Best Memory Foam Mattress

Viscoelastic polyurethane foam – better known as memory foam – was first developed by NASA engineers. It molds to your body’s unique contours when exposed to body heat and returns to its original shape as it cools. This material has become a popular choice for mattresses because it can provide even contouring, weight distribution, pressure relief along the spine, and superior motion isolation. Our testing team evaluated several memory foam mattresses and selected particular models based on their performance for specific types of sleepers, such as side sleepers and those who tend to run hot in bed.

Best Memory Foam Mattress Video

Watch our video below to learn more about our lab’s top picks for memory foam mattress.

Real Testing By Real Experts

After testing over 1,300 different mattresses, our product testing team has put together their top memory foam bed recommendations. Memory foam is broad category and beds typically aren’t made entirely of memory foam, so for this page we put together top candidates that include at least 1 significant memory foam layer. We’ve provided a thorough explanation of each mattress pick below. For more information about our testing process, we’ve also outlined our testing methodology below.

Once you’ve reviewed these mattress picks, we’ll explore who would benefit from a memory foam bed, essential features to consider, and additional details to keep in mind.

Our Recommendations

If you’re a fan of memory foam mattresses, you have plenty of options to choose from when shopping for a new bed. Based on our in-house testing, we found that the Nectar Premier stands apart from the competition for its balance of support and contouring, quality construction, and approachable price-point.

How It Performed

Our testing team found the Premier most comfortable for side sleepers who weigh at least 130 pounds and back sleepers who weigh up to 230 pounds. Side sleepers receive plenty of cushioning for their shoulders and hips, improving their spinal alignment and alleviating discomfort throughout the body. Back sleepers should also rest comfortably without sinking too much around the midsection.

Hot sleepers on our testing team found the Premier much cooler than competing foam beds. We attributed this to the cooling cover and phase change material. Like other memory foam beds, the Premier excels at motion isolation. The foam layers absorb movement on each side of the bed and prevent it from transferring across the surface, which can curb nighttime disruptions for couples and co-sleepers. The mattress is completely silent, as well.

What It’s Made of

A comfort layer of gel-infused memory foam contours closely for a signature “body hug” feel. This layer also features phase change material engineered to react to your body heat and adjust the bed temperature throughout the night. Next is a transitional layer of high-density polyfoam, which helps evenly distribute weight. The high-density polyfoam support core improves spinal alignment by limiting sinkage. A quilted poly-blend cover encases the 13-inch mattress.

Nectar provides free ground delivery anywhere in the contiguous U.S. and backs the mattress with a 365-night sleep trial. You’ll also receive a lifetime warranty with your purchase.

All-foam mattresses have an adaptive feel that’s often great at relieving pressure, but they can also retain too much heat for some people. The Silk & Snow Mattress uses cooling infusions meant to absorb and dissipate excess body heat, earning it higher-than-average marks in our temperature neutrality tests.

How It Performed

The Silk & Snow falls at a 5 on our 10-point firmness scale. The medium feel and foam construction best suited side sleepers on our team, who noted that the foam layers helped reduce pressure buildup in the shoulders and hips. Back and stomach sleepers on our team who weigh under 130 pounds also enjoyed the mattress, but most sleepers who use these positions will likely find a firmer option more comfortable.

Although cooling was one of the mattress’ standout features, it also performed well in other key categories. We recommend the Silk & Snow for couples who value motion isolation. The mattress absorbed most movement transfer and all noise during our tests. You should notice little to no disturbances when your partner changes positions or gets up at night. The mattress also earned high marks in our pressure relief tests, so we recommend it if you experience pressure buildup in your joints.

What It’s Made of

Adaptive memory foam makes up the top layer of the mattress, offering great contouring for pressure points. This layer is also infused with cooling gel intended to regulate temperature on the surface. Next is a layer of dense polyfoam that ensures your weight is evenly distributed across the surface. The support core features high-density polyfoam that prevents you from sinking too deeply into the mattress and keeps your body on an even plane. A polyester and spandex cover encases the mattress.

Silk & Snow ships free to customers living in the contiguous U.S. and provincial Canada. Mattress purchases come with a 100-night sleep trial, during which you can test the mattress and return it for a refund anytime after the 30-night break-in period. The mattress is backed by a 15-year warranty against structural defects.

The Layla Memory Foam Mattress has an innovative flippable design, quality construction, and competitive price-point compared to other foam beds we’ve tested. The two-sided construction offers a medium (4 out of 10) firmness on one side and a firm (7) feel on the other. We recommend the bed, especially the softer side, for people who need ample pressure relief for sensitive joints.

How It Performed

During our in-house testing, we found that the Layla’s two-sided design had something to offer sleepers of different body types and sleeping positions. The soft side appealed to testers who sleep on their side and some back sleepers who weigh less than 230 pounds. The firm side appealed most to back and stomach sleepers over 230 pounds. This mattress performed very well when tested for pressure relief, motion isolation, and durability, making it a good long-lasting option for couples and those with pain issues.

What It’s Made of

The Layla has a copper-infused memory foam comfort layer on each side. These layers conform closely to your body to relieve pressure — this is especially true of the softer side, which has a thicker memory foam layer than the firmer side. The softer surface also has an additional foam layer that we found enhances cushioning. Both sides share a support core of high-density polyfoam. The cover is composed of a breathable polyester, rayon, viscose, and poly-lycra blend fabric, and the copper infusion in the memory foam is designed to prevent excessive heat retention.

Layla guarantees their mattress with a 120-night sleep trial and a lifetime warranty. The bed ships free to the contiguous U.S.

The Nolah Signature 12 is slightly different from the other entries we included on this list. The mattress contains layers of adaptive polyfoam rather than traditional memory foam. This ensures comparable levels of pressure relief without the deep sinkage or excessive heat retention many people dislike about memory foam. Thanks to the polyfoam design, we recommend the Signature 12 for side sleepers and those who tend to sleep hot.

How It Performed

Since the Signature 12 has a medium (5) feel and thick comfort system, we found it best suited to side sleepers – particularly those who weigh up to 230 pounds. Back and stomach sleepers under 130 pounds may also feel adequately supported. The foam layers contoured closely enough to cradle the spine and alleviate pressure caused by uneven alignment. These layers also absorbed motion well to help reduce sleep disruptions for people who share their bed with a partner.

We noticed minimal heat buildup on the surface. The AirFoam’s open-cell design, coupled with a breathable cover, should make the Signature 12 a good option for people who typically sleep hot on traditional memory foam mattresses.

What It’s Made of

The Signature 12’s top layer consists of AirFoam, a proprietary open-cell material designed to contour evenly without trapping too much heat. A second comfort layer of high-resilience polyfoam cushioned the body and prevented our testers from sinking too deeply. This is followed by a denser AirFoam layer, which we found boosted support. The support core is composed of high-density polyfoam, and an organic cotton cover encases the entire mattress.

The mattress comes in six standard sizes, as well as a split king for adjustable beds. All customers in the contiguous U.S. qualify for free ground shipping with their Signature 12 order. Nolah offers a 120-night sleep trial, but you may opt out of the return period and save some money on your purchase. The mattress is also backed by a lifetime manufacturer’s warranty.

The GravityLux by WinkBeds is a memory foam mattress that comes in three firmness levels: medium soft (4), medium (5), and firm (8). Our testers found that the bed optimizes comfort for many body types and sleep positions regardless of firmness level, which should suit couples with different preferences.

How It Performed

After performing numerous tests on the GravityLux, our testers gave it high marks in the pressure relief and motion isolation categories. This makes it great for people who experience back, shoulder, or hip pain, as well as couples and light sleepers. Since the bed is available in three different firmness options, we think sleepers of all weights and sleeping positions should be able to find a GravityLux model that works for them. While all-foam mattresses inevitably will sleep somewhat hot at night, the open-celled foam makes the GravityLux more temperature neutral than other memory foam beds we’ve tested.

What It’s Made of

The mattress has a Tencel cover, a eucalyptus-derived fabric known for its breathability and durability. The comfort system consists of polyfoam layers and a proprietary AirCell memory foam, which has an open-cell composition to prevent the foam from trapping excessive body heat throughout the night. Under this is a zoned transition layer. We found that the zoned design supports the midsection while conforming to the shoulder and hips. It all sits on top of a high-density polyfoam support core.

As a luxury option, the GravityLux comes at a slightly higher price-point than the average all-foam mattress, but it also stands out due to its quality construction and materials. WinkBeds offers a 120-night sleep trial, a lifetime warranty, and free shipping within the contiguous US.

Finding a memory foam mattress that alleviates pressure and provides decent support can be a challenge, but The Casper checks both boxes nicely and carries an approachable price-point to boot. A mixed-foam comfort system and stable base gives this mattress a medium firm (6) feel that was a big hit with most of our testing team across different body types and sleep positions.

How It Performed

The Casper earned favorable ratings from our side sleepers weighing at least 130 pounds, and those between 130 and 230 pounds were particularly impressed with the gentle contouring and robust feel. Back and stomach sleepers under 130 pounds also found the mattress comfortable and sufficiently supportive. Since the top layer is composed of AirScape polyfoam, testers didn’t feel as much of a hug from the memory foam and some noted a light bounce when getting on and off the mattress.

Temperature control was one highlight of our performance tests. We’ve attributed The Casper’s above-average cooling to its AirScape layer, which adapts to your body while resisting heat buildup thanks to a perforated design. The breathable cover also helps maintain a comfortable surface temperature. As has been the case for many all-foam models we’ve evaluated, The Casper also performed very well during motion isolation and pressure relief tests.

What It’s Made of

The Casper’s first layer consists of AirScape, a proprietary open-cell polyfoam that promotes airflow and shouldn’t trap too much heat. Transitional memory foam adds extra cushioning while serving as a buffer between your body and the support core, which is made of high-density base foam. The cover is a soft and breathable blend of recycled polyester, upcycled cotton, and rayon with a touch of Lycra spandex to make the fabric stretchy. At 10 inches thick, The Casper is a medium-profile model.

In addition to approachable pricing for the mattress, customers in the contiguous U.S. and provincial Canada receive free ground shipping with their purchase. Casper’s sleep trial runs for 100 nights beginning on the date of delivery. If you choose to keep The Casper after the trial period ends, you’ll also receive a 10-year manufacturer’s warranty.

All-foam beds are notorious for trapping heat, but the Nectar Premier Copper outperformed many competing models in our temperature control tests. Our temperature tests showed that it stays cooler than the average foam bed thanks to the phase change material and cooling gel infused into the comfort layer. The copper fibers are also intended to reduce heat retention on the surface.

How It Performed

Our team performed several tests on the Nectar Premier Copper, and one of the biggest strengths by far was its pressure relief. The plush comfort layer cradled our testers’ bodies closely, so the surface reduced pressure buildup in heavier parts of the body. This was especially helpful for side sleepers on our team, who put a lot of pressure on their shoulders and hips during sleep. Back sleepers also found some benefit from the cushioning, though those who weigh above 230 pounds found the medium firm (6) feel a bit too soft to support the lumbar area properly.

Many all-foam beds earn high marks in our motion isolation tests, and the Premier Copper is no exception. The thick foam layers absorbed most movement transfer and noise when we moved across the surface. This makes the mattress appealing to couples looking to minimize sleep disturbances.

What It’s Made of

The mattress has a polyester blend cover infused with copper fibers. The 4-inch comfort layer is composed of plush memory foam, which provides the deep-body hug for which memory foam is known. Below is a thinner layer of polyfoam with a firmer feel. We found the polyfoam prevents the body from sinking too deep into the support core, which is composed of high-density polyfoam. At 9 inches tall, we found this layer was thicker than support cores in other beds we’ve tested, making the bed firmer and more durable than competing foam beds.

Nectar offers a 365-night sleep trial for customers to try out the mattress at home, and a lifetime warranty for those who keep the bed. Shipping to addresses in the contiguous U.S. is free.

The Bear Original offers proprietary cooling technology and high-quality performance at an affordable price-point. We’ve tested many foam beds, and this model had a distinctly firm feel that is somewhat rare for an all-foam mattress. If you’re a back or stomach sleeper, or simply prefer a more supportive mattress, you may want to consider this pick.

How It Performed

We found the Bear’s firmer feel and foam design made it a strong choice for back-sleeping testers who weigh at least 130 pounds. Side sleepers over 230 pounds and stomach sleepers under 130 pounds also appreciated this combination.

Thanks to the thick memory foam comfort layer, this bed excelled in pressure relief. If you frequently experience pressure-induced pain in your joints, you’ll appreciate the close contouring. These foam layers were also excellent at isolating motion. When two testers shared the bed surface, they barely felt each other’s movements. This may appeal to co-sleepers who are frequently disturbed by a partner’s movement.

What It’s Made of

A breathable cover made from a Celliant and polyester blend encases the mattress. During testing, the top memory foam layer evenly contoured to our testers’ bodies to relieve pressure-prone areas. The graphite and gel infusions in this layer are meant to conduct heat away from the body and dissipate it to keep you cool. Underneath is a layer of responsive polyfoam that evenly distributed weight and kept the spine aligned during our tests. The support core features high-density polyfoam, providing stability and limiting excessive sinkage.

Bear ships free to the contiguous U.S. Mattress purchases come with a 120-night sleep trial where you can return the mattress after the 30-night break-in period. The company backs the mattress with a lifetime warranty, covering structural defects.

The Loom & Leaf Mattress from Saatva is an all-foam bed with above-average support. With higher quality construction than many competing foam beds, the durability of this model justifies the higher price tag.

How It Performed

The multiple foam layers cradle the body and ease pressure off sensitive joints. Side sleepers tend to put pressure on their shoulders and hips, so people who sleep in this position may find this model appealing, especially the softer option. That said, the mattress is suitable for a wide range of body types and sleep positions. Stomach sleepers will likely find the firm option more comfortable, while back sleepers may choose either option, depending on their weight category. The foam surface absorbs almost all motion, making this an excellent choice for those who wish to avoid disruptions from a sleep partner’s movements at night.

What It’s Made of

The mattress is available in two firmness levels, medium firm (6) and firm (8). Both options begin with a breathable organic cotton cover quilted with foam, followed by a plush layer of gel-infused memory foam that conforms closely to your body. A lumbar pad is sandwiched between the memory foam and cover to enhance lower back support. Next is a layer of higher density memory foam, which balances contouring with support. Beneath is a polyfoam layer with a firmness that varies according to which firmness option you choose. The support core is composed of high-density polyfoam for stability.

Saatva offers free White Glove delivery to the contiguous U.S., which means the mattress will be delivered to and set up in the room of your choice free of charge. Customers receive a 365-night sleep trial as well as a lifetime warranty.

The Dreamfoam Essential is an all-foam mattress that comes in an impressive array of firmness options. Our testing found the medium firm model to be the most balanced, which may be a good option for people seeking a guest room mattress that can suit many different sleepers.

How It Performed

You can choose from five different profiles: 6, 8, 10, 12, and 14 inches. Each profile corresponds to a different firmness option — medium soft (4), medium (5), medium firm (6), firm (7), and firm (8). While the firmness differs between each model, we found the memory foam surface on all models conformed closely and offered excellent pressure relief. This greatly benefited our testers who experience pressure buildup in the shoulders and hips. The adaptive surface also excelled at absorbing motion and noise, which is ideal if you’re easily awoken by a sleep partner’s movements at night.

What It’s Made of

The Dreamfoam Essential’s three lowest profiles contain a memory foam comfort layer that varies in thickness between each model, followed by a thick layer of high-density foam. The two thickest models include the same two layers plus a middle layer of VariFlex foam. This polyfoam enhances contouring but has a more responsive feel than memory foam. The mattress is encased in a water-resistant fabric that protects against spills and heavy stains.

One standout feature of the Dreamfoam Essential is the wide array of available sizes, including multiple RV sizes. The mattress ships for free within the contiguous U.S., and you’ll receive a 120-night sleep trial to try the bed at home. The mattress is also backed by a 10-year warranty.

Why You Can Trust Us

The team of sleep product experts at Sleep Foundation has tested hundreds of mattresses over the years. Our testing team includes side, back, stomach, and combination sleepers with various body types. This range in our testing group helps us determine who will benefit the most from every mattress we review. Our sleep lab puts each memory foam model to the test to determine its performance in a number of categories.

Methodology

How We Evaluated These Mattresses

Our team tests each mattress by lying on it, changing positions, and evaluating its support. We also use technology such as body mapping to measure pressure relief as well as thermal cameras that determine heat retention. All of these metrics are important to consider when shopping for a memory foam mattress.

Learn more about our product research methodology below:

Other Mattress Guides

If you’d like to refine your search for a bed beyond a memory foam mattress, take a look at our other recommendations broken down by mattress type.

Who Should Buy a Memory Foam Mattress?

You should buy a memory foam mattress if you have experienced pain (from sleeping or otherwise), want to feel like you’re sleeping “in” rather than “on” the mattress, and/or value motion isolation to limit nighttime disruptions.

Side sleepers, who have high-impact areas at the hips and shoulders, frequently have great results with memory foam mattresses. Back and stomach sleepers, especially those under 230 pounds, appreciate these beds as well.

Our testing shows that memory foam is not the best fit for people who sleep hot. It may be a poor match for people who need to move easily on top of the mattress, including for sexual activity.

What to Look for in a Memory Foam Mattress

To find the best memory foam mattress, it helps to know the key things to look for so that you can keep your eye on the ball. In general, we’ve found that memory foam provides above-average pressure relief and motion isolation but can sleep hot and permit too much sink for some people. Manufacturers often add components to try to address the downsides, but the actual effects of those design changes are mixed.

As you review specific models, consider the following factors and how important they are for your personal decision-making.

• Price: There’s no avoiding the bottom line, and you’ll need to make sure that any mattress you’re seriously considering fits in your budget. Memory foam beds tend to cost from $800 up to $2,500, but we see frequent discounts available with promotions or coupons.
• Sleeping Position: Your body’s support needs will vary based on your typical sleeping position. Our tests show that memory foam is a solid bet for side sleepers who have sharper pressure points. It can also work well for back and stomach sleepers if they have a lighter body weight or if the mattress is on the firmer side.
• Contouring: Virtually all memory foam beds that we’ve tested have notable hug, but some models feature a softer foam with even more pronounced contouring. Consider how much you want to sleep “on” versus “in” the bed and then select a mattress that fits that preference.
• Quality Materials: Excellent materials translate to more durability and top-flight performance. All foams will wear out over time, but low-end memory foam will start to sag more quickly, reducing its support and comfort.
• Firmness Level: Every person has their own preferred mattress firmness, and it’s critical to look for a mattress that fits that preference. As a general principle, side sleepers and people with lower body weight lean toward softer mattresses.

• Motion Isolation: You should expect good motion isolation with memory foam, but not all of these mattresses are created in this regard. If you’re extremely sensitive to sleep disruptions, look for a bed with more contour and greater motion isolation.

  

• Pressure Relief: Our tests show that pressure relief is often a standout feature of memory foam because it can give each part of the body the cushioning that it needs. If you have major pressure points, make sure to look for a memory foam bed with a thick enough comfort system to prevent bottoming out through the foam.

  

• Ease of Movement / Sex: Memory foam has minimal bounce because of how slowly it retakes it shape. This can make it hard to move on the bed, including during sex. Some testers report feeling “stuck” in the mattress. If this is a concern for you, look for a memory foam mattress with more mild contouring.
• Edge Support: We perform edge tests on all mattresses, and edges tend to be a trouble area for memory foam mattresses. The foam sinks more around the edge, which can be problematic for people who want to sleep or sit near the perimeter of the mattress.
• Temperature Regulation: When it contours to the body, memory foam can cut off airflow throughout the mattress. The foam itself also retains heat, making it even softer and further restricting airflow. Some mattresses have features to try to decrease heat buildup, but hot sleepers should be aware that even newer memory foams with various infusions will still tend to sleep hotter than other mattress materials.
• Noise: A loud mattress that squeaks when you move on it can be both annoying and disruptive. We’ve noticed that most all-foam mattresses are extremely quiet, making them a great choice for noise-sensitive people.

How Does it Feel to Sleep on a Memory Foam Mattress?

If you’ve never tried out a memory foam mattress, it’s natural to wonder what it feels like. While words can’t explain it perfectly, this section gives you an idea:

• Floating on Clouds: With a more plush, cushioning feel, our testers describe memory foam as what they envision it’s like to sleep on a cloud.
• A Big, Warm Hug: Memory foam conforms to the body, providing a hugging sensation that can be comfortable but can also cause heat retention.
• Totally Unmoved: When our testers lie on memory foam mattresses, they’re almost completely unaffected by movement that happens on the other side of the bed.
• Under No Pressure: Pressure relief from memory foam can reduce impact at parts of the body where you might be used to feeling pain or stress.
• In One Place:With little bounce, you may feel more settled or even stuck in one place on a memory foam mattress.

What is Pressure Relief? – Video

Memory foam beds are great at relieving pressure from areas like your shoulders and hips. But what exactly is pressure relief? Watch the video below for an in-depth explanation from our Sleep Foundation Lab.

What are the Different Types of Memory Foam?

All forms of memory foam have shared characteristics, but not all memory foams are the same. The feel, durability, and performance can be different depending on the composition and type of the foam as well as its quality.

Traditional Memory Foam

Traditional memory foam offers the most classic performance of this material. It has deep contouring and motion isolation along with notable heat retention and minimal bounce.

Both its benefits and drawbacks are easily detected, and as a consequence, this type of memory foam is controversial. Some people love its cloud-like hug while others complain about feeling stuck in the foam or overheating on it during the night.

With newer memory foams on the market, traditional memory foam’s use has declined slightly, but it can still often be found in the comfort system of all-foam and hybrid beds.

Plant-Based Memory Foam

The manufacturing process for memory foam involves a handful of chemicals, some of which are derived from petroleum. In a plant-based memory foam, sometimes called a “bio” foam, a certain percentage of those petrochemicals are replaced with products that come from plant matter, such as soybean oils.

Plant-based memory foam is appealing for eco-conscious customers, but it is important to note that the plant oils replace some but not all of the petrochemicals.

Because the rest of the manufacturing process is similar, the performance of plant-based memory foam is similar to other types. It may come with a slightly higher price tag than petroleum-based memory foam.

Gel-Infused Memory Foam

Gel-infused memory foam intersperses a gel material into the foam itself. The gel can be added in a swirl pattern or can be enclosed in small beads that are distributed through the foam.

The goal of infusing gel into memory foam is to try to reduce heat retention. The gels often have properties that are designed to absorb heat from the foam, keeping heat from building up near the sleeping surface and around your body.

Gel-infused foams are common and, depending on the gel used, may provide a modest decrease in heat retention. That said, our testing shows that even these memory foams will heat up more than other mattress materials.

Copper-Infused Memory Foam

In this type of memory foam, copper-filled beads are intermixed with the foam. These beads are intended to draw heat away from the surface of the mattress. Copper has antibacterial properties, which may help prevent odors and the deterioration of the mattress.

Many products that include copper are marketed as having health-promoting effects on circulation or muscle recovery. To date, there’s limited evidence that copper gel in a mattress has any direct positive or negative effects on individual health.

Memory Foam vs. Hybrid

A great deal of mattress shoppers find themselves deciding between a memory foam or hybrid mattress. Hybrids are built with a coil-based support core and various layers, including sometimes memory foam, layered above the coils.

The following table compares memory foam and hybrid mattresses. As you review it, keep in mind that the performance of hybrids has a wider range because of the multitude of ways that their comfort system can be built.

	Memory Foam Mattresses	Hybrids
Support Core	High-Density Polyfoam	Innerspring Coils
Comfort System	Memory foam, sometimes with other supplemental layers (polyfoam, latex)	One or more layers of memory foam, polyfoam, latex, microcoils, wool, cotton, and/or polyester
Motion Isolation	High	Low to High
Bounce	Low	Medium to Hgih
Temperature Regulation	Low	Medium to High
Common Firmness	Plush to Medium-Firm	Medium to Firm
Expected Durability	6-8 years	6-8 years
Price Range	$800 – $2,500	$1,400 – $2,500

How Much Does a Memory Foam Mattress Cost?

The typical price range for memory foam mattresses goes from $800 to $2,500, but there are options with price tags above and below that range. A number of factors can influence the cost of these beds:

• Thickness of the memory foam layer: If there are more layers or thicker layers of memory foam, the mattress will likely have a higher price.

  

• Density of the memory foam: Mattresses that use high-density memory foams tend to be pricier, but they also normally last longer.
• Where it’s made: Mattresses made in the USA tend to be more expensive than those made in China or other countries.
• Extra features: Specialty design elements or materials can push up the price of a memory foam mattress. For example, textiles to fight heat buildup or the use of organic materials can add to the cost.

Even for higher-end models, there are often discounts or promotions that can give customers significant savings from the sticker price.

How Much Does a Mattress Cost? – Video

Check out our video below to find out how much a memory foam mattress costs compared to other mattress types.

Memory Foam Density and ILD

Many mattress manufacturers list the specifications of the foam employed in their mattress. Two of the most helpful specifications are density and indentation load-deflection (ILD).

Density

Density is measured in pounds per cubic foot (PCF), which is calculated by weighing a 1 foot by 1 foot by 1 foot cube of the foam. For memory foam used in a mattress comfort layer, 3.5 PCF is about average. Higher density memory foam is usually 4 to 5 PCF.

The density of the foam can affect the feel, but not all high-density foams are firm. Instead, the biggest impact of density is on longevity of the mattress. Higher density usually correlates with a longer lifespan. Additionally, high-density foam generally recovers its shape slower, giving it that slow-responding feel traditionally associated with memory foam.

Indentation Load-Deflection (ILD)

ILD provides an indication of how easy it is to compress the foam. It is measured with a special device that applies force to the foam until it reaches a certain level of indentation. The higher the ILD, the firmer the foam will feel. For a broad sense of what ILD numbers mean,

• 10 to 12 ILD: Soft
• 12 to 14 ILD: Medium
• 14 to 16 ILD: Medium-firm
• 16 to 18 ILD: Firm

You can look at listed foam ILD to get a sense of how a mattress may feel, but keep in mind that a mattress is made with multiple layers, each of which plays a part in the overall feel and performance. In addition, not all companies calculate ILD in the exact same way, so ILD alone is not always a reliable way to assess mattress firmness.

How Long Will a Memory Foam Mattress Last?

Most memory foam mattresses last from 6 to 8 years before having issues with sagging or diminished performance. This lifespan is longer than most innersprings and airbeds, similar to hybrids, and shorter than all-latex beds.

Some memory foam mattresses may last for more or less than the 6 to 8 year average. Issues that can affect longevity include:

• Quality of materials: Memory foam layers that are thicker, denser, and part of a mattress made with significant attention-to-detail are far more likely to hold up for the long haul.
• Stress placed on the mattress: More stress is placed on a mattress by couples than an individual person, by people with a higher body weight, and by children (or pets) who jump on the bed.
• Mattress maintenance: Failure to use the mattress as intended can make it susceptible to more rapid wear-and-tear. For example, an unsupportive frame may heighten the risk of premature damage to the mattress itself. Using a mattress pad or protector helps protect the mattress against spills that could damage the foam.

Higher-end foams tend to cost more, but that investment often pays off over time. Opting for better materials and then taking care of the mattress can contribute directly to a longer useful life for your bed.

Why Do People Buy New Mattresses?

Sleepers often buy new beds because their old mattress is no longer supportive or comfortable. Shoppers also purchase new mattresses to try out a different design or material — for example, switching from an all-latex to an all-foam model for better pressure relief. We surveyed more than 100,000 Sleep Foundation subscribers to identify some of the top reasons sleepers buy new mattresses.

Last Things to Consider With a Memory Foam Mattress

Now that you’ve got a strong base of information about memory foam mattresses, there are only a few other issues to cover to round out your knowledge.

Off-Gassing

When a foam mattress is made, certain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are created, and those become sealed in when the mattress is compressed and prepared for shipping. As a result, when it is first installed, the mattress can “off-gas” those VOCs. There is no health risk from this, but it can cause an unpleasant odor. This smell is temporary and should fade within a few hours to a few days, especially if your bedroom is well-ventilated. This issue doesn’t affect overall satisfaction for the majority of customers, but if you’re extremely sensitive to smells or VOCs, a foam mattress may not be the best option for you.

Sleep Trial Period

A sleep trial is a way of describing the return window for a mattress, and it lets you test out the bed in your own home to make sure that it is the right fit for you. Because you can’t feel them out before buying them, most online mattresses come with a risk-free trial of 100 nights or more, and we advise buying a product that comes with this type of return policy.

Adequate Bed Support

Your mattress is just one part of your bed; another part is your bed frame. Make sure that the frame you use is in accordance with the mattress warranty. This enhances performance and keeps your warranty valid. If you don’t already have a quality frame, include the cost of a new one in your budget.

Appropriate Bedding

Bedding is another aspect of setting up your bed that is worthy of your consideration. For example, breathable sheets or a lighter comforter may be helpful if you buy a memory foam mattress and are concerned about sleeping hot. You also want the best pillow that works in conjunction with your mattress to promote spinal alignment.