subject: The Pros And Cons Of Memory Foam Mattresses [print this page] The primary benefit of memory foam is it's ability to conform to the body and reduce pressure points. This capability stems from memory foam's temperature sensitivity. It reacts to the heat and pressure of your body by softening and molding, as opposed to bouncing back. Because it relieves pressure points, you won't feel the need to toss and turn each night like you would on an innerspring mattress.
Some customers have reported only moving 1-2 times throughout the night. The lack of tossing and turning ultimately results in a better night's rest and feeling more rejuvenated the next day.
Another benefit is not feeling the movement of your partner. The coiled springs are why you do feel movement on an innerspring mattress. By not feeling your partner move, the chances are good that you'll sleep better.
Memory foam is naturally resistant to allergies and dust mites. Anyone with allergies therefore will benefit from memory foam.
While this might not be a big deal, memory foam mattresses never have to flipped. They don't contain innersprings that could result in sagging.
A lot of people comment about how comfortable memory foam is to sleep on because it's soft and conforming. Once you either change positions or get up, the foam returns to its original shape.
Even if you don't want to buy a new mattress, you can still benefit from memory foam. Toppers can be placed on top of your mattress to get the memory foam effect, plus you save money in the process by not purchasing a new mattress.
Disadvantages
Over the years, one of the more common complaints has been about memory foam's tendency to retain body heat. The result is that the bed gets very hot, particularly when the weather is warm. Not everyone however complains about heat absorption, so it bothers some more than others.
Manufacturers have taken steps in recent years to make memory foam a bit more cooler to sleep on. They have created memory foam that has an open cell structure and channels that allow air to circulate more freely.
Most people who buy memory foam mattresses mention the chemical smell associated with it. Those that are more sensitive to smell will have more difficulty. However, most customers claim that the smell dissipates within a few days or weeks. Airing out the mattress for 24 hours certainly helps, as does opening some windows.
Some customers find that a particular mattress is either too firm or too soft. Everyone has their preferences when it comes to firmness and softness.
