Memory Foam Mattress Buying Guide
Things You Must Know Before You Choose a Memory Foam Mattress
Memory foam mattresses and memory foam matress covers are helping people of all ages, sizes and shapes sleep comfortably. Here`s a buying guide so you know what to look for when you`re choosing a memory foam mattress.
Foam Density
Memory foam density is measured by taking the weight (lbs) of a cubic foot (ft3) of memory foam. It ranges from 1.5 lbs/ft3 to 8 lbs/ft3 in most cases. 5+ lbs/ft3 matresses are pretty rare nowadays. Most standard memory foam has a density of 1.5 to 5 lbs/ft3.
The higher the density, the more expensive the mattress is.
You’ll probably be safe with any memory foam product ranging from 3 lbs/ft3 to 6.5 lbs/ft3.
Higher-density memory foams last longer and cost more, and usually (not always) give a higher level of pressure relief.
Memory Foam Thickness
You should not focus on the overall height of the mattress. Because we know memory foam matress is not made only of memory foam. So you should consider only the thickness of the memory foam within the mattress. That`s only matters. There are mattresses with foams thickness ranging from just only 1″ to over 12″ or even 14″.
In our opinion, you`ll be ok with anything from 3″ to 6″. Lower would be too firm and you would bottom out the foam, and higher could cause improper spinal alignment.
Memory Foam Mattress Firmness
Firmness is measured in ILDs and the foams are ranging from 5 ILD up to 23 ILD.
In our opinion, you`ll be ok with anything from 9.5 ILD to 14 ILD. What we can for sure say is – stay away from anything lower than 8.5 ILD and higher than 17 ILD.
Buying a Memory Foam Topper / Cover?
You might not need a whole memory foam matress.
If your current mattress is in good condition, you may just cover it by purchasing a topper. BUT, having a mattress in a good condition is a must, because if it sags – the pad/topper would have no effect at all!
You can find a lot of memory foam mattress reviews here. See memory foam mattress types and king size memory foam mattresses. Here you can find some common myths spread about memory foam mattresses.