Foam / Memory Foam Mattresses
Pros and cons of memory foam
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Foam and memory foam mattresses make up the majority of online mattresses available, which isnt surprising because memory foam mattresses are known to be one of the more comfortable mattress types.
These are typically a medium on the firmness scale and tend to be better for people with back pain as the layers of memory foam help with lumbar support, comfort in the hips and shoulders and body contouring. Its also great for motion transfer .
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A memory foam mattress will be more contouring, meaning it will hug your body more than other mattresses will and wont provide as much bounce or freedom of movement. So if you dont typically move around a lot throughout the night, memory foam might be a good option for you. Its also worth noting that many of the foam mattresses you see today are not purely memory foam but a foam blend made with other materials.
Coil Count
How To Negotiate For The Best Mattress Price
If youre married to buying a mattress from a store, then you can use some helpful tips on negotiating so you can be sure youre receiving the best price for your new mattress.
The good news is mattress prices are negotiable at most retailers, but the main strategy is to try to play one seller off of another. For example, if you secure a quote from one store, you can take it to their competitor and see that they beat the price. You can continue this process on and on and on by taking that lower price to a different competitor, and negotiating that price down even further. Another option would be to find the mattress you want online, and then get the retailer to match the price you see online.
But if youre not keen on the idea of going back and forth between mattress stores, youll be happy to hear that online prices are typically the best. All you have to do is find the mattress that fits you best, and then find the comparable model online.
Brooklyn Bedding Brooklyn Chill Memory Foam Mattress
Dollar for dollar, the Brooklyn Chill Memory Foam Mattress is one of the best values on the market. It offers many perks of more expensive mattresses, like an extended in-home sleep trial and free shipping and returns, and an environmentally-friendly Nano Stain Terminator finish that guards against splashes, spills, and stains.
This mattress uses varying memory foam layers and a swirl-style foam design for responsive cushioning and cooling technology that works with your bodys own weight and sleep style. Its available in 6-, 8-, 10-, 12-, and 14-inch widths to suit every budget and style. That means you can find the perfect mattress for a childs twin-size character bedding or a luxurious master suite to encase with your best organic cotton sheets. The foams open-cell technology also provides increased airflow and breathability.
This mattress also comes with a 10-year warranty and is delivered in a clever box that allows for easy transportation from your door to your bedroom.
Pros:
What we liked about the Brooklyn Bedding Brooklyn Chill Memory Foam Mattress
- 10-year warranty
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Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress
We chose the Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress as our overall best pick because it offers the ideal balance of high-end luxury touches and affordability.
For starters, we love that it comes with an impressive lifetime warranty, a major commitment to ensuring the quality of your sleep for years to come. It also offers a 365-night in-home sleep trial on this mattress, so its relatively risk-free to see if its the right mattress for you.
The brands supportive foam layers offer body contouring and ease of movement and triple cooling technology draws away and disperses body heat to keep you comfortable without tossing or turning. The medium-firm density was designed with side sleepers in mind, but it also works nicely for combination and back sleepers as well as couples who tend to sleep differently.
Saatva also offers a white glove delivery service that includes hauling away your old mattress. Saving all that hassle alone is nearly priceless, and makes this modestly-priced memory foam piece feel like a world above other comparable models.
Pros:
What we liked about the Saatva Modern Foam Mattress
- Lifetime warranty
What Are The Disadvantages Of Memory Foam Mattresses
Some people dont like the body-contouring texture of foam and feel like theyre being swallowed by the bed. While firmer foam mattresses may not sink as much as softer ones, hybrid and innerspring mattresses generally offer a more buoyant feel. Further, memory foam has a reputation for trapping heat, and while many big brands have developed cooling materials, some people still prefer coil mattresses that promote airflow.
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We Called In The Experts And Even Tested Some Of The Best Memory Foam Mattresses On The Market Our Picks Include A Perfect Fit For Every Sleep Style And Budgetand They All Ship Right To Your Door
Every editorial product is independently selected, though we may be compensated or receive an affiliate commission if you buy something through our links. Ratings and prices are accurate and items are in stock as of time of publication.
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Choosing the best mattresses for your sleep style and budget doesnt have to be a daunting task. In fact, its easier than ever thanks to direct shipping. The best memory foam mattresses can cradle and frame your spine better than other types of mattresses and are offered by reputable bed-in-a-box retailers some brands even help with setup. There are also a plethora of memory foam mattress options available, from organic mattresses to hybrid mattresses.
Memory foam mattresses mold to the shape of your body for ultimate support, explains Lauri Leadley, president and clinical sleep educator of Valley Sleep Center. The best memory foam mattress options are especially great for those who have physical ailments. They are also best for those who prefer a firm mattress. Memory foam can make the best side-sleeper mattress or back pain-relieving mattress.
And to make sure your sleep is better than ever in all ways, check out our lists of the best mattress toppers, pillows, down comforters, weighted blankets, and electric blankets.
Tip #: Find The Country Of Origin
The fact is that a mattresss country of origin is an important thing to considerand its even more crucial to know that made in and assembled in are not the same thing. For example, your mattress label may say it was assembled in the United States, but its parts are transported from overseas.
Even if your mattress brand is assembled in the U.S. or Canada, tests are rarely performed on imported mattress components. Unfortunately, that means that theres no accurate way to know the exact components for certain mattress parts, which can be dangerous to your and your loved ones health.
This is because mattresses are typically made of toxic chemicals that can cause chemical off-gassing within a few hours of unpacking. These chemicals trigger volatile organic compound exposure, which has been connected to incidences of cancer, respiratory issues, and even infertility.
When buying a memory foam mattress, always ask about the country of origin and whether or not your bed was made and assembled in the U.S. or Canada to avoid low-end quality mattresses that may cause VOC exposure. The good news is that organic latex memory foam mattresses dont cause this type of chemical off-gassing.
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Tempur Vs Memory Foam Warehouse
With so many up-and-coming brands dominating the mattress market, it can be hard to differentiate which factors constitute quality.
When it comes to memory foam mattresses, Tempur are held in high esteem by many and have earned their reputation as a leading brand in the field. As theyre a trusted brand who produce consistently high quality mattresses, their products are often accompanied by an expensive price tag.
Are There Different Types Of Memory Foam
Yes, the most common being traditional memory foam, gel memory foam, and plant-based memory foam. While traditional memory foam doesnt include cooling materials, it does have open-cell technology to provide some airflow inside the mattress. Traditional memory foam may retain more heat compared to other mattress types. Innersprings, for example, have an open structure, so theres more air circulation inside the bed. If youre a hot sleeper, a memory foam mattress with cooling materials may provide a more comfortable sleep experience and reduce the risk of overheating.
Gel
Gel-infused memory foam is designed to absorb and disperse body heat. During the foam manufacturing process, cooling gel or gel beads are added to the foam. Gel memory foam has the same contouring feel as traditional memory foam.
Despite cooling abilities, gel memory foam mattresses can only absorb and disperse so much heat before they start to retain it.
Some manufacturers infuse gel memory foam with copper or graphite. These materials are natural heat conductors. When infused with memory foam, copper and graphite pulls heat away from the body. Plus, copper is antimicrobial.
Plant-Based
Using plant oil and less petroleum means less off-gassing odor, an excellent option if youre sensitive to smells.
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Read All The Fine Print
Any large purchase comes with its share of policy, and though its time consuming, you want to read everything. From sleep trial agreements to warranties, there may be hidden caveats that could affect the overall value of your purchase and need to be considered, especially if youre trying to compare several brands.
Check The Memory Foam Density
Density is measured in cubic metres , so the higher the density, the heavier the mattress will be.
As a general rule, the higher the density of the memory foam, the better the quality. High-density memory foam provides optimum support encouraging the natural alignment of the spine, whilst providing excellent pressure relief. Its also very durable, so your mattress will last longer.
However, high-density foam isnt the be-all and end-all when it comes to finding the right mattress for you. You also need to take into consideration mattress thickness, composition and levels of comfort and support.
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What Is The Best Type Of Memory
In general, a mattresss firmness level will determine how comfortable you feel sleeping in a particular position. The idea is to keep your spine aligned , and your pressure points cushioned.
Most side-sleepers should do well with a mattress thats medium-soft to medium-firm. You should be able to draw a straight line connecting the midpoints of your ears, shoulders, and hips. Your shoulders and hips should feel some give, as opposed to feeling pressed by the bed.
Back-sleepers tend to gravitate toward medium-firm mattresses. Lie on your back and try to slide your hand under your lower back. If you can just fit your hand through, the mattress is probably a good fit. If its too snug, the bed is probably too soft. If theres too much space, the mattress may be too firm.
Stomach-sleepers may prefer a mattress thats on the firmer side of medium-firm. If you feel an exaggerated pull, causing your back to over-arch, then the mattress may be too soft. If you feel the mattress pressing against your ribs, its probably too firm.
Read The Consumer Reviews
Thousands of customer reviews go unread, it is in your best interest to read them. Looking at how many stars an item receives on Google shopping or Amazon may not always cut it.
Reading both the good and bad reviews can really help customers know what to expect from a product. You can figure out what was wrong, if problems were resolved, and what things customers absolutely loved about a product.
Sleepers will not only find out what was good versus bad, but they may also learn how other people experienced the product. Shoppers can figure out if the bed is good for couples, if it is too soft or too firm, and how well other people slept on it over an extended period of time.
Taking reviews with context is also important. A one-star review may read something like, the bed was too firm.
While this particular reviewer may find firm as a bad thing, some other shoppers might really enjoy a firm mattress. It is important to remember that opinions are subjective to experience.
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Take Advantage Of Home Trials
Sleep trials function as an extended return policy. You can try the mattress out at home for 90 to 120 days, or sometimes for as long as a year. If you decide you dont find the mattress comfortable, you can return it for a refund or ask to exchange it for another model.
Dont worry if you dont sleep well the first or second night. The reason behind it is that when you slept on your old mattress, your body adjusted even as the bed lost support. Sleeping on a more supportive and comfortable mattress can still leave you with a few aches while your body corrects its bad sleeping posture. Some people need a full month to adjust to a new mattress.
Your new mattress may have a chemical smell from off-gassing, which is the result of volatile organic compounds breaking down at room temperature. This odor should fade away within three to seven days.
If youre sensitive to smells, look for a mattress with a CertiPUR-US® certification. CertiPUR-US® guarantees a mattress contains low amounts of VOCs for minimal off-gassing. You may also want to consider a mattress encasement, which will not only protect your mattress but will provide a barrier against the smell.
Choose The Most Comfortable Memory Foam Mattress For Your Sleeping Style
If you often wake up with back, neck, or shoulder pain, its likely that youre sleeping on the wrong mattress for you. Generally speaking, memory foam is a great way to solve this problem, but choosing the right mattress firmness for your sleeping style is also key.
People that sleep on their backs typically need medium-firm mattresses to support their achy spines. Those who sleep on their stomachs find mattresses made with firmer foam to be best. Lastly, people who sleep on their sides usually prefer soft mattresses.
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Whats The Average Lifespan Of A Mattress
Most mattresses last between 7-10 years, but this varies by type. Innersprings have the shortest lifespan between 7-8 years, foam mattresses are in the middle lasting up to 10 years, and latex mattresses last the longest at up to 15 years.
| Mattress Type | ||
| Innerspring | 7-8 years |
Even if youve flipped and rotated your innerspring mattress regularly, the core is still made of metal wire, which tends to sag and lose its form over time. |
| Foam/Memory Foam | Up to 10 years |
While a memory foam mattress is generally better at holding its shape, it still doesnt last forever. It can last up to 10 years if youre diligent about rotating it and keeping it clean. |
| Latex | Up to 15 years |
Latex mattresses tend to have the most longevity. A good quality latex mattress can last up to 15 years because of its durable makeup. |
| Hybrid | 7-15 years |
Longevity depends on the combination of materials. A hybrid with an innerspring layer will probably have a shorter lifespan than a foam-latex hybrid. |
What Are The Benefits Of Memory Foam
Memory foam has an unmatched ability to contour to your body while evenly distributing weight and relieving pressure points. It also provides plenty of support for your spine, which helps alleviate the morning aches and pains that can accompany a subpar mattress. Like other bed types, memory foam mattresses come in a variety of firmnesses and with different features that cater to sleep preferences across the board. It all comes down to whether you like the contouring feel of memory foam some love sinking into bed while others prefer the structured support of an innerspring or hybrid mattress. Ultimately, it all depends on your comfort level.
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Consider The Advice Of Real Customers
You can spend countless hours researching the right mattress for you. However, few things will help you more than reading real reviews from consumers who have already tried the product. Unlike just a few short decades ago, we now have the power of the Internet at our fingertips. Here, you can hear firsthand accounts of how a product you may be considering holds up to expectations.
There are dozens of comprehensive memory foam mattress reviews you can take advantage of, and you can explore the good, the bad, and the ugly. Here at The Sleep Judge, we make it our mission to provide our visitors with trustworthy reviews you can count on. We offer many reviews of various products that allow you the chance to see for yourself how these products worked for us.
Its important to keep in mind as you do browse reviews outside The Sleep Judge that many people only take the time to write them when they arent happy with the product. Therefore, if you find one that generally seems to be making consumers happy but just has a few negative comments, it may be worth looking into more. Of course, take the time to read the negative comments as you may discover a problem you arent willing to compromise on. Just dont allow a few bad reviews to send you running.
