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Memory Foam Mattress Reviews and Links
Memory Foam Mattress.org is proud to offer
foam mattress reviews and links to help you make an informed decision when
buying a memory foam mattress. With the help of Dr. Rick Swartzburg, D.C.,
we have reviewed the material on the following mattresses and even tested some
of them personally. The result: A better understanding of what they
are really selling and whether they really offer what they claim. Keep in
mind that some of these companies may not give out important information like
ILD ratings, but you can and should inquire before making the purchase. If
you have any questions regarding any memory foam or other foam mattress types,
you can email
Dr. Swartzburg personally at
moreinfo@MemoryFoamMattress.org
If you have a memory foam mattress that you
would like to have linked to our site, we would be pleased to review your memory
foam product. Just click here to
read our policy on links and advertisements.
Personally Tested and Reviewed Foam Mattresses:
Tempur-pedic® - The original visco-elastic mattress company. They still offer their OriginalBed, with three inches of 5.3lb. memory foam over a 5 inch base of high density and high reslient polyurethane and the Classic, which adds another half inch of the softer 5.3lb. memory foam over the HR base. They offer a stretchable, thinner material cover for more of a memory foam feel. Dr. Swartzburg personally used the classic bed for a number of years, as well as testing all the various models Tempurpedic offers. He found the Classic and Original beds to be very supportive of the spine, but a little too firm for side sleeping at times, especially on cold nights when the memory foam was not warmed up enough to be soft. The other problem with the 5.3lb. density and 7.0lb. (Tempur-HD™) memory foam is that it is so temperature sensitive, when rolling over at night, the surface does not feel the same as the place your body was finally able to mold to. It actually takes quite a few minutes to get the area soft again, so he found that it would wake him out of sleep. Even so, he still believes that this mattress was far superior to any spring mattress that he has ever tried, as all good quality memory foam seems to allow a much higher degree of overall body contouring and therefore reduced pinpoint pressure on your joints. In many of the their models, they talk about their Dual Air flow system™, but the convoluted foam they use on the base cannot transmit air to the surface of the bed, so this may be of little use as an airflow system. More specifically, it would seem from Tempur-Pedic's patent filing, that they are using this convoluted layer to offer an ideal spring characteristic in supporting the overlying memory foam layer. They now divide their 12 models into three categories: The Tempur® collection, the Tempur®-HD collection and Tempur- Cloud™ collection, as described in these reviews:
The Tempur® Collection (Original Memory Foam Material): This collection uses the original 5.3lb. formulation of the Tempurpedic memory foam in both of their softer and more supportive versions. The softer Tempur® memory foam will reduce pressure points nicely, but will still have the problems with the hardening of the foam with cooler temperatures. The Orignialbed will be the firmest of the bunch and much better for back sleepers. The AdvantageBed, BellaFinaBed and ClassicBed offer about an inch of the softer Tempur memory foam on the surface, so they will be very similar in feel, with the Advantage bed being just a bit firmer and the BellaFina bed being softer due to the extra springy foam underneath the viscoelastic layers. These models will still be firm overall and work well for back sleepers or side sleepers that have narrower shoulders and do not seem to need as much softness. The DeluxeBed and CelebrityBed offer more of the softer memory foam on the surface, as well as a double convoluted base, so you will sink in much more on these designs, making these much better side sleeping mattresses (with the exception of the firmness that is created when the temperature drops and firms up mattress). As you sink further into these more plush designs, the back is less supported and the body is more enveloped. This causes more heat to build up around the body, since there is no true outlet for airflow in the very dense surfaces of these products.
The Tempur-HD Collection (Higher Density, More Temperature Sensitive Memory Foam): Some of the other Tempur-Pedic models that offer include the extremely pricy Grand bed, which offer their new HD memory foam. While they do not state what HD stands for, it should simply stand for higher density, since this newer foam they introduced has an approximate density of 7lb. The Grand mattress is the most unique bed they offer, as it has multiple layers and multiple densities of foam. Specifically, it uses the most 7lb. HD memory foam of all the models they offer. According to Dr. Swartzburg, the bed has a very contouring, yet more buoyant and supportive feel than the other models. However, don't get too excited by it, unless you have an extra few thousand dollars to spend over the other designs. Also, it should be noted that the higher the density foam, the more viscous and temperature sensitive that foam will usually become (meaning more warm up time may be needed in cooler temperatures). Out of the AlluraBed and the RhapsodyBed, the most popular Tempur-HD mattress is the Rhapsody bed. The Rhapsody uses a very similar layering system as the Deluxe bed, but in this case, the top surface 5lb. layer is replaced for the first inch with the newer 7lb. memory foam. This will be a bit firmer from the get go and respond even more to temperature changes than the Deluxe bed, but also be a bit more supportive overall. The Allura bed has more of the supportive Tempur-HD memory foam on the surface, but it uses the same, almost 5 inches of combined memory foam as the Celebrity bed, so you sink in almost as much, but it is still firmer and more temperature sensitive overall. Tempur-Pedic also has a newer mattress that uses latex underneath called the BellaSonnaBed. They were a bit behind the other innovators in the industry who were already selling hybrid models like this, but never the less, we still like the contrast of latex and memory foam for that more buoyant middle support, when used properly. The barrel system is unique, but they are flimsy and it has not become as popular as some of their other models. It is unknown at this time where they are getting their latex foam, so it may be coming from China like many of the other latex foams available. However, Tempur-Pedic does only manufacture their memory foam in high quality facilities in both the U.S. and Sweden.
The Cloud Collection (Softer Designs, Less Temperature Sensitive and More Reactive Memory Foam): In 2003 we reported that Selectabed.com came out with the Tri-Pedic (see the review below), the first 3-layer memory foam mattress to use a 4lb., less temperature sensitive memory foam surface, over a 5lb., more temperature sensitive surface. This combines to give a less temperature and more pressure responsive memory foam mattress. Seven years later, Tempur-pedic came out with their version called the Tempur-Cloud and Tempur-Cloud Supreme. The regular Cloud mattress has a combined memory foam total of approximately 3 inches, with both densities split almost evenly, as compared to the more plush Cloud Supreme mattress, which has the 2 inches of 4lb. density memory foam over 2 inches of 5lb. memory foam. Both will be less temperature sensitive on the surface, so they will be softer from the get go and more responsive, but the Cloud Supreme will be one of the overall softest and most plush feeling mattresses that Tempurpedic produces. Since Dr. Swartzburg had a hand in helping to design the Tri-Pedic, he was proud to see the largest memory foam distributor take to the idea and happy to see that a wider audience can enjoy this design.
Tempur-Pedic now offers their own adjustable bed called the Advanced Ergo System. Adjustable bases will work with all normally flexible memory foam mattresses. It has many of the same features available from other competitors, but it is backed by Tempur-Pedic's full one-year and limited 19-year warranty plan. For their mattresses, Tempur-Pedic offers a 20-year limited warranty with the first 10 years non-prorated and the 2nd 10 years prorated. The also offer a 3-month sleep trial on all purchases.
SelectaBed ® - The original Tri-pedicÒ memory foam mattress offers a variation on the traditional memory foam mattress in that it has four inches of memory foam and three different layers of foam total. The memory foam structure designed to avoid the problem that occurs when 5lb. memory foam hardens up on colder nights due to its extreme temperature sensitivity. It uses 2 inches of a special 4lb. 10-ILD memory foam layer over 2 inches of the traditional 5lb. 20-ILD memory foam layer. This avoids the problem of rolling on to a surface that is too temperature sensitive, as 4lb. memory foam is more pressure sensitive. Even though the 4lb. memory foam that is made in the USA is a very high quality, it is still not supportive enough to be the only memory foam layer in a mattress. Therefore, the Tri-pedic uses the 5lb. memory foam underneath the 4lb. for support. The bottom layer is composed of a HR (high resilient) and high density polyurethane for support and stability. The Tri-Pedic was the first three-layer, multiple density memory foam mattress and was recently selected by the U.S. State Department to be used in all the embassies around the world . The Soft-pedic® mattress offers a variation of the Tri-pedic® in that it has the same first 2-layer composition, but also contains zoned latex foam underneath to add more softness, without allowing the hips and low back to sink in further and, thereby, avoiding any hammock like effect of the body and spine. Dr. Swartzburg, who advised, helped design and tested these mattresses for the company believes that the Soft-Pedic mattress is the best side sleeper mattress available, as it has the highest degree of body contouring, with just enough spring to lend extra body support. He believes that the Tri-pedic mattress has the most consistent and plush, pure memory foam mattress feel and also supports the spine better than the traditional memory foam mattresses do. These mattresses are priced much less than Tempur-pedic® mattresses. Other mattresses SelectaBed have created include a specialty one for Arthritis and Fibromyalgia sufferers called the Fibro-Pedic™. This mattress offers a softer surface feel to reduce pressure points on tender muscles and joints, but also uses a zoned latex support layer that is similar to the Soft-Pedic, to provide proper spinal support underneath. For those on a low budget, be sure to inquire about their more generic Selectabed 2000 and 5000 4lb. and 5lb. respective, 3 inch memory foam over 5 inch high density (HR) polyurethane foam mattress. One very unique part feature that Selectabed offers is the ability to customize different configurations and shapes to fit the needs of the buyer. For this reason they ask more detailed information before their final mattress recommendation, as they may offer to substitute an 8lb. memory foam for a 5lb. in a case where extra support and longevity is needed to compensate for increased user weight. Selectabed.com offers a 4-month sleep trial and 30-year limited warranty, with the first 10 year pro-rated and the second 20-years non-prorated. Selectabed.com has been certified for using 100% U.S.A. manufactured memory foam and as a 100% U.S.A. manufactured product.
Reviewed Only Foam Mattresses and Mattress Pads:
GoMattress - The Sleep Fit memory foam mattress offers three inches of 4lb. memory foam with a 1.5 inch quilting, over an eight inch base. The quilted cover will take away some of the memory foam contouring, but some buyers may be happy to find a memory foam mattress with more of a traditional look and feel. Go mattress offers a 20-year limited warranty and a 30-day trial period. For their standard memory foam mattress, Go Mattress uses a lower quality imported foam from China, but they do use 100% U.S.A. produced foam for their Sleep Fit quilted memory foam mattress. Therefore, their Sleep Fit memory foam mattress been certified as a 100% U.S.A. manufactured product.
Abed - Since our last review, Abed has become Dormia Direct and they have recently changed their specs. for all of their models. In addition they are currently undergoing some restructuring changes due to a voluntary Chapter 11 bankruptcy they filed recently. Therefore, we will need to review all of this further before we can give the proper guidance about these new designs.
Knox Foam - They now have three models listed. The Body Form™ mattress does not list what type of memory foam they are using, but they state that it takes 5-10 minutes to mold to the body. This would make this foam extremely temperature sensitive and thereby get hard when the temperature drops and likely cause a break in the sleep cycle when rolling to another position at night. They have a generic 9 inch memory foam mattress that uses 3 inches of 4lb. memory foam bonded to a 6 inch base of some type of polyurethane foam. With the Tri-Lux™ Memory Foam Mattress they offer a more affordable pricing structure, but do not list the memory foam density. It appears that it is a lower weight, and thereby a lesser quality. With this mattress, they do not bond the pieces together, but rather send it in three separate compressed packages that you have to assemble. We do applaud the fact that they listened to public and offered a 3-layer design that looks like it was meant to compete with the Tri-Pedic, buy offering a softer, less temperature sensitive surface, but the two polyurethane layers will not provide the level of support and comfort that a high density memory foam will. The "high quality" base should not be confused with the more durable high resilient base foam. Knox foam offers a 60-day trial period and a 10-year limited warranty.
Back be Nimble - Offers a the Nimblepedic™, 3 5/8 inch of 5.3lb. density memory foam mattress with a slightly lower ILD than Tempur-Pedic and a bit less on the mattress cost. The base is a high resilient 32ILD foam with edge support. As mentioned previously, we do not feel that edge support is necessary in a well built memory foam mattress. Back be Nimble offers a 60-day trial period and a 20-year limited warranty.
Harvey Norman - With stores located throughout Australia and NewZealand, they feature the KoolFlow® mattress, the latest innovation in memory foam mattresses designed to dissipate heat through a new, patented airflow technology. This mattress is manufactured by A.H. Beard, the oldest family owned mattress maker in Australia. They feature two models: The Everest and the Glacier and have become a very popular choice for those who run extra hot, especially in the warmer and more humid climates.
Essentia Direct - This new mattress company advertises their mattress as the only natural memory foam mattress, but this is a misnomer, as it is not based on the original NASA derived formulation and it is really just a latex mattress that does have a slower recovery time than the usual bouncy latex designs. This is an important distinction for customers looking for a true memory foam experience and also important to note for those who suffer with latex allergies, as this particular latex is not the composite type that have been so popular because of its hypo-allergenic nature. They currently have seven models listed on their site ranging from their basic model called the Pure, starting at $1,299 to there top-of-the-line model called the Unity, starting at $4,437. All of their mattresses and latex foam are made in Canada.
The Futon Shop - Green washing is getting popular these days, so it is worth mentioning that in the case of the Futon Shop's Natural, Organic Soy mattress, there is no such thing! It is true that a very small percentage of soy has been added to certain memory foams, but this amounts to less than 10% and even that amount currently distorts the memory foam feel. We hope in the future that this may become a reality, but for the present time, it is not and want the consumers to be aware of the real truth behind this new trend. With that said, the mattress they offer is a coil/fiber filled/memory foam combination. It does have an organic cotton cover. As mentioned, the memory foam has very little soy, but it may be a better Futon alternative than the usual Futon mattress compositions. However, keep in mind that any well layered memory foam mattress with a firm enough base can be placed on a Futon.
Costco - While not a mattress manufacturer, they are constantly featuring memory foam mattress and toppers that are made exclusively for them. If you are in the market to buy something with memory foam in it and don't want to spend much, Costco has just that. They offer 10 and 12 inch Novaform™ and Sleep Science™ mattresses, but the 3 inch memory foam layer in both are lower in density and the feel is more spongy. Overall, don't expect a high quality, but at least it is priced accordingly.
More models and manufacturers are continuously being evaluated. Stay tuned for more reviews in the near future.
Beware of Cheap imitations!
Unfortunately, not all foam is created equal. Many companies will put together the mattress in the U.S., but buy the foam overseas to save money. With overseas foam, we cannot be sure of the quality or the composition, so we are very wary of recommending mattresses that use memory foam not produced in the United States, with the exception of Tempur-Pedic, who has the only high quality Swedish manufacturing facility we know of. The rest of the overseas foam makers produce memory foam that seems to flatten out with compression, even though it may feel comfortable upon the first feel. Therefore, the memory foam made overseas may not last as long, be as safe to sleep on, and offer enough support. Unfortunately, many companies state their beds are made in the U.S. because the mattress is put together in the U.S., even though they do not use U.S. produced foam. For a list of companies that have produced documentation verifying that their mattresses are 100% produced in the U.S., click here.