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What is a memory foam mattress?

How is memory foam produced?

Initially developed by NASA in the 1970s, memory foam was originally designed as cushioning for astronauts in space crafts. Now memory foam mattresses are some of the most popular sleeping solutions in the industry. In simple terms, memory foam mattresses are produced by mixing a variety of compounds and alcohols with reacting agents, which are then whipped to a froth and placed in a mould. A heat-releasing reaction causes the foam to form, which goes through an array of heating and cooling processes.

How does memory foam work?

Memory foam is comprised of millions of little holes that adapt to pressure. When pressure is applied, air seeps out of the holes to mould around your body shape. Whilst there are many benefits regarding the comfort and support of pressure-relieving memory foam, it's not very breathable and can raise your body temperature. If it's a deep mattress you're after, memory foam or any all-foam mattress is likely to be your best bet.

Are there any memory foam mattress alternatives?

Latex or gel foam

As mentioned earlier, for all of the benefits of memory foam mattresses, the material is associated with its heat-retention properties. With this in mind, if you're a hot sleeper, you may wish to find a similar mattress option with increased breathability or temperature-regulating qualities. Latex and gel foam mattresses are fantastic alternatives for anyone who sleeps hot whilst also relieving pressure on the parts of the body that require it most. The noticeable difference between a latex and gel mattress is that latex is recognised for a quicker bounce-back rate than memory foam. Foam mattresses require great depth in order to offer spinal support.

Memory foam topper

Alternatively, if you'd like to add an additional touch of comfort to your existing mattress, consider a memory foam mattress topper. The best memory foam mattress topper is likely to bridge somewhat the gap between your existing mattress and a memory foam mattress. Our luxury mattress topper collection can be found here.

What are the available mattress firmnesses with memory foam?

The correct mattress firmness ratings for you depend on your preferred sleeping position. Read below to find the best memory foam mattress for you.

Soft and medium support

Why are memory foam mattresses good or best for preferred side sleepers? A soft mattress or medium firmness level will give you a great night's sleep if you choose to sleep on your side. This is because a softer or medium memory foam mattress can provide high levels of cushioning to pressure points such as the shoulders and hips, consequently relieving pressure and paving the way for a better night's sleep. This will help keep your spine aligned in a healthy position all night long. As a memory foam mattress moulds to your body shape, it offers unparalleled support and comfort to those sleeping in this position.

What's the difference between a soft and a medium memory foam mattress?

Although both mattresses are suitable matches for side sleepers, a soft memory foam mattress is likely to be better suited for those of a lighter stature. A medium mattress is ideal for those of a heavier build as the mattress is able to evenly distribute weight.

Medium firm tension

If you don't have a preferred sleeping position and find yourself tossing and turning throughout the night, a medium firm mattress firmness is an excellent choice. A medium firm memory mattress supports you adequately in every sleeping position all night because it's not too firm or soft and is recognised for its ability to distribute body weight evenly.

Firmer and extra firm support

For anyone who suffers from aches and pains or other health conditions relating to back or joint pain, consider a firm or extra firm memory foam mattress. The additional support targets and combats these ailments. If you find yourself sleeping on your stomach and back, a firmer mattress is likely your best option. This is due to firmer support promoting healthy spine alignment in this position and pressure relief. The best memory foam mattress featuring a firm tension will provide excellent support without compromising the mattress's comfort offerings. If you're on the search for the best mattress for back pain, our collection is sure to feature the perfect solution for you.

Hybrid memory foam mattresses

Whilst you may favour our full foam mattress range, we feature an extensive range of hybrid mattresses of which further information can be found below.

Pocket springs

Many of our memory foam mattresses combine springs into their design to create a hybrid memory foam mattress. Pocket sprung systems incorporate springs that move individually, offering fantastic support that complements the body-moulding nature of memory foam mattresses. The targeted support of a pocket-sprung core with the sumptuous body moulding properties of memory foam offers unprecedented comfort.

Reflex foam

You will often find that all-foam mattresses are only partially made from memory foam. Instead, there are layers of reflex foam or high-density foam at the base of the bed, with the memory layer residing at the top. With this in mind, the term 'full memory foam mattresses' refers to a combination of foams used to comprise the mattress's internal structure.

Memory foam mattress brands

At Mattressman, we stock many brands which feature some of the best memory foam mattresses. These trusted sleep experts and brands include Relyon, Silentnight, Sealy, Emma, SleepSoul and Restopaedic. For a cheap memory foam mattress, by price, not quality, explore our extensive range.

What sizes does our collection consist of?

Whether it's a small single memory foam mattress, a super king size option or anything in between, we feature memory foam beds for every sleeper. Our collection also consists of European and special sizing options. If you'd like further insight into UK standard mattress sizes, such as king size mattress dimensions, for example, or anything else related to mattress sizes, check out our mattress buying guide.

What's the best mattress size for me?

When settling on your new mattress, size is the most important consideration and you should take your bedroom's available space into account before any purchase. For instance, if you sleep alone or are buying on behalf of a child, a single memory foam mattress could be the ideal choice. On the other hand, a double, king or super king size memory foam mattress is perfect if you;re searching for a spacious sleeping solution. If you're undecided, we recommend a double memory foam mattress where you'll benefit from a spacious bed that'll likely leave enough space for the rest of your furnishings.

Shopping with Mattressman

Free delivery

Not only can you rely on our memory foam mattress collection for affordable prices and superb quality, but our memory foam collection also qualifies for free-next-working-day delivery (08.00 am - 06.00 pm).

60 - night sleep trial

We understand how challenging it can be ordering a mattress online and therefore your new memory foam mattress is eligible for our 60-night sleep trial, provided it's purchased alongside a mattress protector. For the best memory foam mattress at an even greater price, you can rely on Mattressman. With the choice of either a spring and foam composition or a full memory foam mattress, we're confident we'll feature your next mattress.

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