Memory Foam Mattress FAQ: The Next Generation Cooler Version

A mattress is one of the most important purchases for your bedroom. Choosing the right mattress, whether it's a traditional, latex, or memory foam mattress, takes time and diligence as there are different firmness levels, materials, and layers. You’ll find that there is a wide variety of prices for memory foam mattresses, ranging from high to low in prices.
Below is a comprehensive frequently asked questions and answer compilation to help aid you in choosing the best memory foam mattress.
What is a Memory Foam Mattress?
A memory foam mattress is a type of mattress consisting of one or more layers of memory foam, coupled with support foam or springs. It is a high density, durable material. Viscoelastic foam is another term used for memory foam.
Traditionally, memory foam uses your own body’s heat to conform to your shape. Once you remove the pressure of your body from the mattress, the foam bounces back to its original shape — hence the term “memory”.
What is the History of Memory Foam Mattresses?
Memory foam was developed in the 1960s by NASA, designed for the astronauts' comfort while taking off and landing in the spaceships. A team of engineers were given the task for develop a material that would relieve pressure from the gravitational forces (known as “G” forces) that astronauts were subject to during takeoff and landing.
As time passed, It also was used to improve seat cushioning, and help with crash protection for passengers and airline pilots. Memory foam has a history of both commercial and civilian use.
Why are Memory Foam Mattresses Good?
A memory foam mattress is designed to mold your body in response to heat and pressure. They are made of highly absorbent and soft material. The memory foam mattress evenly distributes your body weight. It is designed to return to its normal shape when you get out of bed, and the pressure is relieved.
What are the Benefits of a Memory Foam Mattress?
Memory foam mattresses are ideal for all sleeping positions. Whether your sleeping position is on your back or side, there is a mattress for you. A memory foam mattress provides body-hugging comfort every night. They are motion absorbent, hypoallergenic, and have customizable support for a rejuvenating night's sleep.
Why Buy a Memory Foam Mattress?
Memory foam mattresses provide multiple layers of support. They become softer upon contact with body heat. Many memory foam mattresses relieve aches and pains by displacing your body pressure.
Are Memory Foam Mattresses Good for Your Back?
When you take into account the amount of pressure you place on your back when you sleep, especially if you’re a back sleeper, you’ll realize the pressure-relieving nature of a memory foam mattress offers you the best opportunity to reduce the overall pressure placed on your back, while providing gentle contouring.
Each memory foam mattress was designed to provide ultimate support for a restful night's sleep. They hold your neck, back, and spine in proper alignment to help prevent back pain. If you suffer from chronic back pain, a mattress of medium firmness is recommended.
Are Memory Foam Mattresses Bad for Your Health?
Some memory foam mattresses contain toxic chemicals such as formaldehyde, benzene, naphthalene, and isocyanates.
- Formaldehyde may cause short-term or long-term effects. The short-term effects may include watering eyes, a burning feeling in the eyes, nose, and throat, coughing, wheezing, nausea, or even skin irritations. Long-term effects include cancers such as Myeloid Leukemia.
- Benzene may decrease red blood cells, or damage bone marrow. World Health Organization (WHO) has deemed naphthalene as a possible carcinogenic to humans.
- Isocyanates may cause irritation to the eyes, nose, throat, and skin according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
Be sure to consider your allergies if you have any, and do your due diligence when choosing the right mattress.
Which Memory Foam Mattress is Best?
Memory foam mattresses vary on overall ratings, value, comfort, and more. The best memory foam mattresses provide you with the best quality sleep night after night, at the most affordable price. They work well for pressure points relief, and whether you are a side sleeper, back sleeper, or stomach sleeper.
Because memory foam can sleep hot, the best memory foam contains cooling gel memory foam technology that offers superior airflow, and alleviates both heat and moisture for exceptional body temperature and coolness. It should also contain no offgassing of harmful chemicals.
Which Memory Foam Mattress is the Softest?
A soft memory foam mattress is made with breathable coils, is a high-density foam, and offers a luxurious feel for extreme comfort and softness. When you first receive your memory foam mattress, and feel it is too soft or too firm, give it some time to break in. If after several weeks, you find it is too soft or firm, you can always add a mattress topper.
Where to Buy a Memory Foam Mattress Topper?
A memory foam mattress topper may be purchased almost anywhere. Thousands of mattress stores and furniture stores carry memory foam mattress toppers for purchase.
You can also buy online. If you order online ensure you do plenty of research and that the company offers a free return period. It is important to remember that memory foam mattress toppers do not last as long as a mattress will.
What Memory Foam Mattress Should I Buy?
There are several things to consider when choosing a memory foam mattress. Listed below are many considerations.
- Your budget
- Length of the trial period offered
- The density of the layers
- Firmness level desired
- Material used
- Thickness
- Longevity of the mattress
- Your sleeping position
- If you have any allergies, consider hypoallergenic
- Warranty
- As always, read reviews and consider the reputation of the brand
What Memory Foam Mattress is Made in the USA?
Plushbeds is a mattress company that specializes in manufacturing latex mattresses, memory foam mattresses, and accessories. Its mattresses and products are made in the U.S. from eco-friendly materials.
PlushBeds memory foam mattresses are handcrafted in California, using certified materials, in our certified organic factory.
What Memory Foam Mattress Lasts the Longest?
The gel memory foam mattress is likely the longest-lasting mattress. It has been known to last 10 to 15 years, or longer, with proper care.
It’s recommended to remove stains with a damp sponge and dish soap. Gently rub the solution onto the mattress, and allow plenty of time to fully air dry. It is important to use little water, as too much moisture over time can damage the mattress. It is not recommended to use an electric heated blanket on memory foam mattresses, as they may break down the cells of the foam, reducing the overall life span.
One of the best ways to prolong the life of your mattress is by using a mattress protector. You can purchase a breathable and hypoallergenic mattress cover that is comfortable, and won’t change the feel of your mattress.
Where to Buy a Memory Foam Mattress?
A memory foam mattress, like a traditional mattress, may be purchased almost anywhere. Thousands of mattress stores and furniture stores carry memory foam mattresses.
You can also buy online, which is a popular and safe way to purchase your memory foam mattress. If you order online, ensure you do plenty of research, and that the company offers a free return period of at least 30 days.
Where to Buy a Cheap Memory Foam Mattress?
Memory foam mattresses for beds offer a wide variety of price points. Companies offer competitive, affordable pricing. Many mattress and furniture stores offer great holiday sales, such as President Day, Columbus Day, and Labor Day sales to name a few. These are all a great time to get an affordably-priced memory foam mattress.
How Does a Memory Foam Mattress Work?
Memory foam mattresses are made of high-density, low-resilience polyurethane foam. The foam is designed to form to your body through heat and pressure. When the pressure is removed, the mattress is made to return to its original shape, leaving behind little to no indentations.
How Long Does a Memory Foam Mattress Last?
As with any great mattress, the memory foam mattress is not designed to last forever. The average memory foam mattress has been known to last 8 to 10 years depending on care. With excellent cleaning and care management, your memory foam mattress may even last upwards of 15 years. Over time, you may need to turn your mattress, head to foot, to reduce indentations, but there is usually no need to flip.
How Thick is a Memory Foam Mattress?
Memory foam mattresses for beds range from 6 to 14 inches in thickness. The larger, heavier the person, the thicker the mattress needed. For children, a 6-to 8-inch-thick mattress is recommended, while adults should purchase a 10- to 14-inch-thick mattress, depending on weight. The thicker the mattress, the higher the price.
How Thick is a Memory Foam Mattress Topper?
Most memory foam mattress toppers range in thickness from 2 to 4 inches, and most commonly in the 2- to 3-inch range. The size chosen depends on your current needs.
If you like the firmness of your current mattress, a 2-inch mattress topper is recommended. If you are unsure of what exactly you are looking for, go with the 3-inch topper. Lastly, if you are looking for ultimate comfort, a 4-inch mattress topper is best.
Will I Feel My Partner Move on a Memory Foam Mattress?
That’s the great thing about memory foam mattresses. They offer minimal to no motion transfer, which means it’s unlikely you’ll be woken by your partner moving at night.
Will a Memory Foam Mattress Burn?
Memory foam mattresses for beds are made of polyurethane foam, and are treated with flame retardants to reduce the risk of fire. While designers have done what they can to guarantee the safety of the users, there is always a risk of fire. However, the memory foam mattress is not known to ignite quickly should it catch fire. Remember, it is never recommended to burn your old mattress for disposal.
Will a Memory Foam Topper Help Hip Pain?
The cause of your hip pain, firmness of your current mattress, and sleep position are all key factors to consider when deciding if a memory foam mattress topper will help your hip pain.
Does a Memory Foam Mattress Need a Box Spring?
Memory foam mattresses do not need a box spring. In fact, box springs are not designed to hold the weight of a memory foam mattress, unlike a traditional mattress for beds. Rather than a box spring, they need a more sturdy foundation, such as a platform bed. An example would be the 7.5" Wood Mattress Foundation available from PlushBeds.
Is a Memory Foam Mattress Topper Worth Buying?
Memory foam mattress toppers are a great purchase for improving the comfort of your current mattress, without paying the high price of a new mattress. While they do not last as long as a memory foam mattress, they are easily available at most stores.
Can a Memory Foam Mattress Cause Night Sweats?
A memory foam mattress is designed to rely on your body heat to form around you. Certain memory foam mattresses can cause excessive sweating because they retain body heat.
If you are prone to sweating at night, it is best to choose a memory foam mattress that is made of a more breathable material to avoid an increased risk of sweating and overheating. You’ll want to look for memory foam mattresses that contain cool gel memory foam technology and that wicks away moisture, and is highly breathable, so you can have a comfortable body temperature. You should note that the mattress dissipates heat, and has exceptional airflow.
Can a Memory Foam Mattress Cause Itching?
Yes, a new mattress made of memory foam may cause itching, depending on the material it's made with. Some mattresses contain toxic chemicals, such as formaldehyde, benzene, naphthalene, and isocyanates. If your body sees a substance as a threat, even if the substance is harmless, your body will trigger an immune system response.
The triggered immune system response may cause symptoms such as burning, itching, sneezing, watery eyes, irritation to the nose, throat, or skin. When choosing a memory foam mattress, be sure to take into consideration your own personal allergies, or your family’s allergies, and look into the materials each mattress is made up of.
Can a Memory Foam Mattress be Firm?
Absolutely! There are many memory foam mattresses for beds that offer firm or even customizable support. When looking into mattresses, the description will allow you to determine which memory foam mattress is firm or customizable, which is great for pressure points relief.
Can Memory Foam Mattresses be Recycled?
The short answer is yes. The material and foam used in the manufacturing of memory foam mattresses can be completely recyclable. To dispose of your mattress, either locate a recycling center, or call local mattress stores near you to see if they recycle memory foam mattresses. You may also call a company that hauls away junk, and allow them to properly dispose of your memory foam mattress for you.
Why are Memory Foam Mattresses Bad?
Memory foam mattresses are bad for some people because some may contain toxic chemicals such as formaldehyde, benzene, naphthalene, or isocyanates. Non-breathable memory foam mattresses may cause overheating, due to them retaining heat, while you are asleep, especially if you already sweat at night. Also, if your memory foam mattress is too soft for you, it might cause your normal spinal alignment to become displaced, due to sinking into the mattress.
Why are Memory Foam Mattresses Hot?
Some memory foam mattresses are made of materials consisting of synthetic polyurethane foam. The density of the foam does not allow adequate airflow. This particular foam also does not absorb moisture very well —therefore it reflects heat back onto the occupant sleeping on the memory foam mattress.
How Much is a Memory Foam Mattress?
Memory foam mattresses have a large pricing variety. The best memory foam mattresses can range from $600 to $1,300.
It is important to remember when choosing the perfect mattress to take into consideration your own personal budget and needs. There are many pros to purchasing a memory foam mattress or memory foam mattress topper. Ensure you research the materials used to manufacture the mattress, the return policy, length of the trial period, and of course, ensure the company offers free shipping and returns.
How can I Increase How Long My Memory Foam Mattress Lasts?
Using a higher quality memory foam mattress protector, and performing proper cleaning techniques will increase the lifespan of your mattress for years, or even a decade or more, of comfort and support. A memory foam mattress is designed to hug your body, creating a comforting yet supportive feel while you are sleeping.
They are made to decrease the chance of indentations in the mattress, even after years of sleeping on them. Mattresses made of memory foam are high in density, up to eight pounds in fact, making them heavier than the traditional mattress. Memory foam is known to relieve pressure, aches, and pains, and even help to prevent bedsores in bedridden patients.
Are there free trials and warranties with memory foam mattresses?
Because manufacturers know you will love your memory foam mattress, they happily offer sleep trial periods, meaning you can take the mattress home and try it out for a designated amount of time. If you love it, you keep it, and should you not like the specific density or firmness of the mattress, simply return it to the company.
Many offer free shipping and returns as well as excellent warranties for their products. With the purchase of a memory foam mattress, you often receive bedding sets along with the mattress. What are you waiting for? Purchase your new memory foam mattress or topper today.
What Should I Know About PlushBeds Memory Foam Mattresses?
PlushBeds offers two memory foam mattresses (in addition to latex mattresses, sofa bed mattresses, RV mattresses, and mattress accessories):
- Luxury Memory Foam Mattress: The Cool Bliss - Contains 5 comfort layers 5 that work together to provide you with optimal cooling comfort, and deep, rejuvenating sleep - all in a non-toxic memory foam mattress. It comes with a luxurious cooling cover containing advanced cooling properties.
- Gel Memory Foam Mattress: The Ocean Mist - The patented open-cell structure in PlushBeds memory foam dissipates body heat up to 3x faster than other competitor's gel memory foam. And, it naturally and gently wicks away moisture. This mattress stimulates the resilience of 100% natural latex, providing you with a floating sensation.
They both offer outstanding pressure relief and cooling comfort, with no off gassing of harmful chemicals. Plus, you’ll receive free shipping, free returns, a 100-night sleep trial, and 25-year warranty.
Need more advice on PlushBeds memory foam mattresses. Feel free to give us a call at 1-888-286-3404. We are happy to offer advice, and to help you to find the perfect memory foam mattress.
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