Grinnan Bearit
Member
This is memory foam combined with thousands of pocket springs, though, which stops that problem. I have one and it's amazing. All yer top-flight mattresses these days are a hybrid.
How much would you spend on a mattress?
- Thread starter ATOMIC SUPLEX
- Start date
BigTom
Well-Known Member
iirc the memory foam was developed to provide support for during the launch and to spread the pressure out as evenly as possible.
I don't find my memory foam topped mattress too hot (and I hate heat), though it is bit warmer than one without.
But AS has already said he doesn't like memory foam topped matresses so it's a bit of a moot point. Personally I find it very comfortable, and will get the same type again next time.
Mrs Magpie
On a bit of break...
What I'd really love is linen sheets. They feel so cool and crisp in summer. It won't be happening in my household though. Costs more than a decent mattress.
temper_tantrum
The beauty of the ride
I have an Ikea mattress and a bed frame from Feather & Black. The mattress fits the frame fine. It is about 10 years old though. I occasionally think that maybe I should replace it but it's not uncomfortable to sleep on, so 
Idaho
blah blah blah
The hotness issue was one of the reasons we went for a waterbed. Always the perfect temperature summer or winter. No more sweaty nights or getting into a cold bed.
PursuedByBears
Go stick your head in a pig
We just replaced our ten year old knackered mattress with a pocket-sprung one. Was supposed to be 800 qiud but the bloke in the shop sold it for 650 and it's BRILLIANT. So comfy.
Tim Deegan
Member
Memory foam was originally developed by NASA for use in the astronauts seats. Visco elastic memory foam (to give it it’s full name), was especially suited for this application due to it’s almost unique properties, allowing it to spread the weight of the astronaut evenly. This therefore prevented pressure points, which could have caused injuries when combined with the high G-forces of take off and landing.
The company who manufactured memory foam for NASA (a company beginning with ‘T’ who are well known for their selling memory foam mattresses), realised the potential for memory foam in mattresses. However as that company was a foam manufacturer, then what they did was to take a layer of reflex foam, and glue a layer of memory foam on top of it.
They also wanted people to experience the slow sinking in feeling that was unique to memory foam. So they used a 3" deep layer of very high density memory foam. So for many years they held the patent for memory foam mattresses, and could charge as much as they liked. However when the patent expired, other companies started manufacturing memory foam, often to just as high (if not higher) standard, but almost always cheaper. The main trouble was that there were also other manufacturers (mainly in China and the far east) making low quality memory foam, which is said to contain high levels of toxins, and also in don’t comply with our fire regulations. So beware who you buy them from. To be on the safe side make sure that the memory foam is actually manufactured in the UK ( I have seen some adverts that claim that the mattress is made in the UK, when the memory foam actually comes from China, and the mattress is just assembled here).
How does memory foam work?
Whatever some manufacturers of alternatives may tell you memory foam does actually work. However there may be many claims that are actually false. The only purpose for memory foam used in a mattress is to mould to your body, providing even support, and reducing pressure points. And if it is used in the right depth and density, with the right spring layer under it, then it does this very well indeed.
Unlike reflex foam that contains loads of small bubbles, memory foam is actually the opposite in construction, and is made up from loads of very very small holes, which is why it is described as being of ‘open celled construction’. So when you apply pressure to memory foam, the air slowly seeps out of the holes allowing the memory foam to mould to your body, without loads of bubbles pushing back against you causing pressure points. Then when you release the pressure, the air slowly seeps back into the memory foam, leaving an imprint for a few seconds (hence the name memory foam). With reflex foam the air filled bubbles make the foam spring straight back (hence the name reflex).
So laying on memory foam can be compared to laying on soft sand, where it shapes to your body, and stays there, without pushing back against your body. This means that your whole body weight is spread out along your whole body, rather than just being supported in small areas
Density and depth of the memory foam
There is a great deal of wrong information given out regarding the ideal depth and density of memory foam, usually by manufacturers who just want to convince you that their mattress is the best. Then there are the manufacturers who don’t even quote the depth or density, which is usually because it is a very poor design, and they don’t want people to know.
Depth
As mentioned previously, memory foam is only there to mould to your body, providing even support, and reducing pressure points. For most people 2" (50mm) of memory foam is enough to do this. If the memory foam isn’t deep enough, then the memory foam won’t be able to mould to your body properly. If it is too deep, then you will just sink deeper into it, which can mean that you become engulfed, making you very hot (as your body heat can’t escape), and making it very difficult to change position. There fore the optimum depth is 2" to 2.5" (best stick to 2" if you don’t like being too hot).
Density
There is much conflicting information about the optimum density of memory foam used in a mattress. The fact is that density is a compromise. If it is too low, then it won’t give very good support. If it is too high then it will give excellent support, but it will have a very slow recovery rate, making it very difficult to change position. So unless you are very light, or very heavy, then the optimum density is said to be between 60 and 70kg per m3.
Optimum depth and density is what should be suitable for most people. But some people who are very light, very heavy, or just have different tastes may choose to go outside these optimum guides
Tim Deegan
Member
Heat is only really a big issue with memory foam if it is either the foam only type (reflex foam with memory foam), or if the memory foam layer is too deep (deeper than 2"). If the mattress uses full size steel springs under the memory foam (not reflex foam encapsulated springs), then air can circulate through the spring layer to dissipate the heat.
Tim Deegan
Member
Detailed first post
That's because I run a mattress advice website, that uncovers all the hype, myths, and gimmicks used in the bed industry.
Tim Deegan
Member
Only if they are a poor design memory foam mattress.
The alternative is pocket sprung with latex, but these are far more expensive. Although they may come just within your budget for a good quality 2 sided one. Otherwise go for pocket sprung only, where you can easily buy a good quality one for well within your budget (as long as you stay away from big brand names, and big retailers).
I bet you send a lot of people asleep with that...
Seriously, I may look at your website if I get this new place, PM the URL
Tim Deegan
Member
Only if they are a poor design memory foam mattress.
The alternative is pocket sprung with latex, but these are far more expensive. Although they may come just within your budget for a good quality 2 sided one. Otherwise go for pocket sprung only, where you can easily buy a good quality one for well within your budget (as long as you stay away from big brand names, and big retailers).
Tim Deegan
Member
dp
Tim Deegan
Member
How do I delete duplicate posts? It locked up and I ended up posting three times.
ATOMIC SUPLEX
Member Since: 1985 Post Count: 3
So how much should I spend on a mattress and what mattress should it be?
Tim Deegan
Member
I have an Ikea mattress and a bed frame from Feather & Black. The mattress fits the frame fine. It is about 10 years old though. I occasionally think that maybe I should replace it but it's not uncomfortable to sleep on, so
As with many of the big manufacturers, Ikea used to make half decent quality mattresses. However over recent years many of the big manufacturers have lowered quality in order to cut production costs. So you are far better going for smaller independent manufacturers these days.
Tim Deegan
Member
That depends on a few factors:
- How firm do you like your mattress?
- What is your budget?
- What type of base is it going on?
- Your usual sleeping position?
- Do you like to be warm or cool in bed?
- Your weight? (sorry)
Tim Deegan
Member
Personally I've never tried one. But I have spoken to many people who are changing from a waterbed to a conventional mattress. And the general view seems to be 'good, but not brilliant'. Many people tend to buy them when they are, how should I put this: in a new relationship
.The biggest complaint I have heard about waterbeds is the fact that you are sleeping on a watertight/airtight mattress, so there is no ventilation, which can make them sweaty.
BigTom
Well-Known Member
You can't delete posts, you can edit them to either just have a . or "dp" (which stands for double post, though you've gone triple here) if you want so it's clear what has gone on.
edit button is at the bottom of the post on the left
Edit the duplicate posts until there are just one or two characters. A full stop or dp will do.
A perfectionist might also choose to report his/her own duplicate post to the moderators (reason: duplicate post) but IMHO this gives the mods too much extra work to do.
Tim Deegan
Member
Many thanks.
Mrs Magpie
On a bit of break...
Well, my favourite mattress in a cumulative total of decades spent in bed is from Norris bedding. Best money I ever spent and hand-stitched by old ladies in England
Mrs Magpie
On a bit of break...
Closely followed by French antique linen sheets off ebay...bargain! They are monogrammed with IB but I say that is the acronym for 'In Bed'.
ATOMIC SUPLEX
Member Since: 1985 Post Count: 3
I like a firm mattress. If it wasn't for the wife I would be happy to sleep on top of a duvet on the floor with another duvet on top of me.
200 for a normal mattress, 1000 for a life changing experience.
Wooden slats.
Lying down.
I don't like to be cold but I hate being hot.
Not much, I don't know what my weight is but I am only about 5'6'' and not overweight.
stuff_it
Too skool for cool
Have you still not bought one?
ATOMIC SUPLEX
Member Since: 1985 Post Count: 3
No. I need to be in for something to be delivered and I got a seven week job in town. This got extended by two weeks, then by three weeks, then by two more. I should be done by the end of this week.
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