What Makes a Good Memory Foam Mattress

Selection of a Memory Foam Mattress

The first question to ask yourself before selecting a memory foam mattress is how long do you want it to last. I believe that we should replace mattresses every 5-7 years. Although most mattresses now come with Anti-Microbial covers, I still think that a mattress is a magnet for germs. Due to this reason, I will not get a really high end mattress with a 20 year warranty since I will replace my mattress before that.

A memory foam mattress contains two layers. The top visco elastic layer and the bottom base or support layer. A lot of companies may advertise many different layers but those can all be replaced by two layers for an almost identical feel. I will make it easy and list four different versions.

1. Budget- 3" of 3lb density memory foam + 5" of conventional polyurethane foam. Ideal usage of the mattress - 4 years or less

2. Good - 3" of 4lb memory foam + 5" of conventional polyurethane foam. Ideal usage of the mattress - 4-6 years

3. Better - 3" of 4lb memory foam + 5" of high resiliency polyurethane foam. Ideal usage of the mattress - 6-8 years

4. Best - 4" of 5lb or higher density memory foam + 5" or more of high resiliency polyurethane foam. Ideal usage of the mattress - 8 years or more

Other Considerations:


Box Spring or not?

You do not need a box spring cover under one of these mattresses. A bed with a wooden base is ideal However if you want to use your existing frame, get a stiff foundation made specially for foam mattresses.



How much Memory Foam?
3"-4" of memory foam is sufficient. Anything more than that will be too much. 4" is better for people who like the sinking in feeling. The rest of the mattress should be base foam (Minimum 5").

Difference between 3lb, 4lb and 5lb Visco Elastic Material
Generally, the higher the density the better the material. Unless you budget is very tight, I would get a 4lb or higher density visco elastic mattress.

Difference between regular polyurethane foam and high resiliency foam (HR)
HR foam as the name suggests is more resilient and is therefore longer lasting. I highly recommend HR foam as the base foam for added support and long life. If you compare a conventional foam mattress with a HR foam mattress with the same top layer after 2 years, the HR foam mattress will have less sag than the conventional foam mattress.

Does my weigh matter?
It absolutely does. Overweight people should select an HR base and 4" of visco elastic foam. A 9" or 11" mattress is preferable over a 8".



Does the brand Matter?

It absolutely does. The quality control procedures in the big mattress companies is more rigorous. However this does not mean that the smaller companies do not build good mattresses. In my opinion, many of the not so well known companies make comparable products but I would avoid non- US made mattresses. By USA made, I mean that the foam should also be made in the USA.


Summary
The visco elastic layer should be 3"-4" thick. Select a 4lb or higher density. Generally, the higher the density, the better the quality of foam. 3lb density is fine for people on a budget.

The base layer can be conventional foam for budget shoppers and HR foam for those looking for a premium mattress with minimal deterioration. I suggest a minimum of 5" with really no maximum. Keep in mind that the thicker the base, the more support the base gives. In my opinion a 9" mattress is sufficient and anything over 11" is over kill.