You will no doubt have heard of the memory foam material that seems to be used in more and more products these days. This revolutionary material certainly has its benefits, but with so many retailers trying to sell you their memory foam product, we found it difficult to discover which the facts were and which were just pure hype.
We set up MemoryFoamGuide.org to provide you with unbiased information that we'd gathered through personal experience and research all about memory foam mattresses, toppers and pads, pillows and beds.
Product guides and reviews:
- Memory foam mattresses
- Memory foam pillows
- Memory foam beds
- Memory foam mattress toppers
Comparing the Best Memory Foam Mattress Products
As a result of the difficulty we had in finding the best memory foam mattresses to buy, we have developed what is arguably the best tool online to help our visitors compare memory mattresses. We don't provide reviews from brands and manufacturers, but rather consumer reports from our visitors as we know they mean more to potential buyers. Our memory foam mattress reviews and comparison section provides you with details that will make it clear which mattress is best for you within your budget.
Specifications of Memory Foam Mattresses
One of the most confusing things about visco elastic foam products is the construction of the different brands and models. Memory foam mattresses aren't created equal and come with different specifications such as density, Indentation Load Deflection, weight, foam resilience, depth and so-on. We cover all of these areas and more at MemoryFoamGuide.org.
The one thing that everyone expects from memory foam beds is the absolute best in support and a comfort system to match. Memory foam mattresses are generally heavier than other types of mattresses, and denser than other types of foam mattresses.
How Do Memory Foam Bedding Products Work?
The benefits of memory foam come from its open cell structure. This is what allows the mattress, topper, pillow or other memory foam product to react to body heat and shape to the natural contour of the body. The result should be a more supportive and comfortable sleep, reducing pressure points on the neck, back and joints, and preventing pressure sores. This is why they are highly popular among consumers, and hospitals too where they are excellent when used with an adjustable bed to create an ideal bed for recuperation.
The difference in feel of one memory foam mattress to another can be vary greatly, despite having the same basic chemical composition. The difference is a result of the density and layer thickness of memory foam. In general, higher density memory foam will have better compression ratings than lower density, prolonging the life of the memory foam and in turn the mattress.
Memory Foam Heat Build-Up
As I've just mentioned, memory foam is an open cell structure, but it can vary from an almost closed cell to very open. Tighter cell structures allow less airflow through, which is a big part of the reason why there are complaints of mattresses becoming too hot during sleep. A breathable visco foam mattress will have more of an open cell structure, which allows increased airflow. Another thing that can help are cool max memory foam mattresses. The cool max material is designed to keep heat and moisture away from the skin, and is used in a lot of sportswear for this reason. More recently, visco elastic mattresses have used this material too.
The Hidden Cost of Cheap Memory Foam Mattresses
Whilst cheap mattresses look appealing from a price standpoint, they can very often cost you more in the long run. With the popularity of the memory foam mattress comes a lot of cheap knockoffs. What you may notice should you ever buy (or already own) a cheap memory foam mattress are a number of things:
- Low density - Bigger but less open cells means that there is less support. When you try out a mattress that has less memory foam density it may well feel pretty comfortable, but what is happening is that the mattress is sinking too much and not providing the support that the best memory foam mattresses will.
- Limited or no warranty - Most top brand names like the Tempur-Pedic Swedish mattress come with a reliable warranty. The better (generally more expensive) mattresses don't usually have faults, but do have a warranty just in case. Cheap memory foam knockoffs on the other hand hardly ever have a solid warranty. This not only means you are sleeping on a mattress with a defect and not truly experiencing the benefits of memory foam, but also means you will most likely have to fork out for another new mattress.
- Short lifespan - Cheap mattresses are at a discount price for a reason, and that reason is poor quality materials and low amounts of memory foam. This inevitably means that the mattress will not last as long as one of the top rated memory foam mattresses that uses high quality materials and high density memory foam. It also means that during its lifetime you will be sleeping on a mattress that might not support your body like a memory foam mattress should, and will sag over time.
Choosing Your Memory Foam Product
With so many brands selling all sorts of memory foam products, you could spend days researching which you should be buying. There are memory foam pillows, slippers and even memory foam dog beds for sale! The important thing to do before you buy is to do your research. Read mattress reviews, forum posts, comparison information and talk to friends about mattresses that they sleep on. Anything that can give you feedback can help you make the right choice.
There is a lot to know about memory foam, and we've only just touched the surface here. Feel free to read our reviews and guides to help you make an informed decision when it's time for you to purchase. MemoryFoamGuide.org will help you understand...
- the difference between 3 inch, 4 inch and other depths, plus 5lb, 6lb and other weights.
- whether to choose twin, queen, king sizes and so-on. Plus how you can use custom cut memory foam for your pillows, cushions and mattresses.
- memory foam vs latex mattress and other types of foam. Plus the difference between memory foam and egg crate pads and mattresses.
- how to clean a memory foam mattress, including preventing dust mites from setting in.
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