Memory Foam Mattresses

Looking for the utmost in comfort and quality in your bedroom mattresses? Then it's time you learned all about the most comfortable and technologically advanced mattresses in the business: Memory Foam Mattresses.

What is Memory Foam?

Also known as visco-elastic foam, memory foam is a one-of-a-kind specialty foam that conforms perfectly to your body's shape and responds to your body's temperature. Originally created by NASA engineers for use by astronauts, memory foam was created to provide the utmost support for the body over an extended period of time. One of the many benefits of the unsurpassed level of support provided by memory foam is a decrease in skin contact, resulting in less pressure on the spine and on key pressure points, as well as improved circulation. A perfect addition to any bedroom set!

History of Memory Foam Mattresses

Originally developed by NASA, memory foam was intended to sense the weight and body temperature of astronauts and conform to their body shapes to provide a substance dense enough to offer maximum support to reduce the pressures of powerful G-forces during liftoff and re-entry. It wasn't long before the inherent benefits of memory foam were recognized by hospitals, which began to order memory foam mattresses and pillows to support and offer comfort and relief to burn victims and other bedridden patients (alleviating the pressure and pain of bed sores). Next, a Swedish bedding company took the initiative of bringing memory foam mattresses to the masses by making them available to home users. The first generation of Swedish memory foam mattresses went by the name of Tempur-Pedic, which until today are considered high quality albeit pricey products. Finally, further revolutionizing the technology of combining sleeping comfort with maximum orthopedic support, the current form of memory foam mattresses were created, producing not only a top-of-the-line product but at lower prices. (Note that when you order online, some mattress providers feature free shipping and bonuses such as a 30-day trial period and free pillows).

Top 11 Memory Foam Mattress Benefits

The following are some of the myriad benefits of memory foam beds and mattresses:

•- Superior density

•- Absorbs motion (i.e., when someone else moves on the bed, you don't even feel it since their motion is absorbed by the foam; this is in contrast to spring mattresses, wherein even the slightest movements spread across the entire bed area, jolting the joints and the body)

•- By molding to and cradling your body, prevents the build-up of pressure points during sleep (typical of non-giving, flat mattresses and surfaces)

•- Decreases middle-of-the-night tossing and turning

•- Foam slowly but independently returns to its original form after you get up

•- Improves spinal alignment

•- Provides orthopedic support, thereby alleviating conditions such as arthritis and key pressure point aches and pains

•- Improves quality of sleep, enhancing deep rest and rejuvenation

•- Reduces overall stress levels

•- In the long term, reduces risk of suffering from conditions such as diabetes, stroke, and heart disease

•- Improves daytime functioning and memory

Buyer Beware Alert: Note that memory foam is not recommended for individuals who weigh more than 250 pounds, whose weight produces wear and tear that can adversely affect the mattress performance in the long run. However a new generation of mattresses intended for heavyset individuals has been born, with specially engineered foam mattresses to comfort and support all individuals.

Memory Foam Mattress Toppers

Great news for consumers: you can now purchase mattress toppers and pads made from memory foam which are designed to be placed on top of your existing mattress. Whether you currently own a spring mattress, airbed, sofa bed, bunk bed, or even a guest bed, with the advent of memory foam mattress pads and mattress toppers, your body and mind can rest at ease and enjoy both the comfort and therapeutic benefits of acclaimed memory foam.

Buying a Memory Foam Mattress

When shopping for leading-edge memory foam products, keep in mind that thickness and density are most important aspects. Today's expanding market now offers memory foam thicknesses ranging from 2 to 4 inches and memory foam densities of 2.5 lbs, 3 lbs, 4 lbs, and 5 lbs. While densities of 2lbs are considered adequate, research has deemed 4 lbs as ideal for most individuals.