Memory Foam Mattresses 101

One of the most popular materials that manufacturers make mattresses out of today is memory foam. Memory foam mattresses are made of multiple layers of foam that conform to your body to provide the ultimate in both comfort and support. These mattresses are designed to slowly mold to the body in response to pressure, and therefore evenly distribute body weight. They’re also designed to be resilient, and to return to their original shape once the weight and pressure are removed. People love memory foam mattresses because they provide health benefits like uniform body support, alignment with the curvature of the spine, alleviation of joint and back pain, pressure point relief, and motion isolation. Memory foam mattresses, as such, are a great option to sleep on because they benefit your physical health and are also great for your sleep health. In a nutshell, you’ll sleep quite comfortably on a memory foam mattress because they essentially “hug” your body.

Memory Foam Mattress Basics

Memory foam mattresses can be made from a variety of materials, including standard memory foam, gel-infused foams, coils, springs, and breathable covers. Memory foam mattresses can range in thickness from 6–16 in. There are two main types of memory foam mattresses: traditional and open-cell. Traditional memory foam mattresses are made from a polyurethane by-product and have closed cells that trap heat. Open-cell memory foam mattresses have spongy passages that allow heat to escape while you sleep. Standard memory foam is the traditional material that's soft yet supportive, and generally affordable. Open-cell memory foam is designed with openings in the tiny cells of foam, allowing for better airflow. This material feels a bit softer, and it will sleep cooler on warm nights.

Who Should Use a Memory Foam Mattress?

· Side sleepers: Memory foam is one of the best types of mattresses for side sleepers. It contours to the body’s shape, relieving pressure points and keeping the spine aligned when you're lying on your side. Side sleepers also benefit from soft memory foam mattresses because they provide pressure relief to the shoulder and hip joints.

· People who sleep with partners: Memory foam mattresses can minimize motion transfer, which can help light sleepers who are woken up by their partner's movements.

· People who sleep hot: Some memory foam mattresses are made with cooling technology, but traditional memory foam can retain heat and become uncomfortable. Be sure to check the materials in the mattresses you try, or ask your salesperson to show you models with cooling features.

· People who are heavier: Memory foam mattresses can work well for people over 250 lbs, but it's important to choose a mattress with dense enough foam.

· People with chronic back pain or sensitive joints: Memory foam mattresses can contour to pressure points and provide extra support.

Benefits of Memory Foam Mattresses

Memory foam mattresses are made from materials that promote good health, they are hypoallergenic and dust mite-resistant - great for people who have respiratory problems or who are allergy sensitive. Memory foam mattresses have many benefits, including:

Pressure relief: Memory foam uses your body heat and pressure to conform to your shape, which can relieve pressure in areas like your hips, shoulders, and neck. This can be especially beneficial for side sleepers, who may be at a higher risk of back pain.

Motion isolation: Memory foam mattresses absorb movement, which can be better than innerspring mattresses. This is particularly helpful if you sleep in bed with a partner.

Hypoallergenic: Memory foam is less likely to attract dust mites and other allergy-causing molecules.

Support: Memory foam distributes body weight more evenly instead of creating resistance, hence, it can be beneficial for sleepers who struggle with back pain and/or who need extra back support.

Top Memory Foam Mattresses

If you are interested in buying a memory foam mattress, Scott Gale, President and Owner of Sleep Architecture Mattress Store, has some recommendations of top memory foam mattresses and best-selling models, all with cooling features:

1. Blu Sleep Conforma Prime Mattress: Adapts to the contours of the body to reduce pressure points and features anatomically zoned support. Has a top comfort layer with Aqua Gel foam for rapid dissipation of body heat. This Italian-made mattress features advanced, breathable foam technology and is ideal for side and back sleepers.

2. Blu Sleep Conforma Adapt Mattress: The Italian-made Blu Sleep Conforma Adapt features four layers of support and pressure-relieving comfort. It has anatomically zoned support and is ideal for stomach and back sleepers, and those with back pain. It also features an arctic cover with special cooling treatment.

3. Magniflex Magnicool Gel 12 Mattress: Magniflex’s innovative and exclusive MagniCool Gel fabric offers unparalleled freshness while promoting air circulation, which creates a perfect microclimate between the body and the mattress. The combination of the layers offers gentle, cozy, and cool support.

4. Magniflex Dolce Vita Dual 12 Mattress: The Magniflex Dolce Vita Dual 12 is a versatile mattress that offers four different comfort combinations. The different combinations of boards offer different comfort levels that can be easily combined by removing the mattress cover and choosing your favorite. The Memoform layer ensures anatomical support, eliminates pressure points, and promotes better blood circulation. Features a thermoregulating viscose cover that absorbs excess heat and releases it when needed.

5. BedTech Copper Luxe 14 Mattress: Features multiple comfort layers including a marble gel layer and a ventilated, copper-infused memory comfort layer for cooling comfort. Naturally contours to pressure points for great support.