A Comprehensive Memory Foam Mattress Review
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Mattress shopping can be exciting. You’re about to invest in a product that can have a significant positive impact on your life. However, it can also lead to a huge negative impact when you fail to do your research.
When you take the time to do your homework, the higher the chance you’ll find the right product for all your needs. You’ll definitely have tons of options, especially when you choose to shop online.
Every year brings new beds, technologies and trends claiming to be the best. Though it can be a lot to keep up with if you haven’t bought a mattress in a while, consumer mattress reviews remain one helpful gauge of potential satisfaction and a useful tool for comparing different beds. First-hand knowledge on a product from someone who’s used it day after day is indispensable.
Memory foam is considered the best type of mattress due to its ability to contour the body. It molds to the body, and reverts back to its neutral form as soon as the exerted pressure is removed.
Its flexibility makes it an excellent choice for everyone. It also has many additional features that should be noted. To find the best memory foam mattress, you should review several of their key features.
Many people are initially attracted to memory foam because of its unique feel. Unlike many other mattress materials that quickly bounce back when pressure is released, memory foam can take several seconds to return to its original composure. This is because, when it undergoes deformation, it exhibits both viscous and elastic properties.
In other words, when pressure and body heat are applied to these products, you begin to sink in deeper. The material is able to form perfectly to your body, and this can offer numerous benefits to those suffering with aches and pains as it’s able to reduce pressure points and maintain proper spinal alignment.
Memory foam can be an amazing sleeping surface. The pressure relief it can provide is really unmatched by any other material. While there are some common complaints people have with memory foam (like sleeping hot), there are good reasons why this type of mattress has become so wildly popular.
In this guide, we will take a look at the pros and cons of the different Memory Foam mattress reviews in 2018, and see how they stack up against each other. Read on to explore customer reviews, specifications, longevity and other aspects.
Memory foam was not initially intended for use in mattresses. What many don’t realize is that the original intention was to improve seat cushioning and crash protection for airline pilots and passengers. NASA introduced the material in effort to reduce shock in the event of an crash and improve overall safety.
It didn’t take long for consumers to notice the level of comfort memory foam had to offer. Manufacturers recognized the demand, and they quickly responded with memory foam mattresses that could offer consumers that “sinking in” feeling that offers unique benefits you may decide to take advantage of.
Let’s look a little deeper into this material to see if its properties will work for you. We’ll also examine some of the types of products you have to choose from as well as take a look at some personal favorites and how they can work for you.
More people than ever before are considering memory foam mattresses when they set out looking for a new bed. However, since this type of mattress is considerably different from the typical innerspring bed, it’s not uncommon for people have questions on whether memory foam is a good fit or how to approach the shopping process. In this guide, we’ll be looking at the pros and cons of memory foam beds based on owner reviews, and the most important things to know when buying one.
If you have narrowed your choice of mattress type and material to memory foam, rest assured that most people prefer it over any other. In this roundup and buying guide, we have selected some of the best rated memory foam mattresses for 2018. We evaluated all products based on material quality, comfort, support, cooling and company reputation. So, whichever you pick from the list, you can rest assured that your sleep will improve and that it will serve you well for many years. If you are looking for even more options, we have a new and updated list of best mattress brands for 2018. But if your mind is set on this fantastic type, read on, and we’re sure you will find one that suits your sleep preference.
Nectar offers exceptional value as a memory foam mattress. While it incorporates the reasons we love traditional memory foam, such as great pressure relief and deep contouring, it has breathability and cooling elements, too. Its cover has a soft, almost silky feel on top and the Tencel fabric dissolves moisture and heat by wicking it away. Two layers of gel memory foam serve cooling and comfort functions. Why is it special? Closer to a budget price, Nectar has features and materials that feel higher-end. It is generously backed by a lifetime warranty and 365-day trial period. Having an entire year to try out a bed is almost unheard of and Nectar gives sleepers plenty of time to adjust to the bed and see if it is a perfect fit. In addition, it works with every type of frame.
The Layla Mattress is perhaps the best memory foam mattress for pressure relief. It is double-sided with medium-soft and firm comfort levels, meaning that you can adjust the firmness depending on your personal preference. However, the medium-soft side will give you a melting-into-the-bed sensation that many people like about memory foam. What makes it unique? Layla’s memory layer is infused with copper, which is a newer innovation in the industry. Copper is a good conductor of heat that draws it out and away from the area closest to sleepers. Since traditional memory foam is known to sleep warm, the copper provides a successful solution to common heat problems. The layer underneath the copper infusion is Air Flow foam, which has an egg crate design to help with airflow, also aiding with cooling. There is a lot of buzz about the additional health benefits that the copper in Layla may provide. We recommend that you conduct independent research on this topic since we are not science experts. However, it is antimicrobial and creates an all-around pressure-relieving night!
Casper is one of the biggest brands in the bed-in-a-box industry. Although their original model has 1.5-inches of memory foam, we believe this amount works to its advantage in combination with its medium firmness when it comes to catering to all types of sleeping positions.
What stands out? Casper has recently updated their original model to include a Zoned Support™ layer. The brand strives to create a balance between alignment and comfort, and their newest version does just that.
In their Zoned Support™ layer, they use a softer foam under the shoulders for even better pressure relief. There is a firmer foam around the hip and core region in order to support heavier weight concentrations and keep the spine aligned.
An open-cell design and placing the memory layer under the top layer helps to keep sleepers as cool as they are comfortable. This is a quick-responding option, which is great if you want pressure relief without the slow response. It makes it even easier to move around.
Half the price of comparable luxury mattresses, Loom & Leaf by Saatva presents a high-end option for much less than in-store brands. From its organic cotton cover to a woven thistle flame retardant and eco-friendly foams, the brand has incorporated natural materials into its design, giving it a rich feel. Handles on the sides are an extremely nice touch that makes the bed easier to move. Why is it special? In addition to its luxury feel, it has a special Spinal Zone Gel layer under the quilted cover to give the spine extra support and cooling, and gel is swirled into its top memory foam layer. We also noticed that it has exceptional edge support for a foam bed. This is a great fit for people who like enjoy a slower-responding feel and want additional support. While it comes in two firmness levels, Relaxed Firm and Firm, it is especially good for back and stomach sleepers because it is slightly firmer than other beds we have come across and it has the Spinal Zone Gel layer. Unlike the other beds on this list, it is not compressed and shipped in a box. Instead, Loom & Leaf provides Free White Glove Delivery – and free mattress removal.
Muse by ViscoSoft uses high-performance materials and memory foam to create cooling and contouring all night. There is a slow response and hug to the medium firmness option, and soft and firm options are also available. What makes it unique? This brand made a concerted effort to provide top-of-the-line cooling solutions, and their cover impressed us by how cool it is to the touch. Since traditional memory foam can overheat, Muse is great news for people who like the feel of memory foam but always find it too hot. The attractive cover, which can be unzipped and washed, is made from temperature control fibers that wick away heat. Their dense foam has cooling gel in it to further regulate heat. Because of its dense foam core, we feel that it will work well with most body weights without the risk of bottoming out. It is also an excellent solution for light sleepers who are easily disturbed by motion, as it has a high level of motion isolation.
The Alexander Signature Series® by Nest Bedding is a luxury bed-in-a-box model. If you are looking for a memory bed with a firmer feel and less sinkage, their Luxury Firm option strikes a balance of strong support and pressure relief. There are handles on the side to reposition the bed with ease. The Luxury Firm may be ideal for stomach sleepers because they need extra support to keep their hips from sinking in and causing their backs to bow. This model also works well for back sleepers who prefer a firmer feel, although side sleepers may find their Medium option more conducive to their pressure relief needs. What stands out? In addition to its luxurious look and feel, Alexander Signature Series® has four high-quality layers inside the bed. It has a Thermic Phase Change Cooling Fabric that helps regulate temperature. Nest Bedding offers a Lifetime Comfort Guarantee. This means that if you want a different firmness or size after the initial trial period, you can purchase a new bed for half price. All of their mattresses are made to order.
Amerisleep has a range of mattresses with different firmness levels and the AS3 is their medium firmness option. Because this is a medium firmness, most individuals will find it comfortable and it is a good fit for combination sleepers. While there is a slow-responding memory layer, it is quicker than some brands we have seen and the bed is easy to move around on. Why is it special? The foam in the bed is more eco-friendly because plants are substituted for some petroleum that is typically used to create foam. Amerisleep is proud to share that their process does not produce air pollution and it meets the standards of the Clean Air Act. Amerisleep has taken several steps to help their bed sleep cooler. They have included Bio-Pur™ foam and open-cell structures that help with heat dissipation and further breathability. In addition, the cover is made with Celliant®. This material takes heat from the body and turns it into infrared. There may be other additional advantages to using Celliant®, however, we recommend conducting your own research on this topic, as we are not experts on it.
While Bear Mattress has plenty of benefits for all individuals, it is our pick for athletes and athletic folks because it has a few benefits that work especially well for them. It has less of a deep contouring, slow-responding memory foam feel while keeping the pressure relief associated with that style of bed. Even though there is a memory layer in the bed, it still has bounce, which some people miss in traditional memory beds. The top memory layer is slow to respond but quicker than other a few other beds on this list. What makes it unique? A combination of graphite gel in its memory foam and Celliant® technology in its cover keeps sleepers from overheating. The brand says Celliant® technology can improve tissue oxygen levels, but we encourage you to research this on your own, as we are not experts in the science behind it. In addition, Bear gives back to kids and helps them with the means to play sports. So far, the company has donated to every State and over four million kids have been helped.
Ultimate Dreams Supreme 12″ Gel Memory Foam is made by Dreamfoam, a brand by Brooklyn Bedding. As the manufacturer owns their factory, they can produce high-quality budget products that companies with middlemen and outsourced materials and labor need to charge more in order to produce. What stands out? Ultimate Dreams Supreme has the traditional feel you would expect memory foam to have. There are four total inches of memory materials that provide deeper contouring and there is less bounce. Ultimate Dreams Supreme has a few qualities that make this a clear standout budget option. It does a good job of supporting and relieving pressure for nearly every sleep position. Dreamfoam has also included gel in the memory foam to negate the heat traditional beds tend to trap. It is an all-around solid option that is conveniently compressed in a box and delivered to your door.
Memory Foam is polyurethane combined with other chemicals. Those additional chemicals add to the viscosity and density of the end product. You may see it referred to in some cases as viscoelastic polyurethane foam. The origins of this material can be traced back to 1966 when NASA developed it. The original intention was for this material to be used for aircraft cushions, but it was quickly discovered that it had potential far beyond that application. It was released to the public domain in the 1980s, and it has gradually gained in popularity since that time. It has been used in medical applications for some time and has more recently – thanks to reductions in cost – become a material that is used in a range of home products like mattresses.
As you can see, which mattress is best for you depends on your budget, sleeping position, feel preferences, propensity to sleep hot, and many more. There is definitely no one best memory foam model for everyone. If you understand the main differences between all the models, you’ll be able to make a much more informed decision on which one you should get.
To know which one is best for you, check out the pricing range of each mattress.
| Top 9 Best Memory Foam Mattress | Twin Mattress | Twin XL | Full | Queen | King | California King |
| Nectar | $500 | $550 | $700 | $795 | $900 | $900 |
| Layla | $399 | $499 | $699 | $799 | $899 | $899 |
| Casper | $350 | $400 | $500 | $600 | $725 | $725 |
| Loom and Leaf | $749 | $799 | $999 | $1099 | $1299 | $1299 |
| Muse | $650 | $650 | $850 | $950 | $1100 | $1100 |
| Alexander | $899 | $999 | $1099 | $1199 | $1399 | $1399 |
| Amerisleep | $849 | $899 | $1049 | $1199 | $1399 | $1399 |
| Bear | $540 | $640 | $740 | $840 | $940 | $940 |
| Dream Foam | $449 | $469 | $539 | $549 | $749 | $749 |
Memory foam has a unique and very recognizable feel. It hugs and contours to your body as you compress it, providing exceptional pressure relief and support. The material will gradually shape to match the outline of your body, meaning the mattress is essentially customized for your needs each time you lay down. When you get up, the material will regain its original shape quite quickly, readying itself for the next use.
The other feature which can be advantageous in the mattress application is the motion isolation that it offers. Motion isolation means there is a very little transfer of energy from one side of the mattress to the other.
If your partner is tossing and turning in the night, for instance, you are unlikely to feel much of anything as you sleep. This is not a feature that can be claimed by a traditional spring mattress, and it is a big part of its popularity. Viscoelastic properties are what makes it unique, and it’s worth noting that poly foam without viscoelastic properties is not a memory foam.
No matter what mattress material you’re considering, materials and construction are factors that’s important to get just right. Everyone has their own preferences, and many mattress companies you’ll come across will allow you to select the firmness level for yourself.
Therefore, it’s well worth it to understand what materials and foundation level you’re looking for in the best memory foam mattresses. We’ve talked quite a bit about the feel characteristics of memory foam above, but now, let’s get into some of the important technical differences. What is it that actually makes a memory foam better or worse?
The density represents how much foam is built in each layer. Thicker does not equal better density too. Higher density will give you longer lifespan for your new bed. It also means that it will be much hotter to sleep on. You will most likely encounter the term PCF (pounds per cubic foot) and here are the three common levels of density:
What do those numbers mean? They refer to the actual weight of the product, with a heavier weight representing a denser material. The weights are measured per cubic foot, so a mattress with a rating of four pounds indicates that one cubic foot of the material used would weight four pounds.
As you would expect, heavier products are going to be more expensive than lighter options, but it also means that they offer better support and are more durable.
The thickness of a memory foam layer (or any foam layer, for that matter) will play an important role. This has more to do with the mattress as a whole.
Memory foam works best when there is at least 4 inches of comfort memory foams. Bear in mind that this can be split into multiple layers. Varying densities and firmnesses are often layered together to create the right comfort and support dynamic. Having at least 4 inches ensures a smooth transitional support. Having a comfort layer that is less than 4 inches can increase the likelihood of encountering a “support wall” type of feel and/or minimize the memory foam feel, especially if combined with a poly foam, latex, or other non-memory foam.
The firmness is highly correlated to the weight that has been used. Heavier mattresses are going to be firmer and more supportive, while lighter versions will be softer. Of course, there will be some variation in firmness from model to model even when comparing weights, so check on the stated firmness of any mattress before making a purchase.
To measure firmness specifically, a scale known as ILD (indentation load deflection) can be used. On this scale, a higher number like 12 or 13, is going to be firmer than an 8 or 9. We use a scale of 1-10 (ten being the most firm) so with the products we recommend you will also have firmness recommendation along with it. So no complicated calculations needed.
The lifespan that you should expect is going to have a lot to do with the quality of the product you purchase. Naturally, spending more money on a high-end mattress is going to return you a better product, which can be expected to hold up for a longer period. In general terms, you should expect to get somewhere in the range of seven to ten years of quality performance from a memory foam bed.
Off gassing is one of the leading complaints. A new one is going to need to get rid of its chemical smell at first, which is a process known as off gassing. This usually only lasts for a short period, but it can put some people off when they are just getting started on their new mattress. If you do decide to buy one, it is important to understand that off gassing is likely to be part of the process.
affect your mattress life. Higher density foams can support heavier body types for longer.
As was the case with lifespan, better products will give you a longer warranty. Some of the high-end options on the market will offer you 20 years of coverage, while less-expensive models only come with 5 years. Usually, the quality of a mattress will be directly related to the warranty which is offered, but it’s not always the case.
| Top 9 Best Memory Foam Mattress | Sleep Trial | Warranty |
| Nectar | 1 year | Lifetime |
| Layla | 120 nights | Lifetime |
| Casper | 100 nights | 10 years |
| Loom and Leaf | 120 nights | 15 years |
| Muse | 120 nights | 10 years |
| Alexander | 100 nights | Lifetime |
| Amerisleep | 100 nights | 20 years |
| Bear | 30 nights | 10-20 years |
| Dream Foam | 1 year | Lifetime |
There are two primary negatives that can impact many memory foams: Slow responsiveness and heat retention. A memory foam’s level of response means how quickly it is able to adapt to your changes in movement.
The very nature of memory foam’s viscoelastic properties means that it generally takes several seconds for a memory foam to fully change its molded contour when pressures on the foam change. However, it is this type of contour and hug that also makes memory foam so desirable for many people. The slow responsiveness is seen as a negative by many sleepers, but there are just as many who enjoy that type of a feel. If you haven’t tried a memory foam mattress before, it may be a good idea to try a friend’s or go test a few mattresses in store. This will help to ensure that you’re comfortable with a slower-responding foam.
Next, we have heat retention. The earliest versions of memory foam were especially plagued by hot spots and heat retention in the mattress. However, over the course of the past 30 years, memory foam has made great strides in this area. Most memory foam is still going to be warmer than latex, coil, or hybrid mattresses, but they aren’t the heat traps that they were originally. Advanced foam design, improvements in manufacturing, special covers, gel, open-cell structure, and other advancements have helped reduce the heat retention issues. That said, if you are the type of sleeper who sleeps very warm, memory foam might not be the right choice for you.
So that you know, there are many polyurethane foams around, but not all of them are “memory.” Over the years, companies have experimented with this material and came up with some variations with a different hug, contour, cooling, sinkage levels and durability. While there are many others, here are the three most common types you will see on the market.
This is the most common and the least responsive derivation of memory foam. It’s that traditional hug and contour feel we all know and many of us love. Typical density for this type is 4.0 – 6.0 PCF. It’s designed to enhance circulation and relieve stress on your joints. It’s also good for side sleepers and for those who sleeps very hot.
To battle heat retention, manufacturers came up with a solution in terms of open-cell foam. While it still provides similar and familiar feel, small air pockets provide a much cooler sleeping experience and better response time. Open cell memory foam mattresses are better cooling and provides similar feel as the traditional type. Plus it offers a much faster response.
This is the most popular variation you will see even on mid-grade mattresses these days. This gel is usually infused during the manufacturing process and evenly spread across the entire surface, or it can be incorporated as tiny beads or liquid. Gel solved the biggest memory foam issue, heat retention by evenly dispensing the heat instead of creating hot pockets. Don’t get fooled by low ticket products advertising gel foam mattresses as these just won’t do the trick. If you pick a quality product though, you can expect a much cooler experience than on a traditional one.
Go with liquid gel if you can because it provides better cooling compared to beads. Don’t go with a density lower than PCF 3.0. It’s an indication of the lower quality product. Moreover, opt for thinner, more breathable covers
Plant-based or natural memory foam mattresses became some of the most popular on the market. The reason is a more environmentally friendly process and replacement of petroleum-based substances with bamboo, tea, soy or Aloe Vera. These materials are much better at heat distribution and provide much needed joint pain relief and better motion isolation.
It has no odors and off-gassing. It consists of natural materials, which is especially good for allergies. Plus it has better heat distribution and motion isolation but more expensive than traditional models.
The easiest and the simplest way to clean the memory mattress is by regularly vacuuming the mattress. A handheld vacuum is a perfect option for cleaning the memory foam. However, before vacuuming you need to remove the Antimicrobial Cotton blend cover which is placed over the mattress. Ensure to vacuum all the sides of the mattress as well. If you have stains, the perfect way to get rid of them is by using the mild detergents instead of the harsh chemicals such as ammonia or bleach. Moreover, if you do not have a mild detergent, you can use the mixture of water and vinegar for cleaning the stains with a sponge. If you have a liquid spilled over, you can place it in the sunlight immediately. However, keep turning the sides of the mattress so that it dries out evenly. If there is no sunlight, you can place some baking soda over it to make it dry perfectly. If your mattress is slightly damp, then use a blow dryer for drying it.
As you can plainly see, there are plenty of high-quality memory foam mattress brands on the market today. If you would like to purchase one for your own home, the beds listed above are a great place to start your search. In fact, there is a good chance that you will find a winner from that list without having to go any further. Memory foam can be an amazing sleeping surface. The pressure relief it can provide is really unmatched by any other material. While there are some common complaints people have with memory foam (like sleeping hot), there are good reasons why this type of mattress has become so wildly popular.
A high quality mattress should be on the top of the list of anybody serious about improving one’s life quality, as it’s one of the best investments you can make. But there’s one question you’ll need to answer first: what is the best mattress?
Even though good sleep is one of the key elements for a healthy life and a higher degree of happiness, only few people are willing to spend more than a hundred dollars on a good mattress.
Part of the problem is that there are hundreds of choices, and identifying the best beds through mattress reviews can be a confusing and frustrating process. That’s why it is very important do your research and read different mattress reviews to help you cut through the noise and get to the point. So read the guide carefully because it might change the way you sleep and by consequence change your life for good!
Co-founder of Counting Sheep and Sleepaholic