Memory Foam Mattress Problems
Common Memory Foam Mattress Complaints

Memory foam mattress problems and complaints are unavoidable, despite the much celebrated popularity of memory foam mattresses. There are many reasons why memory foam is very popular as a mattress material; all its promised benefits are true, such as the ability to conform to the body thus providing complete support, and its durability.

However, memory foam is not without its own weaknesses, which includes:

It costs a lot

The number one reason that keeps people from getting a memory foam mattress is the price. Memory foam is generally expensive, especially when you compare them to other mattress types. This is why most people simply opt for the less expensive options.

It tends to sleep hot

One of the reasons why memory foam is able to accurately conform to the shape of your body is because it is sensitive to temperature and body heat. But this is also one of the biggest memory foam mattress problems that even the most innovative mattress manufacturers are unable to solve.

Many consumers complain that sleeping on a memory foam mattress makes them sweat a lot at night, resulting in discomfort despite all the comfort and support features of memory foam.

There has been progress at a solution, though. Some companies have come up with the isotonic memory foam mattress, which uses breathable covers or open cell foam to allow better air circulation. Nonetheless, memory foam is still not that comfortable in terms of temperature.

It can also absorb cold temperatures

Just as it is sensitive to warmer temperatures, memory foam can also absorb coldness, making it cold and rigid in winter and warm in summer, which is exactly the opposite of what is ideal for a mattress.

Off-gassing is common

Another common memory foam mattress complaint is off-gassing, or when the mattress lets off a strong, harsh chemical smell, especially when it is new.

In most memory foam mattresses, the smell is inevitable when you take the mattress from its packaging, but eventually fades after some time. But in some mattresses, the smell can take months to disappear. This is unavoidable because of the way the foam is processed.

It usually comes with fire retardant chemicals

Due to US laws that all US-made mattresses made of memory foam should be protected from open flame, most memory foam mattresses are equipped with chemicals that help make it resistant to fire. One common chemical used for this purpose is PBDE, which means you'd be hard-pressed to find a suitable memory foam mattress if you want to stay with natural products.

It takes some adjusting to

Another common memory foam mattress complaint from consumers is that they had to adjust or get used to the mattress before they started to experience its benefits. The higher the density of the mattress, the longer it takes for consumers to get used to it.

Although all new mattresses take some getting used to, a higher number of memory foam buyers reported longer adjustment times.

It needs weight to compress

A less common memory foam mattress problem plagues those who don't weigh that much: memory foam doesn't easily respond to their diminutive weight. This means they can't fully enjoy the comfort and support of the product because it doesn't compress enough. The problem gets worse the higher the foam density.

You may never want another bed again

Another problem, which is actually somewhere between a problem and praise for memory foam mattresses, is that it might make you dislike other beds after you've slept and gotten used to your memory foam bed.

Consumer studies showed that a lot of people who tried memory foam mattresses tend to have difficulty sleeping on non-memory foam mattresses after they've adjusted to their visco foam beds. This may make travelling or sleeping in hotels, which usually have standard innerspring beds, quite a problem.

Some Unproven Complaints

Some consumers also have certain memory foam mattress problems that are not yet proven to be true. Here are some of them:

They are prone to body impressions: this is a common problem for all types of foam beds, especially with long continuous use.

They get softer over time: this is an issue dependent on the brand and quality of mattress you buy.

They make getting up hard: this could probably just be because of the comfort of the bed, but also because memory foam lacks resistance so if you exert pressure to get up, the bed simply sinks with the pressure.

Resources

Wikipedia: Memory Foam Information

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