There is no easy answer to this question, and if you have already taken a look at my page on firmness it’s easy to understand how knowing what thickness to buy can be just as confusing. Of course, I’m all about memory foam mattresses because I think they are the way forward if you want the ultimate in comfort overnight. However, there is one rule that everyone should consider even if you don’t think a memory foam mattress is what you need right now. It goes without saying the more you weigh, the more support you will need while you sleep. However, although you will need to find a thicker mattress if you weigh more than average for your build, you still have to take into account how firm you like your bed to be. If you like a really soft mattress beneath you, it’s best to go for the thickest you can find and reduce this depending on how firm you like your bed to be. If you suffer from general aches and pains, the thickness of the mattress you choose can have an effect on this.
But if you’re under medical care for various back, shoulder neck or joint troubles it is best to check with your doctor before you decide to go ahead and buy a new mattress. Of course, the more support you need can determine how thick a mattress you sleep on should be. Basically, as with weight the thicker the mattress, the softer it will be. I would like to clear up one little “niggle” here. Some memory foam mattresses can be as thin as 6 inches or as thick as 13 to 14 inches. However don’t think that just because you buy say, a 12 inch foam mattress, this is the amount of memory foam you have. Whilst some manufacturers are very good at outlining the actual amount of memory foam you have, others are not. How much you wish to spend does come into account because the more memory foam included with a mattress will determine this. Having said that, I have some reviews on mattresses that are very reasonably priced yet offer enough support to help with various aches and pains.
For instance, most mattresses like this will have a layer of base foam which is where most of the support occurs, a layer of memory foam and a layer of high density foam on top. To make it easier, the more memory foam you have, the softer your mattress will be, which (as I have said) is important to know if you’re heavier than average or you need specialist support when you sleep. There are other permeations to think about as well. For instance, some memory foam mattresses will incorporate layers that help keep you cool. The reason for this is this type of mattress is well known for reacting to your body temperature so it can conform to your shape, which in turn can create more heat while you sleep. Knowing that a thicker mattress will generally have a softer feel for most people of an average weight is useful. However, as you can see from the information above just like choosing the right firmness of mattress, the thickness is also to some degree a personal choice. The perfect scenario is to combine how firm you would like your foam mattress to be with a thickness that will also suit your needs.
Look for eco-friendly memory foam mattresses for a healthier night's sleep. Bigger is not always better, especially in memory foam mattresses. A memory foam mattress has multiple layers; when added together, each layer contributes to the overall mattress height. Avoid judging a memory foam mattress by its thickness; rather, look at its density and load-deflection properties, as these characteristics define the quality of the mattress and its performance. Dense Is Best Being dense is typically associated with a lack of smarts, but in memory foam mattresses, being dense is a good thing. Manufacturers measure density by pounds per cubic foot. The density of the mattress determines how well it supports the body, not its thickness. Do not choose a memory foam mattress with a density rating of below 3 pounds per cubic foot for the memory foam layer, as it does not provide the body support needed. Top-name brands have beds that range up to 8 pounds per cubic foot on the memory foam layer. Firm It Is The second component used to determine the quality of a memory foam mattress is how well the bed deflects indentations.
Called indentation-load deflection, this factor determines the hardness or softness of the memory foam mattress. It applies to the weight of pressure measured in pounds that are necessary to indent 4 inches of mattress at least 25 percent over a 50-square-inch area. Look for a mattress that has an ILD of at least 10, up to 14. Most top-brand mattresses weigh in with an ILD measurement ranging from 12 to 14. Multiple Layers Memory foam mattresses do not consist entirely of memory foam. Each manufacturer constructs a memory foam mattresses with multiple layers. Depending on the brand selected, the different layers include memory foam, gel, latex foam layers, quilting and covers. The optimum choice for the thickness of the memory foam layer ranges from 4 to 5 inches thick with a density of at least 5 pounds per cubic foot. The denser and thicker the mattress, the higher the price goes. Mattress Components When you want to buy a memory foam mattress, opt for companies that substitute many of the petrochemicals used to make these mattresses with natural products such as soy, green tea, cotton, bamboo or wool for quilting or batting layers and natural latex for that layer.
Ask pointed questions about the manufacturing process and the chemicals used to expand the foam. One company uses water instead of chemical solvents, which often leaves a lingering and toxic smell on the mattress. References Select Foam: Ultimate Memory Foam Mattress GuidesSelect Foam: Memory Foam Mattress Buying GuideErgoflex: What Does the ILD Rating of a Memory Foam Mattress Mean?Richmond Bedding: 14-inch Memory Foam MattressOprah: Count Sheep, Not Harmful Synthetics –- How to Find an Eco-Friendly Mattress Photo Credits Stockbyte/Stockbyte/Getty Images Suggest a CorrectionConsider the Size of Your Bed Frame Although memory foam mattresses are considered specialty mattresses, they actually come in all standard sizes, which allows for easy pairing with your current bed frame. Whether you've got a space-saving single bed or a luxurious California King, you're sure to find the perfect sized mattress to suit your needs. If you're starting from scratch, bed frame options range from basic steel frames to modern-style platform beds in a variety of finishes to complement your space.
Memory foam mattresses can also be paired with adjustable pivot foundations that adjust the mattress to your specific comfort needs, allowing for an amazing night's rest. While a common belief is that memory foam is one type of foam, there are actually multiple types of memory foam to choose from. Traditional foam supports the body by creating a soft cradle, which also minimizes pressure points and helps to increase circulation. Gel memory foam contains the same gel formulation that is typically found in inserts that are placed in shoes to reduce pressure, which in turn helps to sooth body discomfort. Gel memory foam is a great option for individuals who suffer from chronic pain, sore muscles, and overall body stress. If you tend to heat up during sleep, consider an air-cool memory foam mattress. The cool-air technology filters out heat as the body warms up throughout the night, allowing you to stay comfortable as you sleep. Choose a Mattress Topper for Added Comfort While memory foam mattresses provide an amazing level of comfort when used alone, a topper adds extra cushioning that truly gives the "sleeping on a cloud" sensation.
For additional firmness, latex mattress toppers are an ideal option. While you still get to experience the maximum comfort of your memory foam mattress, latex toppers are available in soft, medium or extra firm, allowing for additional balance and support. Baffle-channel featherbed cover sets are generally super-soft, and the baffle design prevents feathers from popping out or moving around inside the topper. Determine the Appropriate Thickness Memory foam thickness options range from as thin as 6 inches to 14 inches thick. In general, thicker mattresses are softer than super-thin mattresses, however, choosing a thinner style won't take away the natural comfort of a memory foam mattress. The base foam is the main support structure, and each level after that adds extra softness. It's also important to keep in mind that adding a topper will help increase the overall thickness of your mattress. Memory foam mattresses offer high-density, medium-density, and low-density options.
High- density foam is considered the most durable, while medium-density allows for optimal motion isolation, making it a great option for those who sleep two in a bed. Low-density foam is easy to break in, meaning your body may adjust quicker to the memory foam of a low-density mattress compared to a higher-density version. When comparing density levels, a good rule of thumb to go by is the weight. For example, medium-density foam is typically 4 to 5 pounds per cubic foot, while high-density foam can weigh as much as 10 pounds per cubic foot. Consider a Hypoallergenic Mattress While all memory foam mattresses are antimicrobial, certain mattresses are more effective than others when it comes to keeping dust mites and other allergens at bay. Gel memory foam tends to be the most resistant to dust mites, while traditional foam with a higher density can also help minimize the prevalence of allergens. However, latex foam is the only type of memory foam considered to be truly hypoallergenic.