TEMPUR expert busts the myths around memory foam, explaining its benefits and USPs.
‘Memory foam’ is something most of us are familiar with and is often used in mattresses, pillows, and mattress toppers.
Choosing a mattress is very much personal preference, however, factoring in your sleep position, whether you prefer a hard or softer feel, experience joint or back pain, and even if you tend to toss and turn, should all be considerations before purchasing a mattress.
With so many mattress brands on the market currently offering memory foam options, it can be difficult to decide which is the right product for you. TEMPUR® Vice President Northern Europe, Tobin James, is on hand to bust some of the myths around memory foam and explain its many USPs and benefits for a good night’s sleep.
Tobin says: “Although we spend such a large portion of our lives sleeping and are increasingly aware that a good night’s rest is crucial for good health and wellbeing, we can sometimes give little thought to how mattress choice can impact our sleep quality and are often uninformed as to whether memory foam is the right option.
“The term ‘memory foam’ can cause confusion, as whilst it’s used a lot by mattress manufacturers, it can take on many forms. Although it is an umbrella term, it can denote different materials, layer structure and form and there is no ‘one size fits all’. Generally speaking, memory foam reacts to your body’s weight and temperature, moulding to your body shape, and once the pressure is removed it then gradually returns to its original form. Over time, it will ‘remember’ your body shape and sleep position, hence the name ‘memory’, and provide exactly the support your body needs.
“Purchasing a good mattress that suits your individual sleeping requirements is an investment in your health and comfort – which you can’t put a price on. A good mattress should provide the right level of support and aid good posture: your head, neck, shoulders, hips and back should be aligned and supported well while sleeping.
“This guide aims to debunk some of the myths around memory foam and further enable consumers to make an informed choice about the right mattress for their needs.”
Read on for Tobin’s memory foam busting expertise.
Myth: all memory foam is the same
This is untrue. There are many memory foam varieties on the market, open and closed-cell viscoelastics; traditional, gel or plant-based foams; and varying foam densities.
Used by NASA scientists to cushion astronauts during take-off and landing in the 1970s, TEMPUR is the original pressure relieving mattress product and was the first on the market in the UK.
Made from TEMPUR® material, TEMPUR mattresses are made up of viscoelastic – billions of ultra-sensitive open cells that exist between a solid and a liquid state; this moulds to the shape of your body, adapting to your weight, body temperature and sleep position to support key pressure points such as the spine, neck, or hips, depending on your sleep position. It also helps prevent motion transfer, ideal if you or your partner is a restless sleeper or moves around during the night.
Myth: ‘firm’ mattresses offer the most support
‘Firm’ mattresses do not necessarily offer the most support, especially for side sleepers who should opt for a soft to medium firmness. Firm mattresses work best for front sleepers as it is important that your body is as close to the bed as possible. Minimal gapping between you and the mattress ensures your body is supported adequately.
Myth: Memory foam is not suitable for back pain or allergy sufferers
As it distributes weight evenly and removes pressure points, memory foam mattress can help ease any aches and pains and is often recommended by chiropractors thanks to the supreme support and comfort they offer. Memory foam mattresses are also hypoallergenic, meaning they are better suited to allergy sufferers than a mattress made from organic or natural fibres.
Myth: Memory foam is hard to care for or clean
TEMPUR mattresses do not need to be rotated or flipped, unlike other brands, as the material retains its shape and feel. They also have removable washable covers. Or to remove stains, you can gently sponge using washing-up liquid or diluted laundry detergent and warm water.
It is advisable to wash bed linen weekly and pull back your duvet each morning to let it air. A mattress protector can help to keep your mattress spick and span, keeping it free from stains, dead skin cells and dust mites. Choose a machine washable version to make cleaning easy.
Myth: Memory foam makes you hot
Our bodies generate heat, but a memory foam mattress or topper does not. There are many factors that can contribute to overheating in bed, such as age, weight, diet and overall health, hydration levels, hormones, or medications. Stress and anxiety can also lead to overheating, or it could simply be our choice of bedding or nightwear.
While your mattress or topper itself will not generate heat, the mattress or topper you choose can make a big difference to your body temperature. Some people are tempted by products with a ‘cooling gel’ layer thinking this will provide a colder spot to sleep. While it may be cool to lie on initially, the gel layer will soon reach body temperature. A gel layer also acts as a barrier, preventing ventilation and causing your temperature to rise even more.
Traditional form and memory foam mattresses and toppers utilise a closed-cell structure, which retains body heat by keeping it close to your body. However, an open-cell structure, such as the viscoelastic material used to make TEMPUR mattresses and toppers, allows for better ventilation. TEMPUR® material draws in the surrounding cooler air and circles away the warmer air created by your body.
For more information on Tempur, visit www.tempur.co.uk
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About TEMPUR
TEMPUR researches, develops, manufactures and distributes mattresses, pillows and other sleep products to improve the sleep experience worldwide.
TEMPUR mattresses and pillows are made from a formulation of the brand’s proprietary pressure absorbing TEMPUR Material. Born from NASA technology, TEMPUR Material was developed in the 1960s to protect astronauts during space flight by absorbing G-force pressure.
Tempur Material is the original pressure relieving mattress product and the precursor to all memory foams. Made up of viscoelastic – billions of ultra-sensitive open cells that exist between a solid and a liquid state – Tempur products provide the ultimate comfort and support, helping you to sleep better, longer and deeper.
Each TEMPUR product undergoes sixty-seven different quality checks. Offering superior quality, durability and value for money, TEMPUR is no.1 in customer satisfaction in the UK.
TEMPUR products can be purchased direct via the TEMPUR UK website, Dreams, John Lewis, Bensons for Beds, and Furniture Village or leading independent retailers or from any of 11 TEMPUR brand stores and outlets.
TEMPUR’s are the only mattress and pillow products officially recognised by NASA as improving quality of life. They are also certified by the Space Foundation.
TEMPUR is a subsidiary of TEMPUR Sealy International Inc.
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