A memory foam mattress differs from a traditional spring mattress in the way that they support your body. A traditional spring mattress uses limited number of springs to support your body. When using springs, there will often be pockets of space among your body and the mattress which is unsupported. Memory foam is a viscoelastic foam material and you may think of it as having countless number of tiny “springs” which would support more of your body than a spring mattress.

The Benefits of a Memory Foam Mattress
When you lie on a memory foam mattress, it would sense the pressure from your body and molds its shape flawlessly to your body. You may think of it as a custom mattress for your body. The benefit of sleeping in a memory foam mattress is that every part of your body will be evenly supported, thus helping you sleep better. A memory foam will adjust its shape to the contours of your body to the slightest detail and its “memory” characteristics help reduce extraneous movements.

A memory foam can greatly reduce unwanted movements and “bounce” caused by your partner’s movements. If you have a partner who moves during the night, memory foam will “absorb” the unwanted movement so you remain undisturbed.

You may also benefit from a memory foam mattress if you have joint pains or arthritis, as it would limit your movement with the optimal support it provides.

Choosing a Memory Foam Mattress
When looking for a memory foam mattress, it is recommended that you select a mattress with a thickness of at least 3” memory foam. Although some thinner memory foams are available, they are probably too thin and will often “bottom out”, thus incapable to support appropriately. A 3” memory foam top layer will make sure that you get the best possible support until it wears out.

The density of memory foam is usually measured in pounds per cubic feet. It is recommended that you select memory foam with a 5 lb density. It might be heavier but it will have a longer lifetime than a lower density foam and also will have a good firmness.

Correct packaging and shipping of a memory foam mattress is important. Look for one that has been vacuum-packed and is rolled instead of folded. The rolling process is better to folding because of its gradual bending and minimizes any sharp folds to the mattress. Vacuum packing ensures that the mattress is free from debris and reduces any chemical odors since all residual air is removed from the packaging.