How to Choose the Right Memory Foam
Memory foam has properties that make it a good choice for those with back problems, note health practitioners from Beds.org, who provide unbiased reviews of mattresses and mattress toppers. Memory foam, also called viscoelastic foam, was first developed during the golden years of the Space Age, when NASA's Ames Research Center developed a similar material, "temper foam," for use in airplane seating in the mid 1960s. Memory foam, which molds itself to the shape of your body, has a slow spring-back reaction, and relieves pressure points---which in turn prevents tossing and turning. But many variables go into the selection of the right memory foam mattress or mattress topper to suit your needs. Does this Spark an idea?
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Note the memory foam's indentation load deflection (ILD) rating, suggests Beds.org. While the density of memory foam is often associated with firmness, the ILD truly tells the tale of how soft or firm your memory foam mattress or mattress topper will be. Beds.org notes that most people prefer an ILD of between 10 and 16 in memory foam mattresses, while a memory foam mattress pad of ILD of 15 or below generally makes an existing mattress more comfortable.
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Look at the memory foam's density---this is how much one cubic foot of the material weighs. As noted, density is most often equated with the firmness of the item of bedding, but Beds.org notes that this is not always true. Memory foam can be manufactured in densities as low as 1.5 lbs. and as high as 8 lbs. Memory foam with higher densities---typically 4 lbs. or more---is desirable, as there's more noticeable "memory" in the product. Also, memory foam with a higher density is more durable and has a longer life on your bed.
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Add thickness into the equation, if you're adding a memory foam mattress pad to your existing mattress set. Memory foam mattress pads can be sold in thicknesses of only 1 inch, but can go up to 5 inches or more in thickness. A memory foam pad less than 3 inches will likely just give your bed a bit of extra padding, while those 3 inches or more can change the feel and texture of your bed entirely.
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Test the memory foam mattress or mattress pad in person, if possible. Memory foam bedding has a distinct feel that's not for everyone---you may find that you prefer a latex foam mattress or mattress pad, as these items are springier and more closely resemble the kind of quick release that you find in traditional box spring mattress.
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Tips & Warnings
Memory foam mattresses may not be constructed strictly of memory foam, notes Beds.org. Some include layers of latex foam as well.
If your existing mattress set isn't in great shape---if it has obvious problems with sagging---a memory foam mattress topper probably won't give you the best result.
