The answer has to do with support and comfort. Support has to do with the mattress’ ability to support the weight of our body and not let it ’sag.’ The spine and muscles around it need to have the proper posture so they relax when we are sleeping. The core of the mattress (springs or foam) gives the support factor, not the padding on the top that can make the mattress ‘feel’ either firm or soft. Poor posture, or lack of support, generates a message to a body’s self-defense mechanism to change positions (toss and turn). You will toss and turn less and sleep better with proper support.
Comfort relates to the mattress’ ability to conform to the curves of our bodies and spread out pressure points. Pressure points occur when a mattress causes a reduction in blood circulation, most commonly in our shoulders or hips. These pressure points trigger our subconscious defense mechanism that tells us to ‘change positions’ to keep our blood flowing properly (tossing and turning). The lower the pressure on your body, the less you will toss and turn and then sleep better.
The degree of conformability needed has to do with your sleeping position. Choose, then click on Side Sleeper, Stomach Sleeper, or Back Sleeper for more information.
Memory Foam was developed by NASA™ for the astronauts that encounter extended periods of high gravity forces in space. This foam promotes capillary blood circulation not only for the space industry but for the sleeper that can afford it. Its unique cell structure is ‘temperature sensitive,’ as it warms it becomes more conforming and pliable.
Memory Foam’s pressure reducing characteristics are uncommon. For example, a coil mattress with an average firmness rating applies about 120 pounds of pressure on your body as you sleep on it. A foam mattress with a 3 to 4 inch layer of memory foam applies less than 30 pounds of pressure. You can imagine the benefits of better circulation in such a mattress.
As part of its design, Memory Foam is heat-sensitive. As your body releases heat to the padding materials on top of the mattress, Memory Foam becomes more conforming. However, approximately 10% of sleepers have a ‘hot’ reaction to its heat-retaining characteristic. The good news is that 90% of sleepers can benefit by its pressure-reducing traits.
The answer has to do with support and comfort. Support has to do with the mattress’ ability to support the weight of our body and not let it ’sag.’ The spine and muscles around it need to have the proper posture so they relax when we are sleeping. The core of the mattress (springs or foam) gives the support factor, not the padding on the top that can make the mattress ‘feel’ either firm or soft. Poor posture, or lack of support, generates a message to a body’s self-defense mechanism to change positions (toss and turn). You will toss and turn less and sleep better with proper support.