Rest of the Sleep Disorders Forum Posting

Posted by Honest Expert on January 16, 2001 at 20:49:16:

In Reply to: Re: What about Memory Foam posted by Ruby on January 16, 2001 at 20:47:33:

Ruby,

(Warning: This is a fairly long post!)

There are a variety of "memory foam" mattresses that have come onto the market. Unfortuantely, since the innovator of this idea (Tempurpedic) started to make inroads, there have been a number of :me too: versions in both the pillows and the mattresses. The two brands that I know and can support are Tempurpedic (imported from Sweden) and Supple-Pedic by Strobel Technologies in Indiana.

Like almost anything there are good versions and not so good versions. I have come across "memory foam" that is nicely conforming -- an almost "oozing" sort of return to shape -- but does not (and does not claim to) soften at body temperature.

I have seem some inexpensive versions that acted like "memory foam" and the package claimed they are "temperature reactive," but that DO NOT react and soften at body temperature (After all, *everything* is "temperature reactive!")! They were using a "true lie" as a marketing ploy, to make themselves "sound" like the more expensive models.

I confess to being partial to the "memory foams" that DO soften at body temperature. I know from personal experience that the two brands mentioned above do soften at body temperature. (And since I promised to be honest in this forum, I will also tell you that I sleep on a Supple-Pedic Mattress, so take what I am saying on this matter with the proper caution!)

The construction of these foams is very dense. Consequently, they have a great ability to provide support. What the temperature sensitivity does is allow the foam to soften where there is direct body contact. The result is a very gentle touch and the minimization of pressure points. But, where the foam is as little as 3/8 of an inch away from the body, it is cooler and, thus, more firm!

You get exact body contouring, good support and a gentle touch.

Plus, if there are two people in the bed and one is disturbed by the movements of the other (which of us here -- or our spouses! -- haven't experienced this?), these sorts of mattresses will minimize the transfer of movement better than ANY other mattress, bar none! (The next best are the new versions of the Beautyrest by Simmons, I believe. Beautyrest seem to be better in this property than any other spring mattress I've seen, but the memory foam is easily HALF that!)

If you have a Box Spring that is less than 5 - 8 years old, I wouldn't hesitate to suggest that you won't need to replace your Box Spring (like you almost always *must* with an innerspring mattress). If it is older than that, there may be sagging in the foundation that could allow a new mattress that is placed on top of it to follow that contour. It won't help much if the old Box Spring turns your new mattress into a hammock! If you are uncertain, at the very minimum place a large piece of plywood between the mattress and the box to distribute the weight better.

Ultimately, the ideal foundation is a solid one, but a Box Spring is fine. (Box Springs are needed under most innerspring mattresses to extend their life 10 - 20%. "Memory Foam" works the same, either way.)

The drawbacks to "memory foam" mostly revolve around temperature. Not only do they soften at body temperature, they also can get very, very firm in cold temperatures. I do not recommend them for boats, generally, for that reason: Boat cabins are often kept too cool for the foam to soften at all. The same caution applies to anyone who sleeps with the windows open and allows the room to get below 60F/16C.

Also, even though both the brands mentioned use open-celled foams that help move excess trapped body heat away from the body (to prevent them from becoming "uncomfortably warm"), that internal ventilation is partly dependant on movement. Testing has shown that this type of mattress can reduce nighttime movement by as much as 90%! That much less movement will, in some people, result in the mattress feeling too warm to sleep on. (Supple-Pedic used a firmer version of foam at a lower density than Tempurpedic, which results in a cooler surface to lay on. That is why I selected it for my bed. I have a body that radiates heat like a furnace.)

I have seem some "memory foam" mattresses that were closed-cell foam. I found them too warm for me, even while trying them in the store.

Pillows I dare not make a recommendation on, because those are a very, very personal feel. The best I can suggest is to go to a store that has a good variety, and samples that you can lay down with and try. Try it in all the ways that you sleep; don't be embarrassed! This is IMPORTANT stuff!

Keep trying pillows in the store until one stands out. Pay attention to neck position and spine position (bring a friend along who can check these things for you). Pay attention to how it feels on the head, neck and ear (don't wear earrings!).

Buy from a store that has a return policy and sleep on the pillow for at least 5 nights: It might take a bit for YOU to adjust to the new feel. Don't be shocked by the price! Buy the pillow that you love. If there are two that you love, buy the cheapest. The MOST expensive pillow I have ever seen was not so expensive that it was worth NOT getting good sleep!

Also, it is not a bad idea to have a couple of different pillows that you like the feel of for the different ways you feel when you go to bed. (I have a Tempurpedic pillow and a couple of inexpensive fiberfill pillows on my bed. Both seem to work great, sometimes, depending on my mood.)

About Overlays: A "memory foam" overlay has almost all of the attributes -- and drawback -- of a "memory foam" mattress. After all, most "memory foam" mattresses have only a 2.5" to 4.5" inch layer of "memory foam" on top of other materials. But it is the "memory foam" that is doing the real work.

A "memory foam" mattress pad cannot fix a broken down mattress, though. If the mattress you plan to put it on is showing a body impression or sag, the pad is just going to follow that contour and may still be unhealthy. You may toss and turn less, but the sag may not be allowing the muscles to relax the way they are supposed to and you may still awaken achy.

I would recommend a memory foam pad that is at least 2" thick, unless the only problem is a small amount of tenderness caused by pressure points like hips and shoulders, where the bone is close to the skin. Then, you might do well with a thinner pad.

You might also consider an inexpensive feather bed, which is usually less expensive than "memory foam" (if allergies are not a problem) or using a good egg-crate pad, which are also usually fairly inexpensive compared to "memory foam." But note, egg-crate pads typically only maintain their "body" for about 6 month, even though they look fine, still. The foam gets too mushy to provide much padding.

I hope this helps! Sorry for the length.

Follow Ups:

• Thanks & More Questions Ruby 20:52 1/16/01 (3)
  • Re: Thanks & More Questions Honest Expert 20:53 1/16/01 (2)
    • Still More Ruby 20:54 1/16/01 (1)
      • Re: Still More Honest Expert 20:56 1/16/01 (0)

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