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The popularity of memory foam has continued to rise and its cost is going down, but there is still a significant price tag attached to a full sized mattress. For many people the option of a mattress topper comes with the right level of comfort and the right price tag. Memory foam mattress toppers range from 2-inches to 4-inches in thickness and a wide range of densities and firmness. For many people finding a comfortable mattress and getting the sleep that they want is a challenge. Problems with tossing and turning, back pain or muscle aches can cause sleep problems that may be fixed by a memory foam mattress topper. Memory foam mattress pads contour around the body to support the curves of the body no matter what position you sleep in throughout the night. The gentle cushioning relieves the pressure placed on joins such as shoulders and hips when you sleep on your side while the supportive contours of the foam support your spine when you sleep on your back. Finding the right memory foam topper can be intimidating, but considering a few factors will help you to find just the right product for you.
Density
When you look at the density rating of your mattress topper it will be listed in pounds, generally ranging between 2 and 6 pounds. This number is determined by measuring how much a cubic foot of the foam weighs. If a cubic foot of memory foam weighs 4 pounds then it is listed at a four pound density. What does this mean? Density is the main factor in the supportiveness and quality of your memory foam. The higher the density number the higher the support, the higher the quality and the longer lasting the mattress. The density is what makes the 'memory' part of memory foam with the higher density holding the 'shape' for a longer time before regaining its original form.
Firmness
Another measurement that you can consider is the firmness of the memory foam which is scored by an ILD (indention load deflection) rate. Don't worry, that just means how much weight it takes to compress the mattress by 65% and then have it spring back into form. The more weight that is required to compress the mattress the higher the number in the rating. Unlike the density rating this is not an indicator of quality but rather just a measurement of how firm or soft the mattress is. If you like a soft mattress than look for a low ILD number but if you prefer a firmer feel than choose a higher number. Keep in mind that those who have back pain often benefit from a firmer and more supportive mattress rather than a too soft bed.
Uses
Memory foam mattress toppers can be used on top of a traditional inner-spring mattress or futon mattress. As long as the underlying mattress is in good shape and not sagging or lumpy it will create an ideal sleep surface. Mattress toppers are also portable enough to be used in multiple locations. Add a mattress topper to a pull out sofa, guest bed, or in a camper for a great night's sleep no matter where you are. As long as the surface underneath you is flat and firm, the mattress topper will perform well. If the pull out sofabed sags or the guest bed is lumpy the memory foam will not eliminate those problems. In fact with its contouring abilities it can accentuate a problem, so be sure that whatever surface you use is flat and supportive for best results.
In most cases a memory foam mattress pad will last between a year and a half and three years at its best performance. After that time the cells will begin to crumble and they lose their ability to support your body in the same way. The thinner the mattress topper the more quickly it will wear out because as the cells disintegrate there are fewer beneath them to replace the ones lost. The thicker your mattress pad the longer it will continue to be supportive and comfortable.
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MemoryFoam.com
