Every day millions of people from across the world wake up from a bad night of sleep due to a poor or deteriorating mattress. While some people don’t realize it, their mattresses may be contributing to muscle and joint pain, neck problems and even irritability. As a mattress ages it tends to lose the comfort and support it once had and instead begins to form depressions. The more a mattress sags the more likely the sleeper will feel the internal components prodding them in the back and other areas of the body. For those that already understand the association between their mattress and a consistent lack of quality sleep, they may not realize that there is a simple way out; a solution that doesn’t require a significant capital outlay. The solution, of course, is a foam mattress pad, also known as a visco elastic memory foam mattress pad. Constructed primarily from a series of polyurethane layers, a foam mattress pad features unique qualities that provide both extreme comfort and natural support. The following article will outline the different types of foam pads available and will provide you with the information you need to purchase a quality pad the first time around.

As the name implies, a mattress pad is meant to be placed directly on top of your existing mattress to cover up the imperfections beneath. While there are a variety of different pads to choose from, none offers the unique supportive qualities that a visco foam mattress pad does. This has to do with how the foam itself is constructed using a series of extremely dense layers to provide support. The density of the layers and of the overall mattress pad is what determines its quality, and you should only purchase a pad with a density of at least 3 lbs per cubic foot. Anything less than this will not provide the supportive qualities required to deliver a restful night of sleep. It’s also important that you purchase a foam mattress topper pad that is 2-4 inches thick and not more than this. The reason is that the foam itself is extraordinarily soft and a very thick pad would likely swallow you whole. Well, probably not, but you get the idea. Even complete “memory foam mattresses” are not composed entirely of foam for this very reason.

It’s been said that nothing conforms to your body quite like memory foam, and I would tend to agree with this statement. Memory foam is constructed from a series of tiny memory foam cells, each of which has microscopic holes to allow for air flow and circulation. Once a person applies pressure to the cell structure by laying on it, the cells compress fully and transfer the pressure to adjacent cells, allowing you to experience pressure relief. The open cell structure allows the material to conform precisely to the curvature of your body, thereby reducing pressure points and allowing you to sleep naturally. So, how much should you expect to pay and what other things should you be aware of when shopping for a new mattress pad?

The cost for a foam mattress pad will depend entirely on three factors – the desired density, the size of your existing mattress and the thickness of the mattress pad. As mentioned above, you will want to purchase a pad with a density of at least 3 lbs per cubic foot. There are foam mattress pads available beyond 4 lbs per cubic foot, though these are generally more expensive and don’t necessarily provide any extra comfort. In fact, most users agree that a densities of 5 lbs per cubic foot and beyond are simply too firm. It was also mentioned above to stick with a thickness between 2 and 4 inches, since anything thinner will not provide the “cover up” you need to hide the imperfections from your old mattress, and anything thicker will cause you to sink into the pad itself. Given these recommendations, you should expect to pay between $250 and $500 for a high quality memory foam mattress pad. This may seem high at first glance, but it’s important to remember that purchasing a mattress pad prevents you from needing to purchase an entirely new mattress, which is something that can cost thousands of dollars. In terms of the longevity of the mattress pad itself, you can expect it to last about 5 years with normal use.

Of course, a foam mattress pad is not for everyone, so it’s important that you put it through a trial run if at all possible. Many local and online retailers offer generous trial and return policies, but be sure to clarify if you’re not sure. I should mention also that many people are wary of memory foam products because of the chemical odors they emit when new. While these odors may be bothersome for some people at first, they always subside within about a week and will disappear completely in about a month. As dangerous as some people claim that these odors are for your health, it’s important to understand that these claims have yet to be substantiated. If you’re concerned it’s likely a good idea to consult with the retailer of your choice.

Happy shopping and sweet dreams!

Related posts:

1. The Benefits of a Memory Foam Mattress Pad
2. Transform Your Old Mattress with a New Mattress Pad
3. Why You Should Consider a Single Memory Foam Mattress