Memory foam in itself is an acceptable material as a comfort layer, coming second to latex and exceeding low weight polyester. It is comforting and cradling and more importantly, relatively durable. It does take a week or so to get used to the completely different sensation memory foam offers as a comfort layer, but when you do you, you will realise why it has become so popular. However.. It does have its share of pros and cons that is not mentioned in any sales literature you will read and most definitely you will not be told about.
First of all, understand that there are only two usual methods of using memory foam in a mattress.
1. As a comfort layer on top of a traditional spring system such as pocket springs.
2. As a comfort layer on top of a foam mattress.
I have tried and sampled most models from most manufacturers and can assure you that all memory foam mattresses are NOT created equal. To understand the differences between models and ultimately the pricing anomalies of what seems to be identical products, you really have to understand the basics as well as the hype and jargon.
What is the make up of a Memory Foam mattress?
The basic structure of a memory foam mattress is quite simple. A layer of memory foam is laminated (glued) to a layer of High Density base foam – also commonly known as Reflex® Foam although there are several foam converters other than British Vita making a similar high density foam product. This ‘mattress’ is then wrapped in a removable fabric covering.
The memory foam layer is the important part of this construction. It can come in various depths, usually: 2.5cm / 5cm / 7cm / 10cm / 12cm In this case – More is not necessarily better. The agreed optimum standalone depths are 5-7cm.
Memory Foam is manufactured in various densities, usually measured by kilograms per square meter (kg/m3). The most popular densities are: 55 – 65kg/m3 up to 85 kg/m3. A description should at the very least tell you this information. It can also be identified by a V Rating; such as V60 for a 60kgm3 density. Same for V55, V40 or whatever.
Some MF mattresses utilise a combination layer system. For example, 1″ of Supersoft (Low Density – usually V40) MF laminated to an underlying 1″ or so, of a firmer MF and so forth. The combinations on offer at present have now reached ridiculous levels. Any wonder the confusion exists.
There is also the Summer / Winter (or Dual Season) mattress either on a pocket spring unit or cage sprung unit. A memory foam layer on one side and (usually) Polyester wadding on the other. This combination is not overly expensive and offers a compromise to people who find memory foam too warm for use in the summer months. If the asking price is comparable to a one sided memory foam mattress then it may be a viable consideration.
How do you decide what density is best? The density of memory foam causes the most unnecessary confusion and is the subject of much hype and mis-selling. I always say ‘aim for the best – pay the least’. There is no argument that 85kgm3 is superior in quality to 65kgm3, it’s common sense. An 85kgsm has more raw ingredients in the material – hence it being heavier, but, a 65kgm3 is just as good.
A good rule of thumb is that:
The higher the density the firmer it will be.
The lower the density, the softer it will be.
The higher the density – the longer the response (rebound) time will be.
The higher the density [may] mean the more heat it retains.
As a comfort layer on foam 55-65kgm3 is the most common combination from nearly all manufacturers. Somewhat softer than a 85kgm3, but if you are getting it at a good price you wont be regretting it. Just because an 85 is a better quality dosn’t neccessarily mean that it will suit your needs any better. A person with a light bodyweight may find it too firm for example.
What are the density cons? It’s simple really. Unless you know what to look for there is no foolproof way for a consumer to tell what the actual density is. Therefore, a salesman could tell you that the mattress contains a 85kgm3 memory foam layer when in actual fact is a standard 58 – 65. Bear in mind that Memory Foam can come in as low as 40kgm3 – often described as supersoft.
I have also seen mattresses described as Memory Foam but contain nothing more than differing densities of standard Reflex foam. Be careful out there!
In reality, the selling price of the mattress will be the best determining factor. A 1000 pocket sprung double mattress with an acceptable 2″ memory foam layer (60kgm3) should not be costing you much more than £350. – £400 If you are asked to pay more than this then shop around a bit more. The main question you should be asking is how deep is the memory foam layer? Just because a description states that a matttress contains memory foam could mean that the depth can be as low as 1cm – practically worthless.
The longevity of Memory Foam was once described as in excess of ten years. Back then, the price commanded for Memory Foam was in the several hundreds and so it made commercial sense to advertise the product as long lasting and so on. In my view it turns out that Memory Foam starts to slowly lose its recovery properties after about three years or so, and you will see on most warranties for Memory Foam/Combi mattresses that a disclaimer is written in that ‘a permanent indent of three quarters of an inch or less WILL NOT warrant replacement’.
What depth of memory Foam should you look for?
On a sprung mattress the depth is usually 2″. This is generally regarded as the optimum depth and it is unusual to find a layer with a higher depth than this. It is also unusual to find a mattress with dual sided memory foam – although they are on the market and to me seems rather unnecessary. Always weigh up the cost implications with a double sided MF mattress. Is it better to replace sooner and pay less? or keep your mattress longer and pay more?
On a Memory Foam / Reflex Foam combination mattress the depth of MF should again be at least two inches. Depths less than this on a high density foam base are deemed to be budget or economy levels. As a comfort layer on a sprung mattress it is usually 1″ with another layer of foam or 2″ in isolation or even 2″ laminated to a 1″ layer of Reflex Foam. As with Memory Foam on foam, the combinations and detail that can be utilised are enormous.
Your weight should be an important influence on the depth you choose. How so?
When your body heat softens the MF you sink down into the material. If you are light you sink in a little. If you are heavy – you sink in a lot. What you have to decide on is how far do you want to sink? Remember, If you sink in too much you will be sleeping in a hollow or dip that wont recover until it has cooled down and so makes it difficult to move once your body heat has made the impression.
Why the vast variations on price? When looking at memory foam mattresses you really do have to compare ‘like for like’. I admit this is easier said than done which you will probably soon find out. The three most important aspects of comparison are:
* The depth of memory foam in the mattress
* The density of the memory foam.
* The price for just these two measures
Anything more than this are only add-ons that make the mattress more suitable to you. The price differences you will see reflects all the bells and whistles that have been added on to the mattress basics. For example;
* It may have a high tech moisture control fabric such as Outlast / Climasmart / Coolmax /
* The foam support layer(s) may be vented / zoned / convoluted etc, to channel air
* The memory foam layer(s) may be layered in varying densities
Summary: When Memory Foam is used as a comfort layer on pocket springs it is exceptionally comfortable and more importantly, far durable than a mattress with a polyester comfort layer. It does not really make a bit of difference about density as long as the mattress is comfortable. The price will/should always reflect the quality of the foam anyway.
The heat properties associated with memory foam on foam combi mattresses is not as great (but is there) when used on any sprung mattress as there is plenty of natural ventilation through the springs. However, some people really are overly sensitive to night heat – if this is you then avoid any memory foam mattress. Memory foam on foam does have a much reported reputation for being ‘too’ warm for the reason that there is no practical ventilation through foam. It is a heat retentive mix and that can be a downside to some people. However, there are equally as many people who do not seem to notice this as a problem. For example, those of you who need an electric blanket in the midst of Summer.
Finally.. Memory Foam mattresses may not suit everybody but to some it is seen as a Godsend. I would also say that for those of you looking for cheap mattresses – for spare room, children etc, a memory foam mattress at the lower price spectrum will be far superior than any cage sprung mattress of a similar retail price.
The memory foam industry is a massive multi million pound market and hence wide open for unscrupulous traders willing to part you with your money and will tell you anything in order to do so. Buying a memory foam mattress is a minefield in itself and no doubt you have found this out already.
Personally, Ryan and I do not like memory foam at all hence the reason why no Memory foam mattreses are offered on our site. The cons far outweigh the pros and the retail prices commanded for some products are practically obscene. Latex is a far superior product that offers a substantially better and beneficial sleep experience. The latex mattresses we sell are extremely price competitive in comparison and therefore find no need to sell a substandard memory foam product.
Related Posts:
What is Tempur Memory Foam?
Fabrics Used On Memory Foam
What a lot of information and now I think I am more confused ! I need to purchase 2 double and 4 single beds and mattresses for my new holiday cottage business. I need good value but really want the guests commenting on how well they slept and comfortable beds are key to thier stay. Your knowledge would be greatly appreciated.
Hi Lise. The scandalous thing is, is that it really does not need to be confusing at all. With more than 4000 or so different mattress models out there, coupled with precious little information on the differences between them, along with pseudo and nonsensical terms for simple components it is no small wonder that you and everyone else just ends up sticking a pin in a list and hope upon hope for the best.
There are only two basics that you need to know:
The Spring Support:
The Fillings:
There are only 2 basic spring supports – Open Coil / Pocket Springs
There are about 10 basic fillings used in a mattress – Polyester / Wool / Cotton / Foams inc Latex / hairs and natural fibres.
So what can be causing the confusion?
Considering there are well over 100 manufacturers, each vying for a piece of the hugely profitable mattress pie they will be introducing trademarked names for the components they [and only they] will be using. Harrisons use their Revolution Spring System, Sealy use their Posturetech spring system, Silentnight use their Miracoil Spring System, Somnus use their Sensa Pocket Spring System, and so on and on .. and on!
Not content with this, you are also being confused as to what fillings are the best. Is wool from The Shetland Isles viably better than plain old British Fleece Wool? Is polyester better than foam? Is memory foam better than synthetic latex etc
One hundred or so manufacturers will be telling you that their products are the best. Unless you know a few of the basics you will have no idea on which course of questioning to pursue.
I hope that you have found what we say on this site gives you the confidence to question what it is you are being asked to hand over your money for. Our new site [launching very shortly] contains twice as much info as this one does and hopefully it will make your choices so much easier.
As for your requirements for guest house operations. I would say that The Origins Pocket Reflex will be your best choice. Use that particular model as a starting point and as a means of comparison to all others in that particular price range. John and Ryan.
Hi, Re your comments about foam mattresses. My daughter and her partner have a foam mattress (bought in Germany}. It is 10 years old now and is as good as new. When my wife and I visit, they give up their bed for us. This is because I have arthritic problems. When I wake up during the night to pay a visit, I feel truly, truly weightless lying there, no other mattress has had this effect upon me. For me, foam mattresses are unbeatable. Thanks for the chance to comment.
John / Ryan… wonderful advice. I’m not going to buy a memory foam matress and will be looking into latex matresses to help with sore joints (shoulders and a very sore back.. although it’s a mine field !)… products include latext with memory foam, latext with memory foam and springs, latex with memeory foam, foam adn springs the list is endless ! My budget is about £350-400 and I’ve also been suggested a breathable visco from visco-pro.com (deluxe model).
although your recommendations would be appreciated
Thanks
J Mann
Hi Jashpal. I’m afraid your budget is not that great for a latex matt and the best we can offer is the Origins Pocket 1500. Obviously dependent on your bodyweights, this will be supportive and also offers significant comfort layers for your bad back etc, Please feel free to give us a call to discuss further. John and Ryan.
Hello
can you please advise on Kaymed…. Are they superior to Tempur… especially their memort foam range which goes up to a product called Kaymed 7000 roll up mattress … is it genuine and any good ?
Thanks in advance.
Hi J. I think you know our views on all Memory Foam mattresses. It would be like comparing baked beans – fundamentally they are all the same but the marketing and advertising spin used gives you the impression that they are different and somehow one is better than the other.
Tempur is considered to be the market leader, and Kaymed can also be ranked within the top five of Memory Foam manufacturers. Tempur would not produce roll up mattresses as this would devalue their brand. Kaymed 7000 is not [their] premium mattress – the 7000 refers to the depth of memory foam used in the roll up models (70mm of memory foam). I must say that for less than £300 it is a better buy (pound for pound) than many other memory foam mattresses on offer (check out Breasley’s Flexcell 700) and do your comparisons that way.
Hope this helps but please do not consider it an endorsement. Ryan and I would wholeheartedly advise against any Memory Foam mattress. John and Ryan.
the single beds we have in a holiday cottage need replacing. The beds get used infrequently but mainly adults and need to remain single beds. we don’t want to spend an enormous amount and was thinking memory foam may be the answer but reading your comments about memory foam are now having second thoughts. if we buy a pocketsprung with topper is there a minimum number of springs there should be?
Hi Rachel, The minimum pocket springs available are 800 in a king size and the general minimum will be 1000 again in a kingsize. ANY pocket sprung mattress will be far superior than a cage sprung / Bonnell system. The price difference for a manufacturer between 800 and 1000 is so minimal I do not inderstand why they use an 800 unit at all.
However, as you are looking for holiday lets I am all too familiar with what can happen to mattresses in this situation. Using a topper would be absolutely paramount on top of any mattress. Replacing this will be a lot more economical should the worst happen. In your situation I would invest in a good supportive 1000 pocket sprung mattress without paying over the odds for it -1000 -1250gsm polyester should be a minimum standard – Bear in mind that a wadding layer, or indeed wadding layers of around 2500 – 3500gsm is considered high end but these weights can only be achieved with equally high end natural upholstery such as wools and cottons etc. Weigh up if the quality has to be compromised to fit your budget.
Ryan and I bang on endlessly about the virtues of the topper / protector. This should be seen as the mattress’ ‘virtual’ primary layer. Doing this will increase the lifespan of the mattress and provide an increased comfort level. When you see that the topper is due for renewal because of settlement, indents or any other reason, the mattress beneath should still be in a relatively ‘as new’ condition.
Of course, the more luxurious topper content [feather/ down / latex etc] the better [for your guests but unfortunately not for your budget] You will only using the mattress beneath as the support element and the topper / protector as the comfort. It is good practice to use this method when doing any mattress comparisons.
So sorry Rachel for the delay in replying to this, a bit busy at the moment – out all day and in late at night syndrome. Please give either of us a call if we can help you further (it’s a lot quicker that way) . Many thanks. John.