What to look out for in a memory foam mattress

What to Look Out for in a Memory Foam Mattress 

If you have been having trouble sleeping and you want to change your mattress, then getting yourself a memory foam mattress is taking a step in the right direction. Today, this is becoming increasingly common in Vancouver and Canada at large.

The reason for this is not far fetched. It is because many families have discovered the numerous benefits that the memory foam offers and that number are increasing daily.

Memory foams have been around for quite a while, since the 1960s when NASA came up with the design. However, they did not become popular as mattresses until more recently in the 21st century.

A memory foam, sometimes called viscoelastic foam, consists of open foam cells that allow air to move through the matrix they create effectively. This property of the memory foams enables it to take the shape of your body whenever you lay on it, leading to a snug and extremely comfortable bedtime.

A memory foam mattress utilizes the heat from your body to soften and mould to the shape of your body. Additionally, after you get up, it slowly comes back to its original form. 

Over time, the mattress will ‘remember’ your body shape and sleeping position and will help you get into sleep mode faster, hence the name ‘memory foam.’ Memory foam is arguably the best option for support and comfort where your mattress is concerned. 

However, extra support and comfort are not the only benefits that come with using such a mattress. There are a lot more reasons you should buy memory foam. However, before we delve into the benefits of the memory foam, let us tell you what makes a memory foam what it is.

Related article: Buying Mattress Online vs. in Store in Canada

 

How Does Memory Foam Work?

The science behind memory foam is elementary and quite ingenious. The memory foam, also called viscoelastic foam in the tech world, is a perfect combination of two properties, which are viscosity and elasticity. 

Visco coined from vicious, means to move reluctantly under applied force and elastic. Elasticity, on the other hand, is a term used to describe an object’s ability to come back to its original shape when the applied force is removed. These two properties combine to form the essence of what memory foam is.

Also, this mattress is sensitive to temperature. This means that as soon as you lay on it, the foam detects your body temperature and moulds to form the unique shape that your body creates. This makes sleeping a lot more comfortable when compared to other types of foam.

The viscoelastic property of a memory foam mattress also enables it to give ample support to your body while you sleep. The memory foam helps to spread your weight evenly and relieve the load on pressure points like your shoulder so that you wake up ache-free and refreshed.

With a memory foam mattress, if you sleep on your side, the foam will sink deeper at your hips and shoulders while supporting your waist so that you remain perfectly straight. If you sleep on your front, the memory foam will follow the natural curve of your spine to reduce the strain on your lower back. The same thing occurs with back sleepers. 

Since a memory foam absorbs your body heat to take its shape, you may expect to have a heart problem after you’ve been sleeping for a while. That used to be a problem. 

But in more recent times, memory foams are made from reticulated foam which has an open-celled structure. This open-celled structure allows ventilation through tiny holes, which then allows heat and moisture to flow away from your body. This property will keep you cool all night long. 

The snug comfort and extra support are just a few of the benefits that you get when you buy a memory foam mattress. We will go in-depth into the many more benefits that this mattress offers shortly. Keep reading to find out why you should pick up a memory foam mattress when you go shopping in Vancouver, or anywhere else. 

 

Benefits of a Memory Foam Mattress

Buying a memory foam mattress is an investment in your health and comfort. Many people have remarked that it was the time they bought a mattress that they experienced a turnaround for the better in their bedtime. There are several advantages that come with using memory foam in your mattress. Why don’t we tell you all about them?

A memory foam fits your body perfectly

Due to the viscoelastic property of memory foam, when you lay on it, it uses your body heat to soften and create an exact mould of the shape of your body. This makes for a very comfortable sleep as the memory foam mattress creates a snug indentation for your body to fit into perfectly. It will also give the needed support that your body needs and evenly distribute your weight so that you wake refreshed and without aches.

It helps relieve pain 

This mattress also has the ability to relieve pain from tender points on your body. It is not magic but science. The foam does this by displacing the pressure on the painful parts of your body. 

According to findings by medical experts, painful areas on the body have temperatures that are slightly higher than every other part of the body. The memory foam detects these areas and further softens these points to relieve the pressure and thereby the pain in those areas. Due to this, memory foam is a more advisable option for people that suffer from Arthritis, body pain or actual injuries. 

Memory foam helps with temperature control. 

Most memory foams today are made from reticulated foam. The reticulated foam contains a structure of cells that are open such that heat can flow through them. Even moisture can flow through the reticulated foam. This property of memory foam helps it to regulate the temperature in your mattress while you sleep. 

As your temperature increases, the memory foam mattress becomes softer. Then, it channels some of the heat out of the mattress. This way, your body temperature remains cool while you sleep in a state of premium comfort.

On cold nights, the process is reversed. When the weather is cold, this mattress will trap the heat that it absorbs to create a source of insulation. This helps to keep you warm during the cold season in Vancouver. The opposite is the case during the summer as the mattress transfers more heat out. 

It helps with allergies

Another significant reason you should buy a memory foam mattress is that it is hypoallergenic. This means that it is highly unlikely to cause an allergic reaction. Due to the dense structure of memory foam, it is tough for allergy-inducing particles such as dust and mould to find their way into the mattress.

Therefore, if fewer allergens can enter the mattress, then the likelihood of an allergic reaction is reduced. This is particularly important for children and people that are prone to allergies. With this, your good night’s sleep is totally guaranteed.

A memory foam mattress absorbs motion

If you share a bed and you are someone that is easily woken up by movements, then a memory foam mattress is perfect for you. It will absorb the surface movement of your sleep partner while keeping you in your snug body mould such that you stay undisturbed throughout the night. 

Furthermore, with this mattress, the need to move during the night is almost eliminated as the mattress forms your sleep zone. Unless you are a very adventurous sleeper, you may not need to move so much during the night.

Memory foam supports all sleeping positions

Everybody has a unique sleeping position. If you cannot seem to get into your preferred sleeping position because of your mattress, then you should toss it and buy a memory foam mattress. Irrespective of which position you sleep, this mattress will conform to the shape that you take while providing adequate support to all the right parts of your body. 

If you are a back sleeper, the memory foam mattress will take the curved shape of your spine so that you have excellent support for your back. If you sleep on your chest, this mattress will support you while keeping pressure off your lower back. 

If you sleep on your side, the memory foam mattress will take the weight of your body off your hips and shoulders while supporting your waist. So you see, with memory foam, you do not have to toss and turn before you find a comfortable position in which you get your beauty sleep.

Related article: The Cost Of A Memory Foam Mattress & What Will Affect It

 

Picking a Good Memory Foam Mattress: What to Look Out For

Not every memory foam is the same. Just like everything else, there is a variety for you to pick from depending on your preference. So, if you are looking to buy a memory foam mattress in Vancouver, you need to be able to choose one that will suit you perfectly. 

Here are a few tips that will help you pick the right memory foam mattress for you.

Find out the density of the mattress

The density of your memory foam mattress will determine how long it will last. The average mattress should last at least ten years, while many can last up to 15 years.  The density of any memory foam mattress you buy should be at least 5 pounds per cubic foot for good durability. 

Find out the mmHg of the mattress

The mmHg of your memory foam mattress will tell you how much pressure relief it offers. Here, lower is better. This means that any mattress that has an mmHg higher than 32 is a no-go. A mattress of 12 – 15 mmHg is found to be the best. However, depending on your preference, you may go higher. 

Find out the ILD

The ILD, which means indentation load deflection determines how soft or firm memory foam is. The higher the ILD, the firmer the mattress will be. As a range to guide you, an ILD rating of 12 means very soft, while a 50 ILD is very firm. If you are going for comfort, a memory foam mattress of ILD between 12 and 18 should do the trick.

Test the mattress 

Most mattress stores in Vancouver allow you to test the mattress by laying on it while still in their store. You should lay on each memory foam mattress for at least 20 minutes before making your decisions. Also, ask if there is a trial period during which you can use the mattress at home to see if it’s the one for you. You will have to adhere to the terms and conditions for the trial period, just in case you need to return the mattress. 

Find out where the mattress was made

Knowing where your mattress itself was made is important because various countries have their quality control measures and standards. Typically you want a memory mattress that was built in the US, Europe or Canada. 

Ask for the warranty on the mattress 

Finally, you need to know the amount of time that the company has put on the mattress as a warranty. Having the right mattress that will not last a long time is a waste of time and money. The warranty on any good memory foam mattress should be at least ten years. Buying any mattress that has a shorter warranty may not be worth it.

Related article: How to Buy a Mattress Online

 

Conclusion 

Buying a memory foam mattress is one of the best things you can do to improve your health, body posture and sleeping pattern as it has so many upsides and little or no downsides. 

Although it may come at a slightly higher cost than regular mattresses, the numerous advantages of a memory foam mattress make it a worthwhile investment. If you have further questions about this mattress or you are wondering where to buy it in Vancouver, please contact us. We’ve got you covered!