Memory Foam Buyer's Guide
An introduction to the world of
memory foam...
Page 3
Temperature Sensitivity
All memory foam is sensitive to
temperature, becoming softer as it heats up. This is one of the reasons
that memory foam makes such a great sleep surface. Pressure points
transfer more heat than other body parts, and that sensitivity allows
the foam to react and conform to your body.
- Some types of memory
foam can be too sensitive, however. The leading “mall brands”,
for example, have long had customers complain about the firmness of
their mattresses in cold climates. Below approximately 60 degrees,
some foam can become too firm.
- This excessive
sensitivity to temperature is due to the particular formula used by
some “mall brands.” Newer manufacturers like Sleep Aid have diminished
this temperature sensitivity, in order to keep a more consistent feel,
without sacrificing the ability to conform to the body’s shape.
Density
Density is one of the most important
characteristics of memory foam, and it has a direct correlation to
price. The higher the density of the foam, the higher the quality, and
the more costly it will be. Density also has much to do with the
performance of memory foam, and is particularly important when choosing
a topper because there are so many density options from which to choose.
- The density of
memory foam is measured in pounds per cubic foot. Higher density foams
have a longer “memory”, meaning they conform precisely to the body,
and then regain their original shape rather slowly. High density foams
also tend to change temperature more slowly, and will usually feel
firmer at first, before body heat softens them.
- Those who prefer a
firm sleep surface will be most comfortable on a topper with a density
above 4 lbs./cubic foot. Anything above 5.5 lbs./ cubic foot is too
firm, however, and will be unresponsive to both movement and
temperature.
- For those who prefer
a softer sleep surface, a topper with a density above 3 lbs./cubic
foot will work best. Any memory foam with a density of less than
3lbs./cubic foot should be avoided, as it is simply not dense enough
to do the things that make memory foam so valuable.
Thickness
Choosing the proper thickness of your
topper is just as important as choosing the proper density, and the two
are closely related.
- People who prefer a
firm sleep surface, as well as those who prefer to sleep on their
stomach, should go with a two inch, high density topper. The high
density foam, (4 lbs/cubic foot, or more) will provide proper support,
and the two inch thickness will keep stomach sleepers from sinking too
deeply into the surface.
- For side and back
sleepers, or for those who sleep in a variety of positions, a three
inch topper is usually the best way to go. Three inch toppers of a
lower density, (three to four lbs/cubic foot) are also the best choice
for those who prefer a soft sleep surface.
- As a general rule,
the higher the density, the thinner the pad can be while still
providing proper support. With lower density foam, the pad will need
to be thicker to provide adequate body support.
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