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Memory Foam Review
A complete memory foam review involves a review of two major
considerations, the density and thickness of the memory foam.
For a complete list of our
memory foam mattress pads please see our memory foam review.
The density of memory foam is measured in pounds. High quality
memory foam will have a density ranging from 3-5lbs. Memory foam
that is 2lbs or less is very cheap and will not exhibit the extraordinary
properties for which memory foam is known. Much of the 2lb memory
foam sold is coming from China and is sold in major department
stores as memory foam. It is in fact of such an inferior quality
that it is not much different from ordinary polyurethane foam.
What are the properties that high quality memory foam will display?
In our memory foam review we want to describe in detail the properties
you should look for in good memory foam. You have probably all
seen the advertisement which shows someone dropping a steel ball
on the memory foam pad and the ball does not bounce. This is
because high quality memory foam will absorb the motion and the
weight of the ball. Lower quality memory foam will not do this.
If a steel ball is dropped on the foam the ball will bounce up
or bounce up slightly. This absorbing quality of memory foam
is ideal for sleep with 2 partners. As we have all experienced
with an inner spring mattress one partner can feel the motion
of the other partner. This will not be the case with memory foam.
The motion of each partner will be absorbed by the foam so that
neither feels the motion of the other.
In our memory foam review we will explain why both density and
thickness are important and why you would want to choose one
type of memory foam over another. The density of memory foam
is determined by the manufacturer by analyzing the weight of
one cubic foot of the foam. If the memory foam has a density
of 4lbs then a cube measuring 12” on all 6 sides would
weigh 4lbs. Memory foam is a very dense material by nature. For
example: A full size 3 inch thick 5lb density mattress pad will
weigh around 35lbs. It is this density that gives memory foam
its exceptional cushioning properties. The most firm memory foam
will be 5lb memory foam and this will be the most expensive type.
The high price is due to the bulk of the material used and is
not necessarily the best type of foam for comfort. The next most
firm is the 3lb foam and after this, 4lb memory foam is the softest
type, though it is not too soft. In general we have found that
4lb memory foam is the most popular weight. Basically the conclusion
to our memory foam review is that 4lb memory foam is ideal. It
is not too firm or too soft. It is just right. Our contour memory
foam pillows are an ideal 4lb density. Please
see our contour memory foam pillows review.
The recovery time of memory foam is
directly related to density. The recovery time of memory foam
is how fast the foam will conform to your shape when you first
lay down or when you change positions. The higher density the
memory foam the slower the recovery time. Again we have found
that a 4lb density offers the best recovery time compared to
3lb and 5lb density products. When you move from position to
position the 4lb memory foam moves with you and you feel you
are sleeping on a cloud. A 3lb memory foam topper will also move
with you as you change positions but at a slightly faster rate.
The 5lb memory foam moves at a much slower rate so that when
you change positions you may tend to fall back into your old
position. You may feel like you have to pull yourself out of
a hole every time you want to move. For this reason we recommend
5lb memory for those who do not move much when they sleep. Tempur
Pedic sells 5lb memory foam. Tempur Pedic foam has a reputation
for being very firm and for a person feeling the sensation of
the foam pulling them into the mattress pad.
In our memory foam
review we will also consider the thickness of the memory foam.
For memory foam to be effective it only needs to be 2 inches
thick. Please see our 2 inch memory
foam topper review. However,
that does not mean that you will fully benefit from the cushioning
properties memory foam offers with only 2 inches of memory foam.
To achieve the softest feel memory foam products need to be thicker.
The thicker material allows the memory foam to compress more;
this in turn has a cradling effect on the body. If you are a
larger person you should also look for a memory foam product
thicker than 2 inches. A 3 inch memory foam pad is ideal. Please
see our 3 inch memory foam pad review.
The conclusion of our
memory foam review is that a thickness of 2 inches or 3 inches
is ideal but a thickness of 4 inches or more may be too thick
and bulky.
The cushioning properties of memory foam are very beneficial.
Since your whole body is in contact with the sleep surface the
amount of pressure exerted on the skin is greatly reduced. This
helps to relieve pain associated with pressure points. It also
increases circulation so your arm doesn’t “fall asleep” if
you roll over on it. Memory foam cradles your body and helps
to align your spine while you sleep. This will reduce stiffness
in joints, especially for those who suffer from arthritis. But
be sure and select a memory foam of high quality that is ideal
for you.
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