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Memory foam mattresses have been growing in popularity since their introduction in the 1990s, and for good reason. Created by NASA in 1966, memory foam has been used for everything from space shuttle seats to helmet padding for the National Football League. Universally praised for its “open-cell” structure, it provides unprecedented support and comfort than traditional foam padding.

As mattresses have evolved, it seems a natural step in technological evolution that our sleeping surfaces would incorporate this marvel of modern engineering. As with all mattress types, there is variety with the memory foam mattress with each version bringing varying levels of comfort and features.

The mattress experts at Mattresses For Less understand the need for consumers to do their homework on all of the sleeping surfaces available to them. With this in mind, they proudly offer the following information to better aid their customers in their search for the perfect mattress:

Traditional Memory Foam Mattresses

The most popular version of the memory foam mattress, traditional memory foam is what most consumers think of when shopping for this type of mattress. More dense than typical sleeping surfaces (like innerspring mattresses), memory foam is renowned for its ability to keep its shape (or “remember”) once used. This allows for a reduction of pressure points on the sleeper as the foam conforms to the body. This actually aids in circulation allowing for a better night’s sleep.

Another inherent trait with traditional memory foam is the reduction of allergens inherent in other sleeping surfaces. Memory foam inherently repels dust mites and microbial contaminants that are the primary cause of most allergy sufferer’s symptoms. This fact alone makes memory foam an extremely popular sleeping surface choice.

Motion transfer reduction is another benefit of traditional memory foam mattresses. No matter how restless you or your partner may be in the night, traditional memory foam limits how much movement is transferred to the other side of the bed.

Finally, traditional foam mattresses are tough. Warranties on traditional foam mattresses tend to last longer as the mattresses themselves have a longer life expectancy than non-memory foam sleeping surfaces. What this means to you is a noticeable increase in the life of your investment.

AirCool Memory Foam

Like the traditional memory foam, this type of surface also reduces pressure points as it conforms to the body as well as repels dust mites and other allergens. However, one of the common complaints against traditional memory foam mattresses is the temperature of the surface. Memory foam tends to store body heat making the surface temperature of the mattress uncomfortable, if not unbearable, for most consumers. The difference in this foam comes in the form of the open celled structure that allows for improved airflow and considerably less heat retention. A secondary benefit of this type of foam is the speed in which the surface responds to the shape of the body. While traditional memory foam mattresses can have a “quicksand” feel to it as it slowly conforms to the sleeper’s body, AirCool memory foam reduces that sinking feeling with its increased response speed. With the reduction in surface heat and faster conforming response time, many feel this type of memory foam is a substantial upgrade from traditional memory foam mattresses.

Gel Memory Foam

As with the previous types of memory foam surfaces, this version also reduces motion transfer, pressure points, and allergens. The biggest difference in gel memory foam from all others is found in the gel itself. Using the same substance found in many shoe inserts and sports equipment, this type of memory foam offers even more support and comfort than traditional memory foam. Surface temperature is reduced as well as it does not utilize the same heat retaining materials found in traditional memory foam. While all memory foam mattresses have a well-earned reputation for form retention and comfort, many consumers have found the gel memory foam to have the highest quality in terms of quality, comfort, and warranty (some as high as 25 years).

No matter what type of memory foam mattress you choose, the benefits of this particular sleeping surface are obvious. More comfort, more support, longer warranties, and less allergens are just a few of the benefits from a memory foam mattress. Without a doubt, these mattresses are among the best money can buy and certainly worthy of the investment not just in a new sleeping surface but ultimate in the health and well being that can only come from a good night’s sleep.