You’ve probably heard of memory foam mattresses by now, as wells as the pros and cons of this material. As with anything new, there are concerns about if something is safe or worth the cost, and memory foam is no different.
By human nature, we are suspicious about anything we aren’t sure of, and that’s a good thing. But when it comes to memory foam mattresses, here are seven potential doubts worth clarifying and dispelling before you make a decision and miss out on a mattress that could change your life.
Common Misunderstandings about Memory Foam
The best way to gain a clear understanding of anything is to try it out for yourself, but when it comes to mattresses, it’s not always cost-effective to buy one just to test it out. Make the right choice as a consumer and mattress-buyer by thoroughly researching a potential purchase and forming your own opinion, independent of what you may have heard from previous buyers.
Memory foam mattresses aren’t for everyone, but are they for you? It helps to understand the truth behind these common misunderstandings before you decide.
1. Memory foam isn’t safe
It’s difficult to determine every component that a mattress company uses when they manufacture a product. Traditional memory foam mattresses were made of compounds like polyurethane and other polyols that caused concern about their safety. Sleepjunkie.org can help find memory foam mattresses made of plant-based, organic materials that are healthier and dispel concerns about chemical compounds.
2. To create proper temperature control, mattresses must be made with harmful chemicals
A common misconception is that you can’t have both comfort and safety at the same time. But with memory foam mattresses that are created from plant-based products, you get increased breathability, regulating your body temperature as you sleep. These mattresses are free of harmful chemicals like formaldehyde, phthalates, and PBDEs.
3. Manufacturers can put whatever they want in their mattresses
At one time, mattress production wasn’t heavily regulated. It was assumed that they were safe, but that wasn’t always the case. Now, memory foam mattresses and other conventional beds must meet stringent testing standards.
Some of the standards that must be met include:
- Certi-Pur- To meet this certification, a mattress can’t use dangerous chemicals such as PBDE flame retardants.
- Oeko-Tex – This label is provided given when a mattress does not contain dangerous flame retardants and is found to be under the limit of emissions of compounds like formaldehyde.
- GOTS – The GOTS certification prohibits certain chemicals from being used in textiles. They also certify that a mattress is composed of a minimum of 95% organic materials.
While some manufacturers do have more freedom to use whichever chemicals and compounds they can ethically incorporate into their products, it’s important to look for certain certifications to make a healthy choice. The above certifications demonstrate that your selected mattress meets strict quality standards.
4. The polyfoam in memory mattresses is dangerous
The materials used to create the final product work together to create a liquid that – when it cools and dries – turns into polyfoam, or polyurethane foam.
Some memory foam mattresses use materials that may have carcinogenic properties to create this polyfoam. This has created a negative impression about memory foam mattresses among consumers. But reputable memory foam manufacturing companies have left this harmful practice behind and instead rely on harmless alternatives like water to produce better results.
5. Memory foam mattresses have a bad odor
This rumor may be a more accurate reflection of memory foam mattresses made of the more harmful ingredients, rather than the plant-based ones. Plant-based materials give off fewer VOCs, or volatile organic compounds, than other mattresses, meaning there are less harmful emissions and less odor in general.
6. The foam itself is not regulated
Some imported foams don’t have to meet strict regulations before they can be used in consumer products.. Because of this, you should check where the memory foam and polyfoam layers were manufactured and purchase brands made in the US or EU. These countries have stricter regulations.
7. Memory foam mattresses are not comfortable
Of course, not everyone loves memory foam mattresses, so you’re going to hear both positive and negative buyer testimonials. But the science used to develop this material dictates that the memory foam works with the heat of your body to soften the mattress along the natural curves of your spine. This can help prevent and relieve aches and discomfort, allowing the average user sleep better at night.
Let Your Experience Help You Decide
If you’re still on the fence about whether a memory foam mattress may be right for you, research companies that offer product trials. Some manufacturers let you purchase the mattress and use it for anywhere from 30 to 100 days and then return it (based on the terms of their guarantee) if you are not satisfied.
Instead of letting other people make up your mind for you, use research and hands-on experience to determine whether your doubts were warranted. It may be the best decision you make about your sleeping habits!