Should You Buy a Memory Foam Mattress?

I’m sure every one of you has heard the term ‘memory foam’ before? But do you really know what memory foam is, the benefits of memory foam and what memory foam products are available, specifically for your bedroom?

What is memory foam

Memory Foam was first developed in 1966 by NASA’s Ames Research Centre with the aim of improving the safety of their aircraft cushions. It was then released to the public in 1980. Memory foam was initially very expensive but have become more affordable throughout the years as more companies started incorporating it into their own products.

Memory foam consists of normal polyurethane foam with added chemicals which increases the viscosity and density of the foam for that distinct ‘memory foam feel’. Suppliers often refer to it as viscoelastic polyurethane foam or low resilience polyurethane foam. This unique foam has an open-cell structure, effectively allowing air to move through the mattress. Memory foam responds to the individual’s body heat, allowing it to mould to the curves of your body and distribute your weight evenly within minutes. Once the pressure is removed, it will gradually return to its original form.

Many mattress manufacturers have developed their own version of memory foam by infusing it with gel particles or even latex, providing their customers with a unique comfort feel and many other beneficial properties.

Benefits of memory foam

Probably one of the main benefits of memory foam is its ability to respond to the heat and weight of your body. Your body heat softens the memory foam, making it more viscous and allowing you to ‘set’ into your mattress. By doing this, pretty much creates a mould of your body. This will make for a more comfortable sleep as the mattress perfectly conforms to your body instead of forcing you to adjust to it. When memory foam is combined with the right support core, your spine will be perfectly aligned throughout the night, in any position.

When you lay in one position for too long, the downward pressure of your body accompanied by the upward resistance of normal foam, can affect your circulation and cause general aches and pains. With the unique ability to conform to each individual’s body and minimised resistance to your body, memory foam provides excellent pressure relief in the areas you need it most. If you suffer from arthritis or joint pain, then a memory foam bed might be the answer you are looking for.

Memory foam is also resistant to dust mites and therefore makes it perfect for people who suffer from allergies. Dust mites are the most common cause of allergies and asthma symptoms among people during the night.

Most traditional mattresses tend to cause a lot of disturbances between partners – especially if you are a light sleeper. Memory foam, combined with the right core such as pocket springs, absorbs motion rather than transferring it. This means that you will not be waking up every time your partner rolls over or gets out of bed during the night.

Disadvantages of memory foam

Many people complain about the fact that memory foam tends to be hotter than normal mattresses. In the winter this is ideal but could cause sleeping problems in the hot summer months. Mattress manufacturers have taken this into account and have developed a gel-infused memory foam that minimises this effect.

When new, memory foam tends to give off a weird smell. This, however, can be corrected by airing your new mattress for at least 24 hours. After airing the new mattress, the strange smell should have disappeared. 

Memory foam mattresses also tend to be a bit more expensive than normal mattresses. This is however where the phrase “you get what you pay for” is so appropriate. With the advantages that this unique foam offers, it is definitely worth paying a bit extra as you would indirectly be investing in your health, by ensuring a perfect night’s rest!

Memory foam accessories for your bed

Memory foam has been incorporated in many other products such as mattress toppers, pillows, slippers, helmets and many more. Below we have a few accessories for your bed – to help you sleep even better!

Mattress Toppers

A mattress topper is an additional layer of padding which is added to your mattress. If your mattress has become a bit uncomfortable or if you want to add extra softness but don’t quite have the budget for a new mattress right now, a mattress topper could be exactly what you need.

Foamrite Gel-Infused Memory Foam Toppers are infused with Blue-Gel cooling beads and are convoluted in an eggshell profile for the ultimate sleep experience.

Memory Foam Pillows

Finding the perfect bed is one thing, finding that perfect pillow which isn’t going to leave you with a stiff neck the next morning, well that’s another topic on its own.

Currently, we stock a variety of memory foam pillows. As explained above, memory foam helps with pressure point relief and has the ability to shape to each individual body. Memory foam pillows will basically have the same effect, shaping to the unique contours of your neck and head.

View our memory foam pillows

Conclusion

Customers tend to have mixed feelings when it comes to memory foam mattresses, seeing that memory foam has a very unique feel to it. Some love the fact that you “sink into” the mattress and the way it envelopes your body – other people not so much.

Memory foam has many advantages but just like any other product, it does have certain properties that might not be suited to you as an individual. So, we suggest that you contact one of our expert sales consultants who would be able to determine if a memory foam bed is right for you.