If you’ve heard of memory foam mattresses and want to know if these mattresses will work for you, there are a few things to consider. You could find that you wake up feeling better, or that you’re able to fall asleep faster. The mattress could be a healthy choice if you prefer a soft, cushion-like surface for sleeping. Some people even say that they have been able to get rid of certain conditions like insomnia and night-time joint pain by getting a memory foam mattress.
Is Memory Foam Good For Your Health?
Sleep specialists do warn that there haven’t been a lot of studies about memory foam. While many consumers say that they get better sleep on a memory foam mattress, it’s important to remember that independent sleep studies can be expensive. If the sleep study is done by a mattress company, the results will likely be in favour of memory foam. This may not provide an accurate representation of what a large section of the population thinks about memory foam. Specialists also say that it’s possible that they are only hearing the positive things about memory foam from patients, which means people who don’t get a good night’s rest on the mattress may not be reporting their findings.
However, doctors can confirm that memory foam can lead to better sleep. This is because the softness of the foam will relieve pressure points on the body to get rid of pain and inflammation. However, memory foam mattresses don’t really do anything to improve insomnia, unless the insomnia is related to physical pain. Those who suffer from sleep apnea may also find that memory foam mattresses are not especially effective for this condition.
How Does Memory Foam Work?
Memory foam responds to your body heat. The heat that comes from your body gets softer in various points on the mattress. This means that the natural curves of the body will be supported and you’ll get the most cushions in the deepest pressure points. The National Sleep Foundation even states that memory foam may be best for people who suffer from chronic back pain, even though a number of consumers say that they prefer firmer mattresses.
There is a general consensus that memory foam is ideal for older people, but sleep specialists say that there isn’t any scientific data to prove this. It is believed that memory foam will keep older individuals from waking up multiple times during the night. Elderly individuals who are sleeping with a spouse or partner are less likely to be bothered by their bed mate’s movements, which can also make for sounder sleep. Since there are no box springs in memory foam mattresses, one person can move without waking up the other.
It’s important to keep in mind that memory foam is best for people who prefer to be warm when they sleep. The foam retains body heat, which means the bed will be noticeably warm, even during spring and summer. However, adjusting the thermostat and removing blankets from the bed can help regulate heat generation.