Mattress Comparison

The memory foam mattress boasts a long and interesting history, beginning in 1970 when NASA first developed the foam to cushion and support astronauts when they launched and re-entered the Earth’s atmosphere. Initially, memory foam maintained its texture for only 2-4 years before becoming brittle. However, over the next 15 years the substance used in today’s memory foam mattresses was developed, which provided the solution for this dilemma.

Memory Foam’s Unique Features

If you push your hand into a mattress made from memory foam, the imprint will remain for a considerable amount of time after the individual has removed his or her hands. The foam will not return to its initial position for quite some time, hence its name. The memory foam mattresses that are currently the most popular and feature the most advanced design are those made from a sponge-like material called visco-elastic, which is similar to a gel.

Benefits Of Sleeping on Memory Foam

When introduced to the general public, memory foam mattresses were used for the first time in health care facilities for burn victims and critically ill patients. Their use in this manner was highly successful. After making their way to furniture stores throughout the world it was realized that they offered much more than just a peaceful night’s sleep to their users.

Such mattresses offer significant health benefits for individuals who suffer from musculoskeletal disorders. People with arthritis, disc problems or other muscle and joint disorders enjoyed a dramatic increase in the quality of their sleep after switching to a memory foam mattress. As previously mentioned, the foam molds itself to the sleeping person’s body, which is essentially why individuals with the aforementioned conditions find such a high level of relief from its use. When pressure points are eliminated, one’s body remains in proper alignment throughout the night, resulting in a considerable decrease in pain. Additional conditions that memory foam mattresses may positively affect include the following:

• Fibromyalgia
• COPD
• Neuropathy
• Restless Leg Syndrome
• Shingles
• Headaches
• Bruxism
• Neck Pain and Tension

Shopping Tips

There is a wide selection of memory foam mattresses available on today’s market, but the overwhelming favorite is the four pound density model. Lower and higher density models can also be found, ranging from three pounds to five and a half pounds. The higher the mattress’s density the higher its price will be, therefore consumers must keep this in mind when purchasing a mattress. Additionally, high density mattresses are associated with a greater temperature sensitivity and are heavier to lift.

Budget Considerations

Outlining a budget is essential before one begins to shop for a mattress. It is easy to succumb to an impulse and overspend when one is surrounded by new, attractive beds on a showroom floor. For this reason it is wise for shoppers to determine ahead of time the maximum amount of money they can spend, whether a monthly payment if the mattress will be purchased on a credit card or a single figure amount if cash will be used.

Sleep Guarantees and Warranty Information

It is also wise to purchase a mattress that comes with a warranty to protect one from future problems or defects. The standard warranty that comes with most mattresses will usually suffice. A consumer can also choose to purchase an extended warranty if he or she so desires. However, many individuals consider a sleep guarantee more valuable than a lengthy warranty. A sleep guarantee is similar to a trial offer, where one can test the mattress and if adequate sleep is not achieved, he or she can return it for a full refund. Not all companies offer such guarantees, but those who do usually offer the mattress test on a 30 day basis.

Reading customer reviews and comparison shopping is the best way to ensure that the most suitable mattress is purchased. Regardless of one’s personal taste or budget, his or her objective is most likely a restful night’s sleep. For this reason, investing in a quality memory foam mattress is a wise decision as it will provide health benefits and comfort for many years.