Imagine slipping into bed and sinking into a soft, responsive sleep surface that contours perfectly to your body. It cradles your joints and aligns your spine for pain relief and support, which promotes deep restful sleep. That’s the promise of a memory foam mattress, and it’s why so many people choose to invest in one.
A memory foam mattress combines multiple layers of high-density polyurethane foam that respond to heat and pressure, allowing them to conform to your unique shape while providing ample comfort and support. Its unique design helps to relieve pressure points, and it’s a popular option for people who suffer from back pain and neck stiffness. Additionally, memory foam is able to disperse weight evenly across the sleep surface, which can reduce sagging and improve posture.
Developed for NASA in the 1970s, memory foam is also used in medical equipment, such as X-ray table pads, and sports equipment, such as American football helmet liners. It is available in a variety of sizes and firmness levels, from super-soft to semi-rigid. The most common density of memory foam is 3.5 pounds per cubic foot (PCF), while the most durable options are 5 PCF or more.
Memory foam mattresses tend to have a slower response than other types of beds, but they provide superior support and pressure relief. That means you’ll wake up refreshed and ready to tackle the day.
While the initial investment of a memory foam mattress may be more expensive than other mattress types, it’s worth the investment for its durability and longevity. It’s also a great choice for people who want to sleep on a natural, eco-friendly product. Memory foam mattresses are often made from low-emissions materials, and the best options come with certifications such as the CertiPUR-US program that ensures low emission of volatile organic compounds.
The Saatva Loom & Leaf is a premium memory foam mattress handcrafted in America, and while it’s the most expensive in this review, its reinforced middle-third provides excellent back support and pressure relief, making it a solid choice for those who suffer from chronic back pain. It has a soft, yet sturdy feel, and its layer of gel-infused memory foam is designed to cradle your aches and pains while still offering plenty of support for side, back and stomach sleepers. It’s backed by a lifetime warranty and is made from sustainably sourced materials.
