Memory foam manufacturing companies promise clients a healthy, sound and comfortable sleep. However, different models differ from each other in fillers, moreover, the quality of some of them leaves much to be desired. You can learn about its advantages and how to choose the right products with a memorable effect from this article.
Mattresses with memory effect have high anatomical and healing properties
Sleeping products with body shape memory can be either spring or springless. Most companies produce spring products with several fillings.
Memory Spring Mattress
Today there are two types of memory foam.
- Thermoelastic. This type of material needs warmth. A good effect can be obtained only after heating. It's cheap. Approximately 800 dollars.
Thermoelastic foam takes on body shape after exposure to heat, does not work in cold rooms - Viscoelastic. Products with this type of foam are of higher quality and are adaptable to any temperature. But it also costs more – up to 3 thousand dollars.
Viscoelastic foam works equally well at any room temperature
Selecting a mattress – latex or memory foam
Difference between a regular mattress and a memory foam mattress
Memory foam mattresses appeared at the end of the last century, while latex mattresses are considered a new product. Therefore, their fame is growing exponentially. However, wild popularity and quality are two different things. What is better to choose?
Latex and memory foam mattress provide cozy comfort
Below are the negative and positive aspects of the memory foam material, on the basis of which you can draw appropriate conclusions and choose the best purchase option.
Prices: summary comparison table
| Pillow name | Characteristics | Price | Grade | |||
| Size | Filler | Material | Degree of support | |||
| TRELAX Respecta P05 M | 38 × 60 × 10/12 cm | polyurethane foam, silver ions | cotton 100%, pillowcase 35% lyocell, 65% polyester | average | 4 938 | 5,0 |
| Blue Sleep | 46 × 36 × 11 cm | Memory Granular Foam | Belgian knitwear, 60% polyester, 40% lyocell | average | 7 439 | 4,9 |
| Askona Beauty Dream | 38 × 59 × 11 cm | foam + shape memory | Outlast | elastic | 6 590 | 4,9 |
| Fosta F 8021 | 50 × 30 × 10/12 cm | polyurethane foam | polyester 100% | average | 2 050 | 4,7 |
| SONNO MYST | 60 × 42 × 12 cm | latex adaptive Visco | cotton 50%, microfiber 50% | elastic | 2 841 | 4,6 |
| Luomma LumF-515 | 31 × 52 cm rollers 9/14 cm, without blocks – 5/10 cm | polyurethane foam | polycotton, bamboo fiber pillowcase | average | 2 410 | 4,5 |
| Sortex Memory foam | 50 × 29 × 12 cm | polyurethane foam | knitwear, three-layer air-mesh, polyester pillowcase | average | 1 965 | 4,2 |
Features of memory foam mattresses
They take on the shape of the body in the shortest period of time and remember it for the entire period of load on them. At the same time, the pressure on the spine and joints is reduced. This is due to the porosity of the product and smooth transformation.
Memory foam mattresses received this name due to their unique feature of perfectly adapting to the body shape of each person.
Manufacturers often note that safe and environmentally friendly material is used in production. As a rule, most companies actually confirm this in practice.
High-quality filler in this category has a fairly high customer rating
Disadvantages of memory foam mattresses
Any sleep product has its downsides and this one is no exception to the rule.
- High price. You can't buy a quality product cheaply.
- At first there may be an unpleasant odor. This is due to the chemicals used in manufacturing. Typically, the pungent odor disappears after 2-3 weeks of use.
- It takes a certain period of time to get used to the purchase. This is also necessary for the product to “remember” the shape of the body. This is due to the so-called “plasticine effect,” which is that it can be difficult for a person who is unaccustomed to roll over to the other side.
- Excessive filler density. This causes poor air flow. Therefore, in warm weather it is hot to lie on them.
How to choose a memory foam mattress
Memory foam effect during and after use
They have become especially popular in medical institutions and this is no coincidence. They are suitable primarily for those who suffer from various forms of osteochondrosis. There are no contraindications to them, although some doctors do not recommend using them.
When choosing such a product, the density of the foam plays an important role. High density guarantees good quality and long service life (at least 8 years). If there are other fillers, you need to check their allergenicity. If there are still additional impurities, it is also recommended to buy a cover made of natural material.
Memory foam mattress in section with main characteristics
Types and principle of operation
Memory Foam can be thermoplastic or viscoplastic. The first option is a budget option and copes with its functions only at a certain temperature. The second one is of much better quality and always works.
Under the influence of a person’s temperature and weight, the memory begins to follow the contours of his body. It’s as if you find yourself in a pleasant viscous “swamp” or weightlessness. The spine, joints and muscles are unloaded, blood flow is normalized. As soon as you rise, the material will return to its original shape. This usually takes no more than 10 seconds.
Benefits of memory foam mattresses
Material with a “memory” effect reacts to heat and pressure applied to it; it literally “melts,” carefully enveloping the body and taking its shape
Memory foam, unlike its analogues, has many advantages.
- Accept any body shape. Therefore, they are suitable even for people with heavy weight. Since the maximum load is 200 kilograms.
In terms of comfort, this product cannot be compared even with the most expensive spring mattress - Excellent orthopedic effect. Due to this, the load on the joints and spine is minimal.
- No possibility of harmful organisms appearing due to high density and porosity.
The material used as filler has a powerful antimicrobial effect - Hypoallergenic when using one filler.
- Long service life. On average it is 8 years.
- It’s warm to sleep in this mattress even in the coldest winter.
- Ideal for co-sleeping. It does not transmit vibrations, so the second person will not feel the movements of the first person's body.
The porous structure of the material with a “memory” effect allows air to pass through well, maintaining constant ventilation and providing heat and moisture exchange
History of memory foam
Initially, the memory foam material was created by NASA specifically for astronauts. This technology was intended to reduce the load on the spine during takeoff, but was never used in practice, since it turned out that certain factors would affect the release of gases harmful to the space environment.
Material with “shape” memory came into everyday life from the space industry
But the Swedes continued the work of the American company. In the 80s, a new substance was created - viscoelastic, which had a “memory function” and at the same time did not bring any side effects, and soon, in the 90s, the first trial mattresses with “memory foam” were released. They were originally used medicinally, but soon became widely sold and used at home.
The unique properties of the filler were obtained as a result of processing polyurethane foam with a special foaming method
History of the creation of the material
It all started in the 60s, when the Ames Research Center, responsible for developments within the framework of the NASA space program, entered into a contract with Stencel Aero Engineering Corporation, according to which this organization was to develop a new material for seats for astronauts and Air Force pilots. It had to have three key properties:
In 1966, under the leadership of Charles A. Yost and Chiharu Kubokawa, the required material was finally obtained. It was a special type of highly elastic polyurethane foam that responded to temperature and was characterized by an open cell shape. It is curious that the inventors themselves called this material “slow springing foam.” The commercial name Memory Foam, by which it is known today, arose much later.
After the material successfully passed tests in the aviation and space fields, Charles A. Yost decided to find commercial applications for it. To do this, he founded the company Dynamic Systems, with which the promotion of memory foam to the masses began. But before becoming one of the world's most popular mattress fillers, elastic foam was first tested in the medical industry. There it was used to equip hospital beds in burn rehabilitation centers, X-ray machine tables, wheelchair cushions and beds for paralyzed patients. A little later, memory foam was noticed by manufacturers of helmets and other sports equipment. Over time, its production process gradually began to become cheaper, and the number of areas purchasing it for their needs was actively growing. But the real boom in Memory Foam began in the 90s, after the American company Tempur-Pedic launched the first soft orthopedic memory foam mattress available to a wide range of customers. Today, similar products can be seen in every bedding store. Some consider them revolutionary, others criticize them, but one thing is for sure: very few mattress fillers can boast such an unusual and fascinating history of their creation.
Is the odor from memory foam dangerous?
Various speculations surround shape memory mattresses; there are even opinions about the dangers of the innovative material due to the unpleasant odor. Let's see, perhaps these attacks are not groundless.
It is based on a hydrocarbon organic polymer – polyurethane foam. The conclusion about the harmlessness of this substance is confirmed by a world organization that studies the levels of evaporation of by-products during operation.
It is necessary to read the label carefully, as unscrupulous manufacturers may add dangerous chemicals that, according to the EU, are carcinogenic. The following are used as preservatives, fire-resistant compounds, and various impregnations:
- formaldehyde;
- chlorofluorocarbons;
- methylene chlorides.
These components create an unpleasant odor. The presence of the listed toxic compounds indicates a deviation from the production technology standards. You should not buy them, they are not safe for health.
What criteria do you use to choose memory foam mattresses?
The “memory effect” in mattresses is based on the temperature difference between room air and the human body
When purchasing, it is necessary to discuss the conditions for returning the product in case it does not fit or turns out to be defective. If the purchase is made in an online store, the conditions are the same. To protect yourself from a bad choice, you can look for user reviews on forums, where you can also find various recommendations for use. For example, how to eliminate an unpleasant odor.
So, let's start with the wrapper - this is the case. There is no need to downplay its importance. It is better to choose covers made from materials such as velor and cashmere, because they are more practical and will last longer.
Fabrics for protective mattress covers – cashmere, velor and jacquard
The most important criterion when choosing is density, on which the price depends. Density indicates the ratio of mass to volume (kg/cm3). The minimum density value is 30 kg/cm3, high density is 90 kg/cm3. The service life directly depends on this indicator. Products with low density will last about 5 years, with high density - up to 10 years.
Springless mattress Neo Sonline based on elastic foam AEROLAT, with winter-summer effect
When purchasing, it is important to pay attention to convenience. Therefore, do not hesitate to lie on each of the candidates, try your favorite position to understand which mattress is right for you. Take your time with the choice - compare prices and quality, because a properly selected mattress is a guarantee of healthy sleep.
The springless three-layer mattress of the Ocean series, due to thermoregulation technology and the “enveloping” effect, restores strength faster
Recommendations for selection
If you are interested in a smart mattress with a memory effect, then you should carefully consider the issue of choice. I'll give you some tips on this:
- Determine what density and hardness you prefer;
- Test the mattress in the store by lying on it in different positions;
- Research several suitable firmness options from different manufacturers, as the feel may vary;
- Make sure you can turn on the air conditioner in the summer and cool the room;
- Look at the composition indicated by the manufacturer. The presence of formaldehyde is not allowed;
- Examine the type of cover and its presence. It is better to choose mattresses that come with covers made of natural materials with winter and summer sides;
- Discuss the warranty period, the possibility of returns and exchanges.
Smart mattresses using special foam as a filler are a fairly new product on the domestic market, which is why the level of trust is still insignificant. Buyers are scared by such a high price.
Such mattresses have a number of advantages, although there are also disadvantages. Think, weigh all the arguments and make a final decision.
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How to care for memory foam products?
Dust and dirt do not accumulate in polyurethane foam products, and the growth of microbes is practically impossible. According to doctors, they are suitable even for allergy sufferers. They are easy to care for: they do not need to be dried, ventilated or whipped. This makes life much easier for the happy user.
To restore their elasticity, it is enough to turn mattresses over occasionally, but you can do without it. With these simple care rules, it will last about 10 years.
Remember
- An orthopedic pillow does not guarantee immediate relief from pain and snoring. But it can be used to prevent neck and back diseases.
- An orthopedist does not prescribe an orthopedic pillow, but may recommend one.
- Decide on the size of the pillow. To do this, measure your shoulder height and remember the position in which you sleep.
- The surface and filling of the pillow depend on individual sensations.
- To ensure that the pillow retains its orthopedic properties, follow the rules for caring for the pillow: air, shake and wash the covers according to the instructions on the label. When not in use, store it in a fabric case.
Orthopedic memory foam pillow, what is it?
Memory Foam Pillows
Among a variety of pillows with various fillings, these products can relieve insomnia. It differs in shape, density and size. This is a real godsend for those who experience pain in the spine.
Increasingly, when choosing a pillow, buyers pay attention to series with memory effect, relieving tension in the back of the neck
The therapeutic effect that a memory pillow has also helps ensure normal breathing, get rid of snoring during sleep, and relaxes the whole body.
These pillows perfectly support the head and neck of a sleeping person in the correct position.
A unique product - highly elastic and durable foam included in the composition - provides comfort and relaxes all the muscles of the cervical region. After sleeping on such a pillow, a person feels fresh and rested. It is effective for headaches. Because it ensures proper blood circulation. Orthopedists have long recommended patients to use this development.
Memory foam is a completely artificial option, so it rarely causes allergies.
It will take time to get used to your purchase. Foam changes properties depending on temperature and other factors. Therefore, it may seem that the pillow is too hard or hard.
If you are used to sleeping on a soft, voluminous down pillow, memory foam may feel quite hard at first.
In conclusion, it is worth saying that correctly selected sleep products are an excellent investment in your health!
Who are memory pillows and mattresses suitable for?
An orthopedic pillow with a “smart” filler can be used for therapeutic and preventive purposes.
Experts advise sleeping on it and eating:
- there was pain in the neck;
- suffer from osteochondrosis, curvature and other problems with the spine;
- I often have a headache in the morning.
Thanks to the correct anatomical position and reducing the load on the vertebrae, joints, and improving blood circulation, you will gradually get rid of unpleasant symptoms. Your sleep will become more sound and restful.
Memoryx mattresses are good for people over 50 years of age and anyone with impaired blood flow or pathologies of the musculoskeletal system and joints. This is also a real find for men and women with a large body weight, because “memory foam” can withstand weight up to 200 kg.
Even if everything is in order with your design and health, this unique product will come in handy. It will help you relax, take a complete break from stressful workdays, and reduce the influence of external negative factors. The heaviness from the chest area and head will go away. Only those who are prone to excessive sweating and have specific diseases should stop using Memory Foam.
