foam mattress pad

Memory Foam Mattress Pads – A Better Choice

A comfortable mattress is essential to a good night’s sleep. We spend one third of our lives asleep and look for our resting spot to be as comfortable as possible. Comfort is on the forefront of the consumer’s mind when they are shopping for a mattress and mattress makers know this. It is for this reason that we have seen the booming sales of mattresses toted by major hotel chains, and luxury mattress makers. Whether you are in the market for a twin, queen or king size mattress, you have probably seen and tested every mattress type from the most common coil mattress to the ever popular memory foam mattress pad.

Memory foam mattress pads have become the most popular alternative to the coil mattresses because they are very comfortable as they conform to your body’s shape and have been reported to be a helpful sleeping aide to those individuals with back problems. They can also be extremely costly, with prices well over one thousand dollars, so before you invest in a new mattress, it is best to do your research, after all, an educated consumer gets the best for his/her dollar!

You may find it hard to believe that the creation of the memory foam mattress pad actually originated with NASA. Back in the 70s, NASA was funded to develop a material that would help the g-force experience that the astronauts felt during lift-off. They came up with the notion of foam because of its ability to conform to a person’s shape and basically give them cushion. Regular foam wasn’t quite enough to do this so NASA created a foam material that contained visco-elasticity and allowed the foam to contour the astronauts shape and adapt to body movement. Of course mattress companies caught on to this idea and introduced it to consumers in the form of the memory foam mattress pads by the early 1990s.

Mattress companies are also selling a foam mattress pad or topper for those who are not necessarily in the market for a new bed but just want the comfort of the foam. While the topper is a less expensive choice, only you can make the decision as to whether you require a completely new mattress or not.

Whether you choose to buy a memory foam topper or mattress, you must choose them based on the same criteria; solidity, density and thickness. Solidity or softness is going to important when you test it to measure what level of softness is comfortable to you. The Indentation Load Deflection (ILD) rating on the mattress indicates how soft it is, the higher the ILD, the firmer the foam. You don’t want a mattress that is too soft or too firm because both conditions may cause lower back pain. Density is also very important when choosing your memory foam mattress. Foam density ranges from 2 lbs to over 6 lbs. The lower density is not usually recommended as it lacks support and may return to its original shape quickly. Mid grade foam (between 3 to 4.5 lbs) is usually the marker where you should start. The ideal density (the most expensive) ranges from 5 to 6.2 lbs, this range has been reported as the best body support. Thickness goes hand in hand with density and again you should test out each mattress before making that final purchase.

Memory foam mattress pads generally have a shorter life span then their coil counterparts so you want to get the best return on your dollar. One way of making sure of this is to review what type of warranty comes with the mattress. Also some companies allow you a free trial period. This is an excellent opportunity for you to test before you drive so to speak; getting the right feel and comfort level before making that final purchase.

Reading reviews of memory foam mattress pads is a great way to learn about the company’s products before you make your investment. Temper-Pedic dominates the market of memory foam mattress pads, offering a variety of mattress types and price ranges, but they are not alone in the market. Other companies such as Bergad, Sealy, Sears-O-Pedic, Serta, Simmons and Leggett offer competitive prices and products. Almost all consumers note the “chemical smell” on first opening their mattress, but note that it dissipates completely within a couple of weeks. Reviewers also unanimously noted that their mattress was firm upon receipt but after a few nights actually did conform to the body’s shape. There is also a temperature adjustment that buyers warned of, the foam starts out warm but eventually like the contouring reaches a comfortable temperature. Overall, those who have reviewed their memory foam mattress pad loved them and stated that it relieves the aches and pains from previous mattresses completely.

What Exactly is a Memory Foam Mattress Pad?

Memory Foam Mattress Pad History
Visco-elastic foam, more commonly known as memory foam is a revolutionary space age material that was originally developed for NASA. Today, this amazing material is used in a wide variety of products. Millions of people have switched from an ordinary spring mattress to a memory foam mattress. And, many are choosing a memory foam mattress pad over regular mattress pads because of their comfort.

In the early 1970′s, NASA contracted a Swedish company to develop a substance that would protect astronauts from the enormous “G” forces their bodies endured during take off and re-entry of the spacecraft. Researchers believed that the best way to reduce or eliminate those forces was with a foam that would mold itself to the shape of the astronauts body. What they developed was visco-elastic, a brand new type of polyurethane foam.

Not only did this new foam conform to fit the shape of the astronauts body perfectly, it would revert back to its original shape when the weight was lifted off of the foam. It also allowed the weight and pressure of the astronauts body to be distributed evenly across the surface of the foam. As the astronaut moved, the foam would quickly adapt to the new position of the body.

Flexibility & Usage
A memory foam mattress pad can be used with any mattress. In fact, it’s a simple, affordable way to make an ordinary mattress extraordinary. You can find one that will fit any size bed from a single all the way up to a king. Adding a pad to your mattress is a much cheaper option than replacing that old uncomfortable mattress. The foam pad simply fits on top of your existing mattress adding the benefits of visco-elastic foam.

These mattress pads offer a variety of benefits. The foam features a cell structure that reacts to the weight of the body instantly molding itself to surround you in comfort. At room temperature, the foam will conform to the shape of your body within just minutes. It helps to relieve the pressure points such as the hips and shoulders thus reducing or eliminating the pain and aches that can result from an ordinary mattress.

Solution for Back Pain
It is estimated that around 65 million people in the United States alone suffer from back pain. Memory foam is the ideal solution and can literally be an alternative to surgery in some cases. The foam will cradle your body and provide all the support your spine needs. It’s also a great choice for anyone that suffers from arthritis or fibromyalgia. Around 80% of the consumers suffering from these illnesses reported high levels of relief.

A Mattress Pad that Will Cater to Your Personal Preferences

While almost all brands have the same basic chemical makeup, the layer thickness and cell density can vary greatly. For example, you can find a 4 inch memory foam mattress pad, while others may only have one or two inches of foam. Some memory foam mattress toppers may feature open cells while others have cells that are almost closed. These differences mean that one memory foam mattress pad can feel very different than another.

The thickness of the pad is a personal preference. But, keep in mind the thicker the foam the more comfortable the mattress pad will be. Cell density is also an important factor when choosing a mattress pad. A high density pad will provide better compression after years of use than a low density pad. Foam with a low cell density will wear out much quicker than one with high density cell structure.

Disadvantages of Memory Foam and How to Eliminate Them
While a foam mattress pad offers a lot of great advantages, there are also some disadvantages. The main one is the result of the foam being sensitive to temperatures. Because memory foam absorbs heat, some people find it too hot to be comfortable. Another common problem is that the pad is firmer in cooler temperatures than in higher temperatures. But, these problems can usually be easily solved.

The problem of heat retention doesn’t lie in the memory foam, it lies in the cell structure. A tight cell structure prevents airflow resulting in a build up of heat. Memory foam with a open cell structure allows air to flow through the foam and greatly reduces or eliminates heat retention. And, while the mattress pad may be firmer in cool temperatures, it only takes a few minutes for the foam to absorb the heat from your body and mold itself to fit your shape.

The disadvantages of memory foam mattress pads are very minor and can be eliminated by choosing the right pad. However, there is one disadvantage that may prove to be a problem. Once you get used to the unbelievable comfort that a foam pad provides you will find it difficult to sleep on a ordinary bed. Many consumers have reported that when traveling they can no longer get a good nights sleep on an innerspring mattress.

Which Brand to Get
With so many different brands of mattress pads it can be hard to choose the best one. Tempur-Pedic is one of the most popular, well known brands of memory foam products. The Swedish company was the pioneer in the memory foam market in the early 1990′s. Tempur-Pedic mattress pads are high quality and free from toxic chemicals. They offer a variety of sizes and thicknesses that can be used with a foam mattress or a traditional mattress.

Serta is another well known name in the bedding industry. Their 4 inch memory foam mattress pad is one of their most popular products. The 4 inch foam is free from toxins and the bad smells that result from formaldehyde and other chemicals. The mattress pad stays securely in place eliminating the need to get up in the middle of the night to reposition the pad. But, the main reason for the pads popularity is its luxurious comfort.

Should You Buy?
If you are considering purchasing a mattress pad the main thing to keep in mind is that not all memory foam is created equal. Cheap mattress pads are often made with low quality materials and will become flat rather quickly. They may not provide enough support for your body and may even contain toxic chemicals. While it’s fine to look for a bargain, don’t let a cheap price rob you of the superior comfort that a high quality memory foam mattress pad can provide.

4 Important Items to Know About a Foam Mattress Pad

If you have not figured this out by now, then choosing the appropriate mattress pad for your bed is synonymous with a good nights sleep. Many people who have children will go out of their way to ensure that their offspring will get a good night’s sleep on their crib mattress pad, but fail to be selfish for their own sake. To keep pace with a strenuous and a demanding lifestyle, it is important that body gets adequate rest to replenish its daily reservoir of stamina and energy. This replenishment happens when the body sleeps or rests and interruptions in that pattern lead to dullness of the mind and the spirit. Therefore, the ultimate decision matters and for starters it is a good idea to tilt the scales of your benevolence to a foam mattress pad.

1. Spring mattresses are quickly becoming obsolete and they are being replaced by foam mattress. The main reason for this replacement is that, a foam mattress pad gives better support to the body than any other type of mattress. The density and structure of a foam mattress is more adaptable and work better for the body and that explains its popularity. These are also much more durable and reliable than the other types and it only reiterates the fact that quality matters.
2. Foam mattress pads are available in a wide budget range and if one is only just beginning to test its abilities, then one can easily zero in on a mattress that fits into ones budget seamlessly.
3. Foam tends to relapse into its original shape once pressure is taken off it. In the same way, foam tends to ensconce the area of maximum pressure. This means that even if multiple people are sleeping on the same bed, they do not have to hunt the mattress for the perfect comfort position. This again has a two-pronged advantage: the comfort it offers is something that can only be determined in person whereas and secondly, it is very useful for relieving stress or pressure from the body.
4. Unlike other mattresses, these can be easily modified as per individual preferences. One can monitor the varying levels of foam, thereby having a direct consequence on the level of firmness or looseness that the body needs.

The only issue you may face with foam mattresses are that these cannot be washed and dried and if your house is prone to pollutants and dust then investing in a removable pad, as a covering for the foam mattress, may work to your advantage. Overall, when you test it in stores, you know that you have embarked on your dream mattress if lying down on it feels like a walk in the clouds.