If you’re leaning toward a memory foam mattress, you should know how it is made and what makes it comfortable.
Good sleep is essential to health and happiness, and for many, the right mattress is the key to a good night’s sleep. Different people have different needs for their beds. Visiting a mattress store can involve more decisions than visiting the car dealership: soft or firm, innerspring or memory foam mattress, adjustable base or boxspring, not to mention various size options. If you’re leaning toward memory foam, it might help if you understand how it is made and what makes it comfortable.
History Of Memory Foam
Memory foam was initially developed in the 60’s in conjunction with NASA because they were looking for a material that would handle higher gravitational forces on air- and spacecraft without becoming uncomfortable. They finally settled on a polyurethane foam that was slow to spring back to shape thanks to the addition of other chemicals. Once developed, scientists and doctors started to utilize it for x-ray beds, wheelchairs, and eventually beds for bedridden patients. Memory foam, also called “temper foam” because it softens at normal body temperatures, didn’t become commercially available till the 90’s. Memory gel foam eventually hit the market in the early 2000’s as an option that reduces heat retention.
How A Memory Foam Mattress Is Constructed
Memory foam mattresses are made of multiple unique layers. The lowest layer is a base layer of high-density foam to provide support. The remaining layers differ between different types of memory foam mattresses. There may be multiple layers of different densities of memory foam, latex foam, or hybrid foams. Most memory foam mattresses will have 2″-4″ of different combinations of foam types to achieve their customized feel.
Different Type Of Memory Foam
Different types of memory foam yield different results: gel foam keeps the mattress cooler, charcoal-infused foam reduces odor, and other unique varieties have their perks. Memory foam mattresses also differ in terms of density and IFD, or indentation force deflection. Both values are measured in pounds/cubic foot, though density is weight per cubic foot while IFD is pounds of force required to make a 1″ indentation. Memory foam density typically clocks in at 3-4 lbs/cu.ft. Higher-density memory foam lasts longer since lower density foam deforms permanently under pressure more quickly. Changes in density can throw off IFD, but a good memory foam mattress will typically be around 5 lbs/cu.ft.
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!