Place a broomstick (string may also be used as a substitute) from one side of the mattress to the other. Using a ruler, measure the distance between the lowest point on the mattress surface to the bottom of the broomstick. If the distance from the bottom of the impression to the top of the broomstick exceeds 2 inches the mattress body impression is not within the advised body impression depth. If the impression does not exceed 2 inches there is no need for concern. Please note that when measuring a memory foam mattress or mattress with memory foam topper, a few hours may be required before the foam fully decompresses to its natural state. When people look for a mattress they are looking for something that will provide comfort while supporting their individual body shape. A good mattress will conform to your unique body shape so that it is both supportive and comfortable. While mattresses are made with many products, both natural and synthetic, it is the different variations of foam which provide different and desirable levels of comfort.* There are three types of foam that can be found in a mattress: polyurethane, viscoelastic, and latex foam.
Polyurethane foam has a lower density than viscoelastic and latex foams. It is mainly used to give the soft and supple feel of the mattress. Viscoelastic foam (memory foam) is much denser and is mainly used for the conforming function of the mattress. Latex foam is the densest and is used primarily to provide support. A combination of the three enables the mattress to conform to ones’ body shape while providing support. Given that people usually sleep in the same area of the mattress every night, the foams are continually compressed in the same area. Within two of three nights of compression a small indentation will form on the mattress, also known as a body impression. Body impressions are clinically proven to help support spinal alignment and provide the pressure relief needed for a great night’s sleep. Many people can mistake this impression or dip as a defect in the mattress (i.e. sagging). If your mattress shows and indentation of up to 2 inches this is not a defect; it is the fibers and foam compressing and conforming to your body.
The phenomenon of body impressions can be explained as similar to the process of breaking in a pair of new shoes. When you buy a new pair of shoes the soles of the shoes are initially straight which can often cause discomfort. As you continue to walk in the shoes the soles begin to conform to fit the natural curve and shape of your feet which results in a more comfortable fit. Similarly, there is no exact replica of your sleeping form but a good mattress will conform to your unique shape. There are four standard sizes of mattresses: twin, full, queen, and king. The twin, full, and queen have a mattress and matching box spring of the same size while two twin sized box springs are used with the king size. This causes the center of the mattress to be firmer where the two boxes meet. When two people sleep on a king size bed you never lay in the center of the mattress which makes the compression of the mattress seem deeper than it actually is. *Please note: our foamless sleep mattresses are designed with materials specifically engineered to provide a combination of comfort and support without the need to obtain a lasting body impression
Old Bed Guy- The Truth about Buying Beds and Mattresses. Your complete guide to buying the perfect mattress.King mattresses require sturdy box springs and a frame with a center support rail to minimize body impressions. Body impressions and indentations are not always a sign of poor quality. Even the most expensive pillow-top mattress will develop indents; the pillow top is primarily supported by the foam just below it rather than by the coils or a box spring. If you’re lucky enough to have a new two-sided mattress, just flip it and call it a day. For single-sided pillow tops, rotate the mattress and use your vacuum to attempt to pull the stuffing back into position. When You Can’t Flip, Rotate Older and specialty mattresses may have two sides: Coils in the center surrounded by foam filling with plush pillow tops sandwiching everything in between. If you have an old mattress, your best bet is to replace it; no amount of fluffing will remove indentations, which are most likely sagging.
If you have a new two-sided mattress with a pillow top on both sides, remove body impressions by flipping the mattress over. For the much more common single-sided mattress, rotate it head to foot and then manually fluff the pillow top to remove body impressions. Prepping the Mattress Strip off all the bedding – this is a good time to wash the sheets while you work. Keep dust and allergens from flying around as you fluff the mattress by first vacuuming it with a clean upholstery attachment. Wipe the attachment down before you get started, preferably with an antibacterial wipe, to prevent transferring odors to your bed. Vacuum the mattress thoroughly, including around the perimeter and where the pillow top connects to the foam base. Redistribute the Pillow-Top Filling With your vacuum attachment in hand, use the machine’s suction to pull the pillow top’s filling back into place. Starting around the perimeter of the impression, hold the attachment in one spot just long enough that the fabric sucks up;
pull it up a bit with your hand and release. Repeat this step, working your way around the impression and slowly in toward the center. If necessary, use your hands to even out the filling even more. Think of it as working the lumps out of a comforter that got mangled in the dryer: Break up clumpy filling with the tips of your fingers, massaging the pillow top and slowly pushing it into place with the palms of your hands. Preventing Body Impressions Rotating your bed every two months or flipping it twice a year will help prevent indentations in the mattress. For a two-sided mattresd, rotate the mattress head to foot every other time you flip it. If you share the bed with a partner, try swapping sides every few months to even out the wear; even if you’re both similar sizes, everyone sleeps in a different position. When you have the bed all to yourself, take a similar approach, switching your preferred sleeping side – if possible – on occasion. Outfitting your bed with a padded mattress cover also reduces the appearance of body impressions;