Memory Foam Mattresses are becoming more and more popular in the mattress world. So what is all the hype about? We’re here to help educate you on memory foam and the types of memory foam mattresses available.
Memory Foam, sometimes referred to as Visco Elastic Foam, is a type of man-made foam that reacts to body temperature and body weight, conforming and molding to the shape of your body. Memory Foam, first developed for NASA to provide comfortable travel for astronauts, is now being used in bedding to provide pressure relief, increase motion separation, and create a healthier sleep environment.
Not all Memory Foam is created equal, however. There are 3 main types of memory foam on the market today.
1. Traditional Memory Foam
Traditional memory foam is the most popular type. When most people say they want memory foam, they mean traditional. This foam, made popular by Tempur-Pedic, has many great advantages.
First, it reduces pressure points and conforms to the body better than traditional innerspring mattresses. This is important because less pressure means better blood circulation and a deeper, more restful night’s sleep.
Second, It is anti-dust mite and anti-microbial which creates a healthier sleep environment. Maintaining a healthy sleep environment sounds like a no brainer. However, many people suffering from allergies aren’t aware of how much their mattress plays a role in how well they breathe the following morning.
Third, memory foam reduces the amount of motion transfer better than any other mattress type. This feature is very important if you sleep next to someone who tosses and turns, disturbing your sleep.
Last but not least, memory foam is the most durable foam on the market. Most mattresses warranties require 1 ½” body indentation before they are considered defective, but most traditional memory foam mattresses only require ½”. For the most part, traditional memory foam is a great product, but some traditional memory foam customers have experienced some drawbacks: traditional memory foam tends to retain more body heat than other mattress types, and, because the foam is slow to react to any changes in movement, some customers feel as though they are sleeping in “quicksand”. It is important to remember to take these minor drawbacks into consideration when choosing the memory foam that is right for you.
2. Next Generation Memory Foam
Next Generation Memory Foam or NXG foam is becoming more widely available and well known thanks to Simmons. NXG foam shares a lot in common with traditional memory foam: It’s great at reducing pressure and motion transfer. It is anti-microbial and anti-dust mite. It also carries a fantastic warranty, (Some as high as 25 years!) but that is where the similarities end. The biggest advantage of NXG memory foam is the fact that it responds much faster than traditional memory foam and thus virtually eliminates the “quicksand” feeling reported by some customers. Also, the open celled structure of NXG memory foam allows better airflow and less heat retention. Please note that NXG memory foam, like all memory foam, still works on and retains a certain degree of heat, it just retains less than traditional memory foam mattresses. I have received very few complaints on NXG foam mattresses except from customers who enjoy a firm to very firm comfort level. NXG is a bit softer than traditional memory foam so if you want a memory foam mattress that feels very firm, you will want to look at traditional memory foam or gel memory foam.
3. Gel Memory Foam
Gel memory foam is the newest addition to the memory foam category and has been gaining popularity thanks to the new iComfort line of Serta mattresses. Like traditional memory foam and NXG foam products, gel memory foam mattresses are great at reducing pressure and motion transfer. These mattresses are anti-microbial, anti-dustmite, and carry an outstanding warranty. Gel memory foam is different than traditional or NXG because like the name indicates, the memory foam is infused with the same type of gel commonly found in athletic equipment and shoe sole inserts. The reason for this is because gel naturally retains less heat than memory foam and, like anyone who has walked in a pair of shoes lined with gel inserts, knows gel is great for reducing pressure. Also, many gel memory foam mattresses have been praised by customers for having a very solid, supportive feel.
Gel memory foam mattresses haven’t been on the market long, so there isn’t a great deal of feedback collected. The only complaint I have heard about gel memory foam is that some customers have reported an inconsistency in comfort meaning the mattress they received in their home felt different than the demo model at the store. However, for the most part, this new product has been well received by customers and critics alike.
So what memory foam is right for you? It’s hard to say, but I will say this: if you enjoy a softer comfort with a quick response time and less “sinking”, go for NXG memory foam. If you like a firmer mattress but want the benefits of memory foam, traditional memory foam will give you the widest variety of comforts and price points to choose from. If heat retention is a huge concern, gel memory foam is probably the best choice. Don’t let the sea of products confuse you, ALL memory foam products are great at reducing pressure and helping you receive a better night’s sleep, it’s just the little idiosyncrasies that separate the various lines. Whatever product you choose, make sure that the retailer offers you the ability to exchange it for at least 100 nights after purchase because it will take about 30-45 days for your new mattress to go through the normal break in period. View our selection of memory foam mattresses below:
All Memory Foam
NxG Memory Foam
Gel Memory Foam
Posted by Cara 
