How To Clean A Memory Foam Mattress Pad? A Must Read Guide

At least once a year, if you have a memory foam mattress or a memory foam topper, you should clean it thoroughly.

Cleansing memory foam mattresses is vital since they absorb dirt and odors more easily than other bedding materials.

Step-by-step instructions for washing and sanitizing your memory foam mattress pad may be found in this guide.

What is Memory Foam Made Of?

As a starting point, let’s look at the physical properties of memory foam.

Polyurethane, a polymer (a substance with big molecules, comprised of many small, similar subunits bound together), is the most important component of memory foam. Polyurethane is an incredibly common and versatile plastic polymer that can be used to produce a wide range of materials and products, including furniture like sofas and mattresses, but also products like insulation, liquid paints and primers, spray foam, elastic fibers, car parts, and even tough elastomers like roller blade wheels.

A polyurethane foam known as “viscoelastic” is a “low-resistance” polyurethane foam, or memory foam (LRPu). Polyurethane is mixed with a variety of compounds and additives to make a variety of foams.

Memory foam’s viscosity and elasticity are directly impacted by these substances. There are many ways to describe “viscous” memory foam. By “elastic,” we mean that a material can stretch or contort without losing its original shape or size when a force is applied to stretch it;

In terms of the chemicals they utilize and the techniques they employ to make foam, different manufacturers follow different “recipes.” Each memory foam product has a unique feel and function because of the formulas and procedures used to make it. There are many different types of viscoelastic foams on the market, but all of them have one thing in common: at least some amount of a component called polyether polyol.

How Does Memory Foam Work?

Memory foam mattresses, as described above, are made to conform to the shape of your body over time in reaction to pressure. Once the pressure and weight of the body has been removed, they should return to their natural shape.

How much “force” you put to memory foam affects its response. The foam tends to change shape more slowly, or “reluctantly,” if you apply pressure immediately. It is for this reason that memory foam was originally employed in the construction of space shuttles and other high-impact environments. A mattress made of memory foam has the ability to conform to the shape of your body as it reacts to the pressure it is subjected to and re-shapes itself to fit your curves.

It takes on average 5-10 seconds for memory foam to revert back to its normal shape after a force is removed. The impact’s energy is absorbed and dispersed throughout the healing period. A phenomenon known as “hysteresis,” this time lag reduces some of the pressure (or, impact energy) generated by the prone body, which helps cushion sleepers.

Memory foam’s viscosity reduces with temperature, which is another crucial aspect of how it works. This means that as the temperature rises, it becomes less rigid and more pliable. Your body’s heat boosts the temperature of the sleep surface on memory foam mattresses, which makes them seem softer or more malleable after you’ve been lying down on them for a while.

Different Types of Memory Foam Mattresses

You may get a large variety of memory foam mattresses in a wide range of sizes, shapes, and construction methods. Memory foam comes in a variety of forms, each with its own unique blend of ingredients and manufacturing procedures.

Types of Memory Foam

Memory foam can be divided into three primary categories:

Traditional

Memory foam in its purest form. It was the first time that memory foam was made available to the general public. The above-described construction of traditional memory foam allows it to conform to your body shape. Traditional memory foam has the drawback of retaining heat, which can lead to an uncomfortable sleeping surface temperature. It was partly for this reason that the two additional forms of memory foam were developed.

Open-Cell

There are some differences between open-cell memory foam and regular memory foam. To help dissipate heat and keep the mattress fresh and cool, open-cell memory foam mattresses include “open cells” (internal pockets) that allow for ventilation and circulation.

A lack of density in the original open-cell memory foam mattresses made them seem less supportive, however this has since been improved upon. In spite of this, new manufacturing methods have been devised to address this issue while preserving the open-celled nature of the mattress (and therefore retaining the cooling effect).

Gel

Memory foam that contains gel is also available. Microbeads of gel-based material are typically pumped into the foam of a mattress to add a gel layer. Open-cell mattresses have pockets, and these microbeads form pockets of their own. There are some gels that are “phase-changing” materials, which means they actively absorb and release heat from your body rather than simply letting air through the mattress.

Many current memory foam mattresses, on the other hand, use foams that fall into all three of these categories.

It’s not uncommon for memory foam mattress manufacturers to add additional materials to their mattresses to help keep sleepers cool in the summertime. Copper is one of such materials. When utilized in memory foam mattresses, copper’s high conductivity aids in heat dissipation and moisture wicking. It’s possible to find copper-infused memory foam mattresses that fit all three of the primary categories of memory foam.

The production of more environmentally friendly foams is another emerging breakthrough in memory foam. Greener memory foam mattresses feature a higher percentage of plant-based components than the typical memory foam bed. Soy or maize oil-based compounds and derivatives could be utilized to replace some of the petroleum-based compounds and derivatives now used in the production of regular memory foam. Despite their novelty, these production methods are becoming increasingly widespread as technology advances.

Mattress Construction

Memory foam can be used in a variety of ways in mattresses. As a starting point, there are a variety of various memory foam mattress constructions. However, most memory foam mattresses follow a general structure, even if the individual components vary. The template consists of three parts:

1. Depending on the stiffness of the mattress, the comfort layer is made up of one or more foam layers meant to give contouring and cushioning. In order to keep the sleeping surface cool, many mattress designs include more permeable foams in this area.
2. Between the top and bottom layers of the mattress is a part known as the “transition layer,” which is made up of a variety of different types of foam. Firmer than foam in terms of comfort, and often aid in wicking heat away from the comfort layer of the mattress.
3. The mattress’s core is made up of a number of layers. In many cases, this layer is made of a considerably stiffer foam and is the greatest in size. The other foam layers help to stabilize and support the mattress. The basis of some mattresses, referred to as “hybrid mattresses,” is not foam but rather an innerspring mattress core. Additional bounce and ventilation can be gained by including this into the design.

How to Pick The Right Memory Foam Mattress

Choosing a memory foam mattress is a big decision, and there are a few things you should keep in mind as you begin your search. Here are a few general guidelines when purchasing a memory foam mattress:

Firmness

Mattresses are available in a variety of firmness levels. The firmness of a mattress is often described on a numerical scale ranging from 1 (extremely soft) to 10 (very firm) (very firm). Think of it as a more nuanced Goldilocks and the Three Bears scenario: Some individuals prefer their beds to be very firm, while others prefer them to be very soft.

The soft-firm spectrum is commonly used to characterize most mattresses, whether in-store or online. You can also seek for an Indentation Load Deflection (ILD) rating if that information is missing or isn’t thorough enough. You can think of this as a measure of firmness: greater ILD ratings mean that the mattress will be firmer. Each mattress layer (comfort, transition, support, etc.) has its own ILD score, and the mattress as a whole has an overall ILD score, according to how ILDs are rated. For example, a mattress that has an overall ILD of 10, while one that has an overall ILD of 50, is very soft. In order to get anything in the middle, use these guidelines as your guide.

Density

Density refers to how much actual foam is in each layer of memory foam. Different densities of memory foam are available, including pound-per-cubic-foot measurements (PCF). For the most part, foam that has a higher density is more durable and may be used for longer. Sleeping heated is more of a problem with higher density foams.

Assuming you sleep at a normal temperature, a PFC density of 3.0-5.0 is a fair compromise between longevity and heat retention for average-temperature sleepers.

Thickness

The thickness of a memory foam mattress is measured from the side of the mattress. This is not the same as density: a three-inch piece of foam could have an ILD score of 10 or 50. The thickness of memory foam mattresses ranges from 6 to 14 inches. If you’re looking for a supporting mattress, a thicker mattress is usually better than one that’s thinner. However, this isn’t always the case.

Consider the total thickness of the mattress and the thickness of each layer separately. A minimum of four inches of comfort and transition foam should separate the sleeping surface from the mattress base for memory foam mattresses to perform well. As a result, the mattress will not become too uncomfortable for you to enjoy the benefits of the mattress’s support core.

Standardized Testing Certifications

Additives in low-quality memory foam mattresses can deteriorate the substance, shorten the mattress’s lifespan, and even cause irritation and/or release harmful smells. You should check for a Certipur-US certification while purchasing a mattress. To assure that the memory foam in your mattress is free of substances that could damage it or harm your health, this stamp of approval has been given to it by third parties.

Mercury, lead, heavy metals, or formaldehyde are not permitted in the production of a Certipur-US certified mattress. Additionally, they are free of phthalates (plasticizers that may impair reproductive health) and PBDEs (polybrominated diphenyl ethers) (Polybrominated diphenyl ethers, a flame retardant that is banned in the US for negative health effects, but which is sometimes used in mattress manufacturing abroad). Volatile organic compounds (VOCs), the primary source of the chemical smell associated with off-gassing, are likewise at a reduced level in these certified mattresses.

It’s important checking to see if a mattress has been certified before making a purchase, since this will provide you peace of mind about the quality, longevity, and safety of your mattress.

8 Benefits of a Memory Foam Mattress

#1 Body hugging comfort

Because of its high resiliency and temperature sensitivity, memory foam is a popular choice for mattresses. Foam instantly conforms to your body when you lie on visco elastic. Memory foam mattresses are perfect because of its ability to adjust to the shape of a person’s body.

#2 Ideal for all sleeping positions

Memory foam mattresses can be used in a number of sleeping positions since the material adjusts and evenly distributes the weight of a person’s body. If you prefer to sleep on your stomach or side, you’ll discover that your spine is perfectly aligned with the rest of your body.

#3 Superior motion absorption

Another important benefit of modern memory foam beds is their reduced motion transmission. Memory foam is a fantastic choice for couples because of its capacity to absorb energy and lessen the impacts of movement. The opposite partner is completely unaffected by their companion’s flops or rolls.

#4 Less back and neck pain

Using visco elastic foam allows you to sleep in a position that is both supportive and comfortable. This helps to alleviate long-term neck and back pain issues.

#5 Hypo-allergenic

Memory foam mattresses are an excellent option for allergy sufferers. In addition to repelling mold, mildew, and dust mites, Polyurethane foam is also resistant to pet dander.

#6 Good pressure relief

Too-firm mattresses can cause discomfort in the knees, hips, lower back, and shoulders. This difficulty is eliminated because memory foam evenly distributes the weight of the body across the sleep surface.

#7 Customized support

In the past, memory foam mattresses were known for being too hot to sleep in and having a quick-sand-like texture. Sleeping cooler at night is now possible thanks to enhanced airflow in the newer versions, as well as adjustable support. For the first time, you may now choose from a variety of thicknesses and densities of memory foam mattresses.

#8 Sag free and no sinkage

These days, memory foam mattresses are designed with adaptive materials that are just the right combination of “soft and firm.” The open cell design of the mattress ensures that there will be no sagging over the life of the mattress.

How To Clean A Memory Foam Mattress Pad

What are we waiting for?

Before we get started, here are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to memory foam cleaning.

1. It will take you a whole day to clean and dry your home, so plan accordingly.
2. If you’re going to be cleaning up vomit, blood, or pee stains, give yourself plenty of extra time. In addition to the usual cleaning, these will need to be soaked in a baking soda mixture.
3. Do not wash a mattress pad unless specifically instructed to do so by your mattress maker. It is possible to wash a mattress pad that is not made of memory foam in the washing machine, but all memory foam mattress pads must be hand washed.

This is all settled, so let’s go ahead and start cleaning.

Step 1: Remove The Memory Foam Mattress Pad

To begin the process of washing your mattress pad, remove it from the bed. It’s best to place it in a room with tile flooring that’s well-ventilated. Because you’ll be cleaning the mattress pad with liquids, tile is the safest flooring option.

There are a few options if your carpet or hardwood floors don’t have enough area for the mattress pad. You can either put it on a tarp or put it in your bathroom.

Step 2: Remove Large Debris and Vacuum

Remove any significant particles from your memory foam mattress pad and vacuum it. Eggshell-style pads require extra care when cleaning up the divots, so pay special attention to anything that has made its own hole.

Following the removal of big material from the pad, vacuuming is necessary. Any vacuum with a hose and a soft brush attachment can be used.

Avoid pressing too hard when vacuuming the mattress pad. Use circular motions and a methodical top-to-bottom approach to thoroughly remove any accumulated dust and debris.

Step 3: If You Have Stains or Odors, Take Care Of That First

It’s important to deal with any stains or odors on the mattress pad prior to cleaning it. This procedure is crucial if the mattress pad has even been the unfortunate victim of vomit, urine, or blood.

To remove stains, wet the area first, then sprinkle it with boric acid and dab it until the stain disappears. If this doesn’t remove the stain, you may want to use an enzymatic pet stain cleaning. This aids in the removal of stains that have penetrated the surface of the skin.

Sprinkle baking soda on the mattress pad and let it set for at least 8 hours after removing the stains. As a result of this duration, the baking soda must do its job. Vacuum away the baking soda after eight hours and proceed to the next stage.

Step 4: Spray With Watery-Detergent

The next step is to use a solution of one part laundry detergent to two parts water to clean your mattress pad. If at all possible, use a mild detergent designed for hand washing.

Don’t soak the mattress; instead, apply a thin layer of detergent evenly across the surface.

Afterwards, flip the pad over and spray the other side.

Step 5: Let It Dry

Open the windows and allow the memory foam mattress pad dry out once it has been sprayed down on both sides.

Leaving it overnight is a good idea because you need wait at least eight hours for it to sit.

If the mattress pad is still damp after eight hours, flip it over and let it soak for a few more hours.

Step 6: Vacuum Residue

Once the mattress pad is dry on both sides, use the vacuum to remove any detergent residue.

Step 7: Put It Back On Your Bed

Put the mattress pad back on your bed once you’ve washed, dried and vacuumed away all the debris. Be very attentive about any lingering wetness. In order to avoid mold growth, ensure sure the pad is totally dry before using it.

How Often to Clean a Foam Mattress Pad

The best way to preserve a foam mattress pad in good condition is to spot-clean and remove stains as soon as they occur. When you replace your bed linens, be sure to vacuum the pad as well. This reduces the frequency and difficulty of a complete cleaning. It is recommended to deep clean a foam mattress pad every few months.

Treating Stains on Foam Mattress Pads

Use a spatula or spoon to remove any particles from the surface of any wet spills or stains. Use white paper towels to remove as much wetness as possible. Remove the mattress topper if the spill is large enough to soak through. Make sure to clean the pad on nonporous surfaces such as tile, vinyl or concrete.

As soon as you’ve eliminated as much moisture as possible, dampen the stain in water and sprinkle it with laundry borax. The borax should be worked into the stain with a sponge or a clean cloth until it is completely absorbed. For at least 15 minutes, let the borax rest. Use a vacuum brush attachment or a hand-held vacuum to remove the residue. If required, repeat the process.

Allow the mattress topper to air-dry for at least 24 hours after removing any stains. Depending on how much stain was removed, the drying time may need to be increased.

Blood

2 percent hydrogen peroxide can be used to clear up bloodstains. To prevent the stain from spreading, begin at the edges and work your way toward the middle. As the stain is transferred to a new area of the fabric, switch to a clean one. hydrogen peroxide may yellow and darken the foam but removes the blood while leaving the foam largely unaffected.

Urine and Vomit Odors

To get rid of pee or vomit scents, use laundry borax to clean the area and then sprinkle baking soda over the entire stain. Let it sit for 24 hours and then vacuum it up. Cigarette smoke scents can also be alleviated by this.

Allow the mattress topper to air-dry for at least 24 hours after removing any stains. Depending on how much stain was removed, the drying time may need to be increased.

Tips for Washing Foam Mattress Pads

• Febreze or Ozium commercial odor elimination sprays can be used to freshen foam toppers.
• The mattress pad should be rotated from top to bottom every six months to ensure even wear and tear.
• When it’s hot outside, it’s a good idea to swap out your sheets and mattress coverings on a regular basis.
• To keep dust mites at bay, vacuum the mattress topper at least once a month.
• Using a hair dryer on a foam mattress pad is a bad idea.

Memory Foam Mattress Do’s and Don’ts

With proper care, your memory foam mattress will continue to deliver the perfect combination of comfort and support for years to come, making a little effort worthwhile.

To maintain your mattress looking and feeling like new, follow these simple dos and don’ts.

1. Do Rotate It Regularly

In contrast to many other foam mattresses, our memory foam mattresses do not require turning. In order to prevent depressions from forming in regions of intense pressure, we do recommend rotating it from head to foot about every three months.

2. Don’t Get it Wet

As much as possible, keep liquids from dripping into the mattress’s surface, as this will speed up its decomposition and shorten its life expectancy. Using a mattress protector will help prevent this, especially if you’re prone to messes!

3. Do Use a Suitable Bed Base

Make certain that the foundation of your bed is solid, even, and free of significant gaps. Your base should have 10 to 15cm wide slats with no more than 5cm space between each slat. The mattress will wear out more quickly if there are large gaps between the coils. Use this page to find out what kind of bed base is best for your mattress.

4. Don’t Keep it Near Strong Heat Sources

Memory Foam is a heat-sensitive substance, which explains why it conforms so precisely to the contours of your body. Memory Foam As a result, memory foam mattresses should be kept away from sources of intense heat.

Even electric blankets and hot water bottles are not safe to use in conjunction with memory foam mattresses because they can interfere with their performance and harm its structure.

5. Do Protect it With a Washable Mattress Cover

In most of our mattresses, the mattress cover can be readily removed and washed to maintain it clean and free of stains. Wash your mattress at 40 degrees to keep it looking new for longer.

6. Don’t Make Your Bed!

Finally, we recommend breaking all the rules below, but not making your bed right after waking up. That manner, you can keep your mattress and sheets from overheating by allowing them to breathe.

FAQs

We’ve encountered a wide range of inquiries from clients throughout the course of our many years in the memory foam industry. A some of the most often asked questions;

How Long Will a Memory Foam Mattress Last?

Memory foam mattresses can last up to 15 years if cared for properly!

Memory foam is a long-lasting material, and its density determines how long it will persist in your mattress. As a result, it pays to invest a bit more for a mattress that won’t need replacing in a few years.

How Often Should a Memory Foam Mattress be Turned?

Never! If you have a hefty mattress, turning it can be a hassle. Not so with our memory foam. Instead, turn your memory foam mattress from top to bottom about every three months.

How Do You Maintain A Memory Foam Mattress?

Do and don’ts with memory foam mattresses! Good thing memory foam is one of the easiest mattresses to care for, as it’s one of the least time consuming.

How do you Deep Clean a Memory Foam Mattress?

Life is full of messes, including stains and spills. Follow these methods to thoroughly clean your mattress if the need ever arises.

• Remove the sheets and vacuum your mattress with the brush attachment to remove dead skin cells and dust mites.
• After vacuuming, sprinkle baking soda on the mattress and let it sit for 24 hours to remove bad odors. Vacuum the baking soda off the mattress after this time has passed to reveal a brand new one.
• In order to remove stains, use dishwashing liquid and water, or white vinegar, in a spray bottle for an environmentally friendly cleaning method. Spray the affected area and gently cleanse the stain with a clean sponge in a circular motion. Baking soda can be used to remove tough stains after you’ve cleansed the mattress using a spot treatment.

Does a Memory Foam Mattress Need to Breathe?

Yes. Mold and mildew are prevented by allowing fresh air to circulate throughout the night. Air can circulate better in a bed with an open space underneath the mattress.

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

It’s possible that your present memory foam mattress will sink or droop if it’s constructed of low-quality foam and you haven’t rotated it as often as recommended.

Once the mattress begins to dive, there is nothing you can do but either replace your mattress or use a memory foam mattress topper for additional comfort. Taking proper care of your mattress can prevent this from from happening in the first place!

Conclusion

Mattress pads are not to be mistaken with mattress toppers, another bed accessory that necessitates routine upkeep. Cleaning a memory foam mattress pad is quite similar to cleaning other types of memory foam goods. Avoid soaking or wringing it out, and be sure to dry it completely.

You can use baking soda to sanitize the memory foam pad and then vacuum it clean. However, for stains, spot treatment and air drying are the best options. Make sure to read all the product information on the label before using your mattress pad.