A memory foam mattress is one where there are no springs, the mattress is made with all foam. Mattress manufacturers have created varying types of memory foam (also known as Visco Elastic Foam) for their beds, including open-cell memory foam and gel memory foam. The memory foam mattresses available today are far superior to the ones first offered nearly 30 years ago. Many of the issues, like overheating, have been resolved through innovations to the foams.
How is a Memory Foam Mattress Built?
All memory foam mattresses have a foam core at the bottom upon which all other layers rest. This foam layer is usually firmer than the rest of the foam to provide a stable structure for the comfort materials. On top of the foam core, different combinations of foams provide the support and body-contouring memory foam beds are known for.
There are usually at least two layers of memory foam on top of the foam core, with sometimes as many as five to seven more comfort foam layers. Where the foams are placed determine their purpose. For example, the foam at the very top is usually the softest. It’s meant to provide plush comfort and to give the mattress a softer initial feel when you lay on top of it. Other layers provide cooling properties, body contouring, back support, and pressure relief.
Benefits of Memory Foam Mattresses
There are many advantages to sleeping on memory foam, whether on an all-foam bed or an innerspring with memory foam comfort layers added to the top. Those who do not have a memory foam can get some of the benefits by adding a memory foam mattress topper to their bed. It’s also a good way to make any bed softer.
Hypoallergenic
For one, it’s more hypoallergenic than traditional mattress materials. The denseness of the material prevents dust-mites and other allergens from building up inside, making memory foam a great option for those who suffer from allergies.
Temperature Control
Also, while there were originally problems with memory foam retaining too much heat, that story has flipped. Advancements in cooling technology have allowed mattress companies to create memory foams that do more than just prevent overheating. They can actually help keep you cooler, one of the best examples being Tempur-Pedic’s Luxe Breeze line. According to Tempur-Pedic, these beds can keep you up to 8 degrees cooler throughout the night.
Pressure Relief
Memory foam is extremely conforming and uses your body heat to mold to the shape of your body. This makes memory foam excellent for pressure relief, reducing pain and restlessness. Side sleepers will especially find this beneficial, as they usually deal with some serious pressure on their shoulder and hip. Memory foam will cradle the joints gently.
Support
Memory foam also does a surprisingly good job of supporting. Since it shapes to your body, it fills in the dips and holds you in a natural position. This helps keep your spine aligned, which is essential for avoiding back pain.
Motion Transfer Reduction
Memory foam reacts to heat rather than movement and will do a great job at reducing motion transfer between sleep partners. This is very helpful for those who sleep with someone that moves around a lot. Being disturbed throughout the night greatly impacts the quality of your sleep, so minimizing the transfer of motion is a big perk.