Memory foam is a unique product that molds to your body when you lie down or turn over and returns to its original shape once you leave the bed. It relieves the pressure a mattress can place on your back or hips. Whether you find your current mattress too firm or too soft, trusted brands such as Serta, Simmons Beautyrest, and NuForm offer memory foam toppers that provide just the right amount of support and cushioning you need. Read on to discover how a memory foam mattress topper can rejuvenate an older mattress and give you a more comfortable night's rest.
Traditional memory foam has a creamy color and sponge-like texture. It responds to the pressure of your body and changes shape as you move. Traditional memory foam tends to retain heat, which provides additional warmth in cold climates.
This type of topper adds gel to standard memory foam. The gel is designed to let body heat escape, keeping you cooler as you sleep. Gel toppers are usually no more than 4 inches thick, and they are available with flat surfaces or sculptured egg-crate surfaces. The gel in these toppers usually gives the product a blue or marbled-like color. Gel foam is slightly firmer than traditional memory foam, which provides more support.
Latex foam is similar to standard memory foam, but it has a few important differences. While standard memory foam is a man-made material, some latex toppers are made entirely from natural, renewable sources. Latex is also naturally hypoallergenic, which is helpful if you suffer from allergies. Latex foam is usually more compact than memory foam, so it's easy to store if you choose not to use the topper for a while. Lastly, latex foam tends to mold to your body almost instantly, while traditional memory foam can take a minute or more to change shape. Latex toppers are not recommended if you have a latex allergy.
This topper type infuses bamboo charcoal into traditional memory foam to reduce odor and to help regulate your body temperature. Bamboo charcoal, which is naturally hypoallergenic and antimicrobial, can help provide a barrier against dust mites and pet dander. Just like other memory foam options, bamboo charcoal toppers mold to your body and provide extra support.
Memory foam toppers range in thickness from 1.5 inches to 5 inches. The most ideal choice of thickness depends on the condition of your mattress. An older mattress with indentations benefits from a thickness of at least 3 inches. For a newer mattress or one that already has a built-in pillow top, a thickness of 2 inches may be sufficient. Sleeping on an extremely firm mattress can result in excess pressure on your hips and joints, and a topper that's 3 to 4 inches thick may provide relief.
If you tend to overheat as you sleep on your current mattress, a cooling memory foam topper may help regulate your body temperature. Toppers with sculptured or ventilated surfaces allow air to circulate more freely, keeping you cool in the night. Some toppers add gel to disperse heat, and some toppers employ a moisture-wicking cover to pull away sweat.
When your existing mattress starts to feel uncomfortable, your first inclination may be to shop for a replacement. However, a memory foam topper can extend the life of your mattress by providing the support your mattress no longer offers. A topper also helps even out the depressions that can develop in older mattresses.
There can be many reasons you don't sleep as well as you should, and a restless sleeping partner is often at the top of the list. Memory foam conforms to your body and doesn't shift much when the person next to you turns. As a result, memory foam limits the amount of motion transfer you feel when your partner turns over, preventing you from being disturbed during a night of tossing and turning.
Contractors working for NASA developed memory foam to cushion astronauts in space. The practical foam is also used in the airline industry to cushion passengers and pilots. Temper foam is another name for memory foam.
Your topper will arrive compressed in a tightly packed box, and you should remove it within 72 hours to let the foam expand. The packaging sometimes traps odors, so it's best to let the topper air out in a garage or outside before you sleep on it. Letting the foam rest for a full 72 hours allows it to achieve its full shape.
Each topper carries a density rating that specifies how dense the foam is. Density is listed in pounds, as measured by the weight of one cubic foot of memory foam. The higher the density rating, the more the foam conforms to your body, which can help relieve stress on your joints. A density rating of 4 pounds is often helpful if you have regular back pain, although a lower rating of 3 pounds is probably sufficient if pain is not an issue.
Everyday use may cause unpleasant odors to invade your memory foam topper, but you can clean it in two simple steps. First, sprinkle baking powder or borax over the surface, then let it sit for at least 30 minutes. Second, use a vacuum brush attachment to remove the powder, along with pet dander or dust.
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If you're not particularly satisfied with the comfort of your current mattress but not quite ready to buy a new one, a memory foam mattress topper is definitely your best choice. Memory foam is a unique material that cradles your body and relieves pressure points, facilitating comfortable, restful sleep. Memory foam mattress toppers can make just about any mattress comfortable, and Overstock.com carries a wide range of options. Whether you're looking for a simple 3-inch topper for your child's twin bed or a deluxe 5-inch cooling gel memory foam topper for your own king-sized bed, Overstock has you covered.