Best Memory Foam Mattresses in 2022
You haven’t understood true deep sleep until you’ve laid in suspended animation on top of a quality memory foam mattress. Since the 1960s, these touches of sleep tech have gone a long way, bringing some unique features and various quality levels. Par the usual, your good friends at Gear Hungry have singled-out the top products, giving you a list of twelve of the best memory foam mattresses on the market today. Just drop it in the right spot, slip into something more comfortable, and understand what all the fuss is about. You’ll be wondering why you didn’t make the switch sooner.
Note: Most of these mattresses come in sizes from twin to king. We’ve selected the sizes and mattress density/thickness ratings based on the most that are readily available in stock, and the most common mattress sizes that our readers are usually looking for. On most of the sales pages, you’re able to change the size and mattress thickness to affect the price.
The Best Memory Foam Mattress
1Zinus 12” Green Tea Memory Foam Mattresses
Zinus has helped nearly 20,000 review-conscious sleepers find their ultimate sense of comfort. There’s a lot to love in this dynamite package, starting with the excellent price. We didn’t know any mattresses could come this cheap, much less at 12” thick. It’s going to take a while to fully inflate to the 12” inches, and some users even report it taking weeks on end to have it rise fully to the 12” advertised. Memory Foam 12” Green Tea Mattress has been US certified to withstand the test of time, made apparent by the ten year limited warranty that Zinus slapped on this product.
You’re going to get a rich chemical scent out of the package, and by the time we wrote this guide, that smell still remained. It can take weeks to air out fully and escape that scent, which is due in part by the long-lasting green tea extract that’s imbued into the mattress. It’s supposed to keep it fresh-smelling, but it appears to just retain the chemical odor. For all that fuss, it’s still the most comfortable memory foam mattress we tried, hands down. You want an inexpensive mattress and convenient-as-can-be shipping? Zinus isn’t the crowd favorite for nothing, after all. For more comfortable furniture like this, check out our guide to the best futons.
Conforms to the shape of your body
Alleviates pain and aching
Has a light and airy design
Infused with natural green tea extract
- BrandZinus
- ModelAZ-BTCM-12Q
- Weight67 Pounds
When was the last time you saw a mattress at this low price? Never
The most comfortable mattress on our list
Takes time to expand; corners can take weeks to hit the 12” height
Strong chemical smell takes a long time to dissipate
2Ashley Furniture Signature Design Memory Foam Mattress
With the Ashley Furniture Signature Design – 12 Inch Chime Express Memory Foam Mattress, you’ll be looking forward to going to bed every night. To begin with, this mattress comes carefully rolled and compressed in a convenient package; so, all you need to do is to unroll and sleep in it. It is equally made of multiple layers of foam that all work together to ensure a worthwhile sleep.
Additionally, its 8-inch core has been specially placed at the bottom of the mattress to provide needed support and alignment to your back, neck, and spine. More so, it’s 2-inch transition foam gives additional support as well as comfort. It also takes on the shape of your body in order to maximally relieve pressure while including a stretch-knit cover that is highly breathable. Even better is the fact that the cover is made from hypoallergenic materials, as such, it won’t trigger allergies. Altogether, this mattress is perfect for kids and adults with allergic reactions.
Conveniently rolled and compressed in a box
Made of hypoallergenic materials
Features an 8-inch core for spine, back, and neck alignment
Conforms to body shape
- BrandSignature Design by Ashley
- ModelM72731
- Weight69 Pounds
3Linenspa 8” Innerspring Hybrid Memory Foam Mattresses
It’s time to make the switch, and you’re going with a budget in mind. Linenspa made an ultra inexpensive mattress that ships quickly, cleanly, and pops up right out of the package. For the most part, Linenspa 8” Innerspring Hybrid Mattress only takes about one full day to extend to where it’s supposed to, partially thanks to the hybrid blend of springs and memory foam. If you read through to our guide, you’ll see a bit of demonizing on standard mattresses: this blends the best of both worlds, which made us a bit speechless. There’s a specific layer of foam that’s just in beneath the quilted top, giving you a nice blend of support on your pressure points.
That being said, it lacks a little in the comfort department. We’re going to recommend grabbing a pillow topper for this one, unless you’re completely dead set on only focusing on a firm to medium mattress. You get a ten year warranty straight from the manufacturer, which you may need to redeem if you fall in the cracks of the other major flaw: nickel allergy reactions. If your neck turns green from crummy nickel jewelry, this mattress isn’t for you. It’s caused allergic reactions from folks with no other known environmental/mineral sensitivities, but if you don’t fall in that category, you’re completely good to go. From the price that you can’t argue with, and quality you can’t ignore, Linenspa earned the second notch in the belt. Make sure you also check out our guide to the best adult bean bags for more great products like this.
Combines a memory foam with an innerspring mattress
Complimentary premium knit cover
Compressed and shipped in a convenient box
Memory foam minimizes pressure points
- BrandLinenspa
- ModelLS08TTMFSP
- Weight30 Pounds
Layer of foam beneath the quilted top is excellent on your pressure points
Absolutely stellar price
Causes allergic reactions to those with nickel sensitivity
You’ll need a pillow topper for the right comfort
4Vibe 12-Inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress
When it comes to adapting to modern technology, the Vibe 12-Inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress takes the cake. This foam mattress has put your comfort at the forefront of its design. As such, it’s evident that you can’t go wrong acquiring this product. It features a gel-infused memory foam that works just like any other memory foam to relieve pressure off your body and also draws heat away from your body with the goal of keeping you cool and relaxed throughout the night.
All in all, it ensures that you remain cool as you sleep, thanks to its infused gel. More so, this mattress incorporates a 7-inch high-density bad foam beneath that essentially supports your back and spine to the maximum capacity. It does this while also relieving pressure points so that you wake up each morning feeling brand new. Feel free to combine it with some of the best cooling pillows from our list.
Feature a ventilated cool gel foam layer
Includes 7 inches of conforming high-density base foam
High-quality memory foam that contours to your body
Mattress comes compressed, rolled and shipped in a compact box
- BrandVibe
- Model410263-1150
- Weight82 Pounds
5LUCID 10 Inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress
When fatigue hits, you need a bed that gives premium support, stress and pressure relief as well as a cushy, comfortable feel. Thankfully, you can get all this with the LUCID 10 Inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress. This mattress features dual layers, inclusive of a 2.5-inch gel infused breathable memory foam surface. What this does is to deliver both conformed support and pressure release and also offers a cooling experience as you sleep with its infused cooling gel. Plus, it’s breathable cover fabric regulates moisture for sweat-free sleep.
More so, it comes with a 7.5-inch high-density foam base that provides a superb back, neck and spinal support so you will wake up feeling aligned, strong and flexible as ever. Furthermore, its temperature regulating cover creates a comfortable air layer while regulating moisture. As such, you feel refreshed and cool throughout the night. Here are some of the quality sofas and couches for your home you may like. Check them out.
Combines gel-infused memory foam with high-density foam base
Memory foam regulates temperature and conforms to the body
Tencel blend fabric that controls moisture
Compressed and rolled in a convenient box
- BrandLUCID
- ModelLU10QQ45MF
- Weight55 Pounds
6AmazonBasics Memory Foam Mattress
The AmazonBasics Memory Foam Mattress gives you a first-class sleep at an amazingly affordable price. It features a top memory foam layer that simply adapts to the body’s contours in order to conform to your different sleeping positions. As a result of that, no matter what position you switch to, you always feel comfortable.
It is also inclusive of a soft foam middle layer that adds an extra layer of much-needed comfort to the mattress as well as allowing for air circulation. This is all thanks to its breathable air holes added to the design. In addition, its hard foam bottom layer gives an enhanced level of support. Altogether, this ensures that your spine remains aligned all night. Furthermore, the mattress comes in an extra thick 8-inch twin size that is ideal for two people to sleep on comfortably. In the end, all of the above features work together to ensure that you have amazing sleep every night.
Here are some of the top bunk beds on the market you may be interested in. Check them out.
Three foam layers of softness and support
Hard foam bottom layer for durability
Breathable middle soft foam layer
Certipur-US certified high-quality foam mattress
- BrandAmazonBasics
- ModelMD-6534-F
- Weight24.1 Pounds
7Zinus Ultra Comfort 8” Memory Foam Mattress
Zinus was so good, they snagged two spots in our top tier product list. Ultra Comfort Memory Foam 8” Mattress has a little less to tell, but based on the benefits, we’d say that’s a good thing. For starters, you’re able to sleep easy on an 8” mattress, thanks to the high-density base support foam. It makes this feel more like a 10” mattress, keeping you nice and plush, but cradling your pressure points. You are going to get a fairly narcotizing smell from the VOCs in the mattress, and they take a long while to dissipate after you’ve unboxed your mattress.
They don’t appear to be harmful, since this mattress and brand has earned the CertiPUR-US certification, as well as the Zinus ten year warranty that comes with most of their products. This mattress only takes about twelve hours to fully rise once you’ve opened it up, partially thanks to the unique hybrid construction. This uses a blend of petroleum (normal memory foam material), as well as plant-based materials for maximum breathability. There’s a bit of aggravation on the major pricing scale when you opt for different sizes and thicknesses, but with Zinus, you’re getting every penny’s worth out of it. Make sure you also check our guide to the best camping mattresses for more great products like this.
CertiPUR-US certified
8” thick w/ only 12 hours to rise after released from packaging
Comes with the Zinus ten year warranty promise
- BrandZinus
- ModelSM-SC-BTCM-8F
- Weight44.4 Pounds
Hybrid build between petroleum and plant-based memory foam; breathes easier
Includes four inches of high-density base support foam, so an 8” mattress feels like 10”
Brand price has a very wide gap in thickness and mattress size
High level of VOC odor; persistent
8Classic Brands Cool Gel Ultimate Memory Foam
When you throw ultimate into your title, you’d better be serious. Fortunately for Classic Brands, their confidence lived up to the test. Cool Gel Ultimate Memory Foam is the one exception we’ve found in terms of gel memory foam mattresses, because they usually sleep hot, but Classic Brands pulled some David Blaine magic on this one. To start off, you get a couple of bonus king-sized pillows with your purchase, as well as a CertiPUR-US certification. You’ll be looking at a high price tag, no matter which size or thickness you choose from.
If you sit on the edge of the bed (or roll over towards it in your sleep), you’re completely at a loss for support. Most of the density focuses toward the center of the mattress, and while you shouldn’t be sleeping hanging off the edge of a king size anyway, it’s something you don’t expect. This also comes with an adjustable base, and while it’s marketed as plush, it’s far firmer than how they word it. Make no mistake, it’s comfortable as can be, and keeps all the pressure off your back and shoulders while you sleep. It’s a bit more in the beginning, but you’ll be glad you went with Classic Brands.
Sturdy support; excellent for pressure point sensitivity
Adjustable base
CertiPUR-US certified
- BrandClassic Brands
- Model410167-1160
- Weight142 Pounds
Comes with two bonus pillows upon purchase; everyone likes free stuff
Gel infused pillow top helps regulate temperature
High initial price
Edges of the bed provide little to no support
9Signature Sleep 12” Memory Foam CertiPUR-US Mattress
Thousands have fallen in love with this mattress, and you can add us to the list. Signature Sleep took some serious time to craft this mattress, using flame retardant materials, and a CertiPUR-US ratings to go along with it. They’re all about you to have the best night’s sleep of your life, without having buyer’s remorse on an over-inflated price tag. Even when you scale up or down on the size and thickness, they keep it within a reasonable margin. It only takes about 72 hours for this to rise to complete 12” form right out of the package, but be warned, there’s a high concentrate of VOCs that bring a chemical odor with them.
It’ll take a couple of weeks for that to dissipate, due in part by the all-inclusive soft cover. They mark it like a feature, but it’s not something you can just take off and clean: it’s non-removable, locking in those VOCs and making it aggravating come cleaning time. Signature Sleep is as comfortable as they come, giving an even amount of cushioning no matter where you sleep, while remaining breathable – it’s everything you could ever want in a memory foam mattress. And for comfortable outdoor sleeping, check out our list of best camping cots.
Completely CertiPUR-US certified
12” thick firm foam
Takes 72 hours for mattress to fully rise after unpackaging
- BrandSignature Sleep
- Model5475196
- Weight53.5 Pounds
Excellent pricing, even at different thicknesses and sizes
Made of flame retardant materials
Comes with a soft cover, but it’s not removable for cleaning
VOC odor takes two weeks to tone down
10Live and Sleep Resort Classic
We’re hitting the halfway mark on our list, but there’s still plenty left to see. Live and Sleep bolsters an impressive reputation, albeit with a few flaws. For one, it’s not rated to last as long as the other mattresses we’ve covered, and that’s based off of Gear Hungry reader feedback, as well as open forum reviews. On average, you’ll get three to five years out of this before there’s noticable impressions in your spot, making the next problem all the more upsetting. If you’re on the heavier side, the plush top will sink down a bit extra, making it a rather frustrating experience. With all that said, it comes at a fair price, and does avoid one of the most substantial issues we’ve seen so far: VOC odors. There’s little to none by the time this finishes rising.
Even with that sinking problem, it’s not going to run hot. Thanks to the 2.5” of air-flow foam technology, it’s breathable under any condition, and maintains the same level of comfort. If you’re not satisfied, they do offer a no-hassle return option for a full refund in the first month, so you’ve got nothing to lose but a little bit of time. To boot, this 10” thick mattress also comes with a free memory foam pillow as an added bonus.
10” cooling-style medium mattress
30 night trial with a full refund available
2.5” of air-flow infused foam for maximum breathability
- BrandLive and Sleep
- ModelResort
- Weight63.1 Pounds
Purchase includes a free memory foam pillow
Doesn’t bring any VOC smell
Consumer-rated to last for three to five years; shorter expectancy than average
Plush top sinks down; heavier sleepers will have more of a hassle scooting out of bed
11Olee Sleep 13” Galaxy Hybrid Mattress
We hadn’t heard of Olee Sleep, but after this experience, we’ll never forget them. To start off, it’s a very comfortable mattress, crafted of five different layers of construction, but it’s a little unforgiving to different body types. Even though Galaxy Hybrid Mattress is a thick 13” mattress, big and tall gents are going to feel the hybrid pocket springs inside the mattress. They don’t hurt or ruin your posture, but they are noticeable, which is a bit distracting when you’re trying to get to sleep. This comes in a vacuum-sealed package right to your doorstep, and only takes about twelve hours to rise up completely, free of VOC odors.
They tried to infuse gel into the petroleum mattress build, but failed miserably at it. Gel is a difficult concept to pop into memory foam, because even though it’s meant to distribute your body heat, and does the job for a little while, it’ll eventually run hot and radiate back onto you. So long as you have a light set of sheets, you won’t have to worry about this sleeping too hot. On top of all that (literally), you get an ultra comfortable and easy-to-wash polyester topping that helps cradle your pressure points, and drift you off to sleep.
Hybrid production of petroleum and gel memory foam
Includes extra soft polyester fabric top
Five layer construction gives you an experience when you lay your head down
- BrandOlee Sleep
- Model13SM01Q
- Weight94.4 Pounds
Thanks to the vacuum-sealing, there’s no odor once it rises
Only takes about twelve hours to fully rise to 13”
Five layers of production are great, but the pocket spring is noticeable when lying down
Gel-infused cells don’t regulate heat properly
12Lucid 12” Gel Memory Foam Triple Layer Mattress
Lucid made the list for our favorite pillow toppers (later on in this guide), and their expertise doesn’t stop there. This 12” gel memory foam mattress does an excellent job of sticking to its one expectation: sleeping nice and cool, even on hot summer nights. Thanks to their advanced triple layer ventilation system along the top of the mattress, sweat and stifling heat stands little no chance at ruining your REM sleep. Lucid also evaded one of the main issues we’ve had with memory foam so far, (particularly when ordering it online), which is that VOC odor. It lasts for the rising process, and slips away when it’s done.
Now, they are notoriously more expensive than the other brands we’ve mentioned so far, but that’s because they pay serious attention to detail. While the cons on this mattress are arbitrary at best, it didn’t hold the same comfort as the other brands, but definitely followed through heavily on the support. They added a unique top layer cover, as well as 1” of charcoal bamboo memory foam. While that’s all well and good, too many cooks spoil the broth. All in all, it’s extremely comfortable, cradling, and killer when it comes to keeping cool.
Ten year manufacturer warranty
Includes 1” of luxurious bamboo charcoal memory foam
Unique cover adds a touch of extra comfort to let you melt into the mattress
- BrandLUCID
- ModelLU12QQ45GF
- Weight83 Pounds
Advanced triple layer ventilation technology keeps you cool all throughout the night
Relatively little to no VOC odor after rising process
Lucid is notoriously more expensive than their competitors
Only comes in 12” size; no customization
13Milliard 6” Tri-Fold Memory Foam Mattress
Most memory foams don’t come under 8”, and in this case, Milliard broke the barrier. Tri-Fold Memory Foam Mattress is designed more for spare rooms, guests, and excellent to bring with you on a family trip where you’ll be staying indoors somewhere. Milliard charges just a hare over what we were comfortable paying, but taking into account the maneuverability of this lightweight 41lb mattress, it does have a unique point that no others on this list have. They failed to provide sufficient warranty information, unless you like tracking down a million links and digging deep for it.
This was designed with travel and hard nights in mind. It’s supportive, staying firm no matter what the bottom material is: bed frame, hardwood, carpet, it doesn’t matter. It comes with a removable cover that’s simple to clean and slip back on, which works well if you’re bringing this along for your kids, and they’re sensitive to dust and dander. From top to bottom, it’s a quality mattress, and Milliard knows they can charge a bit higher for the convenience. In the end, we were still pretty happy with this product.
Removable soft cover makes it easy to clean, and put back on
Lightweight, ideal for guests and easy to maneuver from room to room
Firm build adds support where you need it
- BrandMilliard
- ModelTF6-Q
- Weight41 Pounds
Non-slip bottom keeps it on the platform/bed frame during any activity
No odor or rising period when opened
For the comfort, the cost is a little steep
No provided warranty information
14DynastyMattress Cool Breeze 12” Memory Foam Mattress
We’re winding down, but we’ve got one more mattress company that doesn’t make the mid-afternoon radio commercials in the car (like some brands that aren’t present have done in the past). DynastyMattress brings a serious offer: 120 days of a trial, or you’re getting every penny back in your pocket. We don’t take that as a gamble; we look at is as confidence in their product, and after sleeping on it ourselves, we weren’t disappointed. This is one of the most breathable mattresses we’ve had the pleasure of testing out, due in part to the four-layer construction, and attention to a blend of support and comfort.
They also do something that none of the other brands have done this far: they give you an option for an RV size, giving them an edge over their ten competitors on this list, depending on your hobbies. To top the whole thing off, you also get two gel memory foam pillows with your purchase, which just makes the deal that much sweeter. Last note: it does give off that unwanted VOC smell, but give it about one full week, and it’ll be a distant memory. Altogether, DynastyMattress really pulled it together and made something truly extraordinary.
Comes with a 120 day trial period
Four-layer construction gives you multiple dimensions of support and comfort
Comes in multiple sizes, including RV-accommodating dimensions
- BrandDynastyMattress
- Model12-INCH GEL COOLBREEZE
- Weight70 Pounds
Includes two gel memory foam pillows with purchase
Extremely breathable build
Higher average price point
One week of strong VOC smell before it dissipates
15Best Price Mattress 8” Memory Foam
With a name like Best Price, we were pretty skeptical. We thought it’d be the bottom barrel in the forty-some-odd mattresses we tried, but we just had to carve out a spot for it on this list. You get some serious support, plus an active charcoal element in the construction to cancel-out odors from shipping, and for the future. To air out the dirty laundry, it sleeps hot, and there’s no way around it. Best Price uses their own measurement system, so to them, a queen mattress, which should be 60”, is only 57”, and so on.
They went for firm over comfort, which some folks can’t handle. The top build consists of bamboo fibers to preserve that firmness, and if that wears down in time, cash in on the ten year manufacturer warranty straight from Best Price. You get what you pay for, and at this low price, it’s going to come with a few issues. If you’re still not sure which memory foam mattress is a right fit for you, keep reading to hit our comprehensive buying guide, explaining everything down to the last detail.
Ten year manufacturer limited warranty
CertiPUR-US certified
Build includes active charcoal for odor protection
- BrandBest Price Mattress
- ModelBPM-FMS-8T
- Weight35.9 Pounds
Great pricing from twin to king
Uses real bamboo fibers to keep your cover lasting longer
Best Price uses their own definition of sizing; i.e., a queen to them is 57”, not 60”
Definitely sleeps hot
16Olee Sleep 10” Gel Infused Layer Top Memory Foam Mattress
That’s a lot to handle in one title, but so much easier to sprawl out on and count sheep. Olee Sleep has snuck into our regular brands to be on the lookout for, especially after we nodded off in this comfortable slumber altar. When you pop Gel Infused Layer Top Memory Foam Mattress out of the package, it’s going to have that common VOC odor issue that we’re seeing up and down this list, but it’s only going to last for about one week in total. After that, that smell will be nothing but an unpleasant memory. Olee Sleep really tries to take pricing into consideration, so whether you’re going for a measly twin mattress or a king size, your wallet’s going to be happy when all is said and done.
This only comes in a 10” size. Most of these mattresses are customizable enough, and while 10” is still a good thickness, it’s not the cushy pampering of some of the competition. What it lacks in density, it makes up for in support and comfort: you’ll feel an immediate alleviation on your swollen joints and aching back, aiding in the fact that this, hands down, is the second most comfortable mattress on this list. Olee also gives you their ten year manufacturer warranty, and while it’s limited, it’s enough to cash in on when times get rough.
Feature 1-inch gel foam maintaining mattress temperature
Comes with soft memory foam that supports the body
Includes a top layer that supports body weight
Complementary 10-year manufacturer warranty
- BrandOlee Sleep
- ModelVC10FM01F
- Weight63.3 pounds
Helps you fall asleep faster; this is the true essence of comfort right here
Fantastic pricing despite size range
High VOC odor persists for well over one week
Only comes in a 10” model; cannot alter or customize
Memory Foam Mattress Buying Guide
It isn’t enough to just slap these awesome products on a list; we go above the individual reviews by equipping you with everything you need to know about finding a killer memory foam mattress for your personal needs. From the science behind them, right on down to the classifications of different densities and answers to your burning questions, this is your fully comprehensive guide to memory foam mattresses.
Benefits of Memory Foam Mattresses
Foam or traditional spring, your goal is to get to sleep. Many people don’t know that the mattress they choose greatly impacts their health. Sleep is the epicenter of your body’s ability to rejuvenate and recover from all of the day’s proceedings, not to mention whatever happens to you or whatever you consume. Sleep is glorious, so it deserves a justly glorified place to happen.
Memory foam can help. First of all, getting a good night’s sleep starts with being comfortable. No comfort, and sleep isn’t going to come easy to you. Memory foam helps you fall asleep easier, and sometimes, it can even help you fall asleep faster. Thanks to the way it works, depending on the conditions, your mattress will stay firm or soften to contour to your sleeping conditions.
On top of that, you’ll reap the health benefits of relieving pain in your body, in terms of aching, lower back pain, soreness, and stiff muscles. You’ll wake up feeling refreshed, allowing you to tackle the day with less irritation first thing in the morning. Provided that you’re getting enough sleep, (which your memory foam mattress will help you achieve), you’ll awaken easier, with less of a groggy feeling.
Memory foam doesn’t just magically relieve pain: it helps in key areas of your posture. Most Americans have horrible posture, especially those who work sedentary jobs with low-quality chairs that don’t offer enough lower lumbar support. We endure a lot throughout the day, and if you’re not in the prime of health conditions, if you’re packing on a few extra pounds, etc., it can lay into your back support. Memory foam contours to your spine and pressure from injuries, cradling you. Your body is able to rest properly, so you’re not going twenty-four hours a day with muscle pain.
Those suffering with sleep apnea will also be able to reap the rewards. Memory foam naturally rests your head at a higher elevation, allows your airways to open up naturally. Alternatively, it’s also beneficial for those suffering with severe allergies to dust and dander: memory foam mattresses don’t absorb dust mites and debris the same way that standard spring mattresses do.
Feature to Look For in Memory Foam Mattresses
Size - Double, queen, king, etc. - what’s your ideal size? This comes down to preference, but don’t make the mistake of assuming that a larger size mattress than you’re used to, will fit just fine in your current space. Nobody wants to take up the entire room just for a mattress. The size will impact the cost.
Thickness - We’ll cover specifics in the next major section, but the thickness of the mattress will impact the cost, and your comfort. If you’re sleeping more than one person in this bed, you’ll want to opt for a thicker mattress. Memory foam indents according to total weight and its distribution.
Density - This isn’t the thickness of the mattress, it’s the density of the specific foam construction used. No company can just use the same exact construction as their competitors, so there’s different density ratings. Individual sales pages will have more information on specifics per brand and model.
Foam Type - There’s brand-specific types engineered just for them, then there’s gel memory foam, and other sorts. We’ll discuss each of these types in the sections to follow, and why they make such an impact in your purchase decision.
Comfort - After all, isn’t it half the battle? Many low-tier memory foam mattresses make one of two mistakes: make it comfortable, not sturdy, or make it sturdy, not comfortable. While we’ve weeded out the bad mattresses (we went through a lot of products), we kept comfort on the top of the list.
Types of Memory Foam Mattresses
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, which is why there’s a few classifications of memory foam mattresses to go through. Let’s just jump right into it.
8” Memory Foam - These are the thinnest of the thin, and only provide a little bit of protection. If you’re sick and tired of traditional spring-loaded mattresses and really need to make the switch, this can get your foot in the door. This is generally meant for single sleepers at a healthy BMI, otherwise you may sink too low into the mattress.
10” Memory Foam - Now you get into a bigger league, but even so, it’s still best to stay as a single sleeper in these. You can double-up, but expect to roll to the center of the bed if you’re both trying to lay in the center. 10” memory foam has a bit more breathability, so you’ll stay cooler for longer throughout the middle of the night.
12” Memory Foam - These are viable thicknesses for a dual-sleeper bed, especially if you get up into the queen sized mattress area. These provide enhanced breathability, and as long as you don’t have constricting sheets, you’ll feel nice and cool. Goodbye, morning time neck sweat, and hello to sweet, dry salvation.
14” Memory Foam - Now we’re getting a bit cushy. A 14” memory foam mattress looks like a monster, and can sleep however many of you you’re fitting into a single bed. These are good up to king sized, and allow you to have plenty of space to flail around in the middle of the night.
16” Memory Foam - There’s nothing better than the comfort, breathability, and immense height of sleeping on a 16” memory foam mattress, even up to a California king size. With these, weight and number of sleepers be damned, you’ll still stay nice and cool throughout the night, but be warned: you may never want to get up.
Traditional Memory Foam - Now we’re getting into the different builds. Traditional memory foam was developed in the 1960s, and while not much has changed, it’s a viable pick for people making the switch. What we’ve learned about traditional memory foam, is that you will hit a certain point where it retains heat throughout the night. These generally stay on the cheaper side compared to the next two main types we’ll be talking about, and have a petroleum-based build.
Plant-Based Memory Foam - The most breathable mattresses on the planet, but they won’t keep you warm in a cold winter night. These are arguable ten times better than traditional memory foam in terms of breathing, but they’re also going to heavily reflect those benefits in the price tag. The foam is void of any base temperature, so you’ll need to pack an extra cushy comforter.
Gel Memory Foam - These sleep hot, and cost you more money. It’s just fact. Brands like Tempurpedic have disproved the myths behind gel memory foam, up to a certain point. Gel is supposed to evenly distribute your heat so it doesn’t focus and reflect on your body, but it just retains it. However, that means it can be a nice chilly mattress when you first hop in. These run a bit higher, and aren’t our first recommendation for a memory foam mattress, except in specific circumstances.
Memory Foam Mattress FAQ
Q: What is a Memory Foam Mattress?
A: Everyone was sick and tired of traditional spring-loaded mattresses (keep in mind, this is initially in the 60s, when those types of mattresses were far worse than they are today). Memory foam was marketing to reduce irritability in the morning, sleep better, endure less pain, and it was all true. Memory foam traditionally uses petroleum construction, though there are other types available. Memory foam doesn’t have cotton loaded around springs; they take a springless approach to your night’s sleep.
As a result, they’re usually far more breathable than normal spring mattresses and don’t harbor bacteria, sweat, and dust mites. Memory foam initially gives off the impression that they’ll learn how you sleep, but that’s simply untrue. Memory foam doesn’t wear-in as standard mattresses do over time; they always puff back up to their original position.
Q: What Are the Major Differences Between Standard and Memory Foam Mattresses?
A: For one, standard mattresses have coils loaded into them, and still need to sit on top of a box spring in order to provide any sense of posture control and pressure point cradling through the night. Even with all that, they usually fail at contouring to your sleeping position. Coils sit under and around a bunch of padding, which is masked as being comfortable. It’s relying on the support of the box springs to soak up the additional pressure of the weight of, and quantity of sleepers. Problem is, you’re not gently pressing down on thousands of tiny coils, like those old-school toys where you could stick your hand in, and watch all the pins keep its shape.
You don’t get enough coils to support you, because those little steel or aluminum springs would fail pretty quickly. Instead, they go with large-scale ones that just sort of rest underneath your back, and don’t provide any sense of normalcy or support. If you apply weight in different areas to these coils, they’ll bend in accordance with where the majority of the weight is coming from. That’s when they start to wear down, from the first minute to lay down on them, and the springs will eventually fail.
Memory foam doesn’t use any coils or springs, and your body just sort of evenly rests on them. You don’t need box springs or any kind of coil underneath, either, because you’re basically cushioning your fall to the bed, and staying in a sort of suspended state. Because you don’t have coils to screw with your posture or spine alignment, you’ll be able to move around freely, and no matter your height or weight, your mattress will respond to pressure in a positive way. More pressure or weight in one area doesn’t matter, it’s still going to be consistent support.
In the end, the major differences are posture, extra costs associated with box springs, and support, placing memory foam on the right side of the aisle.
Q: What Thickness Memory Foam Mattress Should You Get?
A: Since we just discussed the fact that you don’t need the extra support of box springs with your memory foam mattress, it begs the question: how much memory foam do I need to still feel support? Memory foam does come with weight restrictions, and although they’re high, men come in multiple different sizes and shapes, so it’s safe to assume that a fraction of the population would run into issues with their mattress.
On average, memory foam mattresses comes in sizes from 8” to 16” in thickness. Ask yourself these questions to determine which size you should get:
- Am I in a healthy BMI range? Your weight factors into it; you want a supportive mattress, and even if you feel fine on the mattress, sinking in too far is going to rob you of the benefits, such as breathability and proper pressure point cradling. It’s also going to make it a little uncomfortable getting out of bed in the morning.
- How many people are sleeping in the bed? The more, the merrier, but it’s going to cost you. You’ll need a thicker mattress to accommodate everyone on the bed, which will affect the cost.
- What size (twin, king, etc.) do I want? If you’re going big, or going home, you’re just like one of us. If you have the cash, opting for the king bed is always nice. It’s not just going to affect the cost, but you’ll require a thicker mattress. An 8” king mattress is going to bow and bend in the center, and not really hold up as well as it should, even if it’s a quality brand and product.
- How important is posture and pressure point cradling to me? Sufferers of back pain and joint damage, lend me your ears! Comfort is great, but to you, support matters a hell of a lot more. The thicker the mattress, the more protection your lower lumbar and damaged joints will have. You’re the type of guy that gets eight hours of sleep, only to wake up feeling like you were hit by a truck. Let the right memory foam mattress help.
Q: How Often Should You Change Your Mattress?
A: One of the most common things in your home that needs to go, like right now, is your mattress. Even memory foam will outlive its usefulness at some point; everything has a certain level of durability. Memory foam lasts longer than standard spring-loaded mattresses, but nothing lasts forever. Anyone trying to tell you otherwise is pushing their marketing game too hard.
On average, no mattress should be in your home for more than a decade. With standard mattresses and studies on their effectivity, or lack thereof, many are now only rated for five to seven years, while memory foam still sits at the top of the proverbial mattress food chain. That being said, there’s a cautionary tale about memory foam when you have kids or a pet in the house: memory foam is more inherently easy to destroy than a standard mattress, even though it has the ability to last longer.
With time, enough pressure on anything is going to wear it down and misshapen it. Memory foam mattresses last longer than any other type on the market, but over time, will still wear down like anything else. The rule of thumb is a decade, but don’t deny yourself the luxury of replacing it if it’s been eight years and you’re starting to feel less refreshed when you wake up in the morning.
Q: Is Memory Foam Too Hot?
A: You’ll see one of two reviews online, in your various levels of research: they run too hot, or they run too cold. We like to be the voice of reason, and play it close to the chest: both of those accusations are true, so let’s talk about that.
When your mattress runs hot, it’s a few different things. One, it could be too thin with too much of a capacity on top, nullifying the breathable construction. Two, it could be a gel memory foam, which as we discussed before, retains heat in a bad way. Three, you have constricting sheets, top sheets, blankets, etc. on top, and there’s no way for the memory foam mattress to breathe.
The flip side is, if it runs cold, you’re going to need additional blankets and comfort. While the mattress is going to support you through the night, it’s going to soak up your heat, and ventilate it through its many passages, so you’re not building a “comfy spot” at all. So long as you’re dressed warm, and you have blankets that will hold some of your body heat, you’ll be good to go.
Q: What Mattress Topper is Best?
A: Your memory foam mattress toppers are going to run into the same construction that these mattresses do. Their aim is to amp up the comfort, while keeping a familiar sense of breathability, material, texture, and support. There’s hundreds of these things, but we narrowed out the best three we’ve ever used before.
Three inches of gel, an added layer of comfort. You can add these to an 8” or 10” memory foam mattress to give a nice extra bit of padding to it. This foam is fairly dense, helping to support you while the remainder of the mattress underneath provides a high level of comfort.
A bit on the pricey side, but if you’re going no-holds-barred for maximum comfort, Lucid offers some of the best. The pad comes as ventilated as your mattress, and includes a nice lining of gel that’s too thin to retain major heat, but has a nice little chill to it when you hop in the sack at night.
Last but not least, this one’s the most luxurious of the bunch. It’s built of memory foam, equipped to lay on your memory foam mattress, and comes with two layers of comfort. The best part about this, is it’s like an extension of your mattress, so you’re still getting the same support, but with more comfort.
Q: How to Clean a Memory Foam Mattress
A: Even though your memory foam mattress is immune to dite mites (sort of), it’s still going to get dirty as time goes on. They’re quick and easy to clean, especially if you follow these steps (bookmark this for later, it’ll save you so much time later on).
For starters, strip your mattress down of all sheets and blankets. Looks like a stuffed animal without the fur, right? Even though it doesn’t trap dust and hurt your air quality like a standard mattress does, it’ll still harbor a little bit from the breathing in and out motions of getting off, and getting back onto your mattress. Think of the edges as lungs, breathing in and out with each motion. Dust settles in there, and is totally bening; it’s not going to puff out and hit you in the lungs. It still needs to be taken care of, so take the narrow attachment on your vacuum, and go over the whole thing. The bristles and rotating attachments that some vacuums come with can lightly damage the foam, so try to avoid these.
If you’re dealing with stains, it’s ultra easy. You don’t even need a carpet shampooer with a hose attachment, all you need is a bowl, some hot water, a few drops of detergent, and a microfiber rags. Memory foam breathes, so it dries very well. Dampen the area, rub in gentle circles, and watch the color from the stain melt into the bowl of solution. It’s gross, but effective.
If you want to go for a dry clean, you can always boost your vacuuming with an odor-alleviating powder. You sprinkle it across the foam, ignore it for half an hour, and vacuum it up. It’ll trap odors from sweat, dander, and anything in between. This is especially helpful (and powerful) if you have a pet or child that comes into your bed in the middle of the night, and you wake up in a puddle of their piddle.
Sources:
- Benefits of a Memory Foam Mattress, Newsmax
- Which Memory Foam Mattress Performs Best: Traditional, Gel or Plant-Based?, What’s The Bed Bed Official Website
- Memory Foam: Pros and Cons, WebMD
- 14 Expired Things You Own, Prevention.com
- Cleaning Your Memory Foam Mattress, Nature’s Sleep