Last updated | March 23, 2023
Memory foam, referred to as viscoelastic polyurethane foam, is a widely utilized material in many mattresses owing to its durability, high density, and ability to offer excellent support and pressure relief. Memory foam’s primary component is a polymer, a substance with large molecules consisting of many small, similar subunits bonded together called polyurethane. NASA first designed it in 1960 to create comfortable seating arrangements for its astronauts in space. Later in 1990, memory foam was introduced as a mattress material.
The two qualities of memory foam that make it a popular mattress material are: viscosity and elasticity. Memory foam is viscous, as it takes a long time to change shape or transfer energy from one section to another when pressure is applied. This makes memory foam one of the best mattress materials for motion isolation. It is elastic as it can stretch or contour, adapt to the body’s shape, and return to its original shape when the stretching force is withdrawn.
Memory foam mattresses are thus designed to slowly mold the body and distribute the weight evenly in response to pressure. It is a good option for people suffering from back and joint pain.
Memory foam mattresses are recommended for
Memory foam mattresses are not recommended for
Due to the broad range of memory foam mattresses available in the market, there are plenty of options for you to choose from. Most memory foam mattresses are designed with multiple layers of foam and sometimes with springs too, known as hybrid memory foam mattresses. Here we have shortlisted a few that will suit your needs. But before we discuss the best memory foam mattresses, we will guide you through the different types.
Different types of Memory Foam Mattresses
There are four types of memory foam mattresses. Each of these differs in compounds and the process in which each product is made. The feel, durability, and performance will differ depending on the foam’s composition and type.
Traditional Memory Foam
Traditional memory foam is the first memory foam mattress made for consumer use. It has a classic performance with deep contouring and minimal bounce. Though some people prefer the body-hugging property of this material, others complain of feeling stuck in the foam and overheating during the night. With the introduction of newer memory foam, the use of traditional memory foam has declined, but it is still found in the comfort systems of some all-foam and hybrid beds.
Plant-Based Memory Foam
In a plant-based memory foam (known as a “bio” foam), a percentage of petrochemicals used in manufacturing is replaced by plant-based products such as soybean oils. This type of foam is very appealing to eco-conscious customers but comes at a higher price than petroleum-based memory foam.
Gel-Infused Memory Foam
Gel-infused memory foam incorporates gel in the construction of the foam. It may be added in a swirl pattern or in the form of tiny beads distributed throughout the foam. The gel infusion reduces heat retention by absorbing heat from the foam.
Copper-Infused Memory Foam
In copper-infused memory foam, copper-filled beads are mixed with the foam, which helps to draw heat away from the surface of the mattress. Copper’s antibacterial properties further help prevent odors, keeping sleepers fresh all night.
Criterion for choosing memory foam mattresses
Before you decide to buy a memory foam mattress, there are some key considerations that you should keep in mind. These features will help you to understand if a memory foam mattress is suitable for you or not.
Different mattress brands use different types of memory foam to manufacture mattresses; some also create their own memory foam to make them. For the selected mattresses below, we reviewed what most people like about memory foam, such as even contouring, pressure relief, and superior motion isolation. Read on to know more.
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We understand buying a mattress is not an easy thing to do, not something one wishes to compromise with…at the end of the day, it is about having a blissful sleep. There are many things that are to be considered before going ahead and finally taking a call on the mattress to be purchased with so many brands and multiple offerings – it can indeed be a tough decision to take. There is no “best mattress” for everyone. The right mattress for you is a matter of your personal choice, and budget.
We are here to help you with resources including comprehensive mattress reviews of top mattress brands available in the market, recommendations on what mattress to buy based on your sleeping preferences and what gets you most value for the money.