Which Type of Foam Mattress is Best?
When it comes to memory foam mattresses, many people might be surprised to learn there are three primary types of foam. These include traditional, plant-based, and gel foam. Each has its own features and benefits, and no doubt, each person will have his or her particular preferences.
However, it is wise to take note of the differences, and compare the pros and cons of each one to establish what is best for your individual needs.
Various factors require our attention when selecting the right memory foam mattress. Follow along while we pay close attention to some benefits and drawbacks.
Traditional Memory Foam Mattresses
The pros:
- Traditional memory foam has already been in use for decades. These are made from petroleum-based products, which is based on the original process. Very little has changed since it was first developed.
- When lying down on memory foam, the heat seems to softens it in all the right places to help support your body along the natural lines and curves of the body. Manufacturers claim it relieves pain as well as promotes more restful sleep.
The Cons:
- Even though it's been said that traditional memory foam tends to heat your body just a tad bit where it may border on experiencing discomforts, it is not such a big concern as people would adjust their blankets or thermostats to accommodate a particular season.
Plant-based Memory Foam Mattresses
The Pros:
- Plant-based memory foam was produced to address concerns about the release of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) as well as heat. In essence, the invention of plant-based memory foam ensures a much larger cell structure that features improved breathability compared to traditional memory foam types.
- It is good to know that plant-based memory foam mattresses are usually made with very low VOCs. This would depend on the manufacturer and the process implemented. A sizable selection of petroleum-based products is replaced with plant-based ingredients. Some manufacturers tend to be more conscientious about using adhesives, foam ingredients, and materials that have low to no VOC output.
- Compared to traditional foam, plant-based memory foam proves to increase breathability by up to ten times, and it is 25 percent cooler than gel-infused foam mattresses. The reason for this is the open-cell structure as well as the temperature-neutral properties of this type of material.
The Cons:
- Even though the plant-based memory foam mattresses typically aren't made with harmful chemicals, and release minimal VOCs, they still do produce an odor when they're new.
Related: Best Memory Foam Mattress
Gel-infused Memory Foam Mattresses
The Pros:
- Gel memory foam is considered a recent addition and consists of a combination of traditional foam and gel foam. The gel in itself gets infused throughout the mattress. In some cases, the gel is within the layers.
- Manufacturers of gel memory foam claim that their mattresses sleep far cooler than traditional foam.
- Some gel brands exhibit far fewer odor complaints than their counterpart, traditional memory foams.
The Cons:
- While gel technology might be slightly beneficial at first, from a temperature standpoint, but the gel seems to warm to body heat.
- Gel-infused memory foam is still a new concept as it has only recently been introduced to the market. The effect of the gel has not been properly tested.
The Best Memory Foam Mattresses: The Verdict
When you choose a memory foam mattress, you'll likely find that particular tastes and preferences will dictate your final selection. Bear in mind, though, that memory foam mattresses are a great buy and will last you for a long time. And when the pros and cons of each type of memory foam are taken into account, gel foam mattresses seem to be the clear winner, with plant-based foam also having an edge over traditional memory foam.
The primary reason gel foam mattresses were introduced was to deal with memory foam overheating issues. The gel technology is designed lower one’s body temperature by absorbing excess heat and releasing it away from the mattress and your body.
It’s been proven that gel foam is far better than traditional memory foam. Not only are gel mattresses made to keep one cool, but they let the user experience improved comfort. These mattresses are constructed with added layers, including gel layers, which support the body and prevent it from sinking too deep into the mattress.
From the points mentioned above, it is clear there are differences within this product category. However, it seems that both gel-infused and plant-based memory foam mattresses rank higher than traditional memory foam. But whatever type you choose, memory foam mattresses alleviate pressure points and conform to one’s body so much better than innerspring mattresses would.
Resources— Sleepedia, What's The Best Bed
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