Buying Guide: Memory Foam

Several considerations should part of the decision making process; including:

Method of Manufacturing

There are many was to make memory foam. The original viscous foam was a high energy absorbing elastic foam with the ability to dissipate energy quickly while maintaining shape integrity. Visco-elastic foam was a polyurethane open cell process using petroleum based raw materials. The process created a combustible product with a noxious smell, which also released fumes into the area that were toxic to most sleepers.

Raw Materials Used

There are now other options in memory foam. Some manufacturers are still using petroleum-based processes; others are chopping cheap foam and adding sand or other fillers to fake density and thickness standards. But more vendors are committed to quality materials and processes.

The movement to use latex, rubber plant by-products, castor seed and other natural raw materials has resulted in an eco-friendly mattress with no noxious smell, no toxic fumes and an allergen free product. Because memory foam is made with an open cell design; it cannot be penetrated by dust mites and bed bugs, which love the materials used in old-fashioned mattress construction.

Thickness

The standard for firmness in memory foam is a metric called IFD or indentation force deflection. This measures the recovery time when pressed upon. It ranges from rigid to soft in measurement. It is based upon the force required to make a one-inch dent at 25% compression.

Thickness is generally created by the number and size of the layers used to build the mattress itself. Some layers use latex or support layer, which also can be a mix of natural memory foam and latex foam or other materials. It is designed to create a foundation for the sleeper. The next layer is usually a combination of latex and natural memory foam with some type of spacing or channel for air to flow through. This allows for cooler sleeping. Each company has a different method for generating airflow. The top layer is for comfort. Standard memory foam mattresses range from 8-12” in thickness with luxury versions coming in closer to 15”.

Density

This metric relates to the pounds per cubic foot. Density in memory foam mattress range from 1 to 5 pounds in general with some companies offering up to 8 pounds. Experts recommend 3-5 pound density for most mattresses with 4-5 pounds used in luxury models. Most agree that over 5 pounds is probably not a good value for the additional expense.

Price

Memory foam mattresses range in price from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand. There are wide differences between the traditional market names such as Tempur-pedic® and newer companies to the market. The price difference can be as much as 50%f with the same features and benefits. Determine the bed that suits you best and shop for the company that uses the right materials, processes and manufacturing methods.

Frame and Features

The addition of frame options such as an adjustable frame or a split mattress with adjustable frame can make the bed a more versatile product. The adjustable frame has also progressed from the heavy hospital style models. It now can be a streamlined, or furniture quality wrapped product loaded with features. Features can include massage, mood lighting, heat, head or feet elevation (or both) and connectivity for computers, TV and smart phones.