How to Choose a Foam Mattress

Many people prefer foam mattresses to the steel coils of innerspring mattresses. But not all foam mattresses are alike; so how do you get home with one that's right for you? Mattress choice is important. If you choose a mattress that's too soft or hard or uncomfortable for you, your muscles actually have to work to keep you comfortable during sleep. This can lower the quality of your sleep. Read on to learn more.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Balance your budget with your desire for quality. Foam mattresses are usually cut from a slab of polyurethane. Inexpensive ones use a single layer of foam. Better quality mattresses have multiple layers or incorporate foam slabs over a molded core.

2. Choose a thickness. The thicker and heavier the pad, the higher the quality. Your mattress should be at least five inches thick. Multi-layer ones can go up to 14 inches thick.

3. Select the right density to provide the level of support you need. The greater the density, the firmer the support. Density between 2 and 2.4 pounds per cubic foot works for most people who want a firm mattress. Higher quality foam mattresses may have between 2.5 and 3.5; but this can be too firm for some sleepers.

4. Determine if you and your sleeping partner, if you have one, have similar needs in a mattress. If your needs are drastically different consider switching to a non-foam adjustable mattress, or buy 2 single foam mattresses and lay them side-by-side within one bed frame. Cover them with one mattress cover.

5. Try before buying. Bring your sleeping partner along. Remove your shoes and bounce all around the bed. The support should be even, resilient and accommodating.

6. Lie still. Are you comfortable? Roll on to your side. Check for any discomfort in hips, shoulders or arms.

7. Have your partner turn over while you lie still. You shouldn't be bounced around. In fact, you shouldn't feel the movement. Now take your foam mattress home and enjoy about 10 years of good sleeping.

Tips & Warnings

• Thin people generally sleep better on mattresses that are soft and resilient, while people with average body fat usually sleep better on a firm mattress.
• If you find foam a little hard, you can add a feather or down mattress topper to even a cheap foam mattress for luxurious softness.
• Read other eHow How To's for specific information on "memory foam."
• The cheaper and less dense the foam mattress, the shorter its lifespan is likely to be.
• Judge density by the numbers, not the label. Industry-wide standards for density designations such as "firm," "extra firm" or "super firm" don't exist.
• Foam factories that provide simple uncovered cuts of foam can save you money, but generally have only small samples of their foam options. Don't judge how a foam mattress will feel by squeezing it in your hand. The samples will always feel softer than a large piece. Try out different densities at a specialty bedding store even if you don't make your purchase there.
• Some people radiate an above-average amount of heat while they sleep. If you have a "hot" partner, foam may not be the option for you. It stores heat.