What to Consider When Buying a Memory Foam Mattress
Once you’re ready to start shopping, you’ll need to know what to look for in a memory foam mattress. Some factors are focused on your current status, such as how you sleep or budget limitations, while others are more preference-based. Taking into account these specific details is important for purchasing a new bed that meets your standards and helps you sleep better.
Budget & Pricing
Memory foam mattresses typically cost more than traditional innerspring mattresses because of the foam’s durability, pressure-relieving properties, motion-isolating capabilities, and strict manufacturing standards. However, they’re a cost-effective option when compared to most hybrid and latex mattresses.
Some brands may enhance their memory foam by incorporating special cooling features or plant-based materials, which can up the price of a bed. But the upgrades to the foam’s quality are often worth the investment. Additionally, online sales models can make quality foam beds more affordable.
For great budget options, see our roundup for the best cheap mattresses.
Sleeping Position
Your sleeping position will influence the type of mattress you should buy. The four sleep styles are side, back, stomach, and combination. Certain types of beds are better for some positions more than others, including memory foam. So, while you may like memory foam, you need to be sure it complements how you sleep.
Side Sleepers
Side sleepers should benefit most from memory foam. Lying on your side can create pressure buildup, particularly in the hips and shoulders. Memory foam does an exceptional job of providing pressure relief, making it fantastic for side sleepers. In general, side sleepers should stick with plush to medium-firm beds to obtain adequate pressure relief in this position.
Back Sleepers
Back sleepers are a good fit for memory foam, which can relieve pressure in the shoulders. People who rest on their back often need beds that are strike a balance between firm support and soft pressure relief. These sleepers should consider memory foam beds that have a medium-firm feel.
Stomach Sleepers
Stomach sleepers will match best with firm memory foam beds. Memory foam contours the sleeper’s shape, but if the material is too soft, the deeper cradle could throw off spinal alignment. Memory foam can provide a light, initial cushion for the hips, but the focus should be on firm support layers to keep the midsection from dipping too much.
Combination Sleepers
Combination sleepers are least likely to benefit from memory foam because the material is not highly responsive. Instead, memory foam provides a slow-moving feel as it cradles the sleeper’s shape. Combination sleepers do best with beds that have a quick response, such as latex or innerspring mattresses, because these materials make it easier for people to reposition. If you have your heart set on memory foam, a hybrid mattress, which also contains springs, should provide more bounce.
Body Weight
Your body weight will affect how a bed feels and performs because the heavier you are, the deeper you will sink into the layers. A mattress’ firmness rating is a helpful indicator for determining the right product for your shape. Plus, some brands offer mattresses catered to specific body types.
Lightweight Sleepers
Lightweight sleepers are those weighing 130 pounds or less. These individuals fit well with plush to medium beds. Lightweight sleepers don’t sink into the mattress as much, so they need a softer bed to compensate for this. Plush mattresses will help these sleepers avoid feeling like they’re lying on a rock. Sleep position will also need to be considered. If you’re a lightweight side sleeper, you should get a soft mattress, but back or stomach sleepers should get a medium mattress.
Average Weight Sleepers
Average weight sleepers are between 130 and 230 pounds and make up the majority of shoppers. These individuals carry more weight than petite sleepers and need a slightly firmer feel to ensure their body remains in alignment. The best beds for this group have a medium-firm or firm feel, depending on their sleep position.
Heavy Sleepers
Heavy sleepers are considered those weighing over 230 pounds. People with significantly larger frames have a higher risk of sinking too far into the mattress, which can feel uncomfortable and throw off body alignment. These shoppers should either purchase a firm mattress or a bed specially designed for plus-size sleepers.
Density
The density of memory foam is measured in pounds per cubic foot (PCF), and it tells you how tightly packed (vs. airy) the foam is as a material.
Higher-density foams can signal an extremely durable and supportive bed, but they can also mean the bed will retain heat more easily. Look for cooling technology when you’re considering those robust foams.
It’s important to remember that density isn’t the same thing as thickness—a layer of memory foam can be very dense without being impressively thick, and a lightweight foam can be several inches in height.
Memory foam densities are sorted into three ranges:
- Low – 3.5 PCF or below
- Medium – 3.5-5.0 (often considered the ideal range to look for)
- High – 5.0 or above
Cooling
Cooling is a valuable feature for those who easily overheat at night. A mattress with temperature-regulating capabilities will help hot sleepers stay cool, increasing their chances of a good night’s rest. A common complaint of memory foam is that it retains heat, but many manufacturers offset this by infusing cooling features into the foam. Gel is a popular memory foam cooling mechanism, but some brands have also used copper or an open cell design. If you sleep hot, look for memory foam beds with cooling properties.
Heat Retention Graphic – How cool or hot each type of mattress sleeps.
Firmness and Indent Load Deflection (ILD)
The firmness of memory foam is formally measured on a scale known as ILD (indentation load deflection), which is calculated by measuring the amount of force in pounds it takes for the material to compress. The higher the ILD, the firmer the foam will be. Very soft foams have an ILD of around 20 or less, whereas very firm ones have an ILD above 30.
But ILD only measures the firmness of the memory foam, not the overall firmness of the mattress. At Sleep Advisor, we also use a general mattress firmness scale of 1-10 (ten being the most firm), based on how the bed feels as you lie on it.
Consider both the ILD of the memory foam and the holistic feel of the mattress as you shop. If you’re someone who likes a very solid foundation of firm support, aim for high numbers in both places.
Thickness
Mattress thickness is something to consider as you shop. This includes the thickness of the individual layers and the total profile. Construction varies among brands; Some beds are 14 or 15 inches thick, while others have a 6-inch profile. Shoppers will need to take into account the height of the bedframe and the sleeper’s physical makeup. For example, a 15-inch mattress could be too high for young kids and elderly individuals, and a 6-inch bed may not give enough pressure relief. As a general guideline, roughly 4 inches in the comfort layers should be good, but it can be split into two comfort layers.
Example showing a mattress structure (top to bottom) – 2×2″ Memory foam and 5.5″ support foam
Motion Isolation
Motion isolation refers to the bed’s ability to limit the transfer of movement across the mattress. This capability is usually most beneficial for people who share a bed and want to avoid disturbing their partner if they toss and turn or have different schedules. Memory foam excels is isolating motion, so if this feature is important to you, these beds are a great match.
Edge Support
Edge support is something to consider if you want extra surface space use. Mattress edge support means that the bed’s perimeter offers equal support, so you don’t dip much if you lie or sit along the sides. Many mattress brands provide edge support through reinforced materials like strong foam rails. If you share a bed or usually sit on the edge to put on clothes or shoes, look for brands with proven edge support.
Lifespan & Durability
The bed’s durability and expected lifespan will have a lot to do with the quality of the product you purchase. Spending more money on a high-end mattress could return you a better product, which can be expected to hold up for a longer period. Additionally, maintenance of the mattress will determine how long it lasts. In general terms, you should expect seven to ten years of quality performance from a memory foam bed.
Off-Gassing
Off-gassing occurs once a new memory foam mattress has been unsealed and begins to expand. The mattress decompresses and releases certain byproducts into the air, which can cause a faint chemical smell, but are generally harmless. The smell should dissipate after a few days and does not denote any toxic materials in your foam mattress.
Off-gassing is short-lived and shouldn’t be a dealbreaker for most sleepers. However, if you have an extremely sensitive nose, you may want to ensure good airflow in the room where your memory foam mattress is expanding—or look into another mattress material.
Responsiveness
Responsiveness refers to how quickly a material recovers when compressed. Memory foam has a very slow recovery rate and takes a few seconds to return to its original shape. This means the material will contour to the shape of a body very well, but won’t have the springiness that some sleepers value, particularly if they rotate between positions often.
Suitability for Couples
Many couples enjoy memory foam mattresses because they isolate motion well, reducing the chance of one partner waking up the other if they move. However, memory foam has minimal bounce, which some sexually-active may view as a drawback. Other important factors for couples will be edge support performance, cooling, and a versatile firmness that works well for both individuals.
Returns, Trial Periods, and Warranties
Return policies, trial periods, and warranties are important consumer details to be aware of when mattress shopping. Trial periods give customers time to try out the mattress at home, and if the product isn’t a good fit, it can be returned. Most online brands have trial periods in the 100-night range, though some offer a full-year.
Warranties are specific timeframes in which the company agrees to repair or replace the mattress in the event of defects. Warranties can vary from 10-20 years, and in some cases, a lifetime deal. When it comes to the mattress warranty, pay attention to the fine print, since some companies have specific restrictions regarding this.
FAQs
Which is the best memory foam mattress on the market? ›
- Best Overall. Nectar Mattress. ...
- Best Value. Silk & Snow Mattress. ...
- Most Comfortable. WinkBeds GravityLux. ...
- Best for Side Sleepers. Layla Mattress. ...
- Best for Couples. Nectar Premier Copper. ...
- Best for Back Pain. Bear Original. ...
- Best Pressure Relief. Leesa Original. ...
- Best for Spinal Alignment. Nolah Signature 12.
- Nectar Premier. Best memory foam mattress overall. ...
- Layla. Best flippable memory foam mattress. ...
- Amerisleep AS2 Hybrid. Best memory foam mattress for back or stomach sleepers. ...
- GhostBed Luxe. Best memory foam mattress for hot sleepers. ...
- Saatva Loom & Leaf. Best luxury memory foam mattress.
So, if you're wondering what mattresses orthopedic doctors recommend, we'll help you make an informed decision about the best orthopedic mattresses to suit your needs. Common mattresses recommended by orthopedic doctors are latex mattresses and hybrid ones with a better body support than memory foam ones.
What is the number 1 best mattress? ›- Best Mattress Overall: Nectar Premier Copper.
- Best Mattress For Side Sleepers: Helix Midnight Luxe.
- (PAID PLACEMENT) Best Mattress For Athletes: Zoma Hybrid.
- Best Firm Mattress: The DreamCloud.
- Best Mattress For Back Pain: Saatva Loom & Leaf.
- Best Cooling Mattress: Saatva Classic.
Compared to most memory foams, dense TEMPUR material provides much more support while still contouring to the body. Because TEMPUR material supports your bodyweight evenly, it is resistant to sagging and will provide better relief of pressure points and better postural alignment.
What is America's #1 mattress? ›Sealy® is ranked America's #1 Mattress Brand.* Even after 140 years, we still check our work – testing above and beyond industry standards to give you the quality you need for the sleep you deserve.
How many inches is best for memory foam mattress? ›High-quality memory foam mattresses 10 to 14-inch thick are good enough to provide body-conforming support. They are durable and can last around 10 to 15 years. Memory foam mattresses thinner than this may not be supportive or durable enough, developing soft spots and sags within three to four years.
What is the downside to foam mattress? ›They can make you feel “stuck.” Some people like the contouring a memory foam mattress provides, but others dislike the sensation of being “in” the mattress rather than on top of it.
What type of mattress do most hotels use? ›First, hotel beds are most commonly either hybrid or innerspring mattresses that fall around a medium on the firmness scale to suit most people. Additionally, most hotels turn to classic brands such as Sealy, Serta-Simmons, and Beautyrest.
Are Tempurpedics worth it? ›The comfort level and life span of of Tempur-Pedic beds makes them well-worth the price, according to the majority of our survey panelists and testers. If you want a long-lasting bed that cradles your body and provides superior pressure relief while you sleep, a Tempur-Pedic mattress may be the right pick for you.
What is the healthiest mattress to sleep on? ›
Pocketed innerspring mattresses are one of the healthiest mattress options out there. This type of mattress makes use of individual springs that make up the base of the bed, which then has additional layers of wool, cotton, or both added on top.
Is there anything better than memory foam? ›Both materials do a good job of supporting the body, keeping the spine aligned, and improving comfort for the sleeper. In the long-run, latex typically outperforms memory foam when it comes to properly supporting the sleeper's body. This is due to its superior durability and responsiveness.
What do chiropractors say about memory foam mattresses? ›Memory Foam
It uniformly distributes your weight and keeps your spine aligned in all sleep positions, which is why memory foam mattresses are recommended for back pain by chiropractors. Memory foam also helps relieve pressure points and reduce pain in sensitive areas along the hips, shoulders, and back.
In the past, this led physicians to recommend firm mattresses for optimum support of the spine, but recent studies suggest that semi-firm mattress may have the most beneficial impact. Ideally, you will choose a bed within the mid-range that is neither too soft nor too firm.
What is the highest end mattress brand? ›- Saatva Solaire – Best Overall.
- Helix Midnight Luxe – Best Mattress For Couples.
- Nectar Premier Copper – Best Luxury Memory Foam Mattress.
- DreamCloud Premier – Best Affordable Luxury Mattress.
- WinkBed – Best Luxury Firm Mattress.
Study Rankings. Tempur-Pedic ranks highest in customer satisfaction in the online mattress segment for a second consecutive year, with a score of 894. Casper (886) ranks second and Purple (884) ranks third.
What is the most comfortable mattress on the market today? ›- Best Overall. Layla Mattress. ...
- Best Value. Nectar Mattress. ...
- Best for Side Sleepers. Helix Midnight. ...
- Best for Back Pain. WinkBed. ...
- Best for Combination Sleepers. DreamCloud Mattress. ...
- Best for Couples. Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe. ...
- Best for Heavy Sleepers. Emma CliMax Hybrid. ...
- Best Luxury. Saatva Classic.
The Best Tempur-Pedic Mattress Alternatives
Best Mattress For Hot Sleepers – Ghostbed Luxe. Best Mattress For Stomach Sleepers – Helix Dawn. Best Mattress For Back Sleepers – Saatva. Best Mattress For Side Sleepers – Helix Midnight.
Our pick for the best overall TEMPUR-Pedic mattress is the TEMPUR-Adapt in medium firmness. For its price, the Adapt offers elite pressure relief and limited motion transfer. If you're looking for an option that's better for cooling, you can't go wrong with the TEMPUR-breeze ProBreeze Medium Hybrid.
Why is Tempur-Pedic more expensive? ›High-Quality Luxury Mattress Materials
Tempur offers high-quality products and uses ultra high-density foam which provides a very high level of support and pressure relief for your body.
What mattress does Oprah own? ›
With a PranaSleep mattress, your spine is kept in a natural position, so you can rest comfortably. This mattress also uses fabric that was originally developed by NASA-no wonder it's a fave among stars like Oprah and Serena. It absorbs excess body heat, so you're not sweating through the night.
What is the best selling mattress brand in the USA? ›...
Top 3 online mattress companies that consumers love
- Tempur-Pedic.
- Casper.
- Purple.
American bed mattresses are characterised by the so-called pillow top. This is a much thinner mattress and consists of anti-pressure and temperature-regulating material. This mattress is added to the structure of the main mattress and provides additional comfort and also hygiene for the body during the sleeping hours.
What should you look for in a memory foam mattress? ›Check the Memory Foam Density
As a general rule, the higher the density of the memory foam, the better the quality. High-density memory foam provides optimum support; encouraging the natural alignment of the spine, whilst providing excellent pressure relief. It's also very durable, so your mattress will last longer.
Memory foam mattresses can last anywhere from eight to ten years, depending on how well they're cared for. Typically, a memory foam mattress will last as long as any other type of mattress, whether it's an innerspring or hybrid.
Is 3 inch memory foam topper too thick? ›Three inches is an excellent option if you aren't sure yet what pad thickness you prefer. The 3-inch mattress topper also tends to be a popular size among consumers.
What are the negative effects of memory foam? ›Memory foam may contain isocyanates, which, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, can cause irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and skin. Exposure to isocyanates can also lead to chest tightness and asthma.
Why do people not like memory foam mattresses? ›This is because memory foam is made using strong smelling chemicals, which have a tendency to release themselves over time. In the beginning, this can be quite unpleasant and overwhelming. Memory foam mattresses tend to be one sided, which means they are not flippable.
Are foam mattresses bad for side sleepers? ›Memory foam, latex and hybrid mattresses are ideal for side sleepers because they offer pressure relief for proper alignment, whereas innerspring mattresses can't contour around pressure points.
Which mattress is best used in 5 star hotels? ›Sealy is the most preferred mattress for five star hotels around the world, therefore, Sealy is proud to present our special edition HOTEL DELUXE. It brings luxury into your home combining comfort layer with our unique PostureTech coil to deliver an exceptional good night's sleep.
What kind of mattress do the Kardashians have? ›
The Kardashian Family
Khloe Kardashian has a Magnolia Signature Teak Hanging Bed, a true symbol of celebrity luxury. Meanwhile, baby sister Kylie has revealed that she is a fan of her Casper mattresses.
Upscale hotels usually use luxury mattresses that are either hybrid , traditional innerspring , or memory foam mattresses. Hybrid mattresses are becoming particularly commonplace, as they strike the balance between supportive innerspring coals and body-cradling memory foam.
Why is my Tempur-Pedic so uncomfortable? ›Why is my new Tempur-Pedic so hard? Memory foam is temperature-sensitive and reacts to your body heat. At higher temperatures, it will react by becoming more viscous and flexible, and then become firmer as the temperature drops. As a result, a memory foam mattress feels harder until it is warmed up.
Do Tempur-Pedic mattresses sag over time? ›Memory foam mattresses will sag or dip over time which is one of the drawbacks of one-sided foam beds. Memory foam is notorious for settling into dips and bumps.
What are the pros and cons of Tempur? ›The pros: The most affordable mattress in the Tempur-Pedic lineup. Those who like a firmer mattress tend to be happy with the support. The cons: Some have issues with this mattress being too firm and/or sleeping too warm. Higher prices than competitive all-foam mattresses.
What is the top rated mattress for seniors? ›- Best Overall. WinkBed. ...
- Best Value. DreamCloud Mattress. ...
- Most Comfortable. Nolah Evolution 15. ...
- Best for Side Sleepers. Helix Midnight. ...
- Best In-Room Delivery and Setup. Saatva Classic. ...
- Best Mattress and Adjustable Base Combo. Nectar Adjustable Bundle. ...
- Best for Back Pain. Bear Star Hybrid. ...
- Best Luxury.
Generally the mattress shouldn't be too soft or too firm,” said Kevin M. Cerrone, DPT, director of Rehabilitation & Orthopaedic Services at Northwell Health's Huntington Hospital, Huntington, NY. Again, studies have leaned toward medium firmness mattress as being generally better for lower back pain .
Is Tempur the same as Tempur-Pedic? ›Breaking down the differences
That's because Tempur is the globally marketed brand available in almost 100 countries worldwide, including Australia, whilst Tempurpedic is a U.S.-founded brand - not available outside of North America.
We strongly believe that latex foam is, by far, the best type of foam to use in mattresses. Latex foam offers several significant advantages over Polyurethane foam and Memory foam. Because of this our products never contain any foam other than 100% natural latex foam.
Which is better soft foam or memory foam? ›Memory foam is denser than standard polyurethane foam and conforms to the shape of your body. It is called 'memory' foam because it doesn't spring back immediately – it holds the shape you left on it. Memory foam offers the best pressure relief of any foam type and is the gold standard for squishy comfort layers.
Why does my back hurt more on a memory foam mattress? ›
Most complaints about memory foam mattresses such as Tempur, Eve, Emma, Leesa and Nectar are that they make sleepers incredibly hot and can sag quickly causing both body indentations and back pain for some sleepers.
Can memory foam mattresses cause back problems? ›A memory foam mattress can cause back pain if you don't find the firmness level best suited for you. The ideally firm mattress for your sleep position keeps your spine in neutral alignment while relieving your pressure points. Side sleepers will be most comfortable on a medium, medium-soft, or soft mattress.
What kind of mattress is best for back and hip pain? ›Memory foam: Memory foam mattresses are great for hip pain, delivering exceptional pressure relief and adapting to your body. However, when choosing the best memory foam mattress, it's good to make sure it specializes in preventing unhealthy sinkage by evenly supporting your body weight.
What mattress firmness is best for back health? ›When in Doubt, Go 'Medium-Firm' Research is limited, but in one study, researchers assigned new mattresses to more than 300 people with low back pain. They used either "medium-firm" or "firm" mattresses for 90 days. Those in the medium group reported the least amount of discomfort.
What type of mattress is best to relieve pressure points? ›Foam mattresses and hybrid models with thick comfort systems tend to offer the most cushioning, making them a popular choice with sleepers who value pressure relief.
What is the disadvantage of memory foam mattress? ›They can make you feel “stuck.” Some people like the contouring a memory foam mattress provides, but others dislike the sensation of being “in” the mattress rather than on top of it.
What material is better than memory foam? ›Latex foam is the best option for those looking for a mattress that's eco-friendly, has more bounce, and a faster response time. Memory foam is better for sleepers who want deep compression support, a slower response time, and motion isolation.
Which memory foam is best for back pain? ›- Best Mattress for Back Pain – Sunday Ortho Latex Mattress.
- Cheapest Price – Wakefit Orthopaedic Memory Foam Mattress.
- Best Mattress for Orthopaedic support – Sunday Ortho Latex Mattress.
- Best Ortho Mattress with springs – Peps Spine Guard Mattress.
The Best Tempur-Pedic Mattress Alternatives
Best Mattress For Hot Sleepers – Ghostbed Luxe. Best Mattress For Stomach Sleepers – Helix Dawn. Best Mattress For Back Sleepers – Saatva. Best Mattress For Side Sleepers – Helix Midnight.
- Memory foam mattresses can be quite heavy. ...
- They have been known to be hotter than normal mattresses because they cradle your body and the dense foam retains heat. ...
- In hot climates the mattress may be softer than expected and in cold climates it may be harder than expected.
What is the main problem of memory foam? ›
Memory foam may contain isocyanates, which, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, can cause irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and skin. Exposure to isocyanates can also lead to chest tightness and asthma.
Do memory foam mattresses cause back problems? ›A memory foam mattress can cause back pain if you don't find the firmness level best suited for you. The ideally firm mattress for your sleep position keeps your spine in neutral alignment while relieving your pressure points. Side sleepers will be most comfortable on a medium, medium-soft, or soft mattress.
Is memory foam good for side sleepers? ›Memory foam, latex and hybrid mattresses are ideal for side sleepers because they offer pressure relief for proper alignment, whereas innerspring mattresses can't contour around pressure points.