Undoubtedly, you look forward to curling up in bed after a long day at work. Thus, it’s imperative your bedroom is equipped with elements which help you rest well, for that refuels you for the following day. One of the crucial factors that contributes to sound sleep (an important aspect of recharging yourself) is the mattress you use.
A type that has become popular over the past few years is memory foam mattress. Designed in 1960s for NASA airplane seats, memory foam is derived from visco-elastic, an energy absorbent material, which means that it moulds and evenly distributes body weight when you sit/lie on it, and returns to its original shape once the pressure is off. They have gained popularity in the recent years as compared to regular mattresses due to the fact that they are more comfortable and suited to the special health needs (back issues and injuries). The most popular memory foam products are pillows, cushions, and mattresses.
Types Of Memory Foam
1. Traditional
This is the basic variety. Its main feature is that it moulds according to body shape. The drawback, though, is that it traps heat due to its dense material and structure to support body weight, thus restricting ventilation, which makes it uncomfortable for longer hours. However, this variety is the most preferred due to its durability.
2. Open Cell
This allows better movement of air inside the mattress, thus ensuring the heat is kept away when you’re sleeping.
3. Gel
As the name suggests, gel memory foam, or gel-infused memory foam, is pumped with gel, and has two varieties. One is heat absorbent. The second is phase-changing, which regulates your temperature as you sleep by absorbing and releasing heat simultaneously.
4. Orthopaedic
An orthopaedic memory foam mattress ensures support to the spine by offering body contouring and distributing body weight. This way, postural defects will be kept at bay.
Pros Of Memory Foam
- They equally distribute bodyweight so there are no pressure points in the body. Hence, you don’t wake up with a strained neck, shoulders, and hips. It also protects from joint pain.
- Memory foams are hypoallergenic, which means the mattress keeps dust, mites, moulds, and other kinds of allergens away, making it a popular choice for those with sensitive skin and eyes.
- When you sleep on a memory foam mattress, the density helps you sink, thus reducing movement, as compared to a traditional spring mattress. So if you sleep with a partner, you are less likely to feel them move, and will sleep without any disturbances.
Cons Of Memory Foam
- Since these mattresses retain body heat, they can be uncomfortable during warmer months, especially if you live in cities with extreme climatic conditions.
- Memory foam mattresses are not waterproof, so, if you have babies or senior citizens in the house, it might not make for an ideal pick. Contact with moisture can speed up the degeneration of the mattress, thus reducing its lifespan. It is also difficult to clean.
- Memory foam is well-known for being high in price. They are usually priced between Rs 5,000-13,000, depending upon the quality of the mattress.
Choosing The Right Mattress
Some durability factors to keep in mind are:
1. Density
Opt for a mattress with a density of no less than 3.5 lbs per cubic foot, and no more than 6 lbs per cubic foot. Anything more would mean that you are paying more than its worth.
2. Weight
Believe it or not, but the weight of the memory foam mattress has an impact on how you sleep. If you have a larger body size, a heavier mattress is for you. On the other hand, those with a small built can go in for the lighter one.
3. Mattress Cover
Never miss out on a mattress cover to ensure it lasts long. Sweat and the skin’s natural oils can damage it as it is not moisture-friendly.
4. Replacement Time
While a good quality mattress should last for eight to 10 years, poor-quality foam can wear out much faster. For example, if you see obvious sagging, it’s a sign the elasticity of your mattress is starting to wear out. This can also present itself in the form of lumps and bumps in the foam. Thus, never compromise on quality.