|
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.
<back
1 2
3 4
5 next>
|
