Here are 6 tips for buying a memory foam mattress if you’re looking for a new mattress and decide to veer off the traditional path by choosing a foam product.
A quality memory foam mattress is a significant purchase. You will most likely use it for quite a while and it will influence how well you rest at night. So do your research and don’t rush the decision. Make the best choice for your needs and budget.
But first, let’s see what memory foam is.
What is a Memory Foam Mattress? What are the Benefits?
A memory foam mattress is a mattress made from a material called visco-elastic foam (memory foam), which was first designed by NASA in the 1960s. It has since come to have many applications.
This special polyurethane foam will react to the heat from your body, causing it to soften and mold itself to your shape when you lay on it during the night. When you get up, the foam will slowly return to its original shape, hence the term “memory”.
Here is a list of benefits from using memory foam mattress:
- Relief in back pain and neck pain
- Adapts to all sleeping positions
- Hypoallergenic (polyurethane foam prevents dust mites and other allergens from accumulating. Compare to this, according to Environment, Health and Safety Online, a typical mattress would have roughly 10,000 to 10 million dust mites living inside)
- Memory foam mattresses are also known for being durable and long lasting
Now, here are the 6 tips to help you choose one for your sleep:
1. High-Density Foam vs Softer Foam
The density of memory foam mattresses is measured in pounds. The higher the number, the denser and firmer it will be. A higher density will provide more firmness, which could seem less comfortable, but will also offer a longer-lasting product.
Also the way a memory foam mattress works is the heat from your body softens it to conform to the shape of your body as you rest on it. So it shouldn’t matter too much if it’s a bit firm when you first lay down.
The higher density mattresses are going to cost you more, but they will last longer, even up to ten years or more. You’ll have to decide which firmness and price range best suit your needs and circumstances. Keep in mind that the softest foam mattresses won’t last as long, but are generally cheaper.
2. Cooling Layers are Best for Hot Sleepers
Hot sleepers will want to consider buying a memory foam mattress that has cooling layers or gel foam. Foam is a naturally warm material, so if you’re already a hot sleeper, you’ll need the extra cooling features.
In fact everyone should be aware of the natural warmth of sleeping on foam. Unless you always feel cold at night, it’s something to keep in mind when choosing your mattress.
If you already use a cooling weighted blanket for better sleep because you tend to sleep warm, are in menopause, or live in a warm climate, be sure to research memory foam mattresses that have cooling features built into it.
3. Natural Latex Foam vs Memory Foam
According to purple.com, if you go with natural latex, you’ll purchase an eco-friendlier product, but you’ll need to make sure it’s natural latex and not synthetic latex to get that quality.
There are significant differences between natural latex foam and memory foam, so you’ll need to decide which is best for you.
Natural latex foam won’t give off chemical odors, which is great for people who have sensitivities. But, it’s also not as sensitive to temperature so you won’t get the same fit to your body as with memory foam. The latex material is also a better choice for hot sleepers because it doesn’t create as much heat as memory foam.
4. Check for Certification
Most memory foam mattress manufacturers will include a certification saying that there aren’t any harmful chemicals or additives in their material.
For example, in the United States, they may be CertiPUR-US-certified, which is an American-based not-for-profit program to ensure the foam is free from harmful metals, chemicals, ozone depleters, or dangerous gas emissions.
Do your research to find out where the mattress is manufactured and what type of regulations are in place to maintain a quality product.
5. Read Reviews and Test Out the Mattresses
A couple of things that you can include for complete research are to read reviews of people who’ve purchased a foam mattress and to test them out if possible.
You can still make an online purchase if you find a better price, but it’s a good idea to try lying on the real product for a few minutes if you find one in a store near you. There are usually display mattresses where you can do this.
Also, check to see if there’s a trial period or return policy that has a time limit. The thing is, you can’t know how you’ll react to a mattress until you’ve spent enough time lying on it. When something influences your well-being as much as sleep (and the mattress), you need to choose carefully.
6. Read Everything
As mentioned above, include reviews in your research. You’ll get firsthand information from people who’ve used the product.
Also, visit the manufacturer’s website and read all the information about the product. Check out the warranty, any care instructions, and how and where it is manufactured.
You’ll want to know everything possible about the memory foam mattress you choose before you make the final decision to go with it. It’ll pay to understand the differences and what you’re getting.
Use these 6 tips to choose the best memory foam mattress to suit your sleeping needs and make your best choice for better sleep and rest.
