Memory foam mattresses have become increasingly popular as people discover their incredible sleeping experience. But, to find the ideal memory foam mattress, it’s crucial to do your research first and select one carefully.
Cushions provide excellent contouring and relief from pressure points, while also reducing motion transfer – making it a valuable benefit for couples.
Pressure Points
Pressure points can arise with memory foam mattresses when sleepers sink too deeply into them, leading to discomfort or even pain. To avoid this issue, purchasing a firmer memory foam mattress or investing in one with multiple layers. A good quality memory foam mattress will distribute weight evenly so as to avoid this problem.
Memory foam mattresses have one major drawback – the tendency to trap heat during warmer weather or climates due to their closed-cell structure which doesn’t allow airflow through it. Newer models of memory foam such as gel memory foam or models with open cell structures like Hesperis Mattress have been created in response to this problem.
Memory foam mattresses often emit an overwhelming chemical-like odor when first unpacked; this process, known as off-gassing, may be unpleasant or even harmful for some individuals. But this should dissipate over the course of a few days; otherwise you should look into finding another mattress option.
Temperature Changes
Memory foam softens with body heat, retaining some warmth that could make sleeping on it warmer than on traditional mattresses. Your choice of covering fabric will also determine how much heat is conducted back towards you while sleeping.
Foams that contain high concentrations of gel beads, swirling liquid gel layers or comfort layer gel will promote airflow and help alleviate this issue. Furthermore, some manufacturers even employ phase change materials that regulate temperature by absorbing, storing and then discharging heat as needed.
Memory foam mattress may take more time to return to its original form after force has been applied due to hysteresis effect; energy from impact must first be absorbed and dissipated before returning back into its original shape.
Memory foam mattresses may cause some people to feel as if they have “sunk-in”, as well as their slow recovery when pressure is removed; however, this often amounts to personal preference issues rather than being caused by an inherent flaw of the mattress itself.
Excess Moisture
Memory foam material absorbs and holds onto moisture, leading to uncomfortable sleep for those with memory foam allergies or chemical sensitivities. To maximize comfort it’s best not placing it near windows or in humid environments where night sweats might occur from lack of proper cooling and ventilation, and night sweats could indicate deeper medical concerns that should be treated by consulting with a doctor.
Memory foam manufacturers utilize various proprietary processes and recipes for creating their viscoelastic foams that contribute to the feel of mattresses, often keeping this information private and secret. A few brands provide alternative materials if someone is concerned about off-gassing or other chemicals present.
Plant-based memory foam uses natural extracts instead of the traditional petrochemical-based formula used for traditional memory foam mattresses, while copper-infused memory foam draws heat away from the body and has antimicrobial properties. Finding a mattress suitable for everyone may prove challenging; however, taking some precautions and conducting some thorough research should help.
Dust Mites
Dust mites are tiny spider-like organisms that feed off of shed skin cells from you and live in dark, moist corners of your home, such as mattress. Dust mites produce chemicals which may trigger allergic reactions in up to 10% of people.
Manufacturers of memory foam mattresses often state that their closed-cell structure prevents dust mites from living within, however this claim is untrue as dust mites still thrive within. While the foam itself doesn’t collect shed skin cells from human bodies for dust mites to feed off of, it does collect other debris such as sheets and clothing which attract dust mites.
Only one thing can significantly decrease the number of dust mites in your bed: using a mattress cover designed specifically to be hypoallergenic. Clean your mattress regularly as well. Memory foam mattresses often produce an off-gassing odor when first opened due to chemicals used during their production, which may cause discomfort for those suffering from asthma or respiratory conditions; this odor usually dissipates within days.
Off-gassing
Memory foam mattresses often produce a strong chemical odor when first unboxed – known as off-gassing – that may be unpleasant and even potentially unhealthy for some individuals. Many brands are taking steps to address this issue by using natural materials or providing eco-friendly options.
Memory foam mattress may also be too hot to sleep on due to its ability to retain heat. However, newer models include cooling technology in order to help mitigate this problem – typically gel infusions or open-celled foam structures which promote airflow to keep the mattress cooler while sleeping on it.
Memory foam mattresses can be difficult to move around. While some companies now offer compressed boxes of their mattresses for easier transportation, it’s still essential that buyers consider the weight when making their decision – this could be especially crucial if mobility issues or frequent home moves come into play.
