Choosing the Right Memory Foam Mattress
If you’re in the market for a new memory foam mattress, it’s important to make your selection carefully. Memory foam is quickly becoming the alternative to traditional mattresses, since the memory foam contours to the shape of your body which can make sleeping more comfortable. The foam also offers considerable support, which is ideal for people who suffer from chronic pain and inflammation. If you’ve seen a few memory foam mattresses that interest you but aren’t sure which one to choose, here are some helpful tips.
Be sure to talk to the salesperson about foam density. The density determines how the foam feels to a certain extent, but also lets you know how durable the foam is. For instance, if you buy a memory foam mattress that has 5-pound per cubic foot foam, this mattress will last about 10 years longer than a 3-pound memory foam. Look for 5-pound per cubic foot density to get the most out of your mattress without worrying about having to replace it often. It’s also important to make sure that the 5-pound density description is for the entire mattress and not just the first inch of the mattress. Some companies say that their mattresses are 5 pounds per cubic foot, but the layers under the first inch may be 2 or 3-pound density.
It’s also essential that you know the mmHg of your memory foam mattress. The mmHg is a measure of comfort for the mattress and lets you know how the foam will react when pressure is applied to it. The healthcare industry indicates that 32 mmHg or lower is necessary to relieve pressure in the body. The more pressure relief you need the less pressure points should be in your mattress. This will give you sounder sleep and reduce the chances that you’ll spend the night tossing and turning. When you purchase a mattress with a low mmHg, you’ll have better blood circulation as well, but this feature is most effective when the density of the mattress is lower. If you look for a memory foam mattress with a mmHg of around 12.43, you’ll likely feel a significant difference when you sleep.
Do some research on the indentation load deflection (ILD) during the shopping process as well. For mattresses, the ILD can be anywhere from 6 to 40. Most of the memory foam mattresses on the market are between 10 and 16. Some of the best memory foam mattresses on the market are composed of several layers, and each layer has a different mmHg, which is more comfortable because all the layers work together to help you get a good night’s sleep.
Finally, make sure you know where your mattress has been manufactured. In many cases, mattresses are imported from China. The mattresses are often assembled in China but some are assembled in the US as well. Some mattress labels will claim the mattress is “made” in a particular country when it was only assembled there. Imported parts aren’t tested in many instances, so you won’t know if there are harmful chemicals in the mattress. Sometimes, the smell of harsh chemicals is hidden with green tea extract or industrial fragrances. Talk to a mattress expert to ensure your mattress was created and assembled in safe work conditions so you can avoid allergic reactions.
