How to choose the best memory foam mattress
Memory foam is not new technology. It was first created in the 1970s by NASA to create airplane seats and they’re now being used to make popular mattresses. So, in a way, you could make an argument that your bed is sort of out of this world.
Memory foam mattresses are made out of a fiber called viscoelastic and the mattress is known to contour around your body and hold the shape of your form before bouncing back up to its original shape after a few seconds.
Memory foam is great to fit around the shape of your body and it’s revered for easing pressure and alleviating aches and pains.
When choosing the best memory foam mattresses, you’ll first want to consider the good before researching the bad. For sleepers who toss and turn throughout the night, memory foam mattresses can help to distribute weight better which gives even support throughout your body while you’re dozing off. Since the memory foam doesn’t put added pressure on your painful joints, memory foam mattresses actually help to heal body injuries faster.
Memory foam mattresses are also made out of substances that are hypoallergenic that help to contain dust mites in other mattresses that cause people to sneeze and cough. Obviously, if you’re coughing, sneezing, tossing, and turning, you’re not getting your optimal amount of sleep to properly function the next day.
Whereas memory foam mattresses are known to be quite comfortable and stable, they do retain a lot of heat which is not ideal for sleepers who already ‘sleep hot.’
But, if you’re looking for a mattress that will give you a high level of support and comfort, memory foam mattresses are tough to beat.
There are three different types of memory foam mattresses: traditional, gel-infused, and plant-based.
Traditional mattresses are made out of petroleum-based materials which a lot of environmentalists aren’t very pleased with.
Plant-based mattresses on the other hand are quite a bit more environmentally friendly and are often made out of coconut foam, sometimes soy, and more plant-based fibers. Plant-based mattresses are even springier than the traditional memory foam mattresses and have a better carbon footprint. (They’re also just as comfy.)
Gel-infused memory foam mattresses are ideal for people who sleep hot as they have cooling properties and agents that help to create a more fluid airflow.
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When choosing a memory foam mattress, you’ll also want to consider the bed’s cost. These mattresses tend to get pretty pricey. They can get up to a couple of thousands of dollars depending on the brand and size of the mattress you choose. Less luxurious brands are on the market, some even costing less than $500. For sleepers who want all the comfort of memory foam but aren’t inclined to dishing out a bunch of money, there are memory foam toppers available which essentially works as an added layer on top of your current bed that has a lot of the same properties as the full mattress. But obviously, it’s not as effective since it’s only two inches thick.
When it comes to sizes, you’ll have to choose firstly, if a big bed will fit in your bedroom, how many people are sleeping on it at a time, and what type of sleeping habits and patterns the sleepers have. A king size mattress might not be the ideal choice for someone who’s sleeping by themselves, just like a twin bed will be too narrow for a couple.
Speaking of bed use, you’ll also want to consider if your kids will be joining you or any of your pets. (That’s how comfortable memory foam mattresses are, everyone wants a piece!)
King size mattresses are the biggest on the market and if you really feel like splurging, it’s tough to top a king size memory foam mattress, unless you get something custom made.
Queen size mattresses are the most popular beds on the market and are often found in hotels. Twin size mattresses are good for young adults and single beds tend to be the best choice for children.
After choosing your size, you’re going to need to choose the firmness of your memory foam mattress. Memory foams already tend to be very soft but they come in varying forms of firmness. People who sleep on their stomach should look into getting a medium to very firm mattress to protect your vital organs and maintain proper spinal alignment. Back sleepers (the most common) would benefit from something softer that allows your neck, back, and shoulder to sink into, and side sleepers might want to look for something in the middle so as not to put too much strain on your face and shoulders.
When you’ve chosen your memory foam mattress size, budget, and firmness, you’re going to want to do a good amount of research before buying. The internet is a great platform to take in a bunch of information and we’d recommend trying to find a balance between the retailer’s website and customer reviews. Brand websites tend to be a bit ‘showy’ and one-sided. They’ll show off all the great details, lower prices, and gorgeous pictures of the mattresses whereas customer reviews will be more unbiased and honest. User reviews have thousands of different perspectives, stories, and angles and is a great way to get a real good feel of the mattress before making a decision.
Speaking of getting a good feel, going from shop to shop to test out the mattress you’ve zoned in on is a great final phase. Here, you’ll be able to ask the salesperson questions about the mattress and you (and your partner) can test out the bed to see what it actually feels like.
Make sure you always discuss warranties in case you don’t like the mattress after a few sleeps so you’re not wasting money on a bed that you don’t like.
When all is said and done, be sure to keep comfort at the forefront of your decision. If a bed that will give you a great sleep is a bit more expensive, it will sting at first but pay off greatly in the long run. Humans should be getting a minimum of six hours of sleep per day and you’ll see an increase in your health and day-to-day productivity with a bed that really resonates with you and sleeps well. Besides, there’s not many better feelings than diving into a comfy bed that you’ve been longing for all day after a tough day.
