whether or not claims match reality. Remember that any website can add text to their product pages, so you should check and see if the reviews are third party verified. This means an external company matches order details to reviewer details, ensuring the reviews you read come from real people and are legitimate.
Whenever you invest your time and money in a purchase, you want to make sure you are getting the best value, and keeping your family and home safe. For this reason, when researching memory foam, you should take care to check the manufacturing processes, chemical composition and additives, and reviews. Doing these things will help ensure you get the best memory foam mattress for comfort and health.
Which Is Better Spring Or Foam Mattress
There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on personal preferences. Some people find that spring mattresses provide a more comfortable and supportive sleeping surface, while others find that foam mattresses are more comfortable and provide better pressure relief. Ultimately, it is important to choose a mattress that suits your individual sleeping needs and preferences.
The foam mattress is relatively new, but it is extremely popular. Spring beds are generally regarded as the more traditional choice. In general, different types of mattresses perform better in different ways, making them better suited to the needs of different types of sleeping partners. By taking our mattress quiz, you can learn what mattress is right for you. Many people buy foam mattresses online, making them one of the most popular mattresses. They can be made with a variety of foam materials, including memory foam and polyfoam. The quiz below will help you decide whether a foam or spring bed is the right one for you.
Most people will appreciate a high-quality foam mattress. The use of spring beds improves airflow, which allows the bed to remain cool at night. If you are a heavy or sleeping on your stomach, you should choose either an innerspring, hybrid, or very firm foam bed.
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How To Choose The Best Memory Foam Mattress
How do you know which is the best memory foam mattress for you when there are so many to choose from? These are the things to consider:Cooling If you sleep hot, look for memory foam with cooling properties, such as gel infusions. This will make all the difference, especially if youre prone to sweating at night. Many memory foam mattresses also come with temperature-regulating covers to provide extra breathability.
Sleep position Memory foam mattresses vary in firmness, so find one that supports your spine in the position you sleep in. If you mostly sleep on your side, a medium mattress will keep you comfortable, while firmer mattresses tend to be better suited to stomach sleepers. Back sleepers, meanwhile, often benefit from a medium-firm memory foam mattress.
Sleep trial and warranties If your memory foam mattress comes with a risk-free trial then you have nothing to lose. Another good indication of quality is long warranty if the brand has faith in its mattress, you can too.
How Much Do Memory Foam Mattresses Cost
Memory foam mattresses range in price more than any other mattress. There are a few factors that determine the price of memory foam: where itu2019s made, special features, thickness, and density to name a few.nnIf a mattress is made in the USA, it will probably be a little more pricey than if itu2019s manufactured overseas. The same is true for mattresses made with thicker layers of memory foam or foam with a higher density.
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When To Choose A Memory Foam Mattress
So, lets go ahead and answer the questions youre likely asking yourself: when is memory foam the appropriate choice? There are a number of circumstances that may very well warrant a confident purchase of this type of material. For starters, it features a unique combination of properties that are a good fit for those who suffer with aches and pains as it very efficiently evens out body weight and conforms to your spines natural curvature. However, its important to keep in mind that there are other materials which can be closely mirrored to memory foam when it comes to pressure relief. Therefore, you shouldnt purchase a memory foam based on this preference alone.
Are Memory Foam Mattresses Durable
Memory foam mattresses have a reputation for being less durable than hybrid or innerspring mattresses. They dont have coils, so all of their support comes from foam layers that will eventually begin to break down under the nightly pressure of your body.
More expensive mattresses often have higher quality construction and materials, though price isnt the only marker of durability.
Denser mattresses will also last longer, so keep in mind when considering breathable open-cell foam. Flippability can also increase mattress life span, as regular flipping gives your mattress a chance to recover from body impressions.
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Not Great For Bigger Body Types
A memory foam mattress is better suited for sleepers under 200 pounds. Anything higher and there is the potential for the sleeper to “bottom out” on the mattress and not receive the necessary support.
If you have a higher body weight or a bigger body type, it may be best for you to consider a firm mattress, like an innerspring, or a medium-firm mattress, like a hybrid mattress.
Get The Right Foundation For Your Memory Foam Mattress
The right foundation and bed frame for your memory foam mattress are just as important for your comfort as the mattress itself. Also, the wrong foundation can void the manufacturers warranty for your mattress. For these reasons, its important to choose a frame and foundation that work for your mattress.
Options range from basic steel frames to modern-style platform beds in a variety of finishes to complement your space. Slat beds can also work, but only if the slats are spaced 3 to 6 inches apart. Memory foam mattresses can also be paired with adjustable foundations that can incline and recline for an amazing nights rest.
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Drawbacks Of Memory Foam Mattresses
Still, memory foam doesnt always make a dream mattress. Keep these potential downsides in mind as you shop:
- While some people love the contouring support foam provides, others feel as if theyre being sucked into quicksand.
- Memory foam sometimes gets pretty warm.
- New memory foam mattresses often have a strong chemical smell for the first few days. This smell occasionally triggers headaches or respiratory symptoms. Tip: If your mattress contains CertiPUR-US certified foam, youll know it was made without toxic chemicals.
- Memory foam may not offer enough support to stomach sleepers or people with more weight.
How Old Is Your Mattress
This is the very first question you need to answer. Why? Well, the age of your mattress can play a big role in determining whether or not you need a new one. As a general rule of thumb, youll want to start thinking about getting a new bed if youve had your old one for over 8 years. This isnt a set standard by any means, but is usually a good benchmark for checking in with your mattress and figuring out whether its still doing its job re: Lulling you to sleep!
For a quick primer on the typical expiration dates for different mattress materials, check out the graphic below:
While these numbers are helpful in contextualizing the lifespan of your mattress, the best way to determine whether or not its time to switch things up is to listen to your body. Are you waking up with new pains in the morning? Do you have trouble finding a comfortable position at night? Have you noticed any new dips in your mattress that cant be fixed by rotating it regularly? If you answered yes to any of these questions, it may be time to bid adieu to your bed.
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Determine How Thick Your Memory Foam Mattress Should Be
Memory foam mattress thickness ranges from 6 inches to 14 inches. In general, thick mattresses are softer than thin mattresses. However, choosing a thinner option wont take away the natural comfort of a memory foam mattress. The base foam is the main support structure, and each additional level adds extra softness.
Its also important to keep in mind that adding a memory foam mattress topper can help increase the overall thickness and comfort of your mattress. Check out this guide to get even more details about memory foam mattress thickness and why it matters.
What Is A Gel Foam Mattress
A gel foam mattress is like a memory foam mattress, but with gel pods added to the top layers of foam.
These gel pods provide extra support for your lower back and neck. In addition, they add more bounce to your mattress, allowing the foam to mold back to its original shape faster. The gel also helps draw heat away from your body, keeping you cool as you sleep.
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