Memory Foam Mattresses û Pros And Cons

What are the advantages of owning a memory foam mattress?
How is it compared to innerspring beds?
What are the drawbacks for memory foam mattresses?

Mattresses have gone a long way since man decided he needs to have some comfort in his sleep. From piled leaves to bagged feathers and wool, to the modern spring beds, the inflatable air and water types, the latex and the NASA-invented memory foam û all of these have their own good and bad points.

Aside from the still in-demand spring types, memory foam mattresses seemed to be getting some industry buzz from the general consuming public.

How does memory foam mattresses stand up to scrutiny?

Pros

First, the innovation. Memory foams were originally developed by NASA to relieve pressure of G-forces by astronauts in flight. These memory foams are sensitive to both body heat and weight.

Unlike inner spring beds, memory foams mattresses will not have depressions in them even after prolonged use. Because of its visco-elastic properties, it springs back to its original shape even after many years of regular use.

Very important, too, is the fact that memory foam conforms to the shape of the body, evenly distributing the userÆs weight. This eliminates the bodyÆs pressure points, helping one sleep in comfort. Those with back or neck problems, or even osteoarthritis might want to steer towards memory foam.

Other users reported (though unconfirmed officially) that memory foam mattresses helped reduce tossing in sleep, fibromyalgia, and even sleep apnea.

Memory foam mattresses don't collect as much dust, and do not need to sit on box springs. They only need a flat foundation. Moreover, foam mattresses don't need flipping and can last for 20 years.

Cons

One of the more popular brands of memory foam mattresses is Tempur-Pedic. However popular though it may be, some few issues had popped up repeatedly.

While most people say the Tempur-Pedic mattress is very supportive, others add some unflattering remarks. Some reviews contend that it is hard to move around in the bed or to easily change positions. The foam conforms to the body so much, one feels like one is being gobbled up by the mattress.

In colder weather, the mattress feels firmer, although once it warms up from body contact, it feels softer. However, one complaint says the warmth from body heat is nice in cool weather but becomes rather uncomfortable in summer.

Another glaring downside to a Tempur-Pedic is the price. A queen-size mattress costs around $2,000 plus a $300 box spring which is twice that of a high-quality innerspring mattress set.

Your needs

Memory foam mattresses are one of todayÆs most innovative products geared for the modern man. To date, scientists are still doing research for a better version.

In the end, the choice in choosing a mattress really depends on oneÆs idea of comfort, even if some reports say that a memory foam mattress ôsupports the entire body at all the pressure points as though [one is] floating."