How Memory Foam Mattress Works

Helen Skeates
Helen Skeates
16 min read

Simply remembering one term will answer any questions you may have concerning the functionality of a memory foam mattress. That term, “viscoelasticity,” is defined further down. You’ll also learn the significance of the name “memory foam.”

Is a bed made of memory foam something you’d be interested in? The longevity of a memory foam mattress may make it your top choice if you’re looking for a long-lasting option.

8 Benefits of a Memory Foam Mattress

#1 Body hugging comfort

Memory foam is a durable material that adjusts its firmness in response to your body’s heat and weight. The visco elastic foam conforms to your body shape as soon as you lay down on it. Memory foam’s ability to conform to your body is what sets it apart as the superior material for mattresses.

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#2 Ideal for all sleeping positions

Because of their adaptive properties, memory foam mattresses are suitable for a wide range of sleeping positions. The spine is kept in a neutral position regardless of how you sleep on the mattress, whether on your back, side, or stomach.

#3 Superior motion absorption

One of the most significant benefits of modern memory foam mattresses is that they transfer very little motion. Memory foam is great for couples because of its capacity to absorb energy and reduce the impact of movement. One partner can turn over and the other will not be disturbed.

#4 Less back and neck pain

In order to have a restful night’s sleep in a neutral spinal alignment, viscoelastic foam is ideal because it molds to your body’s unique shape. Over time, this alleviates back and neck pain sufferers experience.

#5 Hypo-allergenic

It is recommended that those with allergies consider switching to a memory foam mattress. Mold and mildew are not able to grow on polyurethane foam, and dust mites and pet dander can’t live in it.

#6 Good pressure relief

The hips, shoulders, and knees can all experience pain with a mattress that is excessively hard. Memory foam solves this issue by distributing weight evenly over the mattress.

#7 Customized support

Memory foam used to get a bad rap for making people too hot to sleep and for having the consistency of quicksand. The newest models offer a more comfortable night’s sleep with increased ventilation and adjustable firmness. Foam mattresses are now available in a range of comfort thicknesses, with low, medium, and high densities to suit individual preferences.

#8 Sag free and no sinkage

Contemporary memory foam mattresses provide a happy medium between extremes of softness and firmness, thanks to their high-quality adaptable construction. As a result of the open cell construction, the mattress will never lose its shape, no matter how long you keep it.

How Does A Memory Foam Bed Work?

The secret is viscoelasticity

When you lie on memory foam, it contours to your shape. When you lie down on a memory foam mattress, the pressure you exert causes the mattress to conform to the shape of your body thanks to its viscoelastic properties. Memory foam is able to revert to its previous shape once the pressure is removed, thanks to its viscoelasticity.

Temperature can affect the feel of memory foam. Memory foam conforms more effectively to the shape of the user’s body than other materials because heat from the user’s body softens the foam. Because of this, the memory foam will compress further with heavy use.

How Does Memory Foam Work? | Mattress Advisor

How Does The Memory Part Of Memory Foam Work?

Memory foam’s unique ability to “remember” its previous shape when pressure is released is what gives rise to the material’s nickname. In contrast, memory foam will “remember” the shape of your body and conform to it when you apply pressure when you’re resting on it. Memory foam is one of the most popular and comfortable mattresses on the market because of its “memorizing” property.

If you break down the word “viscoelastic,” you’ll get a better grasp on where the name “memory foam” comes from. Memory foam is both viscous and elastic; it keeps its form when pressure is applied but springs back to its original shape when the pressure is released. Despite their variances, all memory foams share a common property known as viscoelasticity.

What Kind Of Material Is Memory Foam Mattress Made Out Of?

Memory foam is a type of polyurethane foam that was originally created by NASA. Some memory foam mattresses may feel firmer than others because of the addition of additional compounds to polyurethane by various manufacturers.

Traditional memory foam

Memory foam has been around for a while, and the original kind can still be found in some beds today. However, it has fallen out of favor because of the heat it tends to trap during the night.

Open-cell memory foam

Manufacturers realized that conventional memory foam kept heat in, therefore they developed open-cell memory foam. From the name itself, it has internal open cells that aid in ventilation.

Gel memory foam

Manufacturers realized that conventional memory foam kept heat in, therefore they developed open-cell memory foam. From the name itself, it has internal open cells that aid in ventilation.

As a solution to the problem of excessive heat retention, open-cell memory foam was developed. Open cells within the organism provide ventilation, as suggested by the term.

Why Do Memory Foam Mattresses Get Softer As You Sleep?

Don’t freak out if your new memory foam mattress seems overly firm at first; that’s normal. Remember that you’ll need to break in a new memory foam mattress before you can enjoy its full suppleness. Using memory foam results in a more broken-in feel after some time has passed since your body heat softens the temperature-sensitive substance and loosens the foam’s cells when you lie on it.

How Does Memory Foam Relieve Pressure?

What makes memory foam the best material for pressure relief is its ability to conform to the shape of the body. There won’t be any air pockets when you sleep on a surface that molds to the shape of your body. Therefore, pressure and pain are alleviated by directly touching the memory foam.

It’s more probable that you’ll sleep in a posture that puts pressure on your body if the mattress doesn’t conform to your shape. This is why pain in the shoulders, hips, and lower back can result from resting on a bed that doesn’t provide adequate support. Memory foam cushions users by evenly distributing your weight, relieving pressure on your joints and muscles.

Is Memory Foam Good For Your Back?

Because of its viscoelasticity, memory foam is beneficial for the back. Due to its ability to take the shape of your body, memory foam can help alleviate back discomfort by reducing spinal misalignment. The stress on your back will be absorbed by the pressure relieving properties of this material.

Memory foam is not the only material that will be excellent for your back, but everyone is different. Here are some things to consider while shopping for a mattress to assist alleviate back discomfort.

What Are The Disadvantages Of Memory Foam Mattress?

Probably the most noticeable drawback of a memory foam mattress is the amount of heat it retains. Memory foam beds don’t allow much air to circulate, which can be uncomfortable if you tend to overheat at night or live in a particularly humid climate. You should think about getting a memory foam mattress with a cooling system, or a hybrid with a memory foam cover and a spring core.

Memory Foam Mattress Do’s and Don’ts

Making a little effort to care for your memory foam mattress will pay dividends when your bed continues to provide the perfect balance of comfort and support for years to come.

1. Don’t Get it Wet

Try not to spill any liquids directly onto the mattress, since this can cause the foam to break down more quickly. If you tend to be a spiller, a mattress protector is a must-have for your bed!

2. Do Use a Suitable Bed Base

Your bed’s base should be solid, level, and free of any large gaps. In the event that your base features slats, make sure they are between 10 and 15 centimeters wide and that the spaces between them don’t exceed 5 centimeters. When there are large gaps between the springs, the mattress will wear out more quickly because of the lack of uniform support. Figure out here what kind of bed frame would work best with your mattress.

3. Don’t Keep it Near Strong Heat Sources

Memory Foam is a heat-sensitive substance, which is why it conforms so well to each person’s unique body shape. Memory foam mattresses should be stored far from any sources of intense heat.

Similarly, the use of electric blankets or hot water bottles on a memory foam mattress is not recommended because the intense heat from these items might compromise the mattress’s performance and even its structure over time.

4. Do Protect it With a Washable Mattress Cover

Most of our mattresses have a cover that can be removed and washed in the event of a spill or stain. You may extend the life of a clean mattress by washing it at 40 degrees.

5. Don’t Make Your Bed!

Last but not least, we recommend breaching a cardinal rule by not making your bed as soon as you wake up. This will let your mattress and bedding to breathe, preventing the buildup of moisture during the night.

Memory Foam Mattress FAQs

Throughout our years in the memory foam industry, we’ve heard all sorts of inquiries from clients. Here are a selection of the most often asked questions, answered:

How Long Will a Memory Foam Mattress Last?

A high-quality memory foam mattress, with proper care, has a lifespan of up to 15 years.

Generally speaking, the longer the lifespan of a memory foam product, the higher the density of the foam it is made from. Spending a little more now will save you a lot of money in the long run from avoiding the hassle of buying a new mattress every few years.

How Often Should a Memory Foam Mattress be Turned?

Never! Our memory foam doesn’t require turning, which is a nuisance if your mattress is really heavy. Turn your memory foam mattress from head to toe every three months.

How Do You Maintain A Memory Foam Mattress?

Simply by adhering to our list of what to do and what not to do with your memory foam mattress! The good news is that memory foam is one of the lowest-maintenance mattress options available.

How do you Deep Clean a Memory Foam Mattress?

Accidental spills and stains are inevitable. Follow these instructions if you ever need to give your mattress a thorough cleaning;

  • Remove the mattress cover and vacuum it with the brush attachment to get rid of dust and dead skin cells that accumulate there.
  • First, clean the mattress, and then sprinkle baking soda over it and let it sit for 24 hours to absorb any lingering odors. After this time has passed, you can vacuum the baking soda out of your mattress and enjoy your brand new bed!
  • Use white vinegar or water mixed with a drop or two of dish soap in a spray bottle for a green alternative to traditional stain removers. Apply the cleaning solution and use a clean sponge to gently scrub the soiled area in a circular motion. Once the mattress has been spot cleaned, baking soda can be used to remove any remaining stains.

Does a Memory Foam Mattress Need to Breathe?

Yes. Having a well-ventilated space can keep mold at bay and your body temperature down all night. Keeping air circulating at night is easier when using a bed frame that has a low profile.

How Do Memory Foam Mattress Topper Work? - NapCloud How Do Memory Foam Mattress Topper Work NapCloud

How Do You Fix A Dip in a Memory Foam Mattress?

Memory foam mattresses might sink or droop if they are composed of low-quality foam and if they aren’t rotated as often as recommended.

After a mattress has begun to sag, your only options are to replace it or add a memory foam topper for increased comfort. Avoiding the problem entirely is much easier if you maintain your mattress well.

Conclusion

Have you found this article to be helpful? Remember that a memory foam mattress is made of a viscoelastic material, meaning that it will deform under pressure but then spring back to its original shape when the force is removed. What makes memory foam truly memorable is this quality.

If you still have questions after reading this, feel free to leave us a comment.

Here are the top eight reasons why you should buy a memory foam mattress.

https://www.memoryfoamwarehouse.co.uk/blogs/news/how-to-care-for-a-memory-foam-mattress

What You Need To Know About How A Memory Foam Mattress Operates

Helen Skeates

Helen Skeates

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