Are memory foam mattresses worth the purchase?

What is a memory foam mattress?

A memory foam mattress blends together a layer of memory foam with either support foam or springs. Memory foam is specially designed to utilise your body heat to help the mattress become softer and mould into the contours of your body.

Different types of memory foam:

There are three main types of memory foam, and these are traditional, open-cell and gel-infused.

Traditional memory foam- The traditional memory foam mattress is the most well-known type of memory foam. This type of foam is popular for its ability to provide a very rested night's sleep, as well as being able to mould and fit the shapes and contours of your body. This memory foam also has some disadvantages, the traditional memory foam absorbs body heat which makes it very challenging to go to sleep and stay asleep.

Open-cell memory foam mattress- The open cell memory foam is the standard memory foam which has a different inner construction. This foam does not hold body heat as it lets there be improved air movement inside of the mattress. This then helps to move the heat away from your body so you can have a better night's sleep.

Gel-infused memory foam mattress- The gel-infused memory foam mattress has been filled with gel and has two different types. The first type is a material that retains heat. The second type is called phase-changing material this aids in evening out temperature whilst you are sleeping by retaining and releasing heat.

Benefits of a memory foam mattress:

Utilises body heat- the first benefit of memory foam is that it uses your body heat and your body pressure to mould the mattress into the contours and shape of your body, your body heat also aids in softening the mattress which makes it more viscous, this is what makes you feel as if you are sinking into your mattress.

Relieves pain- the second benefit of memory foam is that it helps to relieve pain on pressure spots. If you are suffering from conditions such as arthritis or joint pain, then the memory foam will help with that.

Ideal for people with allergies- memory foam can also be hypoallergenic this is because the structure of it is very dense which helps reduce the number of allergens that can gather.

Negatives of a memory foam mattress:

Heavy- The dense structure of the memory foam can also be a positive and a negative, this is because it can also be very heavy which makes it hard to move around. This means when setting up a mattress you will need the assistance of another person as it is too heavy to do on your own.

Too hot- memory foam mattresses also retain heat which is a negative this is because the high temperature makes it difficult to go to sleep.

Not waterproof- memory foam mattresses and mattress toppers are not waterproof. It's important to you try not to get any moisture into these mattresses this is because it can start to deteriorate the mattress at a much faster rate.

Expensive- memory foam mattresses are known to be strong and of high quality and therefore they are not cheap. So, if you are on a budget then I would give this mattress a miss as it won't do any good for your bank balance.