Comparing Memory Foam Mattress Toppers

Buying a memory foam mattress topper means you are investing in a good night's sleep. Made to mold to your shape, these comfortable additions to your bedding support every part of your body, cutting down on painful pressure points that can develop when your body is not properly supported during sleep. Plus, these mattress toppers add a bit more padding to your mattress, making your bed softer and even more relaxing. This article should help you learn how to compare memory foam mattress toppers.

Instructions:

1. Compare the price. When it comes to memory foam mattress toppers, it is true that you get what you pay for. More expensive toppers are likely made of pure memory foam and will not contain fillers, which can rapidly break down. One of the defining characteristics of high-quality memory foam mattress toppers is their ability to slowly spring back after being pressed. Those that hold indentation well for long periods of time contain the most memory foam.
   
2. Compare the density ratings. Memory foam mattress toppers are given a density rating in pounds. A higher rating means the memory foam will remember your shape better and last longer without sagging. The ratings can range from less than three pounds to more than five pounds.
   
3. Compare sizes. Some memory foam mattress toppers are not made to completely cover a large mattress, leaving inches of space around the edges. Compare thicknesses. You want your memory foam to be at least 3 inches thick.
   
4. Compare firmness. The firmness number indicates how soft or hard the foam feels on your body. A number between 15 and 20 means the mattress topper is very firm, and a number below eight means it is quite soft. Most people prefer a firmness of around 12.
   

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This article was written by April Sanders from Overstock.com

Memory Foam Mattress History, Where Did It Come From?

Memory Foam Mattress History...Astronauts, Racehorses and Bed Sores
With the little that's known about memory foam mattress history these days, it's hard to imagine that this material has only been in existence for a little over 30 years.
It's difficult to find an exact date when this foam first came into being, but it is known that it was originally formulated during the early days of manned space flight.  Most likely, it was in the mid to late 1960's.

The National Aeronautics & Space Administration, NASA, needed a material that would cushion the astronauts from the unparalleled g-forces of launch and re-entry during space missions.
In response the their request, a material was produced, that was called visco-elastic memory foam.
I've seen dozens of articles explaining what this means and not one of them has the same explanation.
The online dictionary gives no definition for the word visco, but the word is derived from viscous, which means gummy or pasty. 
I think we all know what elastic means, but, again, the definition is, being able to return to it's original shape after being deformed.
Well, enough of the grammar lesson.  The point is that this material hadn't existed before...it's unique.
The whole idea of showing a picture with a hand print is that, if the material was pushing up against your body, it would immediately spring back when your hand was removed.
The other quality, of visco foam, is that it's temperature reactive.  When it is heated, it becomes softer and when it is cooled, it becomes firmer.
A body laying on the material will heat it, making it softer under that heated area.
Again, it's unclear whether this material was ever actually used in any space missions. 
Some claim that the material off-gassed, producing an odor that couldn't be tolerated in the small quarters of a spacecraft.
Memory Foam Mattress History - Race Horses
Whatever the reason, this material was too expensive to be used in the form of a memory foam mattress or pillow for the average consumer.
It was not, however, too expensive for use as an aid to recovery for multi-million dollar racehorses who had been injured or were recovering from surgery.
When horses are recovering, they need to be in the upright position, so that their blood circulation isn't restricted. 
This can be very difficult or impossible, because if the injury is to a limb, the horses massive weight is too much for the limb to support.
Laying the horse on a large, thick slab of memory foam solved this problem.
Memory Foam Mattress History - Bed Sores
Because the memory foam melts away from where pressure is placed on it, the body of a horse or human can lay on it without restricting the blood flow.
Blood flow is critical, to healing and recovery from surgery, so it makes sense that recovery is greatly enhanced by using a memory foam mattress.
Memory foam was, then, discovered to be a great inhibitor to bedsores.
Bedsores occur when the blood supply to the capillaries is restricted over a period of time.  Bedsores are also called pressure ulcers.
Since the unique character of the foam is it's ability to melt away from anywhere that pressure is applied, pressure points are diminished or eliminated.
It's broad use, in the medical field, finally led to the cost effective use of memory foam for consumer mattresses.
Memory foam mattress pricing, for a quality product, in queen size, is usually about $2,000 to $2,500 which is in line with most of the high quality innerspring products.

How to Increase Comfort with Discount Memory Foam

There's a reason discount memory foam is such a popular bedding type: This space-age technology helps sleepers of all kinds maximize personal comfort. Discount memory foam is available in all types of shapes and sizes, so it's easy to find memory foam bedding that will work for your sleeping style as well as your budget. If you're interested in turning your sleeping quarters from rough to plush, take a look at the article below to learn how to increase comfort with discount memory foam.

Discount Memory Foam:

1. Mattress: The most obvious way to increase comfort in your bedroom with discount memory foam is with the help of a memory foam mattress. Memory foam is a fantastic bedding option because it reacts to the heat of your body to mold to your shape. By creating a personalized sleeping space for every person, it helps alleviate specific pressure points. With a discount memory foam mattress, you can look forward to countless nights of peaceful sleep. If you're looking to replace your old mattress, you can't go wrong with one crafted from high-quality discount memory foam.
   
2. Mattress topper: If your old mattress is still in relatively good condition, you don't have to throw it out to increase comfort with discount memory foam. In fact, discount memory foam mattress toppers are one of the best-selling types of memory foam bedding. These handy bed accessories allow you to transform your tired mattress into a total comfort zone. You'll be surprised by how easily discount memory foam mattress toppers add an extra layer of coziness to your bed.
   
3. Pillows: Discount memory foam isn't exclusive to mattresses and mattress toppers. Memory foam pillows are an excellent way to add comfort to your bed, as well. It's possible to find great bargains on memory foam pillows that will form around the shape of your head and allow you sweet dreams at a sweet price!
   

Buy Discount Memory Foam

This article was written by Staff Writer from Overstock.com