At a Glance:
Memory Foam vs. Gel Memory Foam
Our Top Memory Foam Mattress Picks
Why Trust Liddiard Home Furnishings?
Invented by NASA for space exploration, memory foam is now the go-to choice for sleepers who want sleep that’s out of this world. Technically, it’s been around for nearly 60 years, but even today’s consumers still ask—what is memory foam anyway? And to that extent, iss memory foam safe? Memory foam material has come a long way, but there’s still a lot for buyers to learn, so we’re breaking it down in this handy guide. From the benefits to the different types of memory foam, this guide will help you discover more about this scientific innovation and how it helps you get a good night’s sleep.
Discover the Best Memory Foam Mattress Deals
Embark on a new level of sleep comfort with a memory foam mattress from our top selection here at Liddiard Home Furnishings.
Shop NowWhat is Memory Foam?
The formal name for memory foam is viscoelastic polyurethane foam, which describes how this material is designed. Memory foam needs to strike a balance between viscosity and elasticity.
- The viscosity prevents the foam from changing shape under pressure, which is why you can lie on a memory foam mattress without sinking into it.
- The elasticity allows the foam to change shape but return to its original form once pressure is alleviated. This is how the memory form contorts to your body and then bounces back once you get up from the bed.
Viscosity and elasticity work together to strike a delicate balance of comfort and support; the foam conforms to your body while still offering structure. However, not all memory foam is made the same, and brands have their own “formulas” to create unique sleeping experiences.
Is Memory Foam Toxic?
Overall, memory foam is a safe material. It would not be allowed on the consumer market if it wasn’t. However, there are some things to look out for when buying a memory foam mattress.
When you first unbox your mattress, it might release a plastic scent that is unpleasant to be around. This is known as off-gassing and occurs when the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are released. If you are sensitive to VOCs, run an air filter in the room with your new mattress and wear a mask until it is fully aired out.
Additionally, memory foam can trigger some asthma and allergy attacks or provoke respiratory issues for some people. This has to do with the components used to make the mattress. Try to spend time around memory foam mattresses before you buy one to see how they affect you.
Pro Tip:
For the best quality memory foam, look for mattresses with CertiPUR-US certifications.
Memory Foam vs. Gel Memory Foam
Featured: Memory foam layers inside a Sealy Posturepedic mattress
One of the most popular developments in recent years is gel memory foam material. Manufacturers start with a standard memory foam design and then add gel elements that cool the customer who buys the mattress. Gel foam is ideal for hot sleepers who often toss and turn throughout the night.
Understanding gel memory foam is important if you are trying to learn what are mattresses made of. Gel is just one way that mattress developers keep sleepers cool. Depending on the brand, select gel memory foam mattresses use special structures with air pockets that circulate body heat away from you so it doesn’t build up over time. If you aren’t sure about sleeping on gel memory foam, there are alternative cooling options to invest in (keep reading to find out!).
Is All Memory Foam the Same?
There are multiple types of memory foam, each made of different materials and components. While the variety is nice, it also means answering “What is gel memory foam made of?” is usually a case-by-case scenario. However, most manufacturers have similar formulas—here are a few materials used in memory foam mattress construction and why they are popular with customers.
| Type of Memory Foam | Good to Know |
|---|---|
| Graphite Memory Foam | These mattresses tend to be more durable because added graphite in the memory foam, but they’re also recommended for sleepers looking for a bed with breathability. The enhancement usually comes with a price markup, but if you have the budget, this is a great upgrade to basic memory foam. |
| Bamboo Memory Foam | This is a newer variation on memory foam, thanks to consumers requesting more holistic sleep solutions. With these beds, bamboo particles help absorb odor and moisture for a cleaner sleeping experience. Aside from being more sustainable, some sleepers also claim sleeping on plant-based memory foam comes with the added perk of better responsiveness versus regular memory foam. |
| Copper Memory Foam | Along with other metals like aluminum, copper fibers in memory foam are used to regulate the temperature of sleepers. They also offer antibacterial properties, which can help reduce or prevent mold and mildew buildup. |
| Charcoal Memory Foam | Similar to bamboo memory foam, this memory foam variation has significant odor-absorbing properties. Charcoal is also great at absorbing heat. |
Our Top Memory Foam Mattress Picks
Next time someone asks you, “Is all memory foam the same?” now you can tell them it’s not and all the different ways mattress brands continue to reimagine the innovative material. The downside is that are is a ton of selection on the market these days, ranging from poor-quality up to luxury memory foam mattresses. Now that we’ve answered your foam construction vs memory foam construction quandaries, let us show you which brands you should be exploring if you want to upgrade to a memory foam mattress.
Bedgear® S7 Performance® Memory Foam Plush Tight Top Queen Mattress in a Box
Shop This Bedgear Memory Foam Mattress
When you first lie down on this plush memory foam mattress, you’ll indulge in its special knitted Vert-Tex cooling cover, and then you’ll sink into its cozy React foam layer. Once you’re nestled in for bed, this bed keeps working with a special convoluted airflow layer and mesh sides. The result? A breathable sleep experience with soft, body-cradling comfort that’s ideal for side and back sleepers.
⭐Featured Bedgear S7 Review:
“The cooling mattress is wonderful and helps with night sweats. Best sleep ever!”
Sierra Sleep® by Ashley® Chime Elite 10" Memory Foam Luxury Firm Smooth Top Queen Mattress in a Box
Shop This Sierra Sleep Memory Foam Mattress
This Sierra Sleep memory foam mattress is designed for optimal temperature regulation. You can curl up with your favorite blankets and stay cool throughout the night thanks to its unique combination of charcoal and green tea infusion, plus dual ventilation for an extra boost of air circulation. Sleepers rave about the innovative design, with an impressive 95% buyer recommendation.
⭐Featured Sierra Sleep Chime Review:
“The 10-inch mattress is better for hubby to get in and out of bed. It's a firm option that supports him well but is still comfortable.”
Tempur-Pedic® TEMPUR-ProAdapt® 12" TEMPUR-Material™ Medium Tight Top Queen Mattress
Shop This Tempur-Pedic Memory Foam Mattress
Tempur-Pedic was one of the pioneering brands in memory foam and this mattress proves that the brand is still at the top of the game. It’s all easy to see when we break this mattress down layer by layer. The top comfort layer perfectly contours to your body but then bounces back when you get up, and when you lie down, the original Tempur-Pedic memory foam technology envelopes you in cloud-like comfort. This is all supported by a specially designed base that provides top-to-bottom support.
⭐Featured Tempur-Pedic ProAdapt Review:
“The way it forms around and supports our bodies is incredible. My husband, who has struggled for 10 years, now wakes up pain-free, and we both feel refreshed and ready to conquer the day.”
Tempur-Pedic® TEMPUR-LuxeBreeze® 13" TEMPUR-Material™ Firm Tight Top Queen Mattress
Shop This Tempur-Pedic Firm Memory Foam Mattress
Looking for a Tempur Pedic memory foam mattress that’s the luxury experience. We suggest this model, which promises sleepers rest that is 10° cooler compared to sleeping on other memory foams on the market. In fact, this memory foam mattress uses three exclusive technologies to keep hot sleeping at bay, together with the Tempur-Pedic Ventilated Advanced Relief material and a Pure Cool Plus later—both which work to keep airflow moving and wick hot air away from the body. It’s the ultimate indulgence and relief for hot sleepers!
⭐Featured Tempur-Pedic LuxeBreeze Review:
“I really can tell a difference with the cooling element which is nice as I wasn't sure if I would be able to notice a difference. The firmness is just right for me.”
Tempur-Pedic® TEMPUR-LuxeAdapt® 13" TEMPUR-Material™ Soft Tight Top Queen Mattress
Shop This Tempur-Pedic Plush Memory Foam Mattress
Need pain and pressure relief. This plush memory foam has a solution with a unique combination of foam designed to rest your joints and muscles, so you wake up refreshed. This bed offers Tempur-Pedic’s latest and most advance memory foam material—TEMPUR-APR+—crafted with a unique structure for better breathability and more soft support. Nearly 800 sleepers agree it’s a luxury experience worth 5/5 stars.
⭐Featured Tempur-Pedic LuxeAdapt Review:
“My experience with Tempur Luxe Adapt soft has made me almost pain-free! I have back problems and arthritis in my hips and shoulders. This bed cushions and supports me like no other.”
Sierra Sleep® by Ashley® Chime Elite 12" Memory Foam Plush Tight Top Queen Mattress in a Box
Shop This Sierra Sleep Plush Memory Foam Mattress
Comfort doesn’t have to cost a fortune, even if it means upgrading to a memory foam mattress. This memory foam mattress under $1000 from the Sierra Sleep by Ashley Chime Elite line doesn’t have all the bells and whistles as luxury models, but it goes beyond basic memory foam setups with upgrades sleepers will enjoy. Included are charcoal-infused memory foam for better hygiene and cooler sleep, plus ventilation technology for better breathability.
⭐Featured Sierra Sleep Chime Elite Review:
“I haven't been able to sleep through the night in years and then I finally purchased this bed and I feel amazing and well-rested.”
If you have always been curious about memory foam but have never been able to try this mattress material, visit Liddiard Home Furnishings today. Our mattress showroom has various memory foam mattresses you can try for yourself. If you are ready to upgrade your mattress, we can help you choose the best one. Stop by and see why Liddiard is the best place to shop for mattresses in the Tooele, UT area.
Why Trust Liddiard Home Furnishings?
For over 65 years, Liddiard Home Furnishings has been providing Utah with premium home furnishings. This family-owned business has worked to deliver a better kind of shopping experience to the greater Salt Lake City area. Whether it’s the carefully laid out showroom or the outstanding customer service, when you shop at Liddiard’s, you’ll feel like family. The team at Liddiard has crafted a catalog full of incredible products made by brands with reputations for quality. Shop online or visit our showroom to discover what makes Liddiard Home Furnishings so unique.
Shop Memory Foam Mattresses at Liddiard Home Furnishings
For the home furnishings you need, visit Liddiard Home Furnishings in Tooele, UT. You’ll find the best prices when you shop mattresses online. Check out Liddiard reviews, and if you have questions, our friendly product experts are always happy to help you find a memory foam mattress — whether you call us at 435-882-0964 or use our online chat feature. Visit our Tooele showroom today!
Learn More: 8 Best Sealy Mattresses for Back Pain