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Types of Memory Foam

Memory foam, also known as viscoelastic foam, is a type of foam that is both dense and heat sensitive. It is a polyurethane foam with plasticisers and chemical ingredients that help it contour to your body shape.

However, not all memory foam is equal, and there are several different types you will come across while shopping for a new mattress.

Over the years, different types of memory foam have been developed to address specific needs and preferences. Here are six different types of memory foam explained:

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The different types of memory foam

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1. Traditional memory foam

Also known as Visco-elastic foam, traditional memory foam is the most common in mattresses, pillows, and other comfort products. It provides a slow response time and contours to your body shape for relief from pressure points.

• Description: Traditional memory foam is the original type of memory foam, made from polyurethane with added chemicals to increase its viscosity and density.
• Characteristics: It is known for its slow response time, meaning it takes a few seconds to return to its original shape after pressure is removed. This type of foam provides excellent pressure relief and contouring.
• Pros: Great for pressure relief, reduces motion transfer.
• Cons: Can retain heat, may have a chemical smell initially (off-gassing).

2. Gel memory foam

• Description: Gel memory foam is infused with gel beads or gel particles to help regulate temperature.
• Characteristics: The gel helps to dissipate heat, making it cooler than traditional memory foam. It still provides the contouring and pressure relief of traditional memory foam.
• Pros: Better temperature regulation, reduces heat retention.
• Cons: Can be heavier and more expensive than traditional memory foam.

Gel memory foam like that found in the Silentnight Geltex 2000 is infused with gel particles or gel beads to create a more breathable, cooler sleeping surface.

It also has a quicker response time than traditional memory foam and can reduce motion transfer, making it great for two people. 

3. Plant-based memory foam

An emerging technology, plant-based memory foam combines traditional memory foam, plant-based oils, and yoghurt proteins to create a product with fewer synthetic materials. This type of memory foam is known for its biodegradability and sustainability.

• Description: Plant-based memory foam is made with a portion of natural materials, such as soy, castor oil, or other plant-based oils, instead of relying solely on petroleum-based chemicals.
• Characteristics: This type of foam is often more eco-friendly and may have less off-gassing. It also tends to be more breathable and responsive.
• Pros: More environmentally friendly, less off-gassing, cooler sleep surface.
• Cons: Can be more expensive, may not be as durable as traditional memory foam.

4. Bamboo charcoal memory foam

Bamboo charcoal memory foam is a relatively new memory foam containing bamboo charcoal particles. The bamboo charcoal helps wick away moisture, reduces odours, and creates a more breathable sleep surface. .

This type of memory foam is gaining popularity for its ability to enhance the performance and comfort of traditional memory foam while addressing some of its common drawbacks.

Key Features of Bamboo Charcoal Memory Foam:

1. Odor Absorption:
   • Bamboo charcoal is highly effective at absorbing and neutralizing odors, making it ideal for reducing the "off-gassing" smell often associated with traditional memory foam.
   • It also helps prevent the buildup of odors over time, keeping the foam fresher for longer.
2. Moisture-Wicking:
   • Bamboo charcoal has natural moisture-wicking properties, which help keep the foam dry and comfortable.
   • This makes it a great option for hot sleepers or those in humid climates.
3. Antimicrobial and Hypoallergenic:
   • Bamboo charcoal has natural antimicrobial properties, which help inhibit the growth of bacteria, mold, and allergens.
   • This makes bamboo charcoal memory foam a good choice for people with allergies or sensitive skin.
4. Temperature Regulation:
   • While not as cooling as gel-infused memory foam, bamboo charcoal memory foam tends to sleep cooler than traditional memory foam due to its breathable structure and moisture-wicking properties.
5. Eco-Friendly:
   • Bamboo is a sustainable and renewable resource, making bamboo charcoal memory foam a more environmentally friendly option compared to traditional petroleum-based foams.

5. Graphite memory foam

Graphite memory foam like that found in the Sleepeezee G4 contains graphene particles that make the foam stronger, more breathable, and better at dissipating heat, improving comfort. The unique combination of super-strength and advanced breathability makes graphene memory foam the perfect choice for mattresses.

Key Features of Bamboo Charcoal Memory Foam

1. Odor Absorption:
   • Bamboo charcoal is highly effective at absorbing and neutralizing odors, making it ideal for reducing the "off-gassing" smell often associated with traditional memory foam.
   • It also helps prevent the buildup of odors over time, keeping the foam fresher for longer.
2. Moisture-Wicking:
   • Bamboo charcoal has natural moisture-wicking properties, which help keep the foam dry and comfortable.
   • This makes it a great option for hot sleepers or those in humid climates.
3. Antimicrobial and Hypoallergenic:
   • Bamboo charcoal has natural antimicrobial properties, which help inhibit the growth of bacteria, mold, and allergens.
   • This makes bamboo charcoal memory foam a good choice for people with allergies or sensitive skin.
4. Temperature Regulation:
   • While not as cooling as gel-infused memory foam, bamboo charcoal memory foam tends to sleep cooler than traditional memory foam due to its breathable structure and moisture-wicking properties.
5. Eco-Friendly:
   • Bamboo is a sustainable and renewable resource, making bamboo charcoal memory foam a more environmentally friendly option compared to traditional petroleum-based foams.

6. Medium and high-density memory foam

You might also find that some mattresses label their memory foam as medium or high-density foam, which can be confusing.

High-density memory foam is more supportive than medium-density memory foam and is generally used in higher-end mattresses. It is ideal for people with chronic and joint pain because of its firm, supportive nature. It has a slow response time, which means it takes time to contour to your body and provides better motion isolation.

Medium-density memory foam is much softer than high-density foam and is a good value option that offers more pressure relief due to greater responsiveness. It has a faster response time than high-density foam, which makes it more comfortable for some people, but it does not offer the same level of firmness and support.

Density is measured in pounds per cubic foot (PCF) and typically falls into three categories: low-density, medium-density, and high-density. Medium and high-density memory foams are the most commonly used in mattresses and other comfort products due to their balance of comfort, support, and durability. Here's a detailed explanation of medium and high-density memory foam:

Medium-Density Memory Foam

• Density Range: Typically 3.0 to 5.0 PCF.
• Characteristics:
  • Medium-density memory foam strikes a balance between softness and support.
  • It contours to the body well, providing pressure relief while still offering enough support for most sleepers.
  • It is more durable than low-density foam but may not last as long as high-density foam.
• Pros:
  • Good balance of comfort and support.
  • Suitable for a wide range of sleepers, including side, back, and combination sleepers.
  • More affordable than high-density foam.
• Cons:
  • May not provide enough support for heavier individuals.
  • Less durable than high-density foam over the long term.
• Common Uses:
  • Comfort layers in mattresses.
  • Mattress toppers.
  • Pillows.

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High-Density Memory Foam

• Density Range: Typically 5.0 PCF and above.
• Characteristics:
  • High-density memory foam is firmer and more supportive than medium-density foam.
  • It provides excellent contouring and pressure relief while maintaining a supportive structure.
  • It is highly durable and resistant to sagging, making it ideal for long-term use.
• Pros:
  • Exceptional support, especially for heavier individuals.
  • Long-lasting and resistant to wear and tear.
  • Provides deep contouring for pressure relief.
• Cons:
  • Can feel too firm for some sleepers, especially those who prefer a softer feel.
  • Retains more heat than lower-density foams, which may be uncomfortable for hot sleepers.
  • More expensive than medium-density foam.
• Common Uses:
  • Support layers in mattresses.
  • Durable mattress toppers.
  • Heavy-use products like sofa cushions or medical mattresses.

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Key Differences Between Medium and High-Density Memory Foam

Feature	Medium-Density Memory Foam	High-Density Memory Foam
Density Range	3.0 to 5.0 PCF	5.0 PCF and above
Firmness	Softer, more plush	Firmer, more supportive
Durability	Moderate	High
Support	Good for average-weight sleepers	Excellent for heavier individuals
Heat Retention	Moderate	Higher
Cost	More affordable	More expensive

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Who Should Choose Medium-Density Memory Foam?

• Sleepers who prefer a softer, more plush feel.
• Average-weight individuals (130–230 lbs) who want a balance of comfort and support.
• Side sleepers who need pressure relief for shoulders and hips.
• Budget-conscious buyers.

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Who Should Choose High-Density Memory Foam?

• Heavier individuals (230+ lbs) who need extra support.
• Back and stomach sleepers who require firmer support for spinal alignment.
• Those looking for a long-lasting, durable foam.
• Hot sleepers who don’t mind the firmer feel (though cooling technologies like gel or graphite can help mitigate heat retention).

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Tips for Choosing the Right Density

1. Consider Your Weight: Heavier individuals typically need higher-density foam for adequate support, while lighter individuals may find medium-density foam more comfortable.
2. Sleep Position: Side sleepers often prefer medium-density foam for pressure relief, while back and stomach sleepers may benefit from the firmer support of high-density foam.
3. Budget: High-density foam is more expensive but lasts longer, making it a better investment for some.
4. Heat Sensitivity: If you sleep hot, consider high-density foam with cooling technologies like gel or graphite infusion.

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In summary, medium-density memory foam is ideal for those seeking a balance of comfort and support, while high-density memory foam is better for those who need firmer support and durability. Your choice will depend on your weight, sleep position, budget, and personal preferences.

Which type of memory foam is best?

The best type of memory foam depends on your needs. A medium- or high-density memory foam mattress is typically the best option for comfort and support.

For those who need a cooling experience, a gel or graphite-infused memory foam mattress is a great choice. A medium-firm memory foam mattress is usually the best option for stomach sleepers. For side sleepers, a medium mattress is best.

Where do springs fit into all of this?

Some memory foam mattresses also have pocket springs or open coil springs, providing structure to the mattress and increasing support levels.

Open coil springs are the most popular type of mattress support system because they are found in cheaper mattresses.

Open coils are made of metal and arranged in rows, connected by one wire to hold them in place. The rows often interconnect, forming a single unit of support. They provide general support for the mattress but only a little zoned support.

Pocket springs, on the other hand, are encapsulated in individual pockets or fabric pads. These springs are not interconnected and are spaced apart, allowing for much more targeted support. Pocket springs also respond more effectively to body weight and shape, providing more contouring and better alignment.

Generally, a spring mattress provides more bounce than a pure foam mattress without removing its body contouring qualities and enhancing support. Still, some people don’t appreciate the trade-off in motion isolation.

If you enjoyed this article, read our mattress buyer’s guide.