Memory Foam Mattresses: The Pros & Cons

Choosing the right mattress can be a tough decision, as there are so many types on the market right now. However, memory foam has become increasingly popular in the UK, as it’s renowned for its ability to provide exceptional comfort and support.

Originally developed by NASA in the 1960s to improve the safety of aircraft cushions, the technology of memory foam has since evolved and has made its way onto our beds! Praised for its unique ability for adapting to your body’s shapes and preferred sleeping positions, memory foam mattresses are unlike any other.

In this guide, we’ll break down the specific pros and cons of memory foam mattresses. We’ll explore some of their drawbacks, and give you some tips on how to overcome them! Firstly, let’s take a closer look into what makes up a memory foam mattress, with its key features.

What Is A Memory Foam Mattress?

To understand whether a memory foam mattress is the right choice for you, it’s important to start with the basics. Memory foam is a type of polyurethane foam that has been chemically engineered to increase its density and viscosity, giving it the ability to mould to the shape of your body when you lie down and then slowly return to its original form when you get up. This material is known for its ability to create a customised sleeping surface that can alleviate pressure points and provide a cradling sensation, which is why it has gained such popularity among a wide range of sleepers.

Memory foam mattresses first gained popularity in the 1990s, and their appeal has only grown since then. Originally, they were often seen as a luxury item, but over time, advancements in manufacturing have made them more accessible to more consumers. Today, memory foam mattresses are widely available and come in various types, including those infused with cooling gels and those designed with layered constructions to enhance their overall performance.

Whilst memory foam mattresses are often recommended for those who suffer from back pain or joint issues, they can be beneficial for anyone who values a mattress that provides a soft, contouring feel. Whether you’re a side sleeper who needs extra cushioning for your shoulders and hips, or a back sleeper looking for support in the lumbar region, a memory foam mattress can offer a sleep experience tailored to your specific needs.

The Pros Of Memory Foam Mattresses

Memory foam mattresses have countless benefits that can enhance your sleep each night. From pressure relief, reduced motion transfer, to less noise and lower maintenance levels, a memory foam mattress could be the next best thing for your sleep quality. So, let’s go into more depth with the advantages and unique features of a memory foam mattress.

Pressure Relief

One of the standout features of memory foam mattresses is their ability to offer a high level of comfort and targeted pressure relief, ideally for those who have aches and pains in their joints. The high-viscosity of the mattress’ materials eventually shapes to your body’s contours and preferred sleeping positions, giving you extra support on areas like your hips, neck, and spine. Memory foam mattresses literally remember your favourite ways that you sleep, giving you a perfect, tailored sleeping experience each night.

Motion Isolation

Another unique advantage of the memory foam mattress is its reduced motion isolation, which is also known as “motion transfer.” The spongy materials of the memory foam mattress absorbs and minimises any movement that’s transferred across its surface, as opposed to some traditional mattresses that are designed with internal springs. This is great for couples, as you don’t hear your partner’s movements as they get up to go to the toilet or get a glass of water during the night. You’ll be able to get so many nights of uninterrupted sleep thanks to this technology!

A woman lying in bed with her arms raised above her head, exuding a sense of relaxation and comfort.

Durable & High-quality

Memory foam mattresses are also widely recognised for their durability, high-quality and their ability to retain their shape over the years. It’s a big bonus if you’re looking for a mattress that’s good value for money, as these mattresses don’t tend to show signs of sagging or fraying for a very long time.

Resistant To Allergens

For those who find themselves sneezing a lot or having itchy skin, memory foam mattresses might be the one for you. This is because they’re typically resistant to allergens such as dust mites, as the dense structure of the mattress helps prevent the accumulation and build up of these irritants. It’s a great perk for those who suffer from allergies or respiratory problems.

To learn more about the relationship between allergies and mattresses, why not have a look at some of our other guides where we talk about this topic in more detail?

Less Noise

There’s no springs inside a memory foam mattress, so it’s true that they create less noise. If you’re someone who considers themselves as a light sleeper, a memory foam mattress could be the one for you as there’s no risk of having old, rusty squeaky springs. Whenever you get in and out of bed, or switch sides while sleeping, memory foam mattresses are near silent.

Low Maintenance

Unlike traditional mattresses, memory foam mattresses don’t require a lot of maintenance as they don't have springs inside. The most important thing is to keep them dry, as spillages are often the leading cause for memory foam mattress damage and deterioration. We also recommend that you just simply rotate it every now and again, and vacuum their surface with an upholstery attachment for overall hygiene.

A woman rests on a bed, arms lifted, capturing a serene and restful atmosphere.

The Cons Of A Memory Foam Mattress

Unfortunately, memory foam mattresses can have some cons and drawbacks, so these are important to consider when you’re ready to shop around for a new mattress. However, the fortunate thing is that a lot of these cons have solutions, so let’s have a look at some tips on these memory-foam related challenges!

Heat Retention

One of the most common drawbacks that sleepers point out is the fact that memory foam mattresses aren’t the greatest at heat retention. Because the memory foam layers are so dense, heat tends to get trapped inside them often, which can ultimately create an uncomfortable night’s sleep.

The solution: If you consider yourself a hot sleeper and you struggle in the hot seasons, investing in a cooling mattress topper can do the trick. They’re designed with a specialised cooling foam that can help you regulate your body’s temperature. If you still think you might struggle with finding the right temperature in your bedroom, we do offer a wide variety of climate control mattresses, or thermo-regulating mattresses as they’re often called.

Off-gassing Odour

Another potential downside of the memory foam mattress is the initial off-gassing odour that some people may notice when their mattress is delivered. You have to let the mattress air out for a couple of days once it’s arrived at your home, and this “new mattress smell” is the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). It’s not harmful but it can be quite off-putting at first.

The solution: We advise you to keep your bedroom well-ventilated after you’ve unboxed your mattress. The smell usually disappears after a few days, but opening your windows and even using a dehumidifier can help it disappear even quicker.

Heavier Than Other Mattress

Memory foam mattresses can be heavier than normal mattresses since their structure is so dense, so it can be harder to manoeuvre and rotate it.

The solution: Have someone help you rotate your mattress if you find that it’s too heavy, and don’t over exert yourself. The heaviness of the mattress is a trade-off that makes it so supportive, comfortable and adaptive.

On The Pricier Side

Memory foam mattresses tend to be on the more expensive side, which is definitely something to consider for your new mattress-buying budget. This is because a lot of work goes into making their highly dense and unique structures, giving enhanced quality and durability.

The solution: If the idea that our memory foam mattresses are worth the investment doesn’t sway you, we have some cheaper options to choose from, such as our bonnell spring or orthopaedic mattresses.

They Can Take Time To Adapt

Whilst it’s true that memory foam mattresses are responsive to your body’s shapes and contours, they can take a bit of time in doing so. Their materials need to mould over time to get to know your preferred sleeping positions and shapes, and they can be a bit firm at first.

To fully expand, memory foam mattresses typically take around 24-72 hours after they’ve been unboxed, and they can take anywhere between 1-3 months to “break in” or mould to your body. This can depend on different factors such as weight disruption, how often you sleep in one position and the mattress’ maintenance.

The solution: We kindly ask you to be patient! It’s not that the mattress isn’t working yet, it’s just that it takes a little bit of time to understand you as a sleeper. Some tips that you can do to speed up the process is to sleep on it consistently, apply a bit of pressure by walking on it after it has been unboxed. Sleeping in a warmer room helps the foam soften and expand quicker.

There’s More Than What Meets the Eye: Different Types Of Memory Foam Mattresses

You may be surprised to learn that there isn’t just one type of memory foam mattress on the market right now. At Aspire, we’ve combined innovative bedding technologies that allow you to get the best sleep that you deserve each and every night. Let’s take a look at some versatile memory foam mattress options that can give you the best of both worlds!

Gel

Our gel mattresses are designed with layers of both memory foam and cool blue gel. This gel layer is very good for regulating your temperature as it dissipates heat 5 times quicker than a standard one. Plus, this gel layer adds even more support and pressure relief on top of the memory foam.

Plant Based

We offer a variety of plant-based mattress types, including our bamboo and memory foam mattresses. The core of this mattress type is memory foam, whilst the cover is bamboo, making it perfect for regulating your body’s temperature and repelling allergens such as dust mites. It can also be extra kind and sensitive to the skin, thanks to the organic plant-based materials.

Cashmere

Similarly to our planted based mattresses, we offer a wide variety of woollen cashmere and memory foam blends. This mattress in particular is designed to be dual sided, meaning you can flip the mattress over as well as rotate it, ideal for improved mattress maintenance.

Hybrid Options

When we talk about hybrid mattresses, we refer to different mixtures of mattress types that are blended into one. For example, we have hybrid memory foam and pocket spring mattresses that are designed with pocket springs and layers of spongy memory foam - ideal if you would like to get the best of both worlds! This is just one example of our hybrid mattress range that is built from different styles.

How Long Do Memory Foam Mattresses Last?

Typically, memory foam mattresses tend to last between 7-10 years with the right care and maintenance. Their dense structures and high-quality materials makes these mattress options great quality, but after this time mark, they do begin to show some signs of wear and tear. Especially after consistent use, memory foam mattresses can have dipping and sags across their surfaces.

Regular maintenance, such as flipping and rotating your mattress and vacuuming it, can make your mattress last longer over the years. Keeping a memory foam mattress dry is crucial for its longevity, so any spillages that occur need to be cleaned as quickly as possible. To find out some information on how to properly care for your mattress, why not take a look at some of our other guides?

Disposing of Old Memory Foam Mattresses Ethically

When it’s time to get rid of your old memory foam mattress, it’s essential to dispose of it in an ethical way. Even when some memory foam mattresses are made with plant based or natural materials, they still require an appropriate disposal method. This could be either taking it to your local recycling centre or arranging a collection through your council to pick it up for you. You could even take it to a local bed charity that accept mattresses, as this is a great way to protect the environment and help a charity with a certain goal.

Discover The Best Mattress For You

After reading this guide, we hope you have a better understanding on how memory foam mattresses work. We’ve weighed up their pros and cons, as well as the different types of memory foam mattresses, with tips on how to look after them. We understand that different people have certain preferences when it comes to mattresses, so we hope this guide has helped you into making the right buying decision.

If you have any more questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us - our friendly customer service team are happy to help.