Posted by A comfy mattress is necessary for rest that keeps the mind focused and the body revitalised. The quality of a person’s sleep varies according to the type of mattress they use. If the mattress is one on which we spend all night tossing and turning, we shall be tired the next morning. So, after all, one needs to select the material of the mattress for the best support during sleeping.
The memory foam mattress is regarded as one of the most popular types available today. It is mostly considered to provide support and comfort. But what is its actual history? Let us know the facts, its pros, the cons, and everything you need to know before buying.
What is a Memory Foam Mattress?
Memory foam mattresses are now recognised worldwide for quality sleepers, and the material memory foam was first developed by NASA to be the cushioning seat material for space ships. The reason memory foam was chosen for the material is that it could instantaneously absorb a huge portion of pressure without any degradation in the material, and that density would not change over time. Memory foam cushions any levels of discomfort you may experience from simply lying down.
A memory foam mattress will have specific characteristics that can make it usable for everyday sleeping. The qualities of the mattress provide a uniqueness about it due to the cradling sensation when you lie on the mattress. The mattress foam forms around the shape of your body while you are lying on it. The other distinctive feature of the foam is its stretchability, which will allow the material to take on the shape of your body regardless of your weight and size. The mattress can also adapt well to your body heat while keeping its shape for extended usage.
What is Memory Foam Made of?
Memory foam is primarily comprised of polyurethane. Polyurethane is a plastic polymer composed of large molecules and smaller subunits holding the large molecules together to create a flexible material or foam. Polyurethane has countless uses: insulation products, spray foam, paints, and fibres…to name a few! Memory foam is a viscoelastic PU foam characterised by a low-resistance foam material. There are a variety of materials that can be blended into the viscoelastic PU material, creating various qualities of memory foam.
How does memory foam work?
This foam was described as ‘viscoelastic’ foam because of how it reacts to pressure and stress. Foam is viscous, meaning that it moves slowly after pressure is applied and elastic in the way that it stretches and returns to its original shape.
When a mattress is made from this type of foam, it will contour to the user’s body, as it alters its structure and density depending on the weight and shape. Its reaction does depend on temperature as well; it will generally get softer when it warms, as it makes a little contact with the human body. Once the surface pressure is removed, it will have time to return to its initial shape.
Pros of a memory foam mattress
- Perfect Spinal Alignment
The advantage of a memory foam mattress is that it gives the best lumbar support to the body. With its body-conforming ability, the memory foam provides excellent spinal alignment. Therefore, neutral alignment provides excellent support to your spine while sleeping. It relieves you of back or body pains, which is what makes it special and popular.
- Non-toxic
The hypoallergenic quality of memory foam makes it useful for those with allergic responses to everyday environmental sources of irritation. Those individuals who are sensitive/allergic to mites, dust, fungal spores, etc., can capitalise on the mattress, as the design avoids the accumulation of these nuisances. The density and chemical composition of PU material allow foam to create a surface that effectively minimises the adhesion of small particles.
- Soft and Noise-free
As foam is used to build the mattress, it is supportive even with a bed partner. Its soft nature does not cause noise in the foam mattress when resting on or getting off. No squeaks or creaks are made, regardless of whether two or more people are sleeping on the same mattress.
- Negative Motion Transfer
Memory foam mattresses do not transfer motion when sleeping on the bed (the viscosity of the memory foam is what allows it to repel motion). This feature is especially beneficial when two or more people are sleeping on the mattress. Those who sleep lightly will appreciate the negative motion transfer if they are easily disturbed by another person’s slightest movement in bed.
Cons of memory foam
Retains Heat: The number one concern with these mattresses is the heat retention issue. The classic memory foam without any tech features will get very hot throughout the night and can become uncomfortable.
Moisture retention: Another disadvantage of raw memory foam is moisture retention, which reduces the lifespan of mattresses made of it.
Heavy: The weight of the mattresses makes moving them a cumbersome task.
Expensive: Memory foam is a pricey material, and when you look at the modified mattresses is very expensive.
How Do You Soften a Memory Foam Mattress?
There are mattress toppers which change the top levels of firmness of a mattress. mattress toppers can be purchased according to firmness level. You may have a mattress topper based on the firmness level, then you can choose the type of mattress topper to change your mattress firmness accordingly, loosening or tightening the level to your liking.
The lasting firmness of a memory foam mattress will diminish after a cycle of daily use. This is a point that could be taken into account when selecting a mattress topper. After several weeks, the firmness levels could change to an extent when the mattress shapes to the person’s weight and body shape.
FAQ’s
1)How Long Does a Memory Foam Mattress Take To Expand?
After unboxing, the mattress will take around 24-72 hours to fully expand. The bulk of this expansion occurs in the first 4-6 hours, where the mattress can typically reach up to 90% capacity. This is why it is recommended to wait up to 24 hours for the mattress to fully expand, so it is advisable to wait before sleeping on it until at least 24 hours have passed.
2)Can A Memory Foam Mattress Be Cut?
Yes, you can cut your memory foam mattress. However, you will want to be gentle with your memory foam mattress. When cutting your memory foam mattress, make sure you do not apply too much pressure and/or make any quick movements.
3) Can I wash my memory foam mattress?
No, you should not wash a memory foam mattress