If you’re thinking about buying a memory foam mattress, but you’ve got a couple of reservations, you’re in the right place.
We address some common memory foam mattress problems and solutions, from feeling too warm to chemical smells, to put your mind at ease. Spoiler alert: all of these problems are easily avoidable!
It’s time to debunk some mattress myths…
What are the Problems Associated with Memory Foam Mattresses?
All mattress types have pros and cons, including memory foam beds. Some of the disadvantages often associated with memory foam mattresses include;
- Memory foam sleeps hot
- Memory foam has a strange smell
- Memory foam is too soft
- Quality, cheap memory foam is impossible to find
However, memory foam has come a long way since it was first used in mattresses and most of these misconceptions have already been solved through innovation.
Let’s take a closer look at common misconceptions and how to solve them...
Problem: Memory Foam is Too Warm
If you often find yourself tossing and turning, too hot to sleep and are worried memory foam could exacerbate the problem - think again.
While in the past, the tightly packed construction of some memory foam mattresses retained heat, advances in open-cell mattress technology have put this problem to bed.
Solution: Try a Cooling Memory Foam Mattress
Overheating used to be a common memory foam problem. However, times have changed and technologies have advanced so nowadays you don’t need to worry about feeling too warm!
If you’re buying a new memory foam mattress, choose one designed for extra breathability. We produce two different cool mattresses in our UK Mattress Factory:
- We make these cool mattresses using innovative 4G Aircool Memory Foam. The secret is the gel particles within the foam, which release a cooling sensation when you lie down. So you stay cool and comfortable through the night.
- Coolmax memory foam mattresses are great value. They are made using luxurious memory foam and paired with a special cover made from smart Coolmax material. Coolmax fabric is ultra-breathable, so excess body heat and moisture is wicked away quickly and efficiently. So you sleep cool and dry from as little as £149.99!
If you already have a memory foam mattress, you can buy a cool mattress protector to help bring down your sleeping temperature. These mattress covers are made from the smart Coolmax fabric described above.
Problem: Memory Foam Has a Smell
The truth of the matter is, foam smells of foam (genius logic we know)! Just as you might buy a leather sofa with its own distinct smell, polyurethane foam has a natural smell that can be quite strong when you first unpack your mattress.
That’s because our memory foam is manufactured one day, then made into a mattress the following day, then immediately packed ready for shipping, so when you come to open the packaging the memory foam is still fresh.
Some people say the smell dissipates within a few hours – some say it lasts a little bit longer. Either way, it will soon disappear.
Solution: Let It Breathe
Once you’ve unpacked your new mattress, make sure you leave enough time to air before making the bed. This will help any smell dissipate faster.
Ways To Speed Up The Process
If the foam smell is really bothering you, there are a few ways to speed up the process:
- Open the windows and doors and get the air flowing
- Remove the cover to maximise the airflow
- Put a bowl of white vinegar in the corner of the room to absorb any lingering odours
Problem: Memory Foam is Too Firm or Too Soft
Memory foam mattresses usually have a firmness rating, based on the composition of the mattress and the density of the foams. We, just like all other mattress companies, do our best to give a representative firmness rating which is displayed on each product page.
Ultimately, the feel of a mattress is subjective. Different people are bound to have different opinions. For example, weight influences how a mattress feels so a heavier sleeper may find a mattress softer than a light sleeper.
Solution: Pick the Right Firmness Rating for You
There is an easy solution to this problem. Make sure you choose a mattress with a suitable firmness rating for your weight and sleeping preferences.
If you can, try the mattress out before you buy. If this isn’t possible, our experts are on hand with help and advice.
Problem: Memory Foam Sags
If your memory foam mattress starts to sag, this usually means it is either very old and needs replacing or has been made poorly out of sub-standard foam. You are more likely to experience slight dips from where your body has compressed the foam over time, but this can also be easily avoided.
Solution: Buy Quality Foam
Firstly, buy your new memory foam mattress from a trusted brand to ensure high-quality memory foam.
To avoid any sagging in the long term;
- Add a memory foam mattress topper
- Ensure your bed frame is supportive and there are no missing slats
- Rotate the mattress from head to foot every 6 months
Problem: My Memory Foam Mattress is Uncomfortable
If you’re not used to sleeping on foam, it can feel strange at first. It can also take a few weeks for your body to adapt and for the foam to fully soften and mould to your shape. In the early days of sleeping on your mattress, it may not feel as comfortable as you had expected.
Solution: Allow for a Longer Adjustment Period
Allow a couple of weeks to really get used to your new mattress before dismissing it completely.
Our mattresses come with a 100 night trial period, so you have a really generous amount of time to let your body adapt. If the mattress isn’t quite right for you, we’ll help you exchange it with one that is.
Problem: Memory Foam is Expensive
You’d be forgiven for thinking memory foam was a luxury product with a luxury price tag to match. Lots of high street and online retailers offer memory foam mattresses at seriously high prices. However, the price often reflects superfluous costs such as advertising, retail costs and all the hidden extras.
It’s actually not too difficult to find quality memory foam on a budget.
Solution: Choose Memory Foam Warehouse for Factory Direct Prices
We’ve cut out the middle man to offer factory-direct prices across our memory foam mattresses. This allows us to keep costs down while offering you excellent value for money.
If the budget is tight, our Essential memory foam mattress range is the most economical. Featuring supportive foam, washable covers and hypoallergenic materials from £49.99.
We hope we’ve answered all of your mattress FAQs. If you’ve got any other mattress problems which you need help solving, get in touch.
Best Memory Foam Mattress Benefits
Despite these common misconceptions, memory foam can work wonders for all sorts of sleeping problems.
Memory foam benefits include;
- Moulds to your body
- Full body support
- Natural spinal alignment
- Cushioning around pressure points
- Back pain relief
- Hypoallergenic for allergy relief
- Suitable for all sleeping positions
- Movement absorption
To experience these benefits for yourself, start browsing our wide range of memory foam mattresses. Sleep well!
