Before you buy a memory foam topper or pad you'll hate or just don't need ask yourself the following questions: A memory foam topper can give you many of the benefits of a memory foam mattress at a much lower cost. A quality memory foam mattress top can almost eliminate painful pressure points that cause you to toss and turn all night. They will help you get to sleep more quickly, sleep more deeply and wake with fewer aches in joints and muscles. Sometimes doctors actually prescribe memory foam mattresses and pads for people with certain health and sleep problems. And once you buy the pad, you'll need something to cover it with. A good source is Faux Paw Furs; Fake Fur Throws, Comforters, Pillows, Stoles & Fabrics. Q1: Can you get by with just a pad, or do you need a new mattress? Don't drive yourself crazy with frustration or confusion over how long you've had the bed or how much you spent. Buying just a pad instead of a whole new mattress will work if your mattress is basically in good shape.
If your mattress is too soft, has compressed areas, or a hammock feel, get a new one. If your mattress just needs to be a bit more comfortable, maybe it's a bit too firm, then buy the mattress pad. Q2: How do you choose a good memory foam topper?A good memory foam pad has many of the same properties as the top layers of a visco elastic foam mattress: Thickness A good pad should be between 2" and 4" thick. Some people are happy with 2 inch pads. I don't like them, they're too skinny for me. I have a 4" topper. It has enough depth to cushion the wide shoulders of a 5'11" overweight side sleeper. If you're a smaller person you'd probably be happiest with a 3 inch thick pad. Density Between 3lb and 5lb. Most people seem to prefer 4lb pads. If you weigh over 200lbs you might want to go with a 5lb or higher density pad for more support. ILD Indentation load deflection (ILD) is a measure of the foam's comfort, or how easily it deflects. Between 8 and 20 is an acceptable range.
But many people prefer ILD measurements between 12 and 15 for that melt-into-the-bed feeling Temperature sensitivity Memory foam should soften at body temperature. That's how it provides the conforming support. The foam cells closest to your body soften and the ones further away stay firm. If you live in colder climates, a memory foam mattress top might feel a bit hard just as you get into bed. But it warms up quickly to contour itself to your body. Q3: How long do they last? 4 to 8 years with 4lb density foam. However, I've seen warranties up to 10 years. Q4: Who makes the best memory foam mattress top?Most of the major mattress manufacturers now carry a line of pads and toppers. Sealy mattresses, Serta, Simmons and even TempurPedic mattresses have them. In 2006, Sensus came out on top in an informal test conducted by a Wall Street Journal writer. But there's many more pads out now, so choosing the best rated mattress pads is a bit more challenging. So make your choice easy.
Follow the criteria outlined in the "How do you choose a good topper?" section, choose a reputable manufacturer and wait for a good sale. Q5: What's a Good Price? Here's average low prices for Queen size pads: You will pay more for higher pound density memory foam. There's just more stuff in it, so it is going to cost more pound for pound. Bonus Tip: Make sure that your memory foam topper has at least a 30 day no questions asked return policy. Even after answering these 5 questions on memory foam toppers, you won't really know if a mattress pad will work for you until you try it in your own bedroom. "Lazy Buyer's Memory Foam Bed Topper Guide - Best Memory Foam Pads" "Memory Foam Mattress Topper Reviews And Memory Foam Bed Pad Buying Tips"Since memory foam naturally absorbs liquid, it is sometimes more difficult to clean than other types of mattresses. You can keep a cover over the mattress or topper to protect it from accidental spills, but you may still need to complete a cleaning to keep dust and other allergens from accumulating over time.
You may also need to clean a mattress or topper when a child pees the bed or a big spill seeps beneath the protective cover. Cleaning a memory foam mattress always starts with a simple handheld vacuum. You can remove dust and other allergens resting on the surface of the mattress, and that is enough for routine cleanings every few months. If you want to deep clean your mattress or you need to clean up stains or urine accidents, the rest of this guide will help you get the job done without damaging your mattress or topper. Deep Cleaning Memory Foam Mattresses and Toppers It isn’t necessary to complete this type of cleaning more than once a year since it goes beyond spot cleaning for stains and accidents. Due to the amount of time involved, you may want to take on this type of cleaning every few years or only when trying to remove odor or excessive stains from a mattress you cannot replace. You don’t need to purchase expensive cleaning products for your project. A variety of household products will do the job, including the following options:
You won’t need all of these products, so pick something based on what you already have around the house. Hydrogen peroxide, baking soda and liquid dish soap can be used together to create a powerful cleaning solution. You can use white vinegar or fabric softener without any added ingredients. Keep in mind that hydrogen peroxide may lead to some color fading or discoloration if your mattress is not pure white. Follow these steps to clean your memory foam mattress: 1. Take your mattress outside or tip it on its side in the bathtub. If cleaning outdoors, lay the mattress on a large tarp or piece of plastic. 2. Mix your cleaning solution in a spray bottle. You can use one part fabric softener to two parts water or equal parts white vinegar and water. 3. Spray the mattress down on both sides, including the sides. It is best to stand it on one end while doing this. 3. Use an outdoor hose or the showerhead to cover the mattress with water for a rinse. This will soak the mattress, which is why you shouldn’t perform this thorough cleaning too often.
4. Fold the mattress in half and apply pressure to push the water and cleaning solution out. You do not want to twist or ring the mattress because that may rip the internal memory foam. 5. Use an oscillating fan or hairdryer to dry the mattress completely. This takes some time, but you shouldn’t use the mattress until it is thoroughly dry. If you don’t have time to work through the drying process, you don’t have time to complete this type of mattress cleaning. You can complete the cleaning process twice with a rinse in between if your mattress is in serious need of deep cleaning. In this case, you would clean with fabric softener and water the first time around and white vinegar and water the second time around, drying the mattress after a final rinse. It is easier to complete this process on a memory foam mattress topper because toppers are lighter weight and easier to handle. it will take more than one person to maneuver a heavy, wet mattress, so make sure help is on hand.
Spot Cleaning a Memory Foam Mattress or Topper If your mattress is clean except for a small to medium sized stain, there is no need to go through the deep cleaning process detailed above. You can get by with spot cleaning according to the following steps: 1. Mix your cleaning solution in a clean spray bottle. You can use dish detergent mixed with water to a bubbling solution or a solution of diluted vinegar. For more aggressive stain-fighting action, you may mix hydrogen peroxide with dish detergent. Keep in mind that hydrogen peroxide may cause discoloration if your mattress is not pure white. 2. Spray the stain with your cleaning solution. 3. Scrub the stain in a circular motion. Start on the outer edges of the stain and scrub inward. 4. Use a blow dryer to dry the mattress. If you don’t have a blow dryer, you can pour baking soda over the wet spot. The baking soda will absorb the moisture, drying the spot in less than an hour. You can allow small spots to air dry, but make sure you don’t cover the spot with a sheet until it is completely dry.