Memory Foam Mattresses

What is a memory foam mattress?

Originally developed by NASA as a means to keep their astronauts comfortable during test flights, memory foam has come a long way from its humble beginnings and is now an essential component in modern mattress technology.

Bringing high levels of quiet comfort and seamless support into the bedroom, the majority of modern memory foam mattresses are now made of viscoelastic foam. This foam is a specialist material that is designed to be breathable while simultaneously adjusting its airflow based on your body temperature.

In other words, a memory foam mattress provides you with a bed that will naturally sculpt to your body shape on contact, evenly distributing your weight into a comfy sleeping position without causing you to overheat.

What’s the difference between memory foam and pocket-sprung mattresses?

The main difference between a memory foam mattress and a pocket spring mattress is in the name – memory foam mattresses are filled with foam, while pocket-sprung mattresses are filled with coiled springs.

As a result, this differing construction method means that memory foam mattresses provide the following benefits over pocket-sprung designs:

• An even spread of weight across the mattress by conforming to your body shape.

• Improved posture by relieving the pressure on core areas of your body.

• An adaptive mould that shifts with the movement of your body as you sleep.

• A reduction in aches and pains, especially joint pain, by taking the weight off these areas.

For more information, you can read our guide comparing pocket sprung, memory foam, and hybrid mattresses.

Are memory foam mattresses good for your back?

Due to its naturally supportive qualities, memory foam has been shown to promote a healthy spinal alignment during rest by shaping around the individual contours of your body.

As a result, this material has been chosen by many to help with interrupted sleep caused by nighttime aches, making it a suitable mattress for those living with back pain and joint trouble who are looking for a mattress with orthopaedic support that targets the body’s pressure points.

Which type of memory foam mattress is best for me?

As with all mattress types, the best memory foam mattress for your needs will depend on several factors. For example, one of the main factors to consider is your preferred sleeping position, as this will determine how firm a memory foam mattress you should choose.

For back sleepers, a medium-firm mattress is ideal for relieving spinal pressure points, while front sleepers will most likely want a firmer rating overall to prevent back arching. As for side sleepers, a medium firmness is likely going to be your best bet to reduce pressure on your neck, shoulders, lower back, and hips, but you can read our mattress firmness guide to discover the best option for you.

Alongside this, you’ll also need to consider your budget and what sort of mattress you can afford. Higher-end memory foam mattresses naturally come with more unique features, but you may want to increase your budget for them. We have a range of memory foam mattresses to suit every budget, so don't worry about not being able to afford one.

Are memory foam mattresses firm or soft?

Memory foam mattresses come in a range of comfort levels to suit your specific sleeping requirements and preferences - just read our memory foam mattress thickness and density guide to help you understand. And while they generally tend to come in a more plush design when compared to traditional spring mattresses, memory foam can be purchased in firmness ratings ranging from soft to extra firm. You can always soften memory foam mattresses if you find them too hard for your liking, but remember that they will naturally soften over time, too.

Are memory foam mattresses cheap?

Thanks to its popularity in the mattress world, memory foam mattresses are some of the most affordable mattress options out there, giving you all the benefits of memory foam without a hefty price tag!

But if you do have a specific budget in mind, below is what you can expect to spend on memory foam mattresses in our different price bands:

• Budget – Budget memory foam mattresses start at around £150 and go up to around £200.

• Mid-range – If you’re looking for something a little more luxurious, a mid-range memory foam mattress will cost you between £200 and £500.

• Exclusive – The sky’s the limit with our top-of-the-range memory foam mattresses, and you can expect to pay anything from £500, up to around £1600-£2000 for our most expensive models.

Can you get memory foam mattress toppers?

Yes. Memory foam mattress toppers are ideal if you want a firm mattress, but also the moulded comfort and support that memory foam provides. They’re a particularly good option for side sleepers who want a softer feel when they snuggle down at the end of the day and are a cost-effective way to prolong the lifespan of your mattress.

Shop our range of memory foam mattresses

Here at MattressNextDay, we have a wide selection of memory foam mattresses at affordable prices, including hypoallergenic mattress options and even combination support systems.

Take your time browsing what we have in stock, and when you’ve found a memory foam mattress to your liking, be sure to take advantage of our free next day delivery service to save money and enjoy an improved quality of sleep that much sooner!