Those who don’t know what to look for when buying a memory foam mattress can rely on four factors. In this article, we’ll go through the best way to buy a memory foam bed by considering four variables. They are the brand, firmness, safety, and durability of the memory foam mattress.
For more buying tips, here are some questions to ask when buying a mattress. You can apply them not just for memory foam beds but also for every mattress type.
How To Buy A Memory Foam Mattress
Brand benefits
- You want to buy a memory foam mattress from a reputable manufacturer to ensure the best quality
- The best memory foam mattress brands trust the craftsmanship and materials they use on their beds, so they are not afraid to offer extended trial periods and reasonable warranty policies
- Remember that memory foams need to be broken in, so you want a memory foam mattress with a trial period of more than one month
- Check the company refund and return policies, so your purchase will be fair in case you got a defective or unsatisfactory product
- Opt for a mattress company with responsive customer service for a smooth transaction process
Ideal firmness
- Knowing how to select mattress firmness is especially crucial when buying a memory foam bed because it dictates the bed’s responsiveness and overall feel
- Get a firm memory foam bed if you sleep on your stomach, something softer if you’re a side sleeper, or a medium-firm mattress if you’re unsure what to get
- Your body type will also dictate what memory foam firmness to get to ensure that you stay well supported if you’re heavier but without the very stiff feeling if you are under 130 pounds
- Memory foam firmness is not the sole indicator of its durability
- The thickness of the memory foam bed is not directly correlated with its firmness
Mattress safety
- Check the memory foam mattress for certifications to prove that it passed tests and standards regarding safety
- The memory foam mattress should be certified by CertiPUR-US and GREENGUARD
- Consider hypoallergenic memory foam beds above others
- Check the memory foam composition and other parts of the mattress
- Mattresses that are good for the health have no chemical flame retardants and toxic glue
- Some memory foam beds finish off-gassing much quicker than others
Memory foam durability
- The durability of the memory foam mattress will depend on its overall construction, but density is a helpful indicator
- High-density memory foam will withstand wear for longer than low-density foams
- High-density and durable memory foam beds typically cost more than cheaper low-density beds
- Mattress ILD can also indicate the longevity of the mattress, so opt for memory foam mattresses with high ILD
- Some brands offer a lifetime warranty for their memory foam beds, which means that they know it’s capable of lasting well
What Are The Different Types Of Memory Foam Mattresses?
Traditional memory foam
Traditional memory foam is the most common type of memory foam in the market. It has a closely packed structure, so it reacts to heat much quicker when you’re using it. However, this type of memory foam also has poor temperature regulation compared to the improved versions infused with phase-change materials.
Gel memory foam
People who sleep hot but want the conformability of memory foam should select gel memory foam mattresses. Manufacturers blend memory foam with gel beads or even include a cooling layer at the top of the bed to draw heat away from the user. You can also check if the memory foam mattress has cooling features on the cover and other layers.
How Thick Should My Memory Foam Mattress Be?
The best memory foam mattress thickness is 5 to 8 inches, depending on the type of sleeper. You want the bed to provide enough cushioning for pressure relief, but not too thick that it sinks you and discourages a neutral spine. You also want to check the thickness of each mattress layer, so the comfort layer feels relaxing to use, but the base layer can withstand the demands of use, and your bed won’t sag easily.
What Are The Problems With Memory Foam Mattresses?
Off-gassing
New memory foam mattresses tend to release a chemical smell upon unpacking. This is normal because it’s the VOCs from the foam, and they are emitted low enough not to become a health hazard. However, it can be annoying and uncomfortable, especially for people with sensitive noses.
Here is everything you need to know about mattress off-gassing if you’re still worried about its safety and what’s the reason why synthetic mattresses like memory foam do it anyway.
Heat retention
Another disadvantage with memory foam beds is they are not as breathable as other mattress types like innerspring beds. This is especially true with traditional memory foam, so you must get those models infused with gel, copper or use cooling materials like breathable covers and layers.
Conclusion
And that’s it! To recap what to look for when buying a memory foam mattress, you must check its brand benefits, firmness, mattress safety, and durability. Furthermore, know the difference between traditional and gel memory foam if heat retention is something you despise.
We hope this article helped you get the best memory foam bed for you. And feel free to use our knowledge base to know more about memory foam mattresses.