Memory Foam Mattresses- Names aren't everything

While a Tempurpedic bed is probably considered to be one of highest quality mattresses available today, the majority of us can barely afford gas, let alone a multi-thousand dollar mattress! Lucky for us, there are companies who sell products that are nearly identical in make-up and durability for much less, but there are also poor imitations.

While you should still expect to spend a little bit more then you would for a traditional mattress, you can rest a lot easier knowing this investment will last you 20 years or more, compared to the average 5-10 year lifespan of a pillow-top innerspring bed. So what features should you look for when picking a good memory foam bed, and which ones should be avoided?

Density is probably the most telltale clue of the quality in memory foam. The density refers to the weight of one cubic foot of foam. The density of the classic tempur foam is about 5.3 lbs, so foam in the range of 5 lbs.- 6 lbs. will be most comparable. Foams in the 3-4 lb. range are considered okay but will have a shorter lifespan, probably 10 years. 4-5lb is acceptable but may not feel quite like the real thing. Foams over 7 lb. are considered high density and have a viscose feel. It is best to have this layered with some mid-density foam for comfort.

Construction is another big factor. Tempurpedic mattresses consist of at least one layer of memory foam over a layer of base foam. The memory foam layer should be at least 3” thick for optimal support. The base foam will usually be polyurethane foam. Mattresses with the convoluted base layer will have a little better air circulation. Beware of anyone that tells you their mattress is “all” memory foam. The mattress should have a removable, washable, water resistant cover.

Aside from this you can read reviews, make sure you’re buying from a reputable supplier, make sure you have a trial period, and make sure your warranty is sufficient for the quality and price.

What is Memory Foam all about?

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you have probably heard of Memory Foam Mattresses, also referred to by the brand name Tempurpedic mattresses and their purported benefits. Many of are naturally skeptical of the ‘next big thing’ that is supposed to improve our quality of life and naturally beg the question “Is it really worth it?” or “What can memory foam do for me?”

With the vast and expansive amount of information available on the internet, one can gain a better understanding of the product and make an informed decision based on personal needs. First off, what is memory foam made of? Memory foam is actually polyurethane foam with a special additive that adds heat sensitive and elastic like capabilities. What this means to you is that the memory foam mattress will respond to the heat of your body and contour to your shape.
The heat and weight sensitive foams mean your heavier areas will sink further into the bed to keep your spine in a straighter, more aligned position. In a coil/spring mattress, the hips and shoulders are forced up at an unnatural angle that places most pressure on the lower back which is where most people report discomfort. In the foam beds, the design allows the hips and shoulders to sink in, while supporting the lower back.

Perhaps the most proven and lauded benefit is the pressure reducing capabilities of memory foam. This is the only benefit that has been medically proven and is very significant. Memory foam was first utilized in the health care industry for this very reason. Side by side studies comparing visco-foam, basic foam, coil, and air mattresses and their relative ability to reduce pressure sores on the bedridden put visco foam (memory foam) in first place. The unique cell structure distributes pressure evenly across the surface of the bed, not placing all the strain on hips and lower back.

Another common concern seems to be heat retention in the mattress. This was a problem with earlier memory foam as they were designed in a closed cell, flat slab design that allowed no air flow. Now mid-layers are usually convoluted which allows air to circulate. Using a platform style slatted foundation can also improve air flow if that is a concern for you.

While no one mattress is going to satisfy everyone, the quick popularity and high satisfaction ratio combined with today’s lower prices certainly make it an option worth considering. Remember, 4 lb-6 lb densities are considered the best value and just make sure you have a return period if you are new to memory foam. Then, rest easy and enjoy the newest mattress technology!

What are the different mattress sizes?

First off, all mattresses in the US are made to standard sizes. The main mattress sizes that can be found in today's market are Twin, Twin Long, Full, Full Long, Queen, King, and California King. Mattress manufacturers make them to standard specifications, so the same size of mattress should not very more than an inch or so from place to place. Make sure to know what kind of bed you have or are looking for before shopping.

A regular or Eastern king measures 76" x 80" and is essentially two twin long mattresses. This is how you get "Split King" adjustable beds. A California king is 4" longer but 4" narrower (72 x 84"). So basically, if you want width, go with a regular king, if you are tall and need length, go with a California King.

Queen size is 60" x 80" and is usually sufficient for couples. Queen is the most popular size in America right now.

Full size beds are also recommended for single people. They measure about 53-54" wide and 75" long. There is also a full XL size that is 54" x 80".

For a single person, a twin or twin long will often provide enough space. A twin measures about 75 inches long and about 39 inches wide, which will work for an average size person under 5'7" or so. Taller individuals will feel more comfortable with the Twin XL length, which is 80 inches. A twin XL is half of a regular king size bed.

Also, you can order specialty sizes (like RV queens, or any other sizes)from many companies as well. Foam mattresses, like latex or memory foam mattresses, are great with custom sizes. Even Sleep Number beds and other air mattresses are available in special sizes, like RV queens.

Adjustable Beds for Couples with Different Needs

With many couples, it holds true that opposites attract. Often times, you will have partners that prefer to sleep in different positions partners that have different ailments, and partners that prefer different mattress firmnesses.

One of the best advances in bedroom comfort is proving to be the Adjustable Bed. It is helping many people manage symptoms of disorders such as fibromyalgia, sleep apnea, acid reflux, poor circulation, etc. Even those that are just looking for extra pampering can take advantage of the many features and benefits such as

-Being able put your feet up after a long day
-Sitting up and reading or watching TV without straining
-You can get a massage in bed
-Positioning your self in ways that aid comfort. For instance, those with acid reflux -prefer the head up slightly, whereas those with poor circulation prefer the feet up.
-You can experience the renowned Zero-Gravity position
-You can completely customize the way you sleep, and even live!

Since couples are two different people, usually with different needs, adjustable beds also come in split models. The most popular is the Split King Adjustable Bed. Two individual Twin-Long size units attach at the base and are able to move independently. For instance, if you have one partner with acid reflux and one with poor circulation they are obviously not going to be comfortable sleeping in the same manner. The person with acid reflux can adjust the head of the bed up and the person with poor circulation can adjust their feet upwards to promote circulation and even get a massage before bed!

This is also beneficial when you have one person that may prefer a firm latex bed, and one that prefers a soft memory foam bed. For maximum comfort, it suggested to keep mattress heights equal, but the materials and firmness of the mattress on each side can be personalized.

Tempurpedic Pillow review

I was wondering around the mall and I walked into a Tempurpedic Mattress store there. My boyfriend has not been able to sleep lately and I was hoping that if I got him a new pillow - that combined with our new mattress - it would help him sleep and make my life more enjoyable. The pillow is really heavy. I bet it weighs 8 lbs. I have done quite a bit of research on these pillows and mattresses. Apparently Memory foam is getting more popular every day. There are a ton of links to good sites about it. Wikipedia has a page for it. I have to admit I think it lives up to all the hype. It really makes my boyfriend sleep better. I would like to test other types of memory foam though. I was very happy with the support and service I got from Sleep Masters in Mesa, Arizona. We will probably end up getting some Tempurpedic Mattresses for the other rooms in our house.

Sleep masters is not associated with Tempurpedic and does not sell their products. They use a comparable Memory Foam that has the highest density on the market.

My first Tempurpedic Post

I recently bought a memory foam pillow at a mall in Mesa Arizona. After a few nights’ sleep I have to admit I have never slept so well in my life. How does this stuff work? I wonder if I bought a tempurpedic mattress or tempurpedic mattress pad if I would sleep much better? There are so many mixed reviews of how this stuff works and what is good and what isn’t. There are also a few buying guides about it and one states:

“The Key To Tempurpedic Mattress Success:

High Density Foam Has More Body And Longer Memory. Memory foam density ranges from 2.5lb to 5.9lb. (density is measured in pounds per cubic foot). Tempurpedic foam used in memory mattresses is 5.3 lb which means that a cube of Tempur material, one foot in each direction, weighs a whopping 5.3 lb. But how does this relate to comfort and support? Mattresses made of the higher density foam are much better quality and perform better over their expected lifetime. Here’s why.In high density foam like Tempurpedic’s, there are billions of small, open cells (bubbles with holes in them), tightly packed together. When you lie down on a Tempur mattress, air flows slowly between the bubbles giving it time to gently cradle the natural hollows of your body, distribute your weight and relieve pressure..”

I am wondering who sells the highest density memory foam though? It would seem like if you got foam too dense it would be like sleeping on a rock right? I also wonder what’s next? A bed or pillow made of gel? Maybe I’ll sleep on it.