What It Is, Why It Works, And The 5 Key Things To Look For When Buying A Memory Foam Bed Or Topper. While memory foam was developed for NASA in the 1970's, it didn't hit the consumer market until the early 1990's - first as memory foam mattress topper pads, and later used in memory foam mattresses. Since then, memory foam mattresses have become the fastest growing segment in the mattress industry. With every year, you see more and more companies selling memory foam mattresses and topper pads, and it is very difficult, even for those of us in the industry, to keep up with all the new memory foam products being introduced. What is a consumer to do? 1. Brief History Of Memory Foam And Why Not All Memory Foam Created Equal - Some Just More Comfortable And Sleeps Cooler Than Others 2. How To Choose Between Different Memory Foams 3. What To Look For In A Memory Foam Mattress Or Topper, And When You Might Need To Get A New Mattress In this guide, I'm going to do my best to give you the straight story on what memory foam is, how it works, and what to look for in memory foam (density and quality, memory foam toppers versus memory foam mattresses, etc.).
Armed with the information, I hope you are able to find just the right memory foam mattress, topper pad, or other product that fits your needs. Where the mattress industry so often sells on hype about latest greatest technology, I wanted to concentrate on actual, verifiable information when putting together this guide. So before we go into the details about memory foam, I thought it was important to first look at the bottom line -- how does memory foam compare to standard innerspring mattresses for comfort. And what is great about the internet is that these days you can cut through the hype to see the actual data on this -- real reviews, by real folks, trying out the mattresses in their own homes. And while it was hard to get this kind of objective information back in '94 when I was first starting out selling memory foam after it helped me with my back pain, in 2014 all this information is now at your fingertips, literally. While comfort is subjective, what is no longer subjective is that certain types of mattress are just more comfortable than others.
And you don't have to take my word for it, or any other mattress retailer. The numbers don't lie. Based on over 22,000 real people's mattress experiences, the meta site Sleep Like the Dead found that in analyzing this information that memory foam mattresses received the highest level of customer satisfaction of any mattress type at 81%. In contrast, only 64% of innerspring owners said they were satisfied. That is a huge difference, and shows the simple reason why memory foam has gained such popularity -- it delivers comfort in a way that far surpasses the standard innerspring mattress. Where did memory foam come from and what gives memory foam its unique comfort properties? It is an interesting story and starts with the space program. But these days there are lots of different foamers making memory foam, and while they are all referred to as "memory foam", they have different formulations and in terms of comfort and sleeping cool memory foams are definitely not created equal -- which I will cover in our next section.
Next > Brief History of Memory Foam, And Why Not All Memory Foam Created Equal - Some Memory Foam Is Just More Comfortable And Sleeps Cooler Than OthersConsider 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. If you suffer from allergies, it's always a good idea to pair your memory foam mattress with a hypoallergenic mattress topper and use hypoallergenic pillowcases and bedding to ensure comfort and reduced symptoms. Choose the Right Mattress for Side Sleepers Believe it or not, there are actually memory foam mattresses that are considered better for side sleepers than others. This has to do with the way the foam conforms to the body and the overall thickness of the material. Any mattress with a thickness between 8 and 14 inches is believed to be ideal for side sleepers, as the support foam is thicker, which allows for optimal cushioning of the pressure points of the knees, hips and shoulders when lying on your side.