How to Choose the Best Mattress?
What we looked at to compare foam mattresses, similar to each of us, are different, which can sometimes make searching for a new mattress overwhelming and a bit intimidating. When evaluating each of the mattresses above, we took into consideration sleep position, back pain relief and pressure relief, sleeping style (whether you sleep hot, co-sleep with a partner, or sleep by yourself), construction materials, and the quality of each, as well as company policies and values. We included company policies and values because each company has a varied level of customer service – this might include their sleep trial, their return and exchange policy if they give back to the community, and other aspects of the values and policies of each mattress company. These should be important to you when purchasing a new mattress as well.
Each mattress performed well within a number of the categories we scored them in, and each rating we provided the beds was based on the categories mentioned – we gave an honest rating that truly provided valuable information on each mattress and helped you compare and contrast which one will work best for you. When you’re looking for a new mattress, you will consider the features you won’t want to sacrifice, the features you don’t mind if a mattress has, and the ones you don’t want – we did too! We put ourselves in your shoes and tried to understand what you are truly looking for and what’s important to you in a memory foam mattress.
Which Sleepers Would Benefit from a Memory Foam Mattress?
Depending on the type of sleeper you are, there is a mattress that fits your needs and can provide comfort and support. Memory foam mattresses are well-known for their ability to support many sleeping positions and conditions, whether you struggle with back pain or can’t seem to stay cool. Most memory foam mattresses can provide exceptional support and comfort to each individual. Whether you are a back, stomach, or side sleeper, a memory foam mattress is out there for you! That being said, different types of memory foam might provide you with better support or more comfort than others – back sleepers might find memory foam mattresses the most beneficial.
We looked at memory foam mattresses that provided extra layers for back pain relief, spinal alignment and support, and even cooling technology that helps to take heat away from your body. The best memory foam mattress will benefit anyone; however, the ones that may find the most benefits are the ones suffering from back pain or sharp pressure points and those that sleep on their back throughout the night. The biggest complaint from individuals on their old mattresses is it is uncomfortable or cause back pain and pressure. Memory foam mattresses are designed to create a medium-firm feel that allows your muscles to relax and your spin to decompress while still allowing you to sink in just enough to feel like you’re sleeping on a cloud.
What to Look For in a Memory Foam Mattress
Shopping for a mattress can be stressful, especially when you’re not exactly sure what you’re looking for – but we found some things that may be helpful. You might want to take this into consideration when looking for the best memory foam mattress! Each mattress was broken down into the categories we would recommend you look for as well – from materials, firmness, what position you tend to sleep in, and if that mattress caters to that, and you may even want to think about the trial period the company gives you to make sure you can test it before you’re locked in.
Suppose you are prone to back pain and spinal pressure. In that case, you’ll want to consider the firmness of your mattress and the construction materials – you may benefit from more supportive layers than cooling layers which will affect your mattress choice. If you struggle to stay cool throughout the night, you’ll want to consider the cooling layers and may opt for a copper mattress that decreases body heat retention.
That being said, there are other factors to consider, especially if you sleep with a partner, like motion isolation. If you already struggle to sleep through the night, you may want to find a memory foam mattress with incredible motion isolation, so you don’t feel your partner moving. Another factor we evaluated that might be helpful is the trial period each mattress gives you. Purchasing a new mattress is a lot like buying a car – you want to do your research and ensure it meets your needs and checks all your requirements – getting to do a ‘test drive’ of the mattress will help inform your decision.
Most people looking for a new mattress are switching to memory foam due to its superior ability to contour your body and provide a comfort level that a regular mattress can’t provide.
Are memory foam mattresses good?
Lovers of memory foam mattresses find it hard to switch back to a regular mattress – many customers say they are soft and cozy while providing support and relief when and where they need it. Most say they regret not switching to a memory foam mattress sooner but are glad they did, with reviews like “The most comfortable mattress ever. Also, the cooling aspect of it is amazing”.
Customers are looking for a mattress that meets their unique needs, and most of them hit the mark or exceed it – but with memory foam, the best part about it is over time, it truly does conform to your body and adapt to your sleeping position making it the perfect mattress for you specifically. Most customers rave about the quality of a memory foam mattress over a traditional one – but the traditional support from a hybrid mattress is a quality some look for.
Your mattress is the place you go at the end of the day to decompress and recoup after a long and stressful day. You want a mattress that can address your comfort needs while relieving pressure from your back and spine, not making it worse. Memory foam is well known for fitting you better as you use it compared to when you sleep in it for the first time – because it truly does adapt to your position, and movements and it has helped a lot of customers with their back and spinal pressure.
What are All the Types of Memory Foam Mattresses?
A traditional memory foam mattress is made with layers of foam in various thicknesses on top of providing additional support and comfort You can find traditional memory foam mattresses in most furniture and mattress stores in your area, and many don’t need any special form of memory foam to feel improvements in their sleep.
Many traditional memory foam mattresses will have the bases covered when it comes to layers of support, both of high-density foam and thinner foam to add cushion where you need it – the difference between traditional memory foam and the other types of mattresses below, is there additional features that add to the level of comfort and quality in a mattress.
A plant-based memory foam uses plant-based ingredients, typically soy, unlike using petroleum-based chemicals to manufacture a mattress. Purchasing a plant-based memory foam mattress can provide you with the peace of mind that your purchase is environmentally conscious and that you are contributing to a company value that aligns with protecting the planet. When plant-based mattresses are manufactured there are fewer emissions and fewer chemicals being put out into the atmosphere – which may help you sleep better at night, to begin with.
Like other plant-based products, it provides the same quality and comfort as a regular memory foam mattress – but it produces fewer emissions and is overall better for the environment when it comes to production than traditional memory foam mattresses.
Unlike traditional memory foam, gel-infused memory foam uses the technology from gel microbeads that are infused directly into the material to help move heat away from your body as you sleep. This infusion allows a more breathable foam and prevents heat from getting trapped around your body, keeping you warm. Many customers struggle with overheating throughout the night and wake up feeling sweaty and uncomfortable – traditional mattresses have a design and material that tends to trap body heat close to you. The gel-infused foam allows more airflow and breathability that circulates air throughout the mattress, creating a much cooler feel.
Copper-infused foam combines traditional with copper gel beads while the foam is being poured. This provides additional cooling properties and helps dissipate heat throughout the mattress. We discussed a few copper-infused memory foam mattresses that provide an additional form of air circulation than the gel-infused yet. Along with back pain and pressure, cooling is one aspect of a mattress that not many want to sacrifice. Like gel-infused memory foam, copper-infused helps circulate the air throughout the material and keeps it from becoming trapped around your body – causing you to feel cooler.
This type of mattress is ideal for those that sleep hot or even co-sleep – as it will help keep you and your partners’ body heat circulating throughout the mattress instead of getting trapped underneath you. Co-sleepers are often the ones that complain that a mattress is too hot, as two people mean more body heat, to begin with, and if you have a mattress that doesn’t allow for airflow, it can be quite uncomfortable; which is why investing in a copper-infused mattress can solve this problem.
What’s better: hybrid mattress vs. memory foam?
Hybrid or memory foam – there are benefits to each, and some people might favor one over the other. A hybrid mattress combines coils, typically wrapped, like in traditional mattresses, but combines those coils with memory foam to provide additional support. It helps provide the structure and ‘bounce’ of a traditional mattress with the cooling and comfort of memory foam.
The unique aspect of a hybrid mattress is that it’s great for those who are used to a traditional mattress but want to switch to memory foam – it allows your body to adjust with a mix of a coil system and memory foam. This way, you don’t lose the support and structure of the coils, but you don’t get the sag or wear-and-tear from a traditional mattress. If you prefer being hugged by your mattress and feeling like it’s perfectly conformed to your body – a memory foam mattress is for you. With the technology and quality of materials today, memory foam mattresses offer the support and structure you’re looking for without a coil system. As far as comfortability goes, memory foam is ideal for comfort and support, but when it comes to a hybrid mattress, it’s best at dissipating body heat.
There is a mattress for everyone, which truly depends on what you’re looking for and what you may be willing to sacrifice. The best part of finding the perfect mattress is that once you do, you automatically feel more refreshed and comfortable and notice a change in your sleep quality. As many have already, switching from a traditional mattress to a hybrid or memory foam mattress – can transform the way you sleep.
How Much Does a Memory Foam Mattress Cost?
Depending on the brand, perks, and mattress quality, it ranges from $400 to $2,000 – there are quality options on the lower end of the spectrum, but on the higher end, there is higher quality.
The Nectar mattress, which we rated the best overall mattress, ranges from $399 to $1,138; if you’re just looking for the mattress itself, it's around the $399 mark – however, you can add on a headboard, bed frame, sheets, pillows, and pillowcases to make the most of your new mattress.
On the other hand, the Loom and Leaf mattress ranges from $1,095 to $2,915 once again, depending on any additional products you want to add to your purchase and the mattress size you need. Everyone has a different budget when looking for a new mattress – most companies try to keep this in mind and keep mattresses within the market value. If you’re looking for extra quality or add-ons, you’ll spend more at the end of the day.
A mattress is an investment; some see it as a major purchase. You sleep on your mattress nearly every day, and you want it to provide you with comfort and support – money sometimes factors into that quality, and it’s a major factor for people when purchasing a new mattress.
The Verdict: Which is the best-rated memory foam mattress?
We need a great mattress like we need transportation in life, it's essential, and without a mattress that gives you a comfortable and pain-free night's sleep, it can make life miserable. After comparing 10 of the most common and popular memory foam mattresses, the best overall rated mattress in many categories and based on customer reviews was the Nectar Mattress. It provides customers with comfort, support, and cooling and is affordable for the quality you get. Shopping for a mattress doesn’t have to be expensive or stressful, and you don’t have to sacrifice quality or comfort – making the Nectar the best overall choice if you’re in the market for a new memory foam mattress.
Nectar can provide quality materials and comfortable support for all sleeping positions. Whether you are co-sleeping or sleeping by yourself, the Nectar Mattress provides 2 inches of contouring technology that forms to your body, even if you toss and turn throughout the night, which means you’re always supported. The cooling technology allows heat to dissipate away from your body, keeping you cool, and the 365-night sleep trial will ensure you’re happy with your mattress for an entire year!
FAQ
What is memory foam?
Memory foam combines polyurethane with other chemicals, which create foam bubbles that allow air to move through the material. This creates added density and viscosity, or the well knows ability for the memory foam to mold around your body.
Due to the properties of polyurethane and the other chemicals combined to create memory foam, when the material comes into contact with your body heat, it softens and molds to your body – creating that perfect mattress-hugging feeling when you lay down. In addition, it takes a few seconds to return to its original shape, meaning that movement is naturally dissipated throughout the mattress instead of quickly and aggressively, as you may experience in the ‘bounce’ of a traditional mattress.
How long do memory foam mattresses last?
Each memory foam mattress will be a bit different, but typically with proper care, your memory foam mattresses should last between 10 and 15 years. Proper care will again depend on the mattress, but the regular rotation of your mattress will increase its lifespan. Other tips to keep your memory foam mattress for longer may seem self-explanatory, but make sure you cover your mattress with a sheet and even a waterproof cover, ensuring that your mattress stays safe from sweat and spills.
Taking care of your mattress involves cleaning the cover and spot-treating it to ensure it stays clean and remains healthy for you to sleep on. You’ll want to ensure you’re rotating your mattress every few months to distribute the use and distress of your mattress. Rotating your mattress includes flipping and rotating it to ensure it’s wearing evenly.
How to clean a memory foam mattress?
Many memory foam mattresses will come with a removable cover that you can add to your regular laundry routine to keep it clean; however, for added protection, you can add a waterproof cover between the mattress and your sheets. If you need to spot-treat your memory foam mattress, you can use equal parts laundry detergent and water to spot-treat, rinse by wiping it with a damp cloth, dry and leave the mattress uncovered to completely dry.
It’s typically recommended that you utilize a waterproof mattress cover to protect it from sweat and spills – this will reduce the number of times you have to wash your mattress and extend your bed's lifespan.
Are memory foam mattresses good?
Memory foam mattresses are great for relieving pressure, supporting muscles, and aligning your spine; many customers have expressed exceptional back pain relief from switching from a regular mattress to a memory foam mattress. In addition, they are high-quality and long-lasting.
There are exceptional reviews for most memory foam mattresses on their ability to provide customers with comfort, back pain, and pressure relief, keeping them cool throughout the night, and overall a great investment. Memory foam mattresses are typically better than traditional mattresses simply because they tend to last longer, and you can flip them to distribute the use of the mattress evenly. Most traditional mattresses can be rotated but not flipped completely, as coils are attached to a rigid base.
Many people agree that the construction of a memory foam mattress provides comfort and support that helps your muscles relax and your spine decompress, making them more popular now than they have been in the past. After a day of working, you want to be able to relax and you can’t do that on a mattress that doesn’t give you support where you need it. Memory foam mattresses were created with support and relaxation in mind – which is why most people agree that memory foam mattresses are the best.
Is memory foam good for your back?
Many customers have stated they won’t return to a regular mattress after switching to a memory foam mattress. The materials and construction of these mattresses offer peak performance for relieving back pain and aligning your spinal column while you sleep.
Traditional mattresses don’t have body contouring properties, so the mattress acts like a flat surface compared to memory foam that contours with your body and adapts to where your body needs the most support. Due to the coils in a traditional mattress, there is less support from foam that can truly support your body no matter what position you sleep in.
Unlike traditional mattresses, memory foam mattresses are less likely to sag and take quite a bit longer to stop providing the support your back needs to relieve pressure and decompress your spine. Memory foam has a natural quality that allows it to return to its original shape when it’s not in contact with force – most traditional mattresses don’t have that quality, while traditional mattresses have the ability to provide comfort, they do not mold or conform to your body. This is only unique of memory foam, which makes it a popular choice for back pain sufferers and individuals with issues in their shoulders and hips as well.
Back pain typically occurs when the lumbar region of you back is not getting enough support, and your spine is slightly curved while you sleep. When you spine is curved throughout the night and your lumbar regions is not properly supported, it causes poor spinal alignment and pain. Memory foam mattresses are inherently designed to confirm to the countours of your body and provide support where you need it – like the lumbar region of your back.
What is memory foam made of?
Memory foam is created from polyurethane and other chemicals to form a perfect balance of softness, comfort, support, and cooling properties. No matter what position you are most comfortable in, if you run hot when you sleep, or if you suffer from back and spinal pain, memory foam mattresses are constructed in a way that allows you to be comfortable.
NASA engineers developed memory foam to help support and provide comfort for airplane seats – and from that moment, it’s been used in various commercial uses ever since. The properties of polyurethane and the blend of other chemicals allow it to provide protection in football helmets, ensure our shoes are comfortable, and keep our beds soft and comfortable, as we're seeing now!
Most traditional mattresses are made from coils and layers of material like latex or natural fibers. Some include foam, but that is a newer modification to the traditional mattress and isn’t the same as memory foam. Memory foam mattresses have no coils and are comprised of a high-density and highly viscose foam that allows it to form your body truly. Without coils, the mattress will last longer, tends not to sag, and creates spots where you get zero to little support.
What is the best foam mattress online?
After we did our research and evaluated each mattress based on criteria such as the materials, who it’s best for, the features of the mattress that make it stand out, and the company policies and values, we rated the Nectar the best overall mattress. It was rated highly because this mattress offers cooling properties, can adapt and cater to all sleeping positions, especially back sleepers, and creates motion isolation that's perfect for couples of any age.
There are a lot of memory foam mattress competitors, and they all hit the mark in at least one category – but when you’re looking for a mattress, you want the one that’s going to hit the mark in all, if not most, categories – which is why the Nectar was our #1 pick. There is no shortage of memory foam mattresses in 2023 – but that only gives you more of an opportunity to compare and contrast and find your perfect match!
Most people struggle with the idea of shopping for a mattress online, given that the traditional way of shopping for a mattress involves laying on a few in a store and hoping between stores until you land on one you like – but with online shopping, you don’t get the benefit of testing them out before you commit to handing over your card. Online shopping for a mattress does have its benefits, though; most, if not all, sites have a sleep trial period where you can test out your mattress in your home, and if you’re not happy with the results or it’s not working for you, you can return it by following the company’s return or exchange policy. This sleep trial is often better than testing it out in the store because you get to test it out in your environment – you don’t have salespeople hanging over your head or the awkward feeling of laying on a mattress in a big-box store with many other people have laid on.
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