How is a memory foam mattress made?
Initially developed by NASA in the 1970s, memory foam was 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 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.
What are the available mattress firmnesses with memory foam?
The correct 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. Because a memory foam mattress moulds to your body shape, it offers unparalleled support and comfort to those sleeping in this position.
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 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 an extra firm mattress firmness. 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.
Hybrid memory foam mattresses
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.
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.
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, Sleepeezee, Silentnight, Sealy, British Bed Company, Healthosleep, SleepSoul, Snuggle Beds and Restopaedic.
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
Your new memory foam mattress is eligible for our 60-night sleep trial, provided it's purchased alongside a mattress protector.