Archive for the ‘Memory Foam FAQs’ Category

Memory foam mattresses are highly appreciated for their health benefits. Although more expensive than a traditional mattress, a memory foam mattress is still the preferred choice for numerous customers. There is still one thing that seems to bother users and make them wonder about possible health hazards: the odor of all new memory foam mattresses, whether it is a cheap memory foam mattress or the best memory foam mattress.

New Odour Explained
When you a buy memory foam mattress you must put up with a certain chemical smell. The moment you unseal the mattress, a very bad odor comes out and it doesn’t seem to go away. It is an odor that reminds you of chemicals and it makes you wonder about its origins, but also about its possible effects. The reality is that people forget what memory foam is made of. Memory foam is polyurethane enriched with various chemicals. Polyurethane is nothing but organic substances glued together by urethane links.

What makes memory foam special is the production process. However, it is still made of basically the same raw material as electrical potting compounds or carpet underlay, or skateboard wheels. The smell comes from the additional chemicals used in the manufacturing process that are released in the form of gas. The process happens simply because after production memory foam mattresses are sealed and the gases aren’t released and dispersed in the air. Off gassing, as the process is known, will last a while after you have unsealed the mattress. In time, it will go away.

When Does The “Odour” Go Away?
Not all people have the same sensitivity to smell. Some people feel the new odor as very powerful and they need a few days before they can actually sleep on their new memory foam mattress. Other people are not as sensitive and they have no problem sleeping on their mattress right after they’ve unpacked it.

The persistence and “strength” of the smell depends on the manufacturer. There is premium memory foam that does not have the new odor because the producer has already taken care of the smell and allowed off gassing while the mattress was in their factory. That means that such a mattress will cost more.

Another issue related to the new odor is whether or not the off gassing can harm your health. That again depends on the producer and on the chemicals used in the production process. This is one of the factors that distinguish one memory foam mattress manufacturer from another.

Memory foam is made of viscoelastic foam. This type of foam provides a product that is resilient and conforms to a shape by compression and then returns to its regular shape once the compression is removed.

Memory foam is rated using a process called Indentation Force Deflection (IFD). IFD is a measurement of the amount of pressure that is required to make a dent of 1 inch in a sample of foam that is 15 inches by 15 inches by 4 inches, using an 8-inch disc. This is called IFD at 25% compression.

Using this rating system, memory foam mattresses are designated with a number ranging from IFD 10, which is super soft to IFD 12, which is considered firm and the majority of memory foam mattresses purchased fall into this category.

Another rating you will see when looking to purchase a memory foam mattress is LRPU. The acronym stands for Low-resilience Polyurethane Foam. This rating indicates the density of the foam. A mattress with a higher density rating will soften to body heat and mold to the warmth within a few minutes. Low-density foam will mold quickly to warmth and pressure.

All memory foam has the same general makeup, but different densities and depth of the foam has an effect on how a mattress feels. Although a high-density bed may not be quite as comfortable for some, it will have a longer service life. On the other hand, a lower density mattress may be somewhat more comfortable, but the life of the mattress will not be as long.

A memory foam mattress has open-celled structuring that allows it to react to compression and heat. This allows it to conform to the shape of the compression; in the case of memory foam mattresses, a person’s body. This type of mattress is excellent for relieving pressure points, for those with back pain, especially. They also work well for preventing bedsores in the elderly or bed ridden. The tighter the cell structure is, the less air can move through the mattress. Viscoelastic foam is considered to have a more open structure than other foam, which allows for better recovery upon compression.

When it compared to foam mattresses, a memory foam mattress will be denser. This causes the mattress to be more supportive than its regular alternative. The memory foam will also be considerably heavier and difficult to move. Unlike some foam mattresses, it will take two people to move one.

When it choosing a memory foam mattress it comes down to a combination of qualities and ratings. When you begin looking into buying one of these mattresses, make sure you have a good idea of what you want.

Here at Memory Foam Mattress Direct, we provide information on a wide variety of sleep and memory foam subjects. Many of our customers are interested in the benefits of memory foam and tips on how to get a good night’s sleep, or reignite passion in the bedroom. In light of this, one of the more obscure questions we get asked is: “Can watching TV in bed affect your love life?” Read the rest of this guide »

New memory foam mattresses are generally white or very pale cream, but as they get older or exposed to sunlight, reactions can occur in the foam which cause it to change colour. The colour change ranges from pale yellow to light brown and can vary in shade across the mattress. Read the rest of this guide »

If you have bought a new mattress and it has not quite lived up to expectations, never fear, there is still a way to get the fantastic sleep you’ve been dreaming of… and that is a memory foam mattress top. Read the rest of this guide »

Many conventional mattresses make it essential to buy covers to protect them, but memory foam mattress protectors are not necessary for any of our products since they already come with highly durable zip covers that, most importantly, are machine washable. Read the rest of this guide »

Once you’ve found a few mattresses at prices that you’re happy with, you need to decide which is best, but if they all seem pretty similar it’s time to carry out a memory foam mattress comparison. Since sleep is so important for everyone’s wellbeing lots of companies have taken up the challenge to make the best memory foam mattress. Comparison criteria between brands are often biased though, so the suggestions below hint at where to find help making your decision. Read the rest of this guide »

There are lots of websites around with literature about memory foam mattresses, but real facts are harder to come by. Our articles section here at Memory Foam Mattress Direct is designed so all the memory foam mattress information you could want is at your fingertips. Read the rest of this guide »

Memory foam mattresses are designed to give you the best possible night’s sleep. Read the rest of this guide »

Now that every man and his dog knows about the benefits of memory foam, manufacturers are starting to cater for the deluxe end of comfort bedding. Read the rest of this guide »