Memory foam manufacturers promise their customers healthy, sound and comfortable sleep. However, different models differ from each other in fillers, and the quality of some of them leaves much to be desired. You can learn about the advantages and how to choose the right product with a memory effect from this article.
Sleeping products with body shape memory can be either spring or springless. Most companies produce spring products with several fillers.
Today, there are two known types of memory foam.
- Thermoelastic. This type of material requires heat. A good effect can be achieved only after heating. It is cheap. About $800.
Thermoelastic foam takes the shape of the body after exposure to heat, does not work in cold rooms - Viscoelastic. Products with this type of foam are of higher quality and adaptable to any temperature. But they also cost more – up to 3 thousand dollars.
Viscoelastic foam works equally well at any room temperature
Content
- Choosing a Mattress – Latex or Memory Foam
- Features of memory foam mattresses
- Disadvantages of Memory Foam Mattresses
- How to Choose a Memory Foam Mattress
- Benefits of Memory Foam Mattresses
- History of Memory Foam
- Is the smell from memory foam dangerous?
- What criteria should you use to choose a memory foam mattress?
- How to care for memory foam products?
- Orthopedic pillow memory foam what is it?
- Video: Memory foam mattresses: memoriform, memorix
Choosing a Mattress – Latex or Memory Foam
Memory foam mattresses appeared at the end of the last century, and latex mattresses are considered a novelty. Therefore, their popularity is growing exponentially. However, wild popularity and quality are different things. What is better to choose?
Below are the negative and positive aspects of memory foam material, based on which you can draw the appropriate conclusions and choose the best purchase option.
Features of memory foam mattresses
They take the shape of the body in the shortest possible time and remember it for the entire period of load on them. At the same time, the pressure on the spine and joints decreases. This is explained by the porosity of the products and smooth transformation.
Manufacturers often note that safe and environmentally friendly materials are used in production. As a rule, most companies actually confirm this in practice.
Disadvantages of Memory Foam Mattresses
Any sleep product has its drawbacks and this one is no exception to the rule.
- High cost. You can't buy a quality product cheaply.
- At first, an unpleasant smell is possible. This is due to the chemicals used in manufacturing. As a rule, the pungent smell disappears after 2-3 weeks of use.
- A certain amount of time must pass to get used to the purchase. It is also necessary for the product to "remember" the shape of the body. This is due to the so-called "plasticine effect", which is that it is difficult for a person to turn over on the other side if they are not used to it.
- Excessive density of the filler. This causes poor air circulation. Therefore, it is hot to lie on them in warm weather.
How to Choose a Memory Foam Mattress
They have become especially popular in medical institutions and this is not accidental. They are suitable, first of all, for those who suffer from various forms of osteochondrosis. There are no contraindications to them, although some doctors do not recommend using them.
Foam density plays an important role when choosing such a product. High density guarantees good quality and long service life (at least 8 years). If there are other fillers, you need to check their allergenicity. If additional impurities are still present, it is also recommended to buy a cover made of natural material.
Benefits of Memory Foam Mattresses
Memory foam, unlike its analogues, has many advantages.
- They take any body shape. Therefore, they are suitable even for people with a lot of weight. Since the maximum load indicator is 200 kilograms.
In terms of comfort, this product cannot be compared even with the most expensive spring mattress. - Excellent orthopedic effect. Due to which the load on the joints and spine is minimal.
- No possibility of harmful organisms appearing due to high density and porosity.
The material used as a filler has a powerful antimicrobial effect. - Hypoallergenic when using one filler.
- Long service life. On average, it is 8 years.
- It is warm to sleep in such a mattress even in the coldest winter.
- Ideal for co-sleeping. It does not transmit vibrations, so the second person will not feel the movements of the first person's body.
History of Memory Foam
Initially, memory foam was created by NASA specifically for astronauts. This technology was intended to reduce the load on the spine during takeoff, but was never used in practice, since it turned out that certain factors would affect the release of gases harmful to the space environment.
But the Swedes continued the American company's work. In the 80s, a new substance was created - viscoelastic, which had a "memory function" and at the same time did not bring any side effects, and soon, in the 90s, the first trial mattresses with "memory foam" were released. Initially, they were used in medicine, but soon they began to be widely sold and used at home.
Is the smell from memory foam dangerous?
There are various speculations surrounding memory foam mattresses, there are even opinions about the harm of the innovative material due to its unpleasant smell. Let's figure it out, perhaps these attacks are not groundless.
It is based on a hydrocarbon organic polymer - polyurethane foam. The conclusion about the harmlessness of this substance is confirmed by a world organization that studies the levels of evaporation of by-products during operation.
It is necessary to read the label carefully, as unscrupulous manufacturers may add dangerous chemicals, which according to the EU are carcinogens. The following are used as preservatives, fire-resistant compounds, and various impregnations:
- formaldehydes;
- chlorofluorocarbons;
- methylene chlorides.
These components create an unpleasant odor. The presence of the listed toxic compounds indicates a deviation from the production technology standards. You should not buy them, it is not safe for your health.
What criteria should you use to choose a memory foam mattress?
When purchasing, it is necessary to discuss the conditions for returning the product in case it does not fit or is defective. If the purchase is made in an online store, the conditions are the same. To protect yourself from an unsuccessful choice, you can look for user reviews on forums, where you can also find various recommendations for use. For example, how to eliminate an unpleasant odor.
So, let's start with the wrapper - this is the cover. There is no need to underestimate its importance. It is better to choose covers made of materials such as velour and cashmere, because they are more practical and will last longer.
The most important criterion when choosing is density, which determines the price. Density indicates the ratio of mass and volume (kg/cm3). The minimum density is 30 kg/cm3, high density is 90 kg/cm3. The service life directly depends on this indicator. Products with low density will last about 5 years, with high density – up to 10 years.
When buying, it is important to pay attention to comfort. Therefore, do not hesitate to lie on each of the contenders, try your favorite position to understand which mattress is right for you. Do not rush with the choice - compare prices and quality, because a properly selected mattress is a guarantee of healthy sleep.
How to care for memory foam products?
Products made of polyurethane foam do not accumulate dust and dirt, and it is virtually impossible for microbes to multiply. According to doctors, they are suitable even for allergy sufferers. They are easy to care for: they do not need to be dried, aired, or whipped. This makes life much easier for the happy user.
Mattresses, to restore their elasticity, it is enough to occasionally turn them over, but you can do without it. With such simple rules of care, it will last about 10 years.
Orthopedic pillow memory foam what is it?
Among the various pillows with different fillings, this product can relieve insomnia. It differs in shape, density and size. This is a real find for those who experience pain in the spine.
The healing effect of a memory foam pillow also helps to ensure normal breathing, get rid of snoring during sleep, and relaxes the entire body.
A unique product – highly elastic and durable foam included in the composition, provides comfort and relaxes all the muscles of the cervical spine. After sleeping on such a pillow, a person feels fresh and rested. It is effective for headaches. Because it ensures proper blood circulation. Orthopedists have long recommended patients to use this development.
It will take some time to get used to your purchase. Foam changes properties depending on temperature and other factors. Therefore, it may seem that the pillow is too hard or rigid.
In conclusion, it is worth saying that properly selected sleep products are a great investment in your health!
