Memory Foam Mattresses

Memory Foam Mattresses: The Ultimate Buying Guide

Memory foam mattresses are known for their ability to respond to heat and pressure, moulding around the body to create a more contouring sleeping surface. Unlike traditional fibre upholstery, memory foam compresses gradually under pressure and then returns towards its original shape when the pressure is removed.

Not every memory foam mattress is constructed in the same way. Foam depth, density, support layers, firmness, cooling technologies and whether the mattress includes springs can all make a significant difference to how it feels. Understanding these features can make it much easier to compare individual mattresses.

1. How Memory Foam Works

Memory foam is a pressure-responsive material designed to soften slightly in response to body heat and weight. As you lie on the mattress, the foam contours around the body and distributes pressure across a wider area.

This creates the characteristic cushioning and body-hugging sensation associated with memory foam. Once pressure is removed, the material gradually recovers towards its original shape.

The speed of response varies between different foams. Some traditional memory foams have a slower, more enveloping feel, while newer formulations can respond more quickly and create a less pronounced sinking sensation.

2. Memory Foam Comfort and Pressure Relief

One of the main reasons people choose memory foam is its ability to contour around pressure-sensitive areas of the body.

The foam compresses more beneath areas carrying greater weight, helping spread pressure across the sleeping surface rather than concentrating it around specific points such as the shoulders and hips.

The level of pressure relief depends on the depth, density and formulation of the foam as well as the support system underneath it.

3. Memory Foam Mattress Firmness

Memory foam doesn't automatically mean soft. The overall firmness of the mattress depends on the depth and density of the memory foam, the supporting layers underneath and the complete mattress construction.

Our range includes Soft Mattresses, Medium Mattresses, Medium-Firm Mattresses and Firm Mattresses.

• Soft: More noticeable cushioning and greater initial sink.
• Medium: A balanced combination of contouring and support.
• Medium-Firm: A more supportive feel while retaining the cushioning characteristics of memory foam.
• Firm: Less initial sink with a more solid underlying sensation.

Firmness remains subjective. Body weight, sleeping position and the type of bed base underneath can all influence how the mattress feels.

4. All-Foam Memory Foam Mattresses

An all-foam memory foam mattress uses layers of foam rather than a traditional spring system.

The upper layer may contain memory foam for contouring comfort, while firmer support foams underneath provide the structure and stability of the mattress.

The thickness and density of each layer can have a major influence on the finished feel. A mattress with a thin layer of memory foam may feel quite different from one with several centimetres of deeper contouring foam.

5. Memory Foam and Pocket Springs

Memory foam is also commonly combined with Pocket Sprung Mattresses.

In this type of construction, individually pocketed springs provide the underlying support and responsiveness, while the memory foam above adds contouring and cushioning.

This can create a different feel from an all-foam mattress, retaining more of the bounce and responsiveness associated with springs while still providing the pressure-relieving characteristics of memory foam.

6. Memory Foam Hybrid Mattresses

Hybrid Mattresses often combine memory foam with pocket springs or other specialist support systems.

Hybrid construction aims to blend the responsiveness of springs with the cushioning characteristics of foam. Some models may also include additional foam layers, cooling materials or specialist support zones.

Because hybrid mattresses vary considerably, compare the full construction rather than assuming every memory foam hybrid will provide the same sleeping experience.

7. Cool Gel Memory Foam

Some mattresses incorporate gel or specialist cooling materials into the memory foam layer. You can explore these within our Cool Gel Memory Foam Mattresses.

Cooling technologies may include gel-infused foam, ventilated structures, breathable covers or other materials designed to help manage heat and encourage airflow.

The exact technology varies between manufacturers, so it's worth looking at the complete mattress construction rather than relying only on the presence of gel.

8. Temperature and Breathability

Traditional memory foam can retain more body heat than some fibre-based mattress fillings because of its dense structure and close contouring around the sleeper.

Modern memory foam mattresses may incorporate open-cell foams, ventilation channels, breathable covers or cooling materials intended to improve airflow and temperature management.

The spring section within a hybrid mattress can also create more open space within the mattress structure, allowing additional air movement compared with some solid foam designs.

9. Memory Foam Mattresses for Couples

Memory foam can be particularly useful for couples because the material absorbs and dampens movement across the sleeping surface.

If one person changes position during the night, foam can help reduce the amount of that movement transferred across the mattress. When memory foam is combined with pocket springs, the independently moving springs can further reduce disturbance between sleepers.

The actual level of motion isolation varies between mattress constructions, but it is one of the characteristics commonly associated with memory foam.

10. Memory Foam and Sleeping Positions

The contouring properties of memory foam can work with a variety of sleeping positions, but the appropriate firmness remains important.

Side sleepers may appreciate additional cushioning around the shoulders and hips, while back and front sleepers may prefer a firmer underlying feel to prevent excessive sink.

Body weight also affects how deeply someone sinks into the foam, so there isn't one memory foam firmness that suits every sleeper.

11. Memory Foam Mattress Sizes

Memory foam mattresses are available across many standard UK mattress sizes:

• 2ft6 Small Single Mattresses – approximately 2ft6 x 6ft3 (76cm x 190cm)
• 3ft Single Mattresses – approximately 3ft x 6ft3 (92cm x 190cm)
• 4ft Small Double Mattresses – approximately 4ft x 6ft3 (122cm x 190cm)
• 4ft6 Double Mattresses – approximately 4ft6 x 6ft3 (137cm x 190cm)
• 5ft King Size Mattresses – approximately 5ft x 6ft6 (153cm x 200cm)
• 6ft Super King Mattresses – approximately 6ft x 6ft6 (183cm x 200cm)

Not every mattress is manufactured in every size, so always check the options available on the individual product page.

12. Memory Foam Mattress Depth

Memory foam mattresses vary considerably in depth. Some use a relatively thin memory foam layer over deeper support foam, while hybrids can combine foam with substantial spring systems.

A deeper mattress isn't automatically better. What matters is the quality, density and purpose of the individual layers and how they work together.

Depth should also be considered alongside the bed base and headboard, as a deep mattress can significantly increase the total height of the finished bed.

13. Density and Foam Quality

Memory foam density can influence the way the foam responds, its durability and the sensation it creates.

Higher-density foam is often more substantial and can provide slower, deeper contouring, while lower-density foams may respond more quickly and feel lighter.

Density alone doesn't determine whether a mattress will be comfortable. The thickness of the foam, the layers underneath and the overall mattress design are equally important.

14. Edge Support

All-foam mattresses can sometimes feel softer around the perimeter than sprung mattresses with reinforced borders.

Some memory foam mattresses therefore incorporate firmer foam edges or specialist border systems designed to create greater stability around the sides.

Edge support can be particularly useful for couples who want to make maximum use of the mattress width or for anyone who regularly sits on the edge of the bed.

15. The Bed Base and Mattress Feel

The base beneath a memory foam mattress can influence its overall feel.

• Platform-top divans provide a stable, firm supporting surface.
• Sprung divan bases introduce additional cushioning beneath the mattress.
• Sprung slats add some flexibility.
• Solid slats generally provide firmer support.

Memory foam mattresses also require suitable support underneath. Always check the manufacturer's recommendations regarding the type of base and maximum spacing between slats.

16. Memory Foam and Ottoman Beds

Memory foam mattresses can be used on compatible ottoman beds, provided the mattress size and weight are suitable for the lifting mechanism.

All-foam mattresses may differ considerably in weight from deep pocket sprung hybrids, so the individual mattress specification should be checked rather than assuming all memory foam mattresses weigh the same.

Ottoman gas-lift systems are designed to operate with an appropriate mattress weight range, so always follow the requirements of the individual bed.

17. Rolled Memory Foam Mattresses

Memory foam is particularly well suited to compression, which means many Rolled Mattresses incorporate foam within their construction.

The mattress is compressed and rolled for easier transportation and handling, then allowed to expand after unpacking.

Expansion time varies between mattresses, and the product should be allowed to recover in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions before its final depth and feel are assessed.

18. Memory Foam and Natural Mattresses

Memory foam and Natural Mattresses provide quite different approaches to mattress comfort.

Memory foam relies on pressure-responsive foam to contour around the body, while natural mattresses commonly use materials such as wool, cotton and other fibres above a spring system.

Natural upholstery can provide a more traditionally responsive feel, while memory foam generally offers more pronounced contouring. Neither approach is automatically better; the choice depends on the sleeping sensation and materials you prefer.

19. Memory Foam and Orthopaedic Mattresses

Orthopaedic Mattresses are generally associated with firmer support, while memory foam describes a particular comfort material.

A memory foam mattress can therefore also have a firm or orthopaedic feel depending on its construction.

These terms aren't opposites: one relates to material and construction, while the other generally describes the intended sleeping feel.

20. Single-Sided Mattress Care

Many memory foam mattresses are single-sided because the comfort foam is positioned above dedicated support layers.

These mattresses are generally rotated from head to foot rather than turned over. Rotation helps encourage more even settlement and wear across the sleeping surface.

Always follow the manufacturer's care instructions, as some memory foam mattresses may have different requirements.

21. Mattress Protectors and Memory Foam

A suitable mattress protector can help protect memory foam from spills, moisture and everyday wear.

Because breathability can be an important consideration with foam mattresses, choose a protector that fits correctly and doesn't significantly restrict the intended airflow or change the feel of the sleeping surface.

Check the mattress manufacturer's care and warranty instructions if you're unsure which type of protector is appropriate.

22. Getting the Most from a Memory Foam Mattress

Use the mattress on a suitable supportive base and follow the manufacturer's care instructions from the beginning.

Allow rolled mattresses sufficient time to expand, rotate the mattress where required and use a suitable protector to help maintain the sleeping surface.

When comparing memory foam mattresses, consider the foam depth, density, firmness, support system, cooling features and complete construction rather than focusing on memory foam alone.