Orthopedic beds and mattresses

Foam mattresses

Modern foam mattresses use either latex foam or viscoelastic memory foam instead of springs to provide comfort and support for a bed. They can offer very good, and many consider superior, orthopaedic qualities.

What memory foam mattresses do

Memory foam mattresses inherently seek to conform to the body shape applying pressure at the areas of least resistance like the lumbar region and spine. A memory foam mattress that contours to the pressure points of the body and offers resilience to the less supported structures is ideal. Mattresses and beds of this type provide superior orthopaedic characteristics and rest the entire body.

A person who is particularly sensitive to any type of pressure that might come from a coil innerspring may find memory foam mattresses a comfortable and stress free alternative.

In addition to being unbelievably comfortable and supportive of aching joints, the memory foam mattress also has the added advantages of being hypoallergenic, anti-bacterial, resistant to moisture build up, and mould and dust mite resistant.

Memory foam mattress technology

The Visco Elastic Memory Foam mattress is based on “NASA” space technology and is a relatively new material in the bedding industry. It is a product that is being increasingly used in mattress and orthopaedic mattress construction and use. Memory foam is given a grade called the “indentation load deflection” (ILD), which tells you how soft or hard the orthopaedic mattress will be.

Unlike traditionally made mattresses, memory foam mattresses are made from a single block of material, but that does not mean that you are simply getting a piece of foam. Usually, the memory foam mattress is composed of two parts, the memory foam layer and the core. The core is normally made of a special vibration reducing foam.

The orthopaedic advantages of memory foam

A memory foam bed eliminates some of the aches and pains caused on the more sensitive body areas by regular coil spring mattresses.

The sensation created when you sleep on a memory foam bed is one much like that of weightlessness. This is because of the balanced support that these mattress types provide across the body’s mass.

Memory foam beds have been proven to help “bad backs” and their application in orthopaedic bed use has modified the traditional idea that a firm orthopaedic mattress is always the best solution for back and lumbar problems. There have been many tests by health experts and doctors who now highly recommend memory foam mattress products for a range of health benefits.

The non allergenic qualities of Visco Elastic Memory foam make it perfect for people with allergies or asthma and it is recommended for anyone with the following complaints - backache, painful or aching joints, sciatica, body stress and even headaches.

Due to the structure of the Visco Elastic Memory Foam it becomes impossible for dust mites to penetrate the mattress.

Things to consider

Memory foam mattresses and memory foam mattress toppers are helping people of all ages, sizes and shapes sleep comfortably and without the build up of pressure points.

When buying a memory foam mattress (especially an orthopaedic one), it is important to pay attention to the memory foam’s density. If you like your bed a little softer, go with the 3-pound memory foam. Overall, Visco-elastic memory foam mattresses are heavier than spring ones, but they don’t collect as much dust.

Memory foam mattresses are available for all bed sizes. If you have a bed partner, a memory foam mattress is great because one person's movements usually do not affect the other person.

If you tend to be a “hot sleeper”, then look for a memory foam mattress that has a ventilation system, or select a Latex foam instead. These Latex mattresses tend to “sleep cooler”.

The drawback to high quality memory foam mattresses can be their excessive price, but memory foam beds are now so popular that a number of companies manufacture affordable quality memory foam products. Probably the most well known manufacturer of the memory foam mattresses is Tempur-Pedic, but there are many more.

Be aware that, memory foam orthopaedic mattresses can come delivered vacuum packed, but within a few minutes of unpacking the mattress will fill out to its full and permanent size.

Because of show room and floor space restrictions, both Latex and memory foam mattresses are poorly represented in bed outlets. For this reason the internet still represents the best and most extensive source of memory foam bed sellers.