Memory Foam Mattress or a Topper - (merged threads)

Tim_Deegan

Ellie wrote: »

I would like some advise please....

I have a bedbase that is perfectly fine - but I have a bad back and would like to replace the mattress. I have been looking around, and have seen some memory foam mattress's and find them appealing!:D One of the bed shops told me these are just thick foam with a generous layer of memory foam on top, is that true???

It is true that most memory foam mattresses on the market are made from a layer of reflex foam (which is just high density foam as used in a wide range of upholstery), with a layer of memory foam glued on top, and then a cover fitted over it. The reason these are the most common is because anyone could make one, so companies have sprung up all over the place manufacturing them.

You can also buy memory foam mattresses that contain springs instead of reflex foam. The type that gives the best support is the pocket sprung/memory foam combination. As Katykat said this type of mattress do allow the air to circulate, and help to dissapate the heat.

You will find that most memory foam mattresses are non turn. The trouble with this is that if you can't turn a mattress over it simply won't last as long (especially if it contains pocket springs). So try to find a mattress with memory foam on both sides so it can be turned (they do exist).

Ellie wrote: »

I would like to gather advise on whether people out there recommend the memory foam mattress's and or what you think of the toppers? I have seen toppers in various thickness from 3cm to 7 - 8 cm I have it in my head a 3cm one would be useless??

Toppers are ok if you either can't afford a memory foam mattress, or you already have a good mattress that you want to put a topper on. However toppers should never be used to revive an old worn out mattress. Otherwise it is better to go for a mattress that was made with memory foam built in as a lot of research and testing has gone into developing the components to go together.

The memory foam layer should be between 2" and 2 1/2" deep. Less than this and it won't contour to your body. More than this and it will engulf you and make you too hot, and also make it difficult to change position.
The density of the memory foam should if possible be between 60kg per m3 and 70kg per m3, although 55kg to 80kg is acceptable.

setspeed

Sorry to hijack the thread, but I think it's the quickest way to get an answer to my question!
I'm seriously considering a Snug Super 20 mattress from snugmattress.co.uk.
They offer a 30 day money back guarantee. The price is favourable compared to other internet retailers, but cheaper mattresses can be found on Ebay.
I want a reflex/memory foam mattress as i'm not interested in more expensive pocket sprung/memory foam combos.
As far as this company goes, has anyone bought a mattress from them before? Can any of the experts (Tim Deegan, etc) give an opinion on the product?

Many thanks to all that reply!

Tim_Deegan

setspeed wrote: »

Sorry to hijack the thread, but I think it's the quickest way to get an answer to my question!
I'm seriously considering a Snug Super 20 mattress from snugmattress.co.uk.
They offer a 30 day money back guarantee. The price is favourable compared to other internet retailers, but cheaper mattresses can be found on Ebay.
I want a reflex/memory foam mattress as i'm not interested in more expensive pocket sprung/memory foam combos.
As far as this company goes, has anyone bought a mattress from them before? Can any of the experts (Tim Deegan, etc) give an opinion on the product?

Many thanks to all that reply!

I think I've been asked about this mattress before in these forums and to be honest I can only find one thing wrong with this model mattress: The memory foam is too deep at 3", although if you like being hot in bed then you should be ok. I know it has a coolmax cover, but to be honest it isn't as effective on mattresses as it is on outdoor clothing as it is designed for. This is because there is no breeze in a bed to dissapate the heat.

The memory foam layer should be no less than 2" and no more than 2.5". One it has moulded to your body you don't get any more support or comfort from any extra depth.

If you don't want to be too warm in bed, and you don't want to pay the high prices for pocket sprung/memory foam, then you might be better off going for open coil sprung with memory foam.

setspeed

Tim_Deegan wrote: »

I think I've been asked about this mattress before in these forums and to be honest I can only find one thing wrong with this model mattress: The memory foam is too deep at 3", although if you like being hot in bed then you should be ok. I know it has a coolmax cover, but to be honest it isn't as effective on mattresses as it is on outdoor clothing as it is designed for. This is because there is no breeze in a bed to dissapate the heat.

The memory foam layer should be no less than 2" and no more than 2.5". One it has moulded to your body you don't get any more support or comfort from any extra depth.

If you don't want to be too warm in bed, and you don't want to pay the high prices for pocket sprung/memory foam, then you might be better off going for open coil sprung with memory foam.

Thanks for your prompt response Tim. I've spent literally DAYS reading up on memory foam on the internet, and found a lot of conflicting information!

Yours seems some of the most well informed advice, although it does go against a LOT of other people/companies when you say 2-2.5" is optimum, as they all charge more for a thicker layer. I do take on board your advice that a lot of places will just try to sell you more of the expensive memory foam loayer, but i think i might prefer the extra 0.5/1" that a 3" memory foam layer would provide me with, and i do HATE being cold in bed so perhaps the extra warmth wont bother me (i hope).

In any case, the price seems right, the technical spec holds up, and it has a 30 day money back guarantee so i think i will go for it.
Anyone else have an opinion?

Ellie

setspeed wrote: »

Thanks for your prompt response Tim. I've spent literally DAYS reading up on memory foam on the internet, and found a lot of conflicting information!

Yours seems some of the most well informed advice, although it does go against a LOT of other people/companies when you say 2-2.5" is optimum, as they all charge more for a thicker layer. I do take on board your advice that a lot of places will just try to sell you more of the expensive memory foam loayer, but i think i might prefer the extra 0.5/1" that a 3" memory foam layer would provide me with, and i do HATE being cold in bed so perhaps the extra warmth wont bother me (i hope).

In any case, the price seems right, the technical spec holds up, and it has a 30 day money back guarantee so i think i will go for it.
Anyone else have an opinion?

I'm always cold in bed too - I went for a 3" Topper in the end. Its very comfy and cosy but it does get very warm/ hot and stays that way. U do tend to lay IN it rather than just ON it. If I were buying again, i'd go for a 2 or 2.5" one instead.

Tim_Deegan

You also need to check their terms and conditions about returns. Some won't take returns if the mattress has been unpacked. And with some companies you have to pay the return postage. This can be expensive if the mattress came rolled up and vacuum packed, but has now expanded to full size.

setspeed

I was also considering the Trusleep Classic 200 (2 inch mem foam) for £269 or the Flexcell 5cm from memory-mattress.co.uk for £310. Any opinions on these brands?
Another question i wanted to ask is about the weight of the sleeper. I am 6foot5 15st, my partner 5foot7 8st - do we need to take weight into account when choosing our mattress?

kalico

I've decided I want to go for a memory foam topper.

Argos have a couple including unbranded 2cm at £84.79 or Silentnight 2.3cm at £129.79.

Is the Silentnight brand worth paying extra for? And more importantly, is this thickness of topper any good at all?

One other quick question - how do people manage to get their sheets to fit when they add 2 or 3 inches?

Thanks.

Tim_Deegan

kalico wrote: »

I've decided I want to go for a memory foam topper.

Argos have a couple including unbranded 2cm at £84.79 or Silentnight 2.3cm at £129.79.

I hope you mean 2" and not 2cm?

kalico wrote: »

Is the Silentnight brand worth paying extra for? And more importantly, is this thickness of topper any good at all?

Pesonally I wouldn't buy a Silentnight if it was £10

kalico wrote: »

One other quick question - how do people manage to get their sheets to fit when they add 2 or 3 inches?

Just get sheets that are designed for deeper mattresses

abbecer

I have a memory foam topper that I bought from Dunelm Mill and it is the best £99 I have ever spent. It is soooooo comfortable. Infact I have just been away for 3 nights and the only thing I missed from home was my bed!!!! (Poor cat and dog!!)

Rebecca x