If you’re in the market for a new mattress, you’ve heard about memory foam by now. While you’re weighing the pros and cons and doing your research, you may have run into conflicting information about the material. When educating yourself about a consumer product, it’s necessary to have a source of information that breaks down the vital facts.
This article can help you learn some little-known and surprising facts during your research into memory foam mattresses.
The Truth about Memory Foam in 11 Basic Facts
When it comes to mattresses, much of the information online is broken into three parts: science, factual data, and customer experiences. You can’t do much about the customer reviews except try to weed out the complainers and the paid reviewers from those who are putting forth their honest input. But data from independent research and the science behind a product’s development are what you can depend on – they make up the following bits of information on memory foam.
1. Memory foam aligns with your body’s shape. The materials combined to create memory foam mattresses are specially designed to adjust to your body’s heat. Memory foam mattresses are pliable and flexible, actively taking the shape of your body based on your temperature to form a mold of your contours as you sleep. This allows for even distribution of your body weight, and when you stand up, the material returns to its original shape.
2. Your sleeping patterns can be interrupted by your body temperature. As we sleep, our body temperature adjusts. Memory foam beds are temperature sensitive, so they will soften as you get warmer. Some memory foam mattresses even have cooling features if you tend to get hot when you sleep. You can check them out here https://eachnight.com/best-memory-foam-mattress/.
3. Memory foam can reduce allergies. Conventional mattresses are hotspots for dust-mites, pet dander, and other allergens. The open pockets in the traditional mattress material create perfect hiding places for these irritants. Memory foam is denser, though, so there are fewer spaces for dust and dander to collect. The polyurethane foam is also made of fibers that deter the accumulation of allergens.
4. You may notice less physical discomfort with a memory foam mattress. Many studies show that people who sleep on memory foam mattresses report a reduction in pain and body aches. When you sleep on conventional mattresses, you are placing stress on pressure points, depending on your sleeping position. But memory foam mattresses align evenly with your body, preventing this extra pressure.
5. Memory foam mattresses are good for light sleepers. If you’re lucky enough to be among the many individuals who wake up to every noise and movement, you know the importance of a motion-transfer-resistant mattress. Memory foam reduces the transfer of motion across the bed, so if your partner tosses and turns all night, you won’t feel it as you would with a conventional mattress.
6. Side sleepers benefit from memory foam. Even though the majority of the population is side sleepers, there aren’t a lot of beds that are designed for them. Memory foam mattresses align your hips and shoulders, which positively impacts side sleepers and prevents the placement of undue pressure.
7. Memory foam was initially developed for NASA. This synthetic material’s original design was intended to cushion NASA astronauts from the jolts of landing. It then moved into hospital use, making its way into wheelchairs and beds for those who sat or reclined for long periods. It has an in-depth, trusted history of use before it ever became a regular part of consumer mattresses.
8. The chemicals used in memory foam mattresses are non-toxic. There is a misconception that because memory foam is synthetic, it can be harmful. But lots of baby and toddler playgrounds use memory foam safely. This is because the chemicals used are non-toxic to humans.
9. While these mattresses can start with a strong odor, this disappears quickly. When you initially open your memory foam mattress, you may be turned off by the strong smell. However, that scent should tell you that your mattress is fresh from manufacturing and storage. Any undesirable odors will quickly fade, likely before your first use.
10. Memory foam mattresses are differentiated by densities. As mentioned earlier, memory foam tends to be denser than conventional mattress materials. This density allows the bed to support pressure points, preventing discomfort. But not all memory foam mattresses are created equally. Look for one with a density of five pounds or more to ensure you are getting a quality mattress.
11. Yes, the thickness of the mattress matters. How soft or hard a mattress is generally is determined by the thickness. You may get the same support, but a thicker mattress will be softer than a thinner one.
Now You Know the Facts
Investing in a mattress you will use for at least the next few years requires thought and research. You don’t want to get a bed that will keep you awake all night or creates aches and pains from lack of support.
Memory foam mattresses are everywhere today and many come with a 30 day to 100 day trial sleep period. You know the facts, you’ve done the intellectual research – now it’s time to make an informed decision about whether a memory foam mattress is right for you.