Memory Foam FAQ

To help guide you in a possible buying decision, here are answers to some frequently asked questions about memory foam:

• What is Memory Foam?
Memory foam is a common name for visco elastic foam. It has a fascinating history: it was initially developed by NASA for the space programme to help shield astronauts from high G forces. It is now used for bedding materials such as mattresses, pillows and mattress pads.

• Is All Memory Foam the Same?
All memory foam does the same job, however as with all things there are differences in quality. Different brands on the market vary according to their resilience and "bounce". This is reflected in the density of the foam from different suppliers - most of whom will tell you that their product is the best compromise between price and quality! These differences are important for commercial or professional health applications, however for the average home buyer the variation between grades and brands can be marginal. That said, you usually get what you pay for. If you buy the cheapest, unknown brand then you might get a bargain - or end up being disappointed.

• What Does Memory Foam Do?
Memory foam moulds itself to the contours of your body, giving a uniform level of support. It is a good compromise between the comfort of a soft
mattress and the support of a hard mattress. Some users - such as myself - find it the best way to answer the question of how to get a good night's sleep.

• Why Not Use Memory Foam?
Memory foam is not for everyone. In particular if you have a back problem or other medical condition you should consult your doctor for information and advice. In addition some individuals are more sensitive to the smell of memory foam than others.

• Does Memory Foam Smell?
Yes - at first. When new, memory foam gives off an unpleasant chemical smell. You will probably want to leave it to air for at least a couple of days before using it. Most buyers find that by then the bad smell has reduced to a reasonable level. Unfortunately some are more sensitive to the smell than others and find it noticeable and unpleasant even after a few weeks.

• Do I Need to Buy a Complete Mattress?
No. If you need to buy a replacement mattress anyway, it might be a good investment. However if you already have a good, ordinary mattress then another alternative is to think about buying a memory foam mattress pad / topper. That's what worked for me.

• What Density Memory Foam Should I Buy?
• What Is The Best Thickness of Memory Foam?
The best combination of density and thickness will vary from person to person, for more information see the grades page.

• Do I Need to Rotate My Memory Foam Mattress or Pad?
Memory foam will spring back into shape during the day, however as with all things it does slowly "tire". For this reason it is advisable to rotate your memory foam bedding every so often as you would with a conventional mattress.

• Is Memory Foam Environmentally Friendly?
Not very. It's a synthetic material made using a chemical process. However there are now a number of companies offering more eco-friendly forms of green foam.

• Where Can I Buy Memory Foam Products?
When memory foam was first introduced it was too expensive for the average home bedroom. As it has become more affordable it has also become more easily available. You can now buy it from most specialist bedding stores or shop online. In fact I recently saw memory foam mattresses being sold in one of the bargain shops currently springing up in most high streets.