Memory Foam Buying Guide
from Overstock.comRemember how you slept when you were a child? You could fall into a deep sleep anywhere. Many adults find that same deep, restful sleep on memory foam. Memory foam mattresses and memory foam mattress toppers are helping people of all ages, sizes and shapes sleep comfortably. Memory foam beds are so popular, in fact, that lots of companies have started producing affordable, quality memory foam products. That means there's also plenty of not-so-good stuff out there mixed in with the quality merchandise. This memory foam buying guide will give you the basic facts about how to buy memory foam, so you can spend (or should we say save?) your money wisely.
Developed by NASA to reduce the g-forces astronauts feel during liftoff, visco-elastic memory foam softens when it comes in contact with heat. It conforms to your shape, giving even, uniform support to your whole body. A memory foam bed eliminates some of the aches and pains caused on your more sensitive areas by regular spring mattresses.
Memory foam is often used in medical applications, and for that reason, the first memory foam available to consumers was quite pricey. The cost of memory foam has come down in recent years, however, giving everyone the opportunity to have a good night's rest. You don't have to buy a whole new mattress in order to enjoy the benefits of memory foam, either. You can also purchase memory foam mattress toppers, memory foam pillows, memory foam lounge bags and more.
While there are many memory foam products available, not all memory foam is created equal. There are variations in density, durability and firmness -- all important qualities when it comes to how comfortable and long-lasting memory foam can be.
Memory foam density
The first thing to know about memory foam products is they vary in density. This is measured in pounds, with higher numbers meaning greater density. A 4-pound density means that each cubic foot of that memory foam weighs 4 pounds. While this measurement varies among manufacturers, you'll probably be safe with any memory foam product ranging from 3 to 6 lbs. If you want something a little firmer, go with the 5- or 6-pound density mattress. If you like your bed a little softer, go with the 3-pound memory foam. Just be aware that a lower density mattress probably won't hold up as well under years of use.
Remember, the measurement of density does not describe the total weight of the memory foam. Because of its density, a memory foam mattress will typically weigh more than a spring mattress of the same size.
Even between memory foam of the same weight and from the same manufacturer, density can vary. A few things that may affect how your memory foam feels are:
Slight chemical variations
The temperature in your home
The length of time your memory foam sits in its packaging before you open it
Remember that each memory foam product is unique, and similar memory foam products may feel different.
Memory foam mattresses
Memory foam mattresses are available for all bed sizes. If you have a bed partner, a memory foam mattress is great because one person's movements usually don't affect the other person. memory foam mattresses absorb the movement, instead of bouncing or rocking like spring mattresses.
Most memory foam mattresses contain multiple layers of foam, each with a different density, so the mattress can appropriately respond to movement and body shape. Generally, a 2- or 3-layer mattress is ideal. Some companies produce mattresses with more layers, but you probably won't notice any added comfort. Additionally, more layers means more seams in the memory foam, reducing mattress durability.
For those who sleep on their side, a softer, 3- or 4-lb. memory foam mattress is what you want. This less dense memory foam will conform better to your natural shape by allowing your hips and shoulders to sink deeper. Back sleepers will probably want firmer memory foam, a 4.5- to 6-pound density. You'll get the firmness that allows you to lie flat with even support for all areas.
Memory foam pillows
When most people think of memory foam pillows, they think of contour pillows. Contour pillows are so-called because the memory foam is molded in a particular shape, thicker on the top and bottom edges. This special shape is designed to keep your head in a more natural position, so your spine stays properly aligned.
You can also purchase other memory foam pillows that are shaped like traditional pillows. It won't be "fluffy," but a memory foam pillow won't require any fluffing or rearranging during the night like a down pillow would. Your head and neck will get the support they need all night long. As with mattresses, remember to note the density of the memory foam, so you get the appropriate firmness.
Memory foam mattress toppers
If your current mattress is still quite firm and in relatively good condition, you might enjoy a memory foam mattress topper. You can choose from a variety of thicknesses and densities. Just remember, if your mattress sags, the memory foam mattress pad probably won't be very effective. Any support you do get from the memory foam will probably be offset by the sagging mattress.
How long will a memory foam mattress last?
A memory foam mattress should stay firm and supportive for many years, generally a few years longer than a comparable spring mattress. If you want to prolong the life of your memory foam mattress, make sure you purchase one that comes with a removable fabric cover. A cover will protect the memory foam and it can be washed, if needed. That's a lot easier than cleaning the memory foam itself. If you feel like the cover limits the thermal responsiveness of the memory foam, just remove it.
Does memory foam get too hot while you sleep?
Most people have no problem with this. If it is an issue, it probably has more to do with the thermostat than the mattress! Memory foam isn't like regular insulating foam; it has an open cell structure which, for the most part, allows heat to move out and away from your body. Some warmth is retained, but this helps you save money in the winter time by allowing you to turn down the furnace. If you tend to be a "hot sleeper," look for a memory foam mattress that has a ventilation system. Another big factor here is your bedding. Check out Ovestock.com's sheet sets and blankets to find the right bedding for every season--that's good advice whether you have a memory foam mattress or another kind!
Will memory foam get softer with time?
Memory foam mattresses do soften a little over the years, but they don't sag and lose support as a spring mattress would. Generally, firmer memory foam mattresses retain their supportive values better than less dense ones. If your memory foam mattress is several years old and appears to be losing some of its firmness, you could give it a few more years of use with a new memory foam mattress topper.
What about the box spring?
Memory foam mattresses don't need box springs. In fact, a flexible box spring under a memory foam mattress may be detrimental to your comfort. Memory foam mattresses do need some type of flat, stable foundation. To adapt your current bed, lay one or two sheets of plywood over a few cross planks that span the frame. A platform bed is ideal for memory foam, and you'll save lots of money on beautiful, quality platform beds at Overstock.com. (Buy your new bed and mattress together and you'll save on shipping costs.)
Get some memory foam for the living room
The kids (and grown-ups, too, for that matter) will love a memory foam lounge bag. A comfortable seat for reading, watching movies or playing video games, a memory foam lounge bag will give you more support than you'd get while slouching on the sofa. You can get them in lots of attractive colors and sizes, too, so you'll have no problem matching the furniture in your living or family room.
Let Fido enjoy the benefits of memory foam
Your dogs and cats need a good bed, too. You'll find memory foam beds for your pets in Overstock.com's pet gifts department. Just enter "pet bed" in the search bar at the top, and you'll find several memory foam pet beds available in a variety of colors.