Disadvantages of Memory Foam Mattresses
There are a few disadvantages to memory foam mattresses. One of these is that they are warm to the touch. They also tend to attract dust mites. While they are resistant to mold and mildew, they do tend to trap the body’s heat. However, there are some compromises you can make. These disadvantages should be noted before buying one of these mattresses. Read on to discover the advantages and disadvantages of these mattresses.
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Memory foam mattresses tend to be warm
While memory foam has many benefits, it can also make sleep uncomfortable. Memory foam mattresses are dense and lack interconnected air channels, so body heat cannot easily escape a memory foam bed. This makes them warm if you sleep on warm bedding, or if you use an improper mattress foundation. If you find this a problem, you can follow these steps to keep your sleep cool and comfortable. Here are some tips to keep you comfortable while sleeping on a memory foam mattress.
Memory foam beds are very popular for their comfort and their ability to mold to the body. Unfortunately, these conforming qualities also contribute to their tendency to be warm. According to Sleep Like the Dead, about 15% of memory foam bed owners have experienced excessive heat while sleeping on their bed. Even if you don’t notice an immediate effect of the temperature, you should try to change your sleepwear and bedding, and place your mattress on a foundation to ensure adequate air flow.
While changing seasons don’t affect memory foam performance, the temperature in your home will have an effect. During the summer, homes are warm, and in the winter, they are cold. A memory foam bed that’s too warm during the winter will feel firmer, and will not conform to your body’s curves as quickly. And while the change in temperature doesn’t affect performance much, it can negatively affect your overall comfort.
Another major drawback of memory foam is their tendency to retain heat. This can be uncomfortable for some people, but some manufacturers have developed foams that are designed to alleviate this problem. These cooling foams are generally reasonably priced and can help you sleep cool and comfortable. If you’re prone to night sweats, you may want to choose a cooling memory foam mattress. However, it’s important to choose a cooling foam mattress to ensure that you stay comfortable in bed.
They trap body heat
Memory foam mattresses have an unfortunate reputation of retaining body heat. Without interconnected air channels, the material easily absorbs and holds on to the heat you produce. Because memory foam is not breathable, this heat can’t easily escape, and it’s exacerbated by warm bedding. This problem can be avoided by purchasing a sheet made of breathable materials such as cotton or bamboo, which allow air to circulate and also provide moisture wicking. Similarly, you should avoid using high-thread-count sheets, which can restrict air flow and lack softness.
Some people find the heat-trapping ability of memory foam alarming, especially in warmer temperatures. That’s why manufacturers have been experimenting with different materials and construction methods to reduce the risk of body heat retention. Most memory foam mattresses use one of three technologies: plant-based memory foam, gel memory foam, or traditional visco-elastic foam. While all three types of foam have their own advantages, their main difference is how well they retain heat.
Another important feature of memory foam is its ability to react to body heat. It cradles the pressure points of the body and dissipates it evenly throughout the material. The process also helps reduce aches and pains. The temperature of a sleeping body will be more evenly distributed, as the foam molds to the contour of the body. The heat is displaced from areas of the body that are particularly uncomfortable or aching.
The performance of memory foam products is affected by the temperature in the room. If your bedroom is warm in summer and cool in winter, you’ll feel the warmth of memory foam more than others. However, you can prevent this problem by using a mattress pad made of breathable fabric. Another good option is to use a mattress topper made of wool or phase-changing gel. These mattresses are generally more expensive than the mattress pads.
They attract dust mites
If you’re worried that your memory foam mattress is attracting dust mites, you’re not alone. Millions of people all over the world suffer from allergies and respiratory conditions related to dust mites. The good news is that there are several ways to reduce their numbers. Here are some suggestions:
First, make sure that you regularly vacuum your mattress. Dust mites can live in any cluttered area in your house, including a mattress. This will help keep them at bay. However, if you’re not sure that you’re prone to dust mites, you can also opt to purchase a mattress cover made from mite-proof material. The mite-proof cover, which is made from tight-woven fabric, will help keep dust mites away from the mattress.
Another way to get rid of dust mites is to change your sheets often and wash them regularly. Make sure that you replace your pillows, too, especially if they’re not hypoallergenic. If your mattress has a water-resistant cover, you can even buy a waterproof protector for it. This will protect your mattress from moisture, which can attract dust mites. Also, try to change your sheets at least once a year to reduce dust mite infestation.
Another option for preventing dust mites on your mattress is to dry it out. While the temperature range for killing dust mites varies, it’s usually between 120 to 160 degrees Fahrenheit. However, this method is not ideal if you live in a cold climate. Sun drying is a good option for mattress protection. Just remember to dry both sides of the mattress so as not to cause any harm to the dust mites inside.
They are resistant to mold
If you want to prevent your mattress from developing mold, you should take some steps. Mold is a major concern in mattresses. A mattress that doesn’t allow sufficient air circulation will encourage the growth of mold. It’s especially problematic for memory foam mattresses, which have a spongy structure that retains heat. If you can’t keep your room temperature at a comfortable level, you can leave your mattress in a humid area to avoid the growth of mould.
Although mold is not visible to the naked eye, you should pay attention to the condition of your mattress. Mildew is an easy fungus to remove, while mold requires more treatment. While mold requires an environment that’s dark and wet, your mattress probably contains both. The combination of the two promotes its rapid growth. If your mattress is particularly old, mold spores are likely already present in it.
You can avoid the problem of mold by buying a mold-resistant mattress from a reputable brand. This brand offers several types of mold-resistant mattresses. The Happsy mattress, for example, features a top layer of organic wool, which offers breathability and a natural fungal resistance. It also has pocketed springs that allow body heat to dissipate, reducing moisture levels. It also doesn’t use glue, which can lead to the growth of mold.
The use of memory foam has several benefits. They promote better alignment and alleviate pressure points in the soles. If you have children, memory foam mattress can also be used for infants. Because of the high density of memory foam, it molds itself to fit the shape of an infant’s body, thus giving good support. It is also great for orthopedic purposes. Besides mattresses, you can also buy memory foam insoles, pillow inserts, and car seats.
They can cause back pain
While the back-supporting properties of memory foam mattresses are well-known, not every mattress is the best fit for everyone. Various factors, such as lack of support, thinness, and uneven surface, can lead to back pain. Other factors, including incorrect positioning and sagging, should be considered as well. Additionally, the correct mattress is essential for your back shape and dominant sleeping position. One study of 100 medical residents found that 63% of them had lower back pain after switching from memory foam to a more firm 10cm mattress.
One of the reasons why people choose memory foam over spring mattresses is the lack of pressure relief. The springs in a traditional mattress can cause misalignment of the spine, resulting in back pain. In such cases, a memory foam mattress is a better fit for people who weigh evenly throughout their body. In addition, people who have heavier areas tend to sink into a memory foam mattress, which relieves pressure on the back and neck.
Another common problem with memory foam mattresses is that they can lose their supportive properties over time. As such, they can become lumpy or sag, which can cause back pain. A new memory foam mattress can take up to 30 days to break in, allowing it to adapt to your body shape and preferred sleeping position. This may be a temporary fix, but it could give you a few more months to decide if you want to replace your old mattress with a new one.
The best memory foam mattress for back pain is firm and has a layer of support foam. This provides ultimate support and keeps your spine and back in their natural alignment. A firm mattress with support foam will help prevent back pain. A soft mattress will result in back pain, so it is best to opt for a firm one. If you’re concerned about the support of memory foam, avoid buying extra soft or extra firm memory foam mattresses.