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Choosing a new mattress is an important decision to make. A comfortable mattress has health benefits which extend beyond simply helping you nod off at night. If you place value in cushioned comfort with a velvety smooth feel, memory foam mattresses could be for you.
Finding the right mattress is a tricky balancing act between firm body support and absorbent padding. Memory foam creates a sleeping environment you can sink into. Think memory foam may be the mattress of your dreams? Read on for further information on this leading sleep technology.
What is a memory foam mattress?
Originally designed for NASA, memory foam is a very clever material. It does exactly as its name suggests and has a 'memory'. This means that you can apply pressure to the foam, and it moulds to the shape of the object forming the pressure. With a mattress, that object is your body.
Once the pressure is removed, the foam remembers its original shape and bounces back slowly. Eventually, the foam also ‘remembers’ your body shape too, giving you the optimum sleeping position as soon as you lay down.
The memory foam used in a mattress also uses your body heat to help the foam mould to the shape of your body. This ability to mould and remould without losing that essential level of support makes memory foam ideal for mattresses. The feeling of being cradled rather than laying on top of a rigid surface means that you find a comfortable position more quickly. This ensures a more restful night's sleep.
Memory foam mattresses are suitable for all types of sleepers, whether you lay on your side, back or front.
How long do memory foam mattresses last?
Your memory foam mattress should last around 8-10 years if properly looked after. Correct maintenance includes regularly turning or rotating it. This lets the foam relax and return to its original shape. It also prevents dips and hollows from forming, which may become uncomfortable after some time.
You shouldn't have any problems with your mattress with the proper care, as the foam is designed to retain its elasticity and 'bounce' for years. But, for more information, you can read up on how to clean a memory foam mattress and ensure it lasts as long as possible.
What are the benefits of memory foam mattresses?
Memory foam mattresses have many benefits. The innovative foam bed surface aids in improved sleep quality while offering soothing pain relief. By conforming to unique body curves, memory foam provides respite to pressure points, helping users drift away without being awoken by sharp pains.
The hypoallergenic mattress is protected against bed bugs and dust mites. Foam anti-allergy mattresses repel nasty irritations, confining disrupted sleep to the past for allergy sufferers.
Tired of being jolted awake by your restless partner rolling over in the night? Memory foam promotes limited motion transfer. A superb mattress for couples, the absorbent properties of the foam limits the impact of tossing and turning.
What are the different sizes?
Memory foam comes in all shapes and sizes. Offering cushioned comfort to all age groups, there is a full range of memory mattress sizes up for grabs. Below is a quick size guide to help match your mattress to the dimensions of your bedroom.
- Small Single Mattresses (75cm x 190cm) – Suitable as kids mattresses and for smaller spaces.
- Single Mattresses (90cm x 190cm) - Mattresses for children, teenagers and solo-sleepers.
- Small Double Mattresses (120cm x 190cm) - Queen size memory foam mattresses for those looking for a little extra space.
- Double Mattresses (135cm x 190cm) - The perfect mattress for couples and larger areas.
- King Size Mattresses (150cm x 200cm) - King memory foam mattress for larger individuals or couples.
- Super King Size Mattresses (180cm x 200cm) - Foam mattresses for spacious sleeping areas.
Types of memory foam
Memory foam isn’t a one size fits all sleeping solution. There are actually many different types of foam bed mattress available, each with its own characteristics and benefits.
Latex foam mattresses
Latex mattresses are renowned for their luxurious natural filling and superior posture support. They have less cushion and sinking than a traditional memory foam mattress, while lending the trademark plush comfort for a softer finish.
Gel memory foam mattresses
A form of cooling memory foam, these gel mattresses are geared towards the warm-blooded among us, regulating temperature and airflow while retaining that classic memory foam feel. Choose a gel memory foam mattress for a cooler night’s sleep.
Pocket sprung memory foam mattresses
This pioneering sleeping solution blends all the benefits of pocket sprung mattresses with the supple comfort of memory foam. Breathable and supportive without sacrificing any softness, pocket foam mattresses have sprung foundations topped with a generous layer of memory foam. The best of both worlds, you’re guaranteed a restful night’s sleep on this hybrid mattress.
Can they help with back pain?
Memory foam is much-lauded as helping with back pain. The modern foam design provides a different type of support when compared to its sprung counterparts. The visco foam has similar properties to orthopaedic mattresses, soothing joints as it cradles the body, simultaneously alleviating pressure.
Many users find memory foam to be perfect for a bad back, offering just the right amount of support for your particular body shape. We offer firm memory foam mattresses for those in need of additional back support.
The best memory foam mattresses
Best budget mattresses
If you’re new to memory foam mattresses or you’re on a tight budget, the SleepSoul Balance 800 Pocket Memory Mattress is a great choice. With a medium firmness rating, it’s suitable for most people of average size and weight. It combines memory foam layers with an 800 pocket spring core for greater support.
Alternatively, if you’re looking for the best budget memory foam mattress that doesn’t cut any corners when it comes to support and comfort, the Coolflex Essentials Memory Foam Mattress ticks all the right boxes.
Using an upper layer of ProAdapt™ Memory Foam for cushioning and a lower layer of ProReact™ Support Foam for superior support, this easily qualifies as the best budget memory foam mattress for every kind of sleeper.
In addition, the Removable AirFlo™ cover ensures that you can tailor the temperature to suit your sleeping habits. If that wasn't enough, the Coolflex Essentials Memory Foam Mattress is naturally hypoallergenic, making it ideal for those who react to environmental irritants.
Best all-rounder mattresses
For a flawless night’s sleep from a trusted brand, the Silentnight 3 Zone Memory Foam Mattress is a winner. This popular choice is a best-seller that offers medium support with a three-zone sleep system that uses different layers of memory and reflex foam to support every part of your body.
Another top all-rounder memory foam mattress comes in the form of the SleepSoul Wish 3000 Series Pocket Cool Gel Mattress. Taking the best elements of pocket-sprung mattresses and combining them with the contouring comfort of memory foam, this is a medium firmness mattress with a trick up its sleeve.
The memory foam is infused with a cooling gel layer, helping to keep you and your bedfellow at just the right temperature for a night of deep and refreshing sleep. On top of that, it comes with a super-soft pillow top, taking its comfort levels to another level. If you happen to sleep next to a midnight twitcher, the individually housed pocket springs ensure that there’s no transfer of motion to keep you awake.
Awarded the 'Best Buy for May 21' by Which? Magazine, this really is one of the best all-rounder memory foam mattress, however you choose to sleep.
Best luxury mattresses
If you really want to go all out on a top-of-the-range memory foam mattress that will give you years of fantastic comfort, the Dormeo Octaspring Tribrid Latex Hybrid Mattress is the one to choose. This exceptional medium firm mattress uses memory foam Octasprings to provide you with all the support and comfort you need, but with a cooler, fresher feel that allows up to eight times more airflow.
If you’re looking to enjoy a high-end sleep experience but without the associated price tag, the Nectar Memory Foam Mattress is one of the best luxury memory foam mattress for the job.
With three sumptuous layers of CertiPur-certified foam to sink into, and an EcoLay foundation to keep everything supported, this is the ideal choice for those who want to enjoy hotel-standard indulgence without breaking the bank. In addition, as the best luxury memory foam mattress we've found, it even boasts open-cell technology for superior breathability.
Not only does this help to keep each sleeper at the perfect temperature throughout the night, but it also helps the mattress retain its freshness, firmness, and shape. Light on the pocket but with no compromise on quality, the Nectar Memory Foam Mattress is the perfect product for anyone who wants a touch of affordable luxury.
Should you use a memory foam pillow?
Memory foam is great for mattresses, but it's just as good for pillows. A memory foam pillow is a little firmer than the average down or fibre-filled option. However, it does precisely the same as a mattress and moulds to the shape of your head and neck. This ensures that your upper spine and neck stay in a neutral position, avoiding those early-morning aches and pains.
