Memory foam is an amazing invention that has allowed many people that always had difficulty in finding a comfortable way to sleep with a restful, relaxing night. A memory foam mattress, however, is not just for those with back problems or difficulty sleeping; it makes a great option for virtually anyone with any size of mattress needs.
What is Memory Foam?
The memory foam mattress has been around since the early part of the 1970s. It truly is a space age invention as it was originally developed by NASA as a way to provide a comfortable way for astronauts to withstand the g-force during launch of a spacecraft. The foam was able to give or compress based on the astronaut’s body, providing consistent support even with extreme force.
The memory foam didn’t just compress where needed to provide equal support, it also had the ability to bounce back after the weight was removed. This is where the “memory” terminology came in. It wasn’t until the 1980s that memory foam mattresses were available to the public, but it was a great advancement for sleepers everywhere.
Choosing a Foam Mattress
Memory foam mattress models are graded by density, ILD rating, resilience and the tensile factor. For the average person the density and ILD rating are the most important. Density is measured by pounds per square foot with a higher number meaning more “bounce back”, not hardness or softness of the mattress.
The foam mattress will also have an IDL or indentation load deflection rating. This is the number that indicates how soft or how firm (hard) the mattress will be. Many foam mattress companies have a higher IDL, meaning a greater firmness, for the inner parts of the mattress. The top of the mattress has a lower IDL, which allows more give and more contouring to the body.
It is important to try out memory foam mattress options with different ratings to see which option is most comfortable for you. This is subjective and each individual will have his or her own personal comfort to consider.
Keep in mind that some people find memory foam mattress models to be hotter to sleep on than a traditional mattress because of their construction, so if you are a hot sleeper ask about temperature control options in toppers. for more information.
