What is it?
Simply put, density measures how much "stuff" is in your memory foam. If you have 2 peices of foam that are the same size but different weight, the heavier peice has a higher density than the lighter peice. It's got more "stuff" crammed into the same space. 
You can determine density by weighing a cubic foot of memory foam (a block of foam that measures 12" x 12" x 12"). This actual weight is your density rating. So when you see a 5lb memory foam product, you know that a cubic foot block of this foam will weigh 5lbs.
Simple, right?
Density is one of the most important factors in purchasing memory foam, because it directly affects 2 key areas: Support and Longevity.
Higher Density = Better Support
The title says it all: the higher the density of your foam, the better it will support. Think about it...if you take a peice of standard egg-crate foam, which is typically 1.8lb density, you can push your hand all the way down to the bottom, no problem. There's just nothing in the foam that can support the weight of your hand. Not enough "stuff."
Now if you take a 5lb density Elation Topper, it takes much more weight to push down to the bottom. Density is the reason why.
The result is better support and spinal alignment without bottoming out. If you buy low-density memory foam, you can bottom out and feel the surface beneath you. Bottoming out can lead to the pressure points and circulation problems you were trying to fix when you bought a topper to begin with.
Obviously, the denser the foam, or the more material used to produce it, the more material there is in the cushion to provide support for weight.
Higher Density = Longer Life
Density also is a primary factor in foam durability. The more polymer material used to produce the foam, the better foam tends to retain its original properties.
In flex fatigue tests, higher density is proven to lessen flex fatigue over time. This means that a higher density memory foam will keep it's original shape and feel for longer than lower densities.
Lower density foam tends to break down and leave a permanent impression where you sleep, and it loses the restorative properties that memory foam offers.
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Watch Out for Fillers
We know that density primarily affects support and longevity of memory foam. It also affects the cost of the foam. Because of this, some manufacturers use additives to increase the weight of the foam and make you think it's a higher density than it really is.
The problem with this approach is that additives can make foams more likely to tear, and can reduce foam durability. Additives, since they are not part of the actual foam cellular structure, can act as abrasives that break down foam cell walls, making foam lose more of its original properties through use.
While additives are cheaper for the manufacturers, they are bad for you! Retailers can sell memory foam at higher prices, make more money, and sell you an inferior product.
Some additives are necessary to meet strict California fire retardent codes, but these are kept to a minimum. With MemoryFoam.com, you can be assured that our foam contains the highest ratio of true memory foam density available.
You can rest assured that with Elation Memory Foam, you get what you pay for.
Therefore it is important that when you select a memory foam topper, mattress or accessory, you look at the polymer, or unfilled, density of the foam being used.
Imported Memory Foam
True polymer density is another reason to avoid imported memory foam from China and other parts of the world.
First, foreign manufacturers are not held to the same manufacturing standards as U.S. manufacturers, and do not always comply with our governing regulations designed to protect consumers. We see this all the time in lead-paint scandals and in other industries.
Second, most importers use fillers to hide true density of their products. It is easy to do and impossible for the average consumer to detect.
We've done the work for you. Not all foams are alike, so make sure you are getting what you pay for.
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