How to Buy the Right Memory Foam Bed For You – Our Full Buying Guide

What Defines Memory Foam?

This is sometimes called temper or viscoelastic polyfoam, but you likely know it as memory foam. Technically speaking, this is a type of polyurethane foam, but what makes it different is its viscoelastic properties.

Visco comes from the word vicious, meaning sticky and thick, and elastic means it can resume its original size and shape. The construction of memory materials uses a number of extra compounds that give it this unique feel, usually in response to heat and pressure in tandem.

Memory materials are made to distribute weight evenly over a surface and they typically do an excellent job at relieving pressure due to their close conforming properties. The material is made to contour to each of the sleepers curves, giving it that deep hug like feel. It is this same reason that many people feel like memory materials sleep too hot because the heat can get trapped up against their skin.

Types

Traditional foams use a closed cell design. This is typically denser and may be what most critics associate to the memory feel. In its most basic form, this does not have any type of added cooling, though it is important to know that closed cell materials can be infused with a cooling gel.

A common criticism regarding temper foams is that they sleep too hot. Gel-infused materials use some type of conductor to pull heat away from the sleeper’s body. Memory materials that use conductors like copper, gel beads, or graphite can be used to help keep the sleeper cool.

This type is usually less dense than closed cell memory materials. It has an open construction that allows air to flow more freely through the design and extra cooling gels can be added.

Find Out More: All Types of Foam Explained

How It's Used In Beds

Viscoelastic materials were designed to contour the sleepers curves and take the strain off of sore joints. It is usually a softer material that fosters quite a bit of cushioning. Some brands will cut it into an egg-crate shape to help with the airflow and cooling.

There are very few all-memory-foam-beds being sold today. Memory materials are typically used in the comfort or surface layer of a mattress. In a memory mattress, the top 1 to 3 layers will use visco-foams, either quilted into the cover or layered beneath it, while the thicker base is constructed with a high-density polyfoam to add the needed support. Memory materials can also be a supplementary material in a hybrid to provide cushioning comfort for the sleeper.

The material can be used in many ways, but it will not normally be found at the base unless it is used in a dual sided mattress. It is not a very supportive material, and that is why it is typically followed up with a much stronger and denser base layer, something like polyfoam, coils, or latex.

Check Out Our Comparison: All-Foam vs Memory Foam Mattresses

Potential Drawbacks

This is a common knock on memory foam. People feel like they sink too far into soft foams and because there is such a slow response, they struggle to push themselves out of bed. Though this can be true for some mattresses, this is not a universal problem for viscoelastic materials.

While that stuck feeling can be a legitimate concern, most manufacturers have maneuvered around this problem, through material innovations and using a combination of bedding materials.

Some memory mattresses are not as soft as others, so there is not as much sinkage to account for. This makes rolling around and adjusting quite easy.

Many memory mattresses also have latex, responsive polyfoams, or coils layered beneath the temper foams. So, while the top layer may be slow to respond, sleepers can easily push out of the bed thanks to the responsive layers beneath.

Almost everyone can agree that waking up in a pool of sweat can be not only disgusting but it can be absolutely miserable as well. While overheating can be a problem for some memory mattresses, most brands have figured out ways to avoid this problem. Through open cell construction, cooling mattress covers, and innovative gels, overheating on a memory mattress could soon be a nonexistent problem.

Many foam beds are made with a mixture of chemicals, some of which can linger in the foams for several days. So when you unbox your mattress and are met with an obnoxious odor, it can be quite frustrating, especially considering opening a new bed should be an exciting experience.

If this happens, try not to worry too much. For most products, this smell should dissipate after a few hours. If your mattress smells like this for more than a few days, you should contact the company where you purchased the bed to see if there is a recommended method to get rid of the off-gassing.

Get More Info: Toxic Materials in Foam Mattresses

Considerations and What To Look For

When buying any significant purchase, it is important to know how much you want to spend. Mattresses can drastically range in price, anywhere from a few hundred dollars to a couple of thousand. They say a dollar saved is a dollar earned, and this is why establishing a budget before shopping is an excellent idea.

Knowing the worth of your mattress based on materials can let you know how much value you are getting for your money. After you’ve done the proper research, be sure to compare brands that have similar models to help ensure you are getting the best bargain possible.

Another great way to save is to look for coupons and special discounts, these will often appear for select brands around holidays. If you take these steps, coupled with other common saving practices you as the shopper stand to get a better deal.

Most companies offer customers a trial period. These can range from one month to an entire year. It is important for customers to take advantage of this time and allow the proper amount of time before trying to return a purchase.

Mattresses take time not only to break in, but the body of the sleeper also has to adjust from sleeping on one bed to another. By giving themselves at least 30 to 40 days to break the mattress in, customers do themselves a favor by minimizing the risk of having to go through the hassle of having to return their product.

Not all memory foam is created equal and one of the ways that foams differ is in density. Density is considered to be the defining factor of longevity in visco-materials. The more little foam cells in the material, the denser it usually is. When there are more foam cells to bear the weight, the material should not break down as fast.

A denser rating on a layer of foam will usually indicate that it is a nicer material and will typically last longer. A less dense material has the opposite effect, it may be more cheaply made and might not last the sleeper quite as long as a more dense foam.

Memory foam densities can be anywhere between 3 to 7 pounds, with the higher end being the premium materials. 5 and 6-pound viscoelastic foams can be quite good, but the lower the number the greater risk shoppers run of purchasing a cheaply made material. This factor can greatly affect your budget, so knowing what you want beforehand should definitely pay off.

Need more info? Check out our memory foam density guide here.

This measures how soft or hard a memory material will be. These ILD ratings are often calculated and expressed in a measurement of 10lbs to 15lbs. The ILD test is calculated by figuring out how many pounds of pressure it takes to indent a four-inch foam at 25% or 1 inch deep.

The majority of the time, sleepers may find that the higher the ILD the better the material might be.

The thickness of the temper foam is going to have a huge impact on how your bed feels. A thicker foam could relieve more pressure but it might also compromise support.

Most memory foam layers are going to be anywhere between 2-4 inches. Denser foams can be a bit thicker as they are going to be more supportive.

A thinner 1 or 2-inch foam would be a nice supplementary material over coils or some other type of material. It is also not uncommon to see two foams with varying densities to be stacked on top of one another.

This was touched on briefly in our density section but it is something worth going over again. Shoppers want a bed that is going to last them for a long time. Denser memory foam might be rated to last longer, but another thing sleepers might want to look at is what kind of warranty the brand provides.

If the company provides a lifetime warranty, this may show how confident they are about their products. (Just be sure to read the fine print!) Sleepers may also want to consider what other materials are used in their mattress apart from the viscoelastic materials.

Every sleeper has different preferences and mattress firmness may be the preference that varies most often from person to person. Most beds are rated as either a soft, medium, firm or some other variation of these three terms, like extra plush, plush, and luxury firm.

A firmer mattress could be suited for someone who is a little heavier. This is because these beds provide more support, where a softer mattress might leave the sleepers sinking in way too far.

The opposite can apply to people who are more lightweight, they can often sleep on a softer bed without sinking too far through all the layers. They find support in a softer mattress because there is an overall less mass to be stabilized by the bed.

Know what firmness you prefer and be sure to find a mattress that matches that preference. Doing so can save you the hassle of having to return a bed that did not work out.

View Our Comparison: Firm vs. Soft Mattresses

How you sleep can play into how firm you like your mattress. Each position presents its own unique set of characteristics that should be accounted for.

-Side

Side sleepers will often report pressure in their shoulders and hips. This buildup of strain occurs because these areas of the body are heavy and they rest over a smaller surface area. While not all side sleepers are created equal, many of these folks tend to like a softer mattress because it can wash away the stress that gathers in these areas, allowing them to sleep pain-free.

-Stomach

Stomach sleepers may have the biggest grudge with memory beds and for good reason. Old school temper foams were overly soft and were not necessarily tailored to the needs of stomach sleepers. These individuals typically love a firmer surface that can keep their hips elevated, keeping them aligned with their back.

Good news stomach sleepers, there is a lot more variety in viscoelastic beds these days, so finding a firmer or more supportive memory bed is not an overly difficult task.

-Back

There is a lot of varying preferences between back sleepers. Some like a firmer mattress, while others prefer a softer bed. What back sleepers really need is a bed that can fill in the small of their back and that provides adequate support.

Temper beds tend to be a great option for back sleepers because it conforms to their curves, leaving them nicely cradled in a comfortable sleeping position.

-Combination

While all three sleeping positions rest nicely on viscoelastic beds, there is one thing lacking from a memory option that combination sleepers want.

Responsiveness and bounce, on a memory bed, there is not much to be found. Bounce can help simplify the sleeper’s movements at night. Combo sleepers should do well on a memory bed that is followed up by a more responsive material like coils or latex in the base layer of the mattress.

Having the necessary support in the lower back should be critical for obtaining a good nights rest. A bed that sinks too low around the hips can throw your body’s alignment off and might cause you to wake up in a world of pain.

Temper foam followed up by a strong material should be ideal for people worried about lumbar support. Memory materials should distribute weight evenly and when there is support in the base, sleepers should be left with little to worry about.

It may not be something you often think about, but having a healthy sleeping surface can keep you more healthy as well. Many beds trap things such as dust mites, mold, mildew, and pet dander, none of which you want to be sleeping in night after night.

There are many options out there for people who have allergies or asthma. Customers should check on what materials were used to construct their mattress.

Beds with certifications can demonstrate a cleaner manufacturing process, while luxury and premium brands can go above and beyond with additional organic certifications to make their sleeping spaces more natural. If you cannot find the information you are looking for, simply ask customer support if their mattress is hypoallergenic.

Some companies either have more industry experience or have created a name for themselves faster than others through quality products and successful marketing campaigns. Being an industry leader certainly pulls some weight and having a recognizable name can make a brand feel more reliable. Big name bedding companies have the confidence of thousands of satisfied customers and usually have thousands of reviews to back up their products.

Going with a reputable brand can be a good way to go, but remember to do your own research. There may be some smaller companies that can offer similar products at a more affordable price. It is always important to keep your options open when making a purchase as significant as a new bed.

What goes into your bed may be the greatest factor to consider when comparing cost. Some materials are healthier while others may have a higher comfort factor. Comparing and contrasting these various areas can help shoppers save a lot of money down the line.

Things shoppers should look for is adhesive bonding between the layers versus tufting. The tufted approach is a more traditional look, and is arguably the more quality option, while adhesive bonding can help save some money. Keeping an eye on manufacturing processes such as this can determine products overall worth.

The other thing shoppers want to be aware of is the quality of materials. How dense is the foam? Are the materials organic or natural versus a synthetic material?

Materials such as pocket coils, latex, organic wool and cotton, are used in more expensive and premium products. Not all beds are created equal, so it is important to find out not only what materials you want but what option will best fit your budget.

Most online brands are going to provide some sort of sleep trial for their customers. These trials can range from 30 days to an entire year. The purpose of this time is to give sleepers the opportunity to test out their mattress; to figure out if this feel and firmness works for them.

Most companies ask that sleepers give their product at least 30 days of use before trying to return the mattress. The reason being; most beds take time for the sleeper’s body to adjust to. They have to adjust from their former sleep surface to something that is entirely different and this can take time

Most, but not all, companies will take on the return shipping charges if customers decide to send back their bed. Other brands may provide some type of charitable service where the product is donated to a local charity or support organization.

Bedding manufacturers can qualify for a number of certifications. These third-party organizations can attest to a variety of qualifications, such as using low emissions, creating safe products for adults, children, and infants, and the use of organic materials.

Common certifications you may see as you are shopping include:

• CertiPUR-US®,
• the STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX®,
• GREENGUARD Gold Certification,
• GOLS,
• and GOTS certifications.

These certifications can demonstrate a brands commitment to a cleaner and more healthy manufacturing process. As you are searching for a bed and come across certifications such as these, do your research to understand exactly what each one means. Most of the time they will be listed on the brand's webpage but a quick Google search can also provide you the information.

Thousands of customer reviews go unread, it is in your best interest to read them. Looking at how many stars an item receives on Google shopping or Amazon may not always cut it.

Reading both the good and bad reviews can really help customers know what to expect from a product. You can figure out what was wrong, if problems were resolved, and what things customers absolutely loved about a product.

Sleepers will not only find out what was good versus bad, but they may also learn how other people experienced the product. Shoppers can figure out if the bed is good for couples, if it is too soft or too firm, and how well other people slept on it over an extended period of time.

Taking reviews with context is also important. A one-star review may read something like, “the bed was too firm.”

While this particular reviewer may find “firm” as a bad thing, some other shoppers might really enjoy a firm mattress. It is important to remember that opinions are subjective to experience.