What to look out for when choosing a memory foam mattress!

Memory foam, visco, and visco-elastic are all the same thing, contrary to some recent claims. It is an open-cell foam, which has viscose properties allowing it to mould to a shape, and return to its resting state. Due to this unique moulding effect, your body is supported by a material which makes contact with every part of your body that touches the foam. Consequently, there are no pressure points, and therefore, reduced tossing and turning and fewer aches and pains. A friend of mine who recently purchased a SleepShaper mattress, said that his wife had even stopped sleepwalking!

What should you look for in a memory foam mattress:

1. Memory foam density – the density figure suggests how much material you have in a certain measurement of foam. The higher the density figure, the less air you have in the foam. SleepShaper use a 55kilo/cubic metre memory foam for a number of their mattresses where only 1 density is used, as it gives an excellent balance between feel, durability and air flow.
2. Depth of memory foam – the price of a mattress is often influenced by both density and depth of memory foam. There is quite a difference in feel and comfort from 2.5cm depth of memory foam, to 7cm depth. However, the difference between 7cm and 9 or 10cm is perhaps not so noticeable, unless different densities are used. SleepShaper's Original for example, uses a 2cm top layer of 45kilo foam for a soft initial feel and with good air flow, and then 8cm of 75kilo for a luxurious, slow, moulding effect, and for added support.
3. Where it comes from – for some, it is important that the foam they purchase is manufactured in the UK. This can mean a higher price, but avoids the potential issues of importing from abroad. The materials used by UK companies are closely scrutinised to ensure they pass fire regulations for domestic use, whereas recent studies have shown that some imported products can slip through the net.
4. Quality of base foams – almost as important as the quality of the memory foam. A poor quality, low-density base foam, can ruin a mattress, and significantly effect its life span. A base foam of less than 27 kg should raise concerns, as anything less is classified as padding or general upholstery foam, rather than a more durable seating grade foam.
5. New Technologies that work – Outlast^® is a technology which SleepShaper have a licence to use in the UK. There is a perception in the market that memory foam can make you hot – in reality, unless an extremely high density foam (80kgs+) is used, this is not the case but consumers do have this worry. Outlast^® Adaptive Comfort^® protects against overheating and balances temperature swings that cause restless nights, therefore helping you sleep more soundly. The same technology was used in astronauts’ suits to deal with the extreme temperature fluctuations of going into space. They don’t send gimmicks into space!
6. Removable Covers – these are especially useful for allergy sufferers, as it provides the opportunity to wash your mattress cover regularly. Check to see whether machine washable, or dry clean only. Also, there are covers with added features such as Aloe Vera. Whilst these may appeal if you sleep directly on the mattress, its effect may be greatly limited if you sleep with a sheet between you and the mattress.

Furniture Hut recommends SleepShaper