Sleep Comfortably: The Benefits of a Memory Foam Mattress

All of us have felt the burden of spending the night tossing and turning, unable to get comfortable. We wake up feeling exhausted and wishing we could sleep just for a little while longer. Or we dismiss our aches and pains as simply a sign of aging. However, what if all these problems are really a result of your mattress. Perhaps all your aches can all be resolved by replacing that old, sagging mattress with the latest sleep technology. A memory foam mattress is thought to improve sleep by relieving pain and reducing insomnia.

Many users have compared the experience to sleeping on a cloud. Is there any more convincing argument?

What is a Memory Foam Mattress?

Memory foam is another word for Visco-Elastic foam, a type of polyurethane. Interestingly, memory foam mattresses were first designed in the mid-1960s for NASA’s shuttle seats. Soft and absorbent Visco-Elastic was developed to relieve the pressure of the G-forces that astronauts experience in space.

Specifically, memory foam was developed in 1966 and made its way to the public market by 1980. It was originally used only in medical settings, providing more comfortable mattresses and pillows for patients. However, it was also prohibitively expensive. Over the years, the manufacturing process evolved and became cheaper. This helped it become a popular market item.

Memory Foam Mattresses Vs Traditional Mattresses

Memory foam mattresses are very different from traditional foam mattresses. Memory foam mattresses mold to a person’s body shape with the Visco-Elastic Form, while traditional mattresses consist of padding, foam, and springs. Over time they begin to wear out, and show their age through sagging, making sleep very uncomfortable.

Benefits of a Memory Foam Mattress

Memory foam mattresses are thought to improve the quality of sleep. Although no conclusive study exists, sleep is a very subjective topic and unique to all different kinds of people. A general consensus among the population exists that a good mattress does in fact greatly improve your quality of sleep. One only has to ask anyone who has ever slept on a cold and lumpy mattress. Because of its temperature-sensitive material, a memory foam mattress is best suited for people with aches and pains. Its dense material adjusts itself to the person’s body weight and body heat. The mattress returns to its original shape once the occupant rises.

In addition, pain areas are believed to have a higher temperature than the rest of the body and the mattress molds to these exact areas. The warmth can sooth your sore muscles and achy bones. By molding to the body, the memory foam also helps to spine align properly, which is crucial for relieving back pain. For wheelchair uses and other hospital and medical settings, it can provide comfortable cushioning and padding. Allergies can also be reduced because the polyurethane material is made of inorganic fibres, which prevent dust mites. Organic fibres in traditional cotton mattresses attract dust mites. When people no longer toss and turn because of pain and allergies, insomnia can be reduced or even prevented.

What To Look for in a Memory Foam Mattress

Various factors are important to consider when buying a memory foam mattress, such as softness and price. The most important factor in choosing a mattress is picking the correct density foam for your individual preference. A high-density foam is the firmest and most durable. It weighs approximately  5-6 lbs and a quality one should last 8-10 years. Medium-density foams are a bit softer, weigh 4-5 lbs, and cost a bit less. Cheapest and softest are low-density foams, which weigh 2-3 lbs.

Be sure to read the mattress warranty information before purchasing to see what is covered under the policy. Warranties usually only cover manufacturer-related issues.

Where to Buy a Memory Foam Mattresses

If one is looking for the easiest option of buying a memory foam mattress, various online retailers offer a large selection and quick delivery. Many also offer free home delivery as well.  Be sure to read reviews and choose the mattress best suited to your situation. Online retailers often offer reduced pricing compared to physical stores. If you would prefer to speak to a knowledgeable salesperson and try the mattress out in person before committing to a purchase, most mattress and furniture retailers carry them in stock.

Many options for memory foam mattresses exist and vary with density and price. Ultimately, the choice is up to you depending on your needs. Conveniently, they are found both online and in-store, which both offer pros and cons. Order online for ease orvisit a store to speak to a salesperson and try it out yourself. The sleep you have been dreaming of may be just around the corner.