memorize the pro and cons of memory board froth and how it compare to other eccentric of bedding .

Brie Goldman

Shopping for mattress and bedding used to be a decision that come down to the size of your bed . Now , there are so many more options when it comes to the kind of materials your mattress , pillow , andmattress topperscan be made out of — not to mention the ways in which these mattresses are shipped in box or picked up in stores .

Clean mattress

Credit:Brie Goldman

This article remove a closer look at a popular mattress material : retentiveness foam . expert count in on how it work and stack up to other material .

“ Memory foam is a popular bedding material know for its comfort and ability to contour to your body . It ’s made from a character of soft , supportive froth that reacts to hot up and pressure , which is why it feels like it ’s hug you when you lie down , ” enunciate Scott Peterson , senior vice president of product management at Yogasleep . “ This feature film makes it great for relieving pressure points and providing personalised support . ”

What Is Memory Foam?

Memory froth is a commercial name for a type of foam NASA scientist developedto protect astronauts in flying . The material was first used in mattress in the 1990s .

“ retention froth in mattresses is made of viscoelastic polyurethane foam , which is made with chemicals to increase its viscosity and denseness , ” explain Marten Carlson , a mattress expert and run mattress referee at Mattress Clarity . “ Unlike steady foam , computer memory foam has a dull reply time and moulding to the shape of your body when pressure is applied . This differs from traditional foam , which bounces back apace and does n’t offer the same story of organic structure contouring . ”

Other materials , such as latex , do n’t mold to the physical structure the same way and are considered more bouncy than memory foam , Carlson explains .

Memory foam is a top pick for many sleepers because it offers a sort of custom sleep solution .

“ When you lie down , the froth reacts to your body temperature and pressure level , cushion and mould to your shape , ” Carlson say . “ This creates a cradling issue that supports your body and help equally hand out your weight . The result is less pressure sensation on sore areas like your hips and shoulder , which can improve comfort , slim down tossing and turning , and suffer spinal coalition . ”

Bedding Comparisons

How does memory board foam comparison to other type of mattress materials?Latex offers a tier of body border , Carlson excuse , but other option , such as traditional innerspring mattress , do n’t offer the body - embrace essence . Instead , fountain mattresses offer more bounce .

“ intercrossed options have both memory froth and innerspring coils , ” Carlson says . “ The foam helps with pressure fill-in , and the coils add together livelihood and airflow to facilitate keep you cool . ”

retentivity foam is ideal for sleepers with back or joint pain , says Dr. Sham Singh , a sleep expert and psychiatrist at WINIT Clinic . “ Because storage foam responds slow rather than springing back now , it minimizes question transferee , hence being helpful for any person who share a seam , ” Singh adds .

Like any mattress case or material , memory froth comes with its pro and cons .

Pros of Memory Foam

Supports All Sleepers

sleeper with all different druthers can detect a remembering foam that works for them .

“ I have found that side sleepers roll in the hay computer storage foam for its great power to cradle the hips and shoulder , exempt pressure in these field , ” Singh says . “ Back crosstie can also find relief from the lumbar musical accompaniment provide by memory froth , while stomach sleepers might favour a truehearted foam so they do n’t sink too deeply . ”

Isolates Motion

If you log Z’s with a partner , Peterson articulate storage foam is a respectable material to pick out . “ In mattresses , memory board froth stands out for its motion closing off — it imbibe movement , so if your married person tosses and turn , you ’re less likely to be disturbed , ” he say .

More Affordable Than Latex or Down

“ Memory foam is normally cheaper than latex or down , but higher - quality computer memory froth can get costly , ” Carlson says . “ It ’s usually more affordable than a high - end innerspring mattress . ”

Cons of Memory Foam

Flattens Over Time

Like all mattresses , memory foam loses its structure over time , sagging in areas where you sleep most of the time .

To avoid this , Peterson suggests vest in high - quality memory foam product with in effect density ratings of 4 to 5 pounds per cubic foot for mattresses .   “ revolve the mattress regularlycan also help hand out wear evenly , ” he adds .

Retains Heat

“ Traditional storage foam can trap body heat , which might make some people feel too warm during the nighttime , ” Peterson says . “ This happen because of its dense social structure , which does n’t allow for much airflow . ”

you’re able to mitigate some of the passion by calculate for mattresses or toppers with cool down technology , such as gel - infused froth , heart-to-heart - cell structures , or copper infusions , Peterson says .

Emits Chemical Smell When New

“ New memory foam merchandise can emit a chemical substance smell because of the materials used in manufacture , ” Carlson says . “ Allow the mattress or pillow to air out in a well - ventilated room before utilization . ” Typically , the smell goes away quickly .

“ Let the ware air out in a well - ventilated way for a few day before use , ” agrees Peterson . “ Look for certifications like CertiPUR - US , OEKO - TEX , or GREENGUARD Gold , which verify lowly VOC emissions . ”

Choosing a Mattress Type

take an pick like memory foam for your mattress , pillow , or mattress silk hat comes down to personal orientation .   Many type of sleepers revel memory board foam .   Carlson order memory foam is a skilful alternative for side sleeper goby because it contours to offer relief at the pelvic girdle and shoulders .

More Mattress Specifics

If you ’ve decided to choose a memory foam mattress , you ’ll also take to decide on specifics as you consider density , thickness and authentication .

“ Higher - denseness froth ( 4 - 5 Cypriot pound per cubic foot ) tends to offer better strength and support , though it may sleep warmer , ” Carlson says . “ A thick layer of memory foam can improve puff , but , if it ’s too thickheaded , it can do overheating and provide less bound . Aim for at least 3 inches for a mattress high hat . ”

If you tend to overheat when you sleep , Singh propose looking for a memory froth designed to sleep nerveless . These include foams with a gel or breathable design .   “ But at the bottom line , it is about personal preference for resoluteness , and test the ware is quite important when feasible , ” he tally .

Finally , you’re able to take care for certifications like CertiPUR - US , which guarantee the froth is gratis from harmful chemical and run into refuge and environmental criterion , Carlson tote up .

Memory Foam . NASA