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.
This type of foam is often used in bedding, mattresses, and as a layer in furniture and cushions to provide enhanced comfort and support.
However, not all memory foam is equal, and there are several different types you will come across while shopping for a new mattress.
This article reveals all.
The different types of memory foam
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.
Gel 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.