The primary component of memory foam is a polymer substance with large molecules consisting of small subunits bonded together called polyurethane. Polyurethane is a ubiquitous and adaptable plastic polymer that can be used to create a broad range of materials and products like mattresses.
Memory foam is known as “viscoelastic” polyurethane foam. It is made by adding mixed compounds and additives to polyurethane, which alter depending on the foam type.
Ultimately, these chemicals influence two of the primary qualities of memory foam: elasticity and viscosity. In the context of memory foam, when stated that the material is “dense”, we imply that it takes a long time to transfer energy from one place to another or to change shape under pressure. When we say the material is “elastic”, it means it can contort or stretch but return to its initial form or size when the stretching intenseness is taken away,
Different manufacturers have diverse “formulae” for the chemicals they add to the foam and the methods they use to create it. These formulae and processes affect the function and feel of each memory foam product and are usually proprietary secrets. Nevertheless, as a broad rule, the viscoelastic foam utilised in most memory foam mattresses comprises at least some extent of a compound called polyether polyol, which allows foam elasticity and viscosity.
Memory foam mattresses are designed to mould to the body in response to pressure slowly and, therefore, evenly distribute body weight. They are also designed to be resilient and to return to their initial shape once body weight and pressure are removed.
Memory foam softens when it connects with your body heat, moulds to your contours, and spreads your weight equally. The material responds differently depending on how you apply pressure. If you apply pressure quickly, the foam changes shape more slowly. This means that memory foam is fantastic at absorbing the force of an impact. When memory foam is utilised as a mattress material, this quality helps cushion the body evenly. It creates a slow contouring sensation as the mattress adjusts to the impact of your body and re-forms around your curves.
Memory foam returns rather slowly to its original shape when pressure is removed, taking around 10 seconds. During this recovery time, energy is absorbed and dispersed. This time lag, a marvel known as “hysteresis”, also helps cushion sleepers because it releases some of the pressure produced by the flat body.
Another essential part of how memory foam works are its viscosity declines with temperature. This means it becomes less stiff and more elastic the hotter it gets. This is why memory foam mattresses feel softer or more flexible after lying on them for a while since your body heat raises the temperature of the sleep surface.
Memory foam mattresses come in various sizes and construction styles. Beyond the proprietary disparities in blends and processes for each foam product, there are several primary types of memory foam.
Types of Memory Foam
Traditional
This is the classic memory foam. It was the first memory foam to penetrate the market for customer use. Traditional memory foam is engineered to mould to your body and is constructed the way we have summarised above. However, one issue with conventional memory foam is that it tends to retain heat, which can cause the surface of mattresses to become uncomfortably warm.
Open-cell
Open-cell memory foam has the same components as traditional memory foam but has a distinct internal structure. Open-cell memory foam mattresses have interior pockets or open cells that allow for airflow and ventilation throughout the mattress, which helps dissipate heat.
Gel
Another type of memory foam blends gel in its structure. Gels are usually added to the mattress by pumping gel microbeads into the foam. These microbeads form pockets similar to those in open-cell mattresses. However, rather than merely letting air through the mattress, these gels are phase-changing materials which vigorously absorb and release heat from your body.
Memory foam is used in mattresses in various ways. However, there is a basic template that most memory foam mattresses follow. That template has three components:
Comfort layer
This top section of the mattress comprises one or more foam layers designed to deliver contouring and cushion, depending on the mattress’s firmness grade. The Winstons Pro uses breathable foams in this section to keep heat away from the sleeping surface.
Transition layer
This mattress section contains one or more foam layers that operate between the comfort layers and the core. They tend to be a little firmer than the foam in the comfort levels and constantly help wick heat away from the comfort layer.
Core
This is the base of the mattress. It is often formed of much firmer foam and provides stability and support to the mattress via the other foam layers.
Now that we know what memory foam is, we can proceed to how it feels and what sleeping on a memory foam mattress is like. All-around, three prominent characteristics define memory foam mattresses as a whole, though different mattresses will present varying levels of each of these qualities
Contouring
One of the main characteristics of memory foam is when you lie down on a memory foam mattress, you can sense the sleep surface contour, specifically to the angles and curves of your body.
Sink
Memory foam has a sink that gives the feeling of being hugged by the mattress and even sinking into it.
Palpable response
Memory foam is highly adaptive to pressure, and you can feel the material evolving and becoming pliable and less dense in reaction to the pressure and heat of your body.
Memory foam mattresses have many other distinct qualities–some of which make people love them. For example, many individuals love the adaptive feel of memory foam.
Provides pressure relief
Memory foam contours to the body, utilising your pressure and body heat to conform to your shape. This can give relief in regions of the body we put the most pressure on whilst we sleep, such as the neck, shoulders, and hips. Putting excessive stress on those areas of the body can induce pain upon waking and trouble to get to sleep and remaining asleep. For some individuals, particularly those with joint pain or arthritis, memory foam’s contouring qualities can relieve pain and aches by evenly spreading the weight and taking the stress off common pressure points.
Promotes spinal alignment
Memory foam provides lumbar support and promotes good spinal alignment. When a sleeping surface reacts to the body’s natural curves like memory foam, it can be more comfortable to find sleeping positions that maintain your spine in neutral alignment. This can stop tossing and turning at night, as well as soreness and back pain in the morning.
Hypoallergenic
One significant benefit of memory foam mattresses is that they are generally hypoallergenic, making them an excellent choice for individuals with allergies. Because of their dense form, memory foam mattresses are less likely to draw and collect allergens, such as mould, dust mites and other common irritants.
Reduces motion transfer
The density of memory foam and how it reacts to and spreads pressure; it does an excellent job of maintaining motion on one part of the bed and stops it from being transferred or being felt on another part.
If you’ve determined that memory foam sounds like the right choice, here are some broad pointers about what to look for in a memory foam mattress
Density
The density of memory foam measures how much actual foam is built into each layer of the mattress. Memory foam comes in various densities; the higher the density of the foam, the longer it will keep its elasticity, shape, and support structures.
Depth
Memory foam mattresses range in depth from around 6 to 12 inches. As a rule, thicker mattresses are more soothing, supportive and softer. In addition to the depth of the mattress as a whole, you should also consider the depth of each individual layer. Memory foam mattresses work best if at least 7 inches of comfort and transition foam between the top surface and the mattress base. This helps ensure you will get the support core benefits without the mattress becoming uncomfortable.
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