Memory foam mattresses have been and always will be a popular choice. After all, few mattress types compare to memory foam’s incredible sink-in sensation. With this in mind, we thought it was only fair to address some common questions we often face. So, without further ado, let’s cover everything you need to know about memory foam mattresses. 

How Does Memory Foam Work? And 6 Similar Questions Answered
A customer assessing the best memory foam mattress for them.

1. So, how does memory foam work?

Memory foam reacts to pressure applied to it. For instance, if you place your hand firmly on a memory foam mattress and then remove it, you’ll notice the imprint of your hand on the bed. Similarly, when you lie on a memory foam mattress, the surface will adapt to your body’s contours, providing cradled support. Once you leave bed, the mattress will revert to its original shape. 

2. Will memory foam always bounce back?

As with any mattress, memory foam beds have a life expectancy, indicating that the foam won’t always remain in optimal condition. As a general rule of thumb, we recommend replacing your memory foam mattress every 6-10 years. As the years pass, you may notice that the materials within the mattress naturally deliberate, subsequently impacting the foam’s overall comfort, support and reactivity. If you’d like more information on the topic, we’ve put together a handy list outlining 8 reasons it could be time to replace your memory foam mattress.

If your mattress no longer provides the cloud-like comfort it once did and it’s not the right time to upgrade your bed, a good halfway house could be a memory foam topper.

How Does Memory Foam Work? And 6 Similar Questions Answered
Memory Foam Imprint

3. Will memory foam help back pain?

‘Are memory foam mattresses good for back pain?’ is a question we’re often asked, and the answer is yes and no. The memory foam composition usually does not determine whether the mattress is suitable. Instead, it’s about the tension. 

If you’re experiencing back pain, you’ll ideally want to sleep on a firm or extra-firm mattress that provides sufficient spinal support for front and back sleeping. Otherwise, your spine runs the risk of sinking into the mattress. 

If you’re actively looking for both memory foam comfort and support specifically designed to combat back pain, we recommend shopping our range of firm and extra firm mattresses. For further insight into mattress tension, visit our memory foam mattress buying guide. This leads us to our next question concerning memory foam mattress suitability. 

How Does Memory Foam Work? And 6 Similar Questions Answered
A lady looking to combat her back pain caused by the mattress

4. Who are memory foam mattresses good for?

Again, we reiterate the importance of ensuring your first port of call is always mattress tension. Dive deep into our comprehensive overview of what mattress tension is best for how you sleep.

Fortunately, our extensive collection of memory foam mattresses features a wide array of tensions, meaning we’re sure to feature the perfect memory foam bed for you. 

There is also the question about overheating at night, which we cover below. 

5. Can memory foam make you sweat?

We love memory foam mattresses, as do most people, but if you tend to sleep hot, memory foam may not be the best choice. 

Memory foam is recognised for its heat retention properties, but it isn’t always the best at distributing air throughout the mattress. If you’re prone to overheating, we provide insight into which mattresses feature similar properties.

6. What’s the best memory foam mattress?

We don’t believe in ‘the best memory foam mattress’ as everyone sleeps differently and has a slightly different definition of comfort and support. Instead, we advise researching whether memory foam is a suitable fit for you (more on that soon) and whether the mattress you have your eye on features a tension that matches how you sleep. 

That being said, our Emma memory foam mattress collection is very popular. This is no surprise, as our Emma range is designed and created to emphasise premium and comfortable foam layers to provide you with the best night’s sleep possible. Why not see for yourself and head over to our Emma Sleep range?

7. How do I care for my memory foam mattress?

Investing in a mattress protector is a quick and easy win. The protector is placed on top of the mattress, similar to how you’d fit a bed sheet, and is designed to protect your mattress from spillages, accidents, and odours. Considering how significant a mattress investment is, a mattress protector is a small price. 

Any mattress purchased alongside a protector qualifies for a 60-night sleep trial when you shop with Mattressman. 

Other simple steps to preserve your mattress include rotating it regularly every 3-6 months, ensuring your bed base is supportive, and avoiding the temptation to jump on it!

Shop with Mattressman

Here at Mattressman, everything we do is in the customer’s best interests. Therefore, we’re proud to offer free-next-working-day delivery, 60-night sleep trial options and a wide range of excellent mattresses at everyday low prices.