Memory Foam Density

Density, Thickness and Size

Mattress buying has some terms that can be confusing to the novice shopper, or even the experience shopper that hasn’t kept up with the rapid movement in the mattress industry.

First lets look at mattress types.

The bed you grew up with was likely to be a traditional inner spring or inner coil mattress set on a box spring. This is the old-fashion option. Many people find the inner spring creates pressure sores and is really uncomfortable over a long night.

Airbeds and waterbeds have a niche audience. Air beds claim to fame is the ability for each side to control the firmness. Waterbeds had a hey-day in the 1960s and 1970s but still have fans and followers. Both have come a long way since the air mattress or waterbed chucked in to the back of a Van or VW Bus.

Memory foam appeared in the late 1960s as the commissioned engineered project for NASA. This was designed to minimize pain, eliminate pressure points and allow the sleeper to get comfort without metal springs or coils. Viscous elastic foam was first created using petroleum products but more modern versions offer all natural or plant based products that have no noxious fumes, or toxic chemicals in the process.

Memory foam is constructed in layers, usually there is a support layer, coolness channelled layer and a comfort layer. Early versions of memory foam were reported to be hot and the sleeper sunk into to the foam to the point they felt stuck. New manufacturing processes now have added coolness to the layers, using channels and other materials that are cooler to the sleeper. Smart foam development also allows the foam to warm with body temperature making the stuck feeling a thing of the past. Memory foam is also now loaded with many comfort elements including gel-foam, which adds to the comfort with gel filled capsules and plush comfort levels.

Memory foam is about thickness and density. Thickness relates to the number and depth of layers used in constructing the mattress. The support, coolness and comfort layers; in most cases add up to a thickness in the 8-12” range with luxury models in the 12-15” range. Density is the weight of the foam. This allows contour and the “memory” spring back easily. Experts recommend 3-5 pounds as the ideal density level with luxury above that level.

Size relates to the width and length of the bed. We know these as standard sizes of twin, full or double, queen, king and California King. The twin is 39” wide by 75” inches long with an extra long version of 80”. The full is also 75” inches with an extra long version but the queen and king are 80” in length.

When you are shopping for a mattress consider the size, thickness and density. Consider additional features such as adjustable frames, which may come with Wifi or smart phone connections or massage and heat. Find a mattress that suits your needs. If chronic or health conditions exist then look for memory foam that supports with comfort not springs.