How much support does a memory foam mattress need?
Memory Foam Mattress: The support base for most memory foam mattresses should be a solid, flat base to prevent sinking. If these beds are placed on a slatted foundation, slats should not be more than 2.75 inches apart. If slats are wider than 2.75 inches, a bunkie board should be used.
It offers sufficient support to prevent misalignment and promotes excellent contouring for comfortable side sleeping. Back and stomach sleepers, however, may need a firm memory foam mattress to help prevent sinkage and misalignment.
High-quality memory foam mattresses 10 to 14-inch thick are good enough to provide body-conforming support. They are durable and can last around 10 to 15 years. Memory foam mattresses thinner than this may not be supportive or durable enough, developing soft spots and sags within three to four years.
The rule of thumb for latex and memory foam mattresses is that slats should be no more than 8" apart from each other, with the recommended spacing only 3".
Memory foam mattresses are best paired with solid or slatted bed frames, but when paired with slatted bed frames, the slats should be no more than 2.75 inches apart. These foundations offer sturdy support to resist sagging and prevent wear and tear.
You should never use a conventional box spring with a memory foam mattress. If you want to place your memory foam mattress on a platform, you should use a firm, solid foundation or a platform bed. Solid mattress foundations are ideal for memory foam mattresses since they are solid across their tops.
How can I make my memory foam mattress firmer? In order to make your mattress firmer, you can try a few things, like getting a firmer mattress topper, flipping your mattress (if it's flippable), or placing plywood between the mattress and the bed frame/box spring.
Memory foam may contain isocyanates, which, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, can cause irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and skin. Exposure to isocyanates can also lead to chest tightness and asthma.
- Ensure you're using the correct bed base / adding plywood.
- Adding additional removable toppers to take most of the wear at night.
- Choosing a quality memory foam mattress to begin with that can be rotated.
Not only do memory foam mattresses not need box springs, but they tend to do better without them. That does not mean, however, that you can place your memory foam mattress on anything. Be sure to use a foundation that provides a flat, firm, and stable surface to equally distribute the mattress's weight.
What are the disadvantages of memory foam mattress?
- Memory foam mattresses can be quite heavy. ...
- They have been known to be hotter than normal mattresses because they cradle your body and the dense foam retains heat. ...
- In hot climates the mattress may be softer than expected and in cold climates it may be harder than expected.
For a cost-effective solution, you can use a sheet of plywood as a sturdy foundation for your memory foam mattress. Just make sure your measurements are exact when cutting the plywood to fit your bed frame.
Memory foam mattresses will sag or dip over time which is one of the drawbacks of one-sided foam beds. Memory foam is notorious for settling into dips and bumps. This is because you can't turn it to even out wear.