What memory foam should i buy

If you have a larger body size, then you will be better suited towards a heavier mattress. This would be considered a good quality mattress that will last you for quite some time. The highest quality stuff has a density of 6 lbs per cubic foot or more. Anything higher than that and the benefits start to taper off. If you have a larger build, you will actually perceive a firmer mattress as being softer than it really is.

This is because the softness of the mattress depends on how far you sink into it. Heavier people will be creating a deeper cradle in the foam, and their weight will be spread out more. As well, this person will need more support in the mattress so that they do not sink down as far.

A firm upper layer of a mattress will be good for larger people because it will relieve the pressure points of their bodies. In contrast, a person with a smaller body shape will be more inclined to use a softer mattress.

They do not have as much need for weight distribution, so they will not be sinking far into the mattress. This is entirely up to the durability of your mattress. For memory foam, that is determined in large part by three factors: the density of the foam, what is in the foam and your BMI. First off, how are we going to define durability?

This would be how long you can sleep on a mattress and still find it to be as comfortable as it was when you first purchased it. Because of this, the length of time can be subjective, but it should all be relative. We discussed earlier you want to go for a mattress with a density of no less than 3. For the longest lasting, you want to aim for 6 lbs per cubic foot. Sometimes fillers are added to memory foam which can affect its density. Some of these are beneficial, like materials to increase fire retardancy or the aforementioned gel microbeads.

Others can help lower the cost or make the memory foam easier to manufacture. Whatever the reason, though, these fillers can cause your mattress to deteriorate faster. They include silica , carbon black , calcium carbonate, various clays and more. Weight can have a great impact on the durability of memory foam.

A heavier person will sink deeper into the memory foam, so foams with a lower density may wear faster than one might prefer. Additionally, your oils and such can have an effect. Our skin naturally contains oils that can be transferred to our mattress during sleep.

This can be further aided by sweat, which itself can be damaging to your mattress. Using a mattress cover can help keep your investment safer over time.

A good mattress cover can also protect you from the unexpected, like a sick child, a misbehaving dog or even a poorly placed glass of wine of plate of food after having a delightful breakfast in bed. There are a few signs to keep an eye out for when it comes to replacing your mattress.

This can also present itself in the form of lumps and bumps in the foam. Also, even though these mattresses tend to lean toward being hypoallergenic , in their older age you may find yourself seeing a noticeable increase in allergy symptoms.

This is a particularly high-density version of polyurethane foam, which is the basis for memory foam. These bubbles will move to conform to your body, but they bounce back to their original form when the pressure is released.

Buying a memory foam mattress might be a great decision for you. It might help you get to sleep and prevent you from waking up through the night. However, it is important to conduct all your research before you go through with the expensive decision of buying a mattress. If you are easily woken up by a change in temperature, then these might not be right for you. As well, people who are easily bothered by strong smells might not find themselves happy with a mattress like this.

Overall, though, there are some great benefits to switching to memory foam. The additional comfort is top-notch and the fact they tend to last longer than traditional mattresses is definitely a big plus. It all comes down to quality and making sure you have the right information. Load More. What is Memory Foam? Open Cell Open cell memory foam is your basic memory foam with a different internal structure. Closed Cell Foam Gel Gel memory foam, or gel-infused memory foam, is memory foam that has been pumped full of gel, which also has two different types.

Advantages of Memory Foam Some people have insisted that these types of mattresses are the reason that they started sleeping well at night again.

Disadvantages Although these types of beds have proven to be beneficial, it is not the solution to every sleep problem. Each position presents its own unique set of characteristics that should be accounted for. Side sleepers will often report pressure in their shoulders and hips. This buildup of strain occurs because these areas of the body are heavy and they rest over a smaller surface area.

While not all side sleepers are created equal, many of these folks tend to like a softer mattress because it can wash away the stress that gathers in these areas, allowing them to sleep pain-free.

Stomach sleepers may have the biggest grudge with memory beds and for good reason. Old school temper foams were overly soft and were not necessarily tailored to the needs of stomach sleepers. These individuals typically love a firmer surface that can keep their hips elevated, keeping them aligned with their back. Good news stomach sleepers, there is a lot more variety in viscoelastic beds these days, so finding a firmer or more supportive memory bed is not an overly difficult task.

There is a lot of varying preferences between back sleepers. Some like a firmer mattress, while others prefer a softer bed. What back sleepers really need is a bed that can fill in the small of their back and that provides adequate support. Temper beds tend to be a great option for back sleepers because it conforms to their curves, leaving them nicely cradled in a comfortable sleeping position. While all three sleeping positions rest nicely on viscoelastic beds, there is one thing lacking from a memory option that combination sleepers want.

Responsiveness and bounce, on a memory bed, there is not much to be found. Combo sleepers should do well on a memory bed that is followed up by a more responsive material like coils or latex in the base layer of the mattress. Having the necessary support in the lower back should be critical for obtaining a good nights rest. Temper foam followed up by a strong material should be ideal for people worried about lumbar support.

Memory materials should distribute weight evenly and when there is support in the base, sleepers should be left with little to worry about. It may not be something you often think about, but having a healthy sleeping surface can keep you more healthy as well. Many beds trap things such as dust mites, mold, mildew, and pet dander, none of which you want to be sleeping in night after night.

There are many options out there for people who have allergies or asthma. Customers should check on what materials were used to construct their mattress. Beds with certifications can demonstrate a cleaner manufacturing process, while luxury and premium brands can go above and beyond with additional organic certifications to make their sleeping spaces more natural.

If you cannot find the information you are looking for, simply ask customer support if their mattress is hypoallergenic. Some companies either have more industry experience or have created a name for themselves faster than others through quality products and successful marketing campaigns. Being an industry leader certainly pulls some weight and having a recognizable name can make a brand feel more reliable. Big name bedding companies have the confidence of thousands of satisfied customers and usually have thousands of reviews to back up their products.

Going with a reputable brand can be a good way to go, but remember to do your own research. There may be some smaller companies that can offer similar products at a more affordable price. It is always important to keep your options open when making a purchase as significant as a new bed. What goes into your bed may be the greatest factor to consider when comparing cost. Some materials are healthier while others may have a higher comfort factor.

Comparing and contrasting these various areas can help shoppers save a lot of money down the line. Things shoppers should look for is adhesive bonding between the layers versus tufting. The tufted approach is a more traditional look, and is arguably the more quality option, while adhesive bonding can help save some money.

Keeping an eye on manufacturing processes such as this can determine products overall worth. The other thing shoppers want to be aware of is the quality of materials. How dense is the foam? Are the materials organic or natural versus a synthetic material? Materials such as pocket coils, latex, organic wool and cotton, are used in more expensive and premium products. Not all beds are created equal, so it is important to find out not only what materials you want but what option will best fit your budget.

Most online brands are going to provide some sort of sleep trial for their customers. These trials can range from 30 days to an entire year. The purpose of this time is to give sleepers the opportunity to test out their mattress; to figure out if this feel and firmness works for them.

Most companies ask that sleepers give their product at least 30 days of use before trying to return the mattress. They have to adjust from their former sleep surface to something that is entirely different and this can take time.

Most, but not all, companies will take on the return shipping charges if customers decide to send back their bed.

Other brands may provide some type of charitable service where the product is donated to a local charity or support organization. Bedding manufacturers can qualify for a number of certifications. These third-party organizations can attest to a variety of qualifications, such as using low emissions, creating safe products for adults, children, and infants, and the use of organic materials.

These certifications can demonstrate a brands commitment to a cleaner and more healthy manufacturing process. As you are searching for a bed and come across certifications such as these, do your research to understand exactly what each one means. Most of the time they will be listed on the brand's webpage but a quick Google search can also provide you the information. Thousands of customer reviews go unread, it is in your best interest to read them.

Looking at how many stars an item receives on Google shopping or Amazon may not always cut it. Reading both the good and bad reviews can really help customers know what to expect from a product. You can figure out what was wrong, if problems were resolved, and what things customers absolutely loved about a product.

One of the most convincing is the fact that, since they absorb shock, they can make a great product for someone who has a sleeping partner who moves around a lot.

Heat and pressure make a difference, especially when dealing with traditional memory foam. Due to its makeup, memory foam tends to soften when body heat is applied, and this causes it to become semi-solid. There are a number of circumstances that may very well warrant a confident purchase of this type of material. You work hard for your money, and you likely want to invest in a product you can have a high expectation of lasting for a long time.

In this case, memory foam mattress layers are a great option. However, you do get what you pay for, and, for a typically higher price, there are other materials that can last longer than memory foam including:. Depending on yours, memory foam may or may not be for you. The following sleeping positions can be compatible with memory foam:. If you are a stomach sleeper primarily, you may want to consider other types of mattress material.

There are a few properties of this foam type that may be an indicator you should consider another material. Memory foam is known to retain heat, and this can be a problem for those who are sensitive to a high body temperature during sleep. While there are many products available such as gel foam that are designed to increase breathability, the fact remains that foams that are open-celled can typically help keep the sleeper cooler during the night.

Therefore, if you tend to sleep very hot and this is a serious issue for you, memory foam may not be the best choice. While spinal alignment can be easily attained using memory foam, what many overlook is the fact that it can often fail in providing proper lumbar support. Therefore, it can be a little more difficult to move around in these mattresses as compared with other materials available.

You can even shop for products containing memory foam in the second or third comfort layer. This provides a degree of memory foam benefit without overwhelming you with potential setbacks. However, consider what you really know about this material. Therefore, there is a lot of misinformation that can cause you to make a purchase based on misconceived pretences. Oftentimes, comparative information is inaccurate. Furthermore, it can be difficult for consumers to compare memory foam to materials that offer similar benefits due to the fact that there are different properties present such as firmness levels, pressure relieving properties, and densities.

Most of us have one or two primary sleeping positions that offer us the comfort we need to rest. If you tend to sleep on your stomach, you may find memory foam to be too visco elastic for your needs.

As you sleep, your body will sink deeper into the product, so this may be a better option for those who sleep on their sides or backs.

There are some very specific features you should look for to help find the product best tailored to fit your unique needs. There are two very important aspects you need to consider as you shop, and those are firmness and durability. The wrong firmness level can cause restless nights, and you definitely want to ensure your mattress will stand the test of time.

The good news is that you can get a good idea of both of these aspects when you pay attention to two specific mattress specs as you shop. You may think it would be impossible to get an idea of firmness shopping online. However, when you take a look at the indentation load deflection , you can make a more informed decision than you probably realized. The higher the ILD rating, the firmer you can expect the product to be. A product with an ILD of 12 would be very soft while 50 would be a very firm product.

Back and stomach sleepers, especially those under pounds, appreciate these beds as well. Memory foam is not the best fit for people who sleep hot. It may be a poor match for people who need to move easily on top of the mattress including for sexual activity. To find the best memory foam mattress, it helps to know the key things to look for so that you can keep your eye on the ball. In general, memory foam provides above-average pressure relief and motion isolation but can sleep hot and permit too much sink for some people.

Manufacturers often add components to try to address the downsides, but the actual effects of those design changes are mixed. As you review specific models, consider the following factors and how important they are for your personal decision-making. All forms of memory foam have shared characteristics, but not all memory foams are the same. The feel, durability, and performance can be different depending on the composition and type of the foam as well as its quality.

Traditional memory foam offers the most classic performance of this material. It has deep contouring and motion isolation along with notable heat retention and minimal bounce. Both its benefits and drawbacks are easily detected, and as a consequence, this type of memory foam is controversial. Some people love its cloud-like hug while others complain about feeling stuck in the foam or overheating on it during the night. The manufacturing process for memory foam involves a handful of chemicals, some of which are derived from petroleum.

Plant-based memory foam is appealing for eco-conscious customers, but it is important to note that the plant oils replace some but not all of the petrochemicals.

Because the rest of the manufacturing process is similar, the performance of plant-based memory foam is similar to other types.

It may come with a slightly higher price tag than petroleum-based memory foam. Gel-infused memory foam intersperses a gel material into the foam itself.

The gel can be added in a swirl pattern or can be enclosed in small beads that are distributed through the foam. The goal of infusing gel into memory foam is to try to reduce heat retention. The gels often have properties that are designed to absorb heat from the foam, keeping heat from building up near the sleeping surface and around your body. Gel-infused foams are common and, depending on the gel used, may provide a modest decrease in heat retention.

That said, even these memory foams will heat up more than other mattress materials. In this type of memory foam, copper-filled beads are intermixed with the foam. These beads are intended to draw heat away from the surface of the mattress. Copper has antibacterial properties, which may help prevent odors and the deterioration of the mattress. Many products that include copper are marketed as having health-promoting effects on circulation or muscle recovery.

A great deal of mattress shoppers find themselves deciding between a memory foam or hybrid mattress. Hybrids are built with a coil-based support core and various layers, including sometimes memory foam, layered above the coils. The following table compares memory foam and hybrid mattresses. As you review it, keep in mind that the performance of hybrids has a wider range because of the multitude of ways that their comfort system can be built.

A number of factors can influence the cost of these beds:. Even for higher-end models , there are often discounts or promotions that can give customers significant savings from the sticker price. Many mattress manufacturers list the specifications of the foam employed in their mattress. Two of the most helpful specifications are density and indentation load-deflection ILD. Density is measured in pounds per cubic foot PCF , which is calculated by weighing a 1 foot by 1 foot by 1 foot cube of the foam.

For memory foam used in a mattress comfort layer, 3. Higher density memory foam is usually PCF. The density of the foam can affect the feel, but not all high-density foams are firm. Instead, the biggest impact of density is on longevity of the mattress. Higher density usually correlates with a longer lifespan.

Additionally, high-density foam generally recovers its shape slower, giving it that slow-responding feel traditionally associated with memory foam. ILD provides an indication of how easy it is to compress the foam. It is measured with a special device that applies force to the foam until it reaches a certain level of indentation. The higher the ILD, the firmer the foam will feel. For a broad sense of what ILD numbers mean,. You can look at listed foam ILD to get a sense of how a mattress may feel, but keep in mind that a mattress is made with multiple layers, each of which plays a part in the overall feel and performance.

In addition, not all companies calculate ILD in the exact same way, so ILD alone is not always a reliable way to assess mattress firmness. Most memory foam mattresses last from six to eight years before having issues with sagging or diminished performance.

This lifespan is longer than most innersprings and airbeds, similar to hybrids, and shorter than all-latex beds. Some memory foam mattresses may last for more or less than the year average. Issues that can affect longevity include:. Higher-end foams tend to cost more, but that investment often pays off over time. Opting for better materials and then taking care of the mattress can contribute directly to a longer useful life for your bed. When a foam mattress is made, certain volatile organic compounds VOCs are created, and those become sealed in when the mattress is compressed and prepared for shipping.

There is no health risk from this, but it can cause an unpleasant odor. This smell is temporary and should fade within a few hours to a few days, especially if your bedroom is well-ventilated. A sleep trial is a way of describing the return window for a mattress, and it lets you test out the bed in your own home to make sure that it is the right fit for you. Your mattress is just one part of your bed; another part is your bed frame.

Make sure that the frame you use is in accordance with the mattress warranty. This enhances performance and keeps your warranty valid. Bedding is another aspect of setting up your bed that is worthy of your consideration. For example, breathable sheets or a lighter comforter may be helpful if you buy a memory foam mattress and are concerned about sleeping hot.

You also want a quality pillow that works in conjunction with your mattress to promote spinal alignment. A memory foam mattress can be an excellent option for the right person. Memory foam has a few qualities that set it apart from other common mattress materials, two of the most notable being pressure relief and motion isolation. Side sleepers in particular may benefit from choosing a memory foam mattress. The foam contours closely to your side body, helping to evenly disperse your weight.

This hugging sensation can prevent pressure build-up where most people carry their weight beneath the hips and shoulders. Those with joint pain can often find relief from memory foam, as well. Sleepers who toss and turn or those who share a bed may also appreciate a memory foam mattress. Some innerspring mattresses transfer movement from one side of the bed to the other. However, a memory foam mattress is not the best choice for all sleepers across the board.