Things to look for when purchasing a memory foam mattress

When buying anything in life, you always have a number of options and choices available with regards to what you want to bye. A memory foam mattress or memory foam mattress topper is no exception.

Although simple in their nature, memory foam mattresses can have many different options available to them, which will make the buying process a little more complex. Besides this, there are still some myths floating around that just confuse even the savviest shopper.


What are the main differences between memory foam, visco-elastic and viso?
In terms of mattresses... there’s no difference whatsoever. All of the above are the same thing! Memory foam is made from a dense form of polyurethane that’s chemically enhanced to make it slightly denser than normal foam. The foam makes a great mattress as it reacts well to body heat, creating a mold around the subject.


Memory foam density, what are the differences?
A very dense mattress will have almost no air in the foam. A measurement figure when looking at memory foam mattress density will suggest how much material is present in a certain amount of foam. Take SleepShaper as an example, their most widely used density is 55 kilos per cubic meter which gives the perfect balance between durability, air flow and feel. A lot of people would say it’s the perfect compromise between being supportive whilst being extremely cosy.

Thickness, does it really matter?
Yes, yes it does. A thicker memory foam mattress will not only be more expensive than its thinner counterparts but it will also lose some effect if it’s too thick. There will be a point with the mattress that it stops molding to your body shape, this could be after the first 7 or 8 centimetres. For example, you wouldn’t get a 30 centimetre thick mattress as it will only be the top 8 centimetres that are doing you any benefits. Likewise a memory foam mattress topper that is only a couple of centimetres thick will not really give you that much of positive memory foam experience. There is a huge difference in comfort and feel when comparing an inch thick mattress to one that’s three inches thick.


Question the base foam
It sounds like a quote from a poor sci-fi or horror movie, but it is important to question the base foam. Poor and low quality base foam can really ruin a good mattress. Poor base foam might even reduce the mattress life span and will cause you to purchase a new one. Base foam of less than 27kg should be questioned as generally, anything under 27kg is considered to be padding or general upholstery foam.

Will I swelter?
There is a big myth about memory foam mattresses and heat. A good memory foam mattress will not make you hot, at least not hotter than being in bed on a normal mattress. If the mattress was severly dense, i.e. 85kgs+ then you might experience some overheating, but the majority won’t leave you feeling like you’re sleeping in the middle of the Sun.

How to Choose the Right Mattress

The decision to buy a new bed is one that should not be taken lightly. A bed is a major purchase, and one that you'll be using for a long time. Even budget beds can be expected to last for many years. The choice of mattress is important too - the array of designs and materials offered by mattress discounters is huge, and each type of mattress has its own benefits and drawbacks.

Most budget beds are offered without mattresses, and you'll have to pick out your own mattress to fit the bed. The style and material of mattress that you choose will depend on a number of factors, including your height and weight, any allergies you have, and whether you sleep alone or with a partner. Some mattress discounters will give you advice on choosing a mattress, but it's a good idea to have an idea of what you want before you start shopping.

There are several different types of mattress that you can buy to use with your budget beds, they include:

1. Continuous coil mattress: This is the cheapest type of mattress, and a big seller for mattress discounters. This type of mattress is fine for a single bed, but will wear out quickly in a double bed. The springs are linked, and if your partner rolls over, you'll feel their every move.
2. Open coil mattress: This type of mattress will last longer than a single coil mattress, and is generally considered to be more comfortable, and one of the best mattress types in terms of cost to comfort ratio.
   
3. Pocket sprung mattress: This type of mattress is popular among people who sleep on their side. The mattress provides good support for your spine, but is more expensive than an open coil mattress.
   
4. Memory foam mattress: Memory foam is heat sensitive, and moulds to your body. These mattresses are great in the winter, but can feel excessively warm in the summer. They're popular for people with joint pain, but can be quite expensive.
   
5. Foam or Latex Mattresses: If you have allergies, then this type of mattress might be the best choice for you.

Some people prefer to buy an inexpensive open coil mattress then add a mattress topper to it for a bit more comfort. This can be a good way of turning budget beds into super comfortable ones (especially if you can get a good deal on the mattress topper), but only works if you're adding the memory foam layer to a new mattress. You can't restore an old, saggy mattress by using a new topper, because they're so thin and flexible that they won't mask the problems with the old mattress.

If you're buying a new mattress, shop around and try a few different mattress discounters before you make your choice. Don't be shy about trying out a few different mattresses until you find one that you like. It's your comfort, and your health that is at stake, so it pays to be fussy.

This post was written by James Harper on behalf of the Original Factory Shop. James writes on subjects relating to home improvements and interiors.

Tempur Mattresses Offer a Great Night's Sleep

Everybody needs a good night's sleep. No matter how comfortable your bed, you also need a great mattress. Tempur mattresses are pressure relieving mattresses that are made from a material that was first developed for astronauts at NASA - so you can be sure they'll be comfortable.

A tempur mattress is extremely supportive. It will remove any pressure points from your body so you can sleep soundly and wake up in the morning feeling refreshed and alert. Tempur mattresses can be fitted to any bed, from divan, king size and single beds.

Tempur mattresses never need turning and are ideal for people with joint pains or other ailments because of their pressure relieving properties. It is also possible to buy tempur pillows and other accessories for your bed to ensure that your bedroom is always a great place to relax.