There has been a lot of curiosity surrounding memory foam mattresses in the last few decades. Originally developed by the expert engineers at NASA, these special mattresses hit the shore of the consumer market only in the early 90s. Memory foam mattresses were specially developed for the astronauts. Their bodies were subjected to excess stress during space flights due to the G-force. The primary function of these mattresses is to mould itself in accordance with the user’s body and make him feel excessively light; almost as light as a feather. The initial version was called the T-foam and it brought along a lot of promise with its ability to respond to the body temperature. However, it was seen that this T-foam was not very durable and cracked eventually.

Tempur-Pedic was the first company to launch memory foam mattresses in the consumer market. This company developed their own version of memory foam, known as Tempur foam. Tempur foam was used mainly for medical purposes to enable patients sleep better and get relief severe backache. This variety of mattresses was specially designed to see that they were much more durable and continued to retain the benefits of reducing decreasing } body pressure. However, what kept it afar from being put to daily use was its high price. In fact, Tempur foam has stayed away from the consumer market even to this day due to its dear price. However, it is undoubtedly the best memory foam mattress that can be found.

Other companies soon became aware of the huge benefits of memory foam mattresses and soon started manufacturing their own ones. However, beware of false advertising and cheap imitations. Make sure you read some memory foam mattress reviews first. Hailing from the consumer industry, they priced their mattresses much lower compared to Tempur-Pedic. Memory foam has garnered huge popularity with every passing year and this has led different manufacturers of mattresses to introduce their own versions of this product. However, it is pertinent to note that memory foams differ from each other in their density, hardness and softness and finally in their longevity. In spite of its benefits, a mattress made totally out of memory foam will not work because it is too soft to be supportive. It produces best results when it is used as a layer over a firm material.

Here are some important facts to consider before you make your choice:

Never settle for a low-grade imported  memory foam product. While the price may be lower, the materials in these mattresses do not hold up over time, and they have likely  been stacked in a warehouse somewhere overseas for perhaps months, gathering dust, dirt and bacteria. The best manufacturers in the United States custom-make and deliver memory foam mattresses on a customer-by-customer basis.

Search for a mattress that has a top comfort layer of quality memory foam and also a base layer of sturdy high density foam.} Higher-end models have three layers. The high-density foam gives your mattress a combination of softness, support and durability, and the comfort layer provides the “cuddle-every-curve” feeling that provides the ultimate in relaxation.

Remember, not all memory foam is the same. Some retailers will try to sell you 2-4lb memory foam, telling you that higher density foam may overheat. The truth is just the opposite. Higher density memory foam has billions and billions of open ended cells, allowing air to flow freely which keeps you cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. Lower density memory foam is not as supportive and will break down over time. When shopping, never buy a memory foam mattress that has less than a 5lb density.

Choose a hypoallergenic mattress that is resistant to dust mites. Many people who think they have no allergies are actually very sensitive to the detritus that their mattresses accumulate over time. These sensitivities can seriously interfere with sleep even though the sleepers themselves don’t realize it. What they don’t realize is that once the potential allergens are gone, they sleep much more soundly.

Choose a mattress that is bacteria-resistant and comes with a washable zip-off cover to assure that your sleeping surface is refreshing and hygienic. A buildup of bacteria can result in odors that do not make for a pleasant sleeping surface.

While testing a new mattress at a local store may sound conveinent, it’s difficult to lay there, fully dressed staring at the ceiling while some salesman is watching your every move looking for a buying signal. If you’re like most people, you buy a new mattress every 4-7 years. The correct way to test a new mattress is in the comfort and privacy of your own bedroom. Most reputable retailers will allow you a comfort guarantee where you can return the mattress if you don’t like it.}

It takes most people several weeks to adjust to a new mattress, and the company you choose to make your mattress should understand that and offer you a “comfort guarantee” that allows you to sleep on the mattress for up to 90  days, and to return it if you are not satisfied.

There is no doubt that memory foam mattresses are hugely popular, and with good reason. Many purchasers report sleeping well for the first time in their lives. Follow the guidelines here, and you too will choose the correct memory foam mattress for you and begin to enjoy all of the advantages that this sleep system delivers.

Here are some important facts to consider before you make your choice:

• The mattress you choose should be made of top-quality materials. Look for at least a 5.0LB density in product descriptions. This high-density polyurethane material, developed by NASA for use by astronauts, offers a better “custom-fit” than other, low-density foam mattresses, and you can depend on it for lasting resiliency.

• Never settle for a low-grade imported foam product. While the price may be lower, the materials in these mattresses do not hold up over time, and they have likely been stacked in a warehouse somewhere for perhaps months, gathering dust, dirt and bacteria. The best manufacturers in the United States custom-make and deliver memory foam mattresses on a customer-by-customer basis.

• Look for at least a high-density base layer and a top comfort layer. Some higher-end models have multiple layers, but is not always the case. The high-density foam gives your mattress the support and longevity you need, while the comfort layer provides the “cuddle-every-curve” feeling that provides the ultimate in relaxation. Combined, you receive a combination of softness, support and durability for years to come.

• Choose a hypoallergenic mattress that is resistant to dust mites. Many people who think they have no allergies are actually very sensitive to the detritus that their mattresses accumulate over time. These sensitivities can seriously interfere with sleep even though many sleepers themselves don’t realize it and labels it as “bad Sleep”. What they do realize is that once the potential allergens are gone, they sleep much more soundly.

• Choose a mattress that is bacteria-resistant and comes with a washable zip-off cover or mattress protector to assure that your sleeping surface is refreshing and hygienic. A buildup of bacteria can result in odors that do not make for a pleasant sleeping environment.

• It may seem logical to “try out” a memory foam mattress in a retail store, but there is just no way a few minutes of lying on any mattress can give you an accurate idea of what it will feel like to sleep on it for a full night. The best way to find the right mattress for you is to “test drive” it in the comfort of your own bedroom. Many online companies offer money back guarantees, allowing you really get a feel for the mattress in the comfort of your own bedroom….and without a sales rep watching your every move while looking for a buying signal.

• It takes most people several weeks to adjust to a new mattress, and the company you choose to make your mattress should understand that and offer you a “comfort guarantee” that allows you to sleep on the mattress for up to 90 days, and to return it if you are not satisfied.

There is no doubt that memory foam mattresses are hugely popular, and with good reason. Many purchasers report sleeping well for the first time in their lives. Follow the guidelines here, and you too will choosing the correct memory foam mattress for you and begin to enjoy all of the advantages that this sleep system delivers.