There are many different materials to choose from when trying out foam mattresses. Here is a rundown of five common materials in use today.
Getting a good night’s rest is vital to health and wellness. Not getting enough restful sleep has been linked to multiple health disorders, including obesity, heart disease, and shortened life expectancy. Many people find that getting a good, restful sleep comes down to finding the right mattress, often a foam mattress. There are, surprisingly, many types of foam mattresses on the market, each with different pros and cons.
1. Polyurethane Foam
This type of foam mattress is sometimes called poly or polyfoam, and it is the most common type of foam mattress. This is because it is often the most budget-friendly option, but the low price is often linked to lower quality. Polyfoam is less dense (even the firm versions), so it also deteriorates quickly, leading to permanent body indentations, a lack of support, and noticeable outgassing. This outgassing can be a particular issue if you or someone in your home has respiratory problems.
2. Memory Foam
Memory foam is sometimes also known as viscoelastic polyurethane foam because it is the same material as polyfoam with added chemicals that increase density and viscosity (that feeling of it melting or molding around you). There are three major types of memory foam on the market to meet your particular needs. Some memory foam mattresses retain heat, so if you tend to overheat in your sleep, look for an open-cell type. Overall, memory foam mattresses are a great option if you suffer from joint pain, though they can be rather expensive.
3. Gel Foam
Gel foam is very similar to memory foam, but it is designed to better transfer heat away from you while you sleep. Being too hot is one reason that many people struggle to fall asleep and stay asleep. Gel memory foam mattresses use tiny gel beads in the foam to help circulate air better so that your body doesn’t get too hot.
4. Reflex Foam
Reflex foam is a more budget-friendly version of memory foam that uses high-density polyurethane and bubbles to create a bed that molds to your body but bounces back when you get off it. Reflex foam is an excellent choice for achieving proper spinal alignment and easing pressure on your back. It also doesn’t have that sinking-in feeling that memory foam has, which some people find uncomfortable.
5. Latex Rubber Foam
Unlike the other foams listed here, latex rubber foam uses renewable resources, namely latex derived from rubber tree sap. Of all the choices here, it is the “greenest” – an important consideration for many consumers today. These mattresses are created by whipping the latex into a foam and pouring it into a mold to solidify. There are various means of removing any air bubbles that form, all intended to make the density and heat distribution uniform throughout.
Sleepwell Is the Key to A Good Night’s Rest
With over 85 years in business, Sleepwell has been supplying consumers and retailers with the highest quality mattresses and bedding products in the industry. Sleepwell is a family-owned company that knows the true value of a good night’s rest and what it takes to achieve it. Our experts know how to match every customer with the right products. We service Maryland, Delaware, Washington, D.C., New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, North Carolina, and Tennessee. You can reach us at 301‐322‐1000. Also, be sure to follow Sleepwell on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter!