The topic of memory foam mattresses seems to be divisive: you have people who love them and others who despise them. Comfort, like so many things, is subjective— what appeals to one person could be perceived differently by another.
As memory foam mattresses make a comeback, it leaves many people wondering whether they’d be able to comfortably sleep on one of these mattresses. Here’s what you need to know about memory foam and whether it’s right for you.
What is a Memory Foam Mattress?
It’s important to note that the memory foam mattresses of today are not the same as the cheap, roll-up pads your parents made you sleep on while camping as a child. While the idea is the same, the construction of memory foam mattresses offers a lot more structure and support.
There are various types of memory foam mattresses available. There are the traditional toppers that are quite dense and open-cell versions that are less dense and airier. Gel mattresses are a recent innovation that solves many of the issues posed by traditional memory foam mattresses, such as the lack of airflow and the tendency to overheat. You can find more information on the types of air mattresses in the Shape Blog: What is memory foam mattress?
Who is Memory Foam Best for?
Memory foam mattresses are ideal for side sleepers. People who sleep on their side need additional joint support, and memory foam nicely fits the natural curvature of one’s body when they lie on their side. Smaller people also tend to appreciate the extra cushioning offered by memory foam, as they don’t tend to sink into firmer mattresses.
Memory foam is also ideal for athletes and those with joint issues. While a firm mattress is great for supporting those with generalized back pain, memory foam offers comfort to individuals with scoliosis, arthritis, and other issues.
Benefits of Memory Foam
The primary benefit of memory foam is that it conforms to your body, offering specialized joint support that other mattresses fail to emulate. This feature relieves pressure points for those who struggle with tossing and turning at night.
Another benefit of memory foam is that it tends to be motion transfer resistant. That means if your partner gets up to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night, you won’t be disturbed by the movement.
Downsides of Memory Foam
Memory foam isn’t comfortable for everyone. Those who have sleep apnea or snoring issues may require more support to combat those issues. Additionally, larger individuals tend to dislike the sinking feeling of the memory foam, which can make it difficult to get out of bed.
Cheaper memory foam mattresses offer less density and support and contribute to getting overheated at night. Choosing a high-quality option that’s built to rectify these issues can help you avoid this pitfall.
While back sleepers will likely find a dense memory foam mattress sufficient for support, belly sleepers may not. Belly sleepers tend to need more support for proper spinal alignment, or they put themselves at risk for back pain.
Tips for Finding a Comfortable Memory Foam Mattress
When choosing a memory foam mattress, it’s important to consider your body type, sleeping position, and budget. A higher-quality mattress will always be a better option in terms of comfort and value. Choosing the right type— traditional, open-cell, or gel— will also impact your overall comfort levels on a memory foam mattress.
To answer the question: yes, it is possible to be comfortable on a memory foam mattress. It usually takes time to adjust to the change, so look for a mattress with a return policy of at least 30 days. You should know whether or not you made the right choice within the first three weeks of your purchase.
