Everyone knows about memory foam. There has been a sustained push in marketing the product over the last few years, resulting in television, radio and magazine ad campaigns designed to inform the consumer about the increased benefits of memory foam mattresses over regular mattress foam technology. However, the discerning customer should be aware that there are several costs and benefits that must be carefully weighed before purchasing the product.

There are several technical considerations before buying. For one thing, not all memory foam is temperature-sensitive. In order to check that it is, you should lie on the mattress to test it out. Over the course of a few minutes, the mattress should “melt” away from areas where it is in contact with your body. These areas should also cause the material to contract and soften. If this does not occur, inquire about the product – or explore alternative brands.

The most important indicator of the quality of memory foam is its density. The highest-quality (and therefore most expensive) memory foam has a density of over 5-6 pounds. The cheaper (and less effective) kinds can get as low as 2-3 pounds. Another important thing is to count the number of layers in a memory foam mattress. A good memory foam mattress has at least two or three layers of what is technically known as “urethane foam”; these layers serve to provide even support and weight distribution. As a result, the life of the mattress will be extended.

Additionally, it is very important to note that memory foam can essentially act as a sponge – it is very absorbent. As a result, spilled fluids can potentially damage the product. It is important, then, to ensure that your memory foam mattress pad is waterproof, so that you avoid this potential pitfall.

Another important thing to realize is that you can always ask for a trial. As a consumer who will by buying a product that you will use for years, you are within your rights to demand that you try before you buy.

If you still decide that you are unwilling to spend the money on full-scale memory foam mattresses, there are certainly alternatives…

The most immediately apparent one is the “topper”, which is a thinner mat (made of memory foam) that goes over the regular mattress, and works to amplify the level of comfort your old mattress provides you. The memory foam toppers are much cheaper than full-on mattresses made of memory foam, check out the mattress pads guide for more information.

Related posts:

1. Why You Should Consider a Single Memory Foam Mattress There is no arguing with the rising popularity of memory...
2. The Benefits of a Memory Foam Mattress Pad Have you ever wondered whether it was possible to improve...
3. Memory Foam Mattress Pads Review When it comes to buying things for your home or...

There is no arguing with the rising popularity of memory foam mattresses. Because of their unique supportive properties and extreme comfort, memory foam has taken the coveted top spot in the mattress world and will likely continue to dominate the competition in the coming years. Perhaps the most amazing thing about memory foam, apart from its unique composition, is that it continues to increase in popularity despite its relatively high purchase price. To be certain, the introduction of cheaper memory foam has affected the average price, though quality foam still commands top dollar. In fact, the average full or double sized memory foam mattress currently costs upwards of $1,500 without box spring or frame. For many families this means that a memory foam mattress is simply out of reach. Fortunately, there is an alternative for people that desire a comfortable mattress for their children and guests – a single memory foam mattress.

Although single memory foam mattresses aren’t for everyone, they are ideal for those that are in the market for a small mattress. We recently purchased a small mattress for our 3-year old son, though we did not buy him a memory foam mattress, as I assumed it would be out of reach price wise. As it turns out, a single or twin foam mattress can be purchased for a suggested retail price of about $1,000, which is not much more than we paid for a quality spring and coil mattress. With a bit of negotiating it should be possible to knock a considerable amount off the MSRP.

Many people reading this article are likely thinking I’m crazy for spending such an amount of money on a mattress for a child; however, it’s important to consider the amount of time he will spend in that mattress. A high quality mattress can last for several years and many memory foam mattresses are guaranteed to last up to 20 years. At 3 years of age that means my son could use a $1,000 twin mattress until he’s 23 years of age at an average cost of just $50 per year. Consider also that he would be sleeping on a mattress that provided him with proper support and superior comfort through his entire developmental life. It’s actually a small price to pay when considering the huge benefit it can provide.

It’s important to remember the following tips when shopping for memory foam:

1. Always purchase a mattress with at least 3 pounds per cubic foot of density, as a less dense mattress will not provide the proper balance between comfort and support.

2. Consider purchasing a reputable brand such and Tempur-Pedic, since a reputable brand will have some positive (or negative) reviews behind it and will likely come with a generous warranty and excellent customer support.

3. Always purchase from a mattress retailer rather than from a general furniture store. A mattress retailer will specialize in the products they sell and will be able to provide you with insight that other stores can’t.

Related posts:

1. Tips On Buying A Memory Foam Mattress Everyone knows about memory foam. There has been a sustained...
2. The Benefits of a Memory Foam Mattress Pad Have you ever wondered whether it was possible to improve...
3. Memory Foam Mattress Pads Review When it comes to buying things for your home or...