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I am not a fan of Memory Foam on Reflex Foam combi mattresses. I cannot understand how some people can spend considerable sums of money on what is essentially a foam mattress. Albeit a high quality foam mattress. The sums of money spent could get you, at the very least, a top of range pocket sprung mattress with a decent memory foam comfort layer.
Memory foam in itself is an excellent material as a comfort layer, coming second to latex and far exceeding polyester. It is comforting and cradling and more importantly, rather durable. It does take a week or so to get used to the completely different sensation memory foam offers as a comfort layer, but when you do you, you will realise why it became so popular.
First of all, understand that there are only two usual methods of using memory foam in a mattress.
1. As a comfort layer on top of a traditional spring system such as pocket springs.
2. As a comfort layer on top of a foam mattress.
I must admit to the fact that in the past I too was on the Memory Foam bandwagon! I have tried and sampled most models from most manufacturers and can assure you that all memory foam mattresses are NOT created equal. Even some expensive models are not as comfortable as a cheaper model.
To understand the differences between models and ultimately the pricing anomalies of what seems to be identical products, you have to understand the basics as well as the hype and jargon.
| What is the make up of a memory foam mattress? |
The memory foam layer is the important part of this construction. Memory Foam is manufactured in various densities, measured by kilograms per square meter (kg/m3). The most popular densities are: Some MF mattresses utilise a combination layer system. For example, 1" of Supersoft MF laminated to an underlying 2" of a firmer MF and so forth. The combinations on offer at present have now reached ridiculous levels. Any wonder the confusion exists. There is also the Summer / Winter (or Dual Season) mattress either on a pocket spring unit or cage sprung unit. A memory foam layer on one side and Polyester wadding on the other. This combination is not overly expensive and offers a compromise to people who find memory foam too warm for use in the summer months. If the asking price is comparable to a one sided memory foam mattress then it may be a viable consideration. |
| How to decide what density is best? |
The density of memory foam causes the most confusion and is the subject of much hype and mis-selling. I always say 'aim for the best - pay the least'. There is no argument that 85kgm3 is superior to 65kgm3, it's common sense. An 85kgsm has more raw ingredients in the material - hence it being heavier, but, a 65kgm3 is just as good. A good rule of thumb is that the heavier the density the firmer it will be. The lower the density, the softer it will be. As a comfort layer on foam 65kgm3 is the most common combination from nearly all manufacturers. Somewhat softer than a 85kgm3, but if you are getting it at a good price you wont be regretting it. So what is that in money terms? |
| What are the density cons? |
It's simple really. Unless you know what to look for there is no foolproof way for a consumer to tell what the actual density is. Therefore, a salesman could tell you that the mattress contains a 85kgm3 memory foam layer when in actual fact is a standard 58 - 65. In reality, the selling price of the mattress will be the best determining factor. A 1000 pocket sprung double mattress with an acceptable 2" memory foam layer should not be costing you any more than £300. If you are asked to pay more than this then shop around a bit more. The longevity of Memory Foam was once described as in excess of ten years. Back then, the price commanded for Memory Foam was in the several hundreds and so it made commercial sense to advertise the product as long lasting and so on. In actual fact it turns out that Memory Foam starts to lose its recovery properties after about two years or so, and you will see on most warranties that a disclaimer is written in that a permanent indent of three quarters of an inch or less WILL NOT warrant replacement . |
| What depth of memory foam should I be looking for? |
On a sprung mattress the depth is usually 2". This is generally regarded as the optimum depth and it is unusual to find a layer with a higher depth than this. It is also unusual to find a mattress with dual sided memory foam - although they are on the market. Obviously, a dual sided mattress is better - being able to last a lot longer, but always weigh up the cost implications. Is it better to replace sooner and pay less? or keep your mattress longer and pay more? On a Memory Foam / Reflex Foam combination mattress the depth should again be at least two to three inches. Depths less than this are deemed to be budget or economy levels. Your weight should be an important influence on the depth you choose. How so? |
| Why the price differences? |
When looking at memory foam mattresses you really do have to compare 'like for like'. I admit this is easier said than done which you will probably soon find out. The three most important aspects of comparison are: Anything more than this are only add-ons that make the mattress more suitable to you. The price differences you will see reflects all the bells and whistles that have been added on to the mattress basics. For example; Summary I do however think a memory foam layer on pocket springs is exceptionally comfortable and more importantly, far durable than a mattress with a polyester comfort layer. It does not really make a bit of difference about density as long as the mattress is comfortable. The price will always reflect the quality of the foam anyway. The heat properties associated with memory foam on foam combi mattresses do not really pose a problem when used on any sprung mattress as there is plenty of natural ventilation through the springs. However, some people really are overly sensitive to night heat - if this is you then avoid any memory foam mattress. Finally.. I am not here to discredit the product, I just want you to be aware that in my opinion (and remember I deal in beds everyday) a budget of £300 or more is better spent on a well constructed traditional pocket sprung mattress with a memory foam or latex comfort layer than 'any' memory foam on foam combi mattress. Even 'that one' that sells at over £1000. Ridiculous!
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