Different Types of Memory Foam

If you’re new to memory foam mattresses and you’ve been having a look through some of the reviews I have for you on my website, I can forgive you for not quite understanding what different types there are and what benefits they offer.

Since I’m all about making sure you find the right mattress for you (and at the right price), I thought it would be a good idea to add some short and to-the-point information about the types of memory foam you will come across.

So, let’s start with the best known.

Traditional Memory Foam

This type first started to take hold of the market in the mid-1990 and for good reason. Unlike a spring mattress, traditional memory foam has been designed so your body is cradled while you sleep. What this does is helps to increase blood circulation and reduce the amount of stress you get on various joints across the body while you sleep.

Another benefit worth knowing if you’re changing from a spring mattress is those that are made from memory foam are anti-microbial. This reduces the number of dust mites and other bugs that can make allergies flare up. In fact, it makes for a much healthier sleeping environment all around.

Motion transfer is something else to think about. If you sleep next to someone who is constantly tossing and turning (or indeed, if you are that person), traditional memory foam will stop this from happening. Lastly, a traditional memory foam mattress will last much longer than a spring-type because of the materials used and the way it’s constructed.

Air Cool Memory Foam

One of the biggest complaints about memory foam mattresses is the amount of heat they can produce. This is because lots of models have been designed so they react to your body temperature. When this happens, the material softens which is why you get such great support from them. In fact, you could say it’s a little like sleeping on air.

Manufacturers have listened to their customers, and you can now buy air-cool memory foam. If you opt for a mattress that includes this technology, it will respond to your body temperature much quicker and will channel the warmth out. This eliminates the issue of additional heat and makes for a cooler night’s sleep.
Some models also use what’s called open-cell technology which helps to distribute heat more evenly.

The 12″ LUCID® by Linenspa I have reviewed here is a perfect example of this type of technology.

Gel Memory Foam

Just like traditional memory foam, gel technology will help stop motion transfer when people sleep in the same bed and will cradle the pressure points over your body. Gel foam is also anti-microbial so you can keep those allergies at bay.

However, it is different in that unlike traditional foam, this technology is often infused with the same sort of gel that’s used in sports equipment or shoe inserts. This makes it one of the best memory foams on the market in terms of support. In fact, it’s ideal for those of you who suffer medium to severe aches and pains due to poor posture when you sleep.

It’s also more durable than traditional foam which means manufacturers can offer better warranties. Do bear in mind, however, that due to the support gel foam offers, it will feel firmer than traditional memory foam.

If you’re interested in seeing an example of this, take a look at my review on the Ultimate Dreams 13″ Gel Memory Foam Mattress.