A human spends ⅓ of his life sleeping. Sleep should be the utmost comforting, and it is important to choose a mattress that will allow you plenty of restful hours of your mind and body. To have enough energy when you wake up again the next morning. In this article, we’ll compare two types of mattresses. One is a memory foam mattress, the other is a foam mattress. We’ll see which one provides better pressure relief by contouring around muscles as one falls asleep.
Memory Foam Mattress
A memory foam mattress combines a layer of memory foam with springs or support-molding it to the shape of your body. The heat from our bodies softens and molds this material, providing remarkable comfort and supporting us while sleeping in any position imaginable. All without losing its resilience.
Memory foam was first created for NASA’s space capsules. Developed to combat the extreme pressure that astronauts faced when exiting and entering Earth’s atmosphere. Memory foam is now used in mattresses all around us. It can be found inside pillows as well. Its viscoelasticity makes it an excellent material choice that will never go flat or lose shape over time, as other materials might. This means you’ll get more uses out of your purchase while saving money by not having to replace them so often. Have trouble sleeping? A good night’s rest could help with mental health issues to thank again these wonderful inventions from scientists done at NASA.
What Does It Consist Of?
A memory foam mattress is generally made up of a polymer called polyurethane is the major component of memory foam. Polymers are substances with large molecules made of many small, similar subunits bonded together. This one can be found all over our lives in things like sofas and mattresses, among other places. Also, products like insulation for homes or car parts- even tough elastomers such as rollerblade wheels.
The viscosity and elasticity of a material affect how well it keeps the memory. Memory foam is known for its “viscous” properties, which change shape slowly when pressure or force has been applied to one point. This can be seen as one way that these qualities help your body’s natural support system stay comfortable all night long.
World-renowned for its therapeutic benefits, memory foam is an innovative product with many uses. Its primary use in the medical field is to help ease pain and discomfort from various conditions, such as chronic back or hip problems. But also provides support where you need it most on your bed. This type of viscoelastic material contains polyether polyol. Which helps in giving both elasticity and viscosities while still maintaining firmness throughout various positions.
Features Of Memory Foam
Memory foam mattresses provide ultimate comfort and care for you as you sleep. A range of features makes them different from other types, like pressure relief or personalized support.
- Pressure point relief
A memory foam mattress is an excellent choice for those who suffer from pain or discomfort. It will reduce pressure on the heaviest parts of one’s body, relieving aches and promoting healthier blood circulation throughout their sleep cycle.
- Dust mite resistant
A memory foam mattress features a visco-elastic structure that dust mites can’t penetrate. This means you’ll get fewer allergic symptoms and better quality sleep. All thanks to the cleaner environment your body experiences without allergens.
- Motion isolation
Memory foam mattresses are a great option for people who often get woken up by their partner tossing and turning. With memory foam, you will never have that problem again. It contours to your body, creating an exclusive sleeping zone. And to prevent the passing of motion.
- Support & comfort
The Memory Foam Mattress is perfect for those who suffer from back pain or discomfort. It features advanced memory cells that mold to your body, providing high-level spinal alignment. It also provides targeted support so you can wake up feeling refreshed after a long day at work.
Drawbacks Of Memory Foam Mattress
- Heat issues
The memory foam mattress is hotter than other types of mattresses. The reason for this is the mattress cradles your body, due to which it keeps heat. In hotter climates, the mattress becomes softer than usual, and in cooler climates, it becomes harder because of the heat it generates.
- Weigh
The memory foam mattresses are heavier because of the dense foam they contain. This makes it difficult to move the mattress.
- Odor
Some customers have complained of a disagreeable odor from their mattresses. The problem can occur when it’s not aired properly.
Types Of Memory Foam Mattress
There are 3 important types of memory foam mattresses. Let us have a look at them: traditional gel, and open-cell.
- Traditional
The original “classical” memory foam was the first of its kind to enter the market for consumer use. This type is engineered with specific features that make it mold your body. But there are some drawbacks to using this product. One is how warm you can end up sleeping on top of them due solely to keeping heat inside their structure. The other types were created because they wanted an alternative solution when dealing with issues like not just having something work or breaking down after a while.
- Gel
Mattresses that use gels have additional features like pockets of air or gel. Which form to your body temperature and comfort level as you sleep on them. The phase-changing materials for absorbing heat from the surface by releasing it during warmer periods than trapping warmth in deeper layers via conduction/radiation. when it’s cold outside so there’s no need anymore, just get up and take a blanket. These types of mattresses can last up to 8+ years.
- Open-cell
Open-cell memory foam mattresses are becoming more popular than their traditional counterparts because they offer better ventilation and support. Open cells allow air to flow throughout the mattress, which helps keep it cool as well as dissipate heat that may build up during sleep sessions.
The initial problem with this type of material was that its density made it feel much softer than other types on hand. But new production techniques have been developed so you can get just enough firmness while still enjoying all those benefits from the open-cell structure.
Durability Of Memory Foam
Memory foam mattresses have a lifespan that can vary depending on different factors. For example, the quality of memory foam and how well you take care of your mattress affect its durability. In support and comfortability, a seven-year lifetime is suggested by the National Bed Federation. While this could be extended with proper maintenance practices.
It is recommended to renew your mattress every seven years for hygiene reasons. While dust mites cannot penetrate the structure of memory foam. Over time, they will build upon the mattress surface and can cause allergies or other respiratory problems. If it is not removed by deep cleaning procedures, which only professionals know how to do right, the mattress can get ruined.
It is highly suggested to use a mattress protector to extend the life span of your memory foam mattress.
Cost Of Memory Foam Mattress
Memory foam mattresses are pricier than other types. This is especially true if you get a high-quality memory foam mattress. Compared, for instance, with an innerspring bed of similar quality and type/ thickness, etc. It will usually have higher price tags.
As more consumers invest their time and money into these expensive yet comfortable items, it is expected costs associated with this material to decrease over the long term. However, even today’s rates make comfort coupled with excellent durability. This seems like an investment worth making only when everything else fails.
Foam Mattress
Polyurethane foam is the most popular material for bedding, as well as for other applications. Low-density polyurethane has been widely used by many manufacturers. It is used to create soft initial impressions that don’t last very long. But make up for this with their first impression of being appealing and comfortable at least. Higher grade materials such as higher density foam will be more resilient and able to withstand pressure from parts sinking through lower grades. Because of weight or drunkenness without feeling too soft on top, where these areas would otherwise sit above ground level instead.
What Does It Consist Of?
The foam mattress has a simpler construction than other mattress types. However, it comprises multiple distinct layers of foam, which vary in materials and density intended for different purposes.
Features Of Foam Mattress
- Conforming
A foam mattress is a great idea for people who have back pain. It conforms to your body’s shape and removes pressure from the joints that cause pain.
- Motion isolation
The foam mattress provides fantastic motion isolation. It provides one of the best mattresses for those who move a lot in their sleep.
- Quality
The foam mattress is a great choice for those who want to sleep well. It’s soft but still provides excellent support, so you’ll feel comfortable as soon as you lay down.
- Pressure relief
The foam mattress offers great pressure relief and support for your back. So that you will stay comfortable all night long.
- Best choice for side sleepers
The foam mattress is the best option for someone who sleeps on their side because it keeps your spine in alignment all night.
Drawbacks Of Foam Mattress
- Bounce
The foam does not have much bounce, so if you are looking for a bounce in the mattress, you won’t be satisfied.
- Off-gassing
The worst part about buying a foam mattress is the smell. The mattresses often release an unpleasant odor when they’re first set up, and it takes days for them to go away.
- Heat
The foam in most mattresses can be very hot, as they trap your body heat.
Types Of Foam Mattress
Poly Foam is made from polyurethane, commonly referred to as simply “polyfoam,” which is a very common ingredient in modern foam beds. Polyfoam is much more bouncy and springy than memory foam. Polyfoam is popular for use as a layer in modern all-foam mattresses, as well as for the top comfort layer in spring beds.
There are 3 types of polyfoam: regular polyfoam, high-density polyfoam, and high-resiliency polyfoam.
- Regular polyfoam
They used polyfoam in most skating and surfing applications to create a smooth, flexible feel. It’s durable enough that it can be resurfaced without completely changing its properties each time you do it.
- High-density polyfoam
For those who want a more firm mattress, you can opt for high-density polyfoam. This type of foam provides great support for your spine and helps with alignment because of its natural resilience. When compressed or expanded under pressure from weight transfer during sleep at night time.
- High-resiliency polyfoam
A high-resiliency polyfoam is firmer and more supportive. But significantly more expensive than a sponge. It’s also less common in the industry because of its costliness to produce as well with resins or other chemicals.
Durability Of Foam Mattress
For polyurethane and viscoelastic, durability largely depends on the density of the material. Low-density foam sags after a couple of years. Sagging may start sooner if it’s used more intensely, but high-density polyfoam can be expected to last much longer.
Aging gracefully isn’t possible with either type, though. Low-densities will show wear quicker while higher dense ones don’t age at all in comparison.
Cost Of Foam Mattress
The foam mattresses come in a variety of price ranges from cheap to luxurious. You can choose according to your budget and comfort preference. The ultra-luxurious ones are more expensive than basic models but offer better quality sleep so they’re worth investing in.
Summary
Both memory foam and foam mattresses have almost similar pros and cons. But the point where they differ is their quality, durability, and price. If your budget allows you to afford memory foam, you will be more than satisfied by purchasing a memory foam mattress. But if your budget doesn’t allow you to have memory foam, you can always go for a foam mattress as this will also give you a quality sleep in a low price range.
FAQ
Memory foam is a lot more expensive and denser than regular polyurethane foam. It provides much better support because it has that familiar feeling you get when laying on your bed. But the material also makes this type of mattress hotter to lie in as well. As soon as temperatures increase from being near-body heat (from sitting/lying), memory fungus grows inside. This can lead to people with asthma or allergies problems because of its chemical content. So make sure not to breathe in any air around these items while sleeping, if possible.
Yes, memory foam mattresses are the best for relieving back pain. They conform to your body, providing pressure-point relief. Also, reduce aches by creating curved support that naturally molds around you. Better lumbar support helps relieve lower spine discomfort, which is one of the most common types in this category.
Mattresses are usually a choice, but it may be worth considering which type you prefer. The durability of the material can affect your lifestyle as well. Mattresses with softer surfaces provide better comfort for more support that lasts longer. While high-density foam is often responsible for less motion transfer and gives off the feeling of “stuck in bed”.
Conclusion
In this article, we have given comparative information about memory foam mattresses and foam mattresses. This will surely help you decide which one to do for yourself.
If you want to know more about different sleep-related disorders check out here.
If you are looking to buy a mattress check out here, also here.
To see the comparison of different types of mattresses click here.