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Green Memory Foam | Dispelling Some Popular Myths

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Eco friendly memory foams are also known as organic or green memory foams. These can conform to body shapes and provide uniform distribution of pressure to relieve pressure points and aid circulation.

Green/organic memory foams give additional benefits apart from that stated above. However these benefits have been muddied by several myths which are addressed below.

Myth # 1

There is no such thing as green or organic memory foam.

Like all good myths, this myth does have some truth to it. Yes, these are not 100% organic or green and do not claim to be so. Matter of fact it is impossible to make them completely organic as it would destroy the very nature of these foams.

What needs to be mentioned is that normal memory foams are not environmentally friendly in nature nor is their production process and the difference being that green memory foams are manufactured in zero emission processes and integrate plant based substitutes to reduce petroleum use.

Myth # 2

They are no less toxic or unsafe than normal ones.

All memory foams, green or otherwise, manufactured locally in United States or Canada and Sweden are safe and contain no harmful chemicals. They are naturally higher priced of course but worth are the peace of mind.

These foams go a step further to in ensuring that they are hypoallergenic, antimicrobial and uses fiber based fire retardant to eliminate toxic fumes as well as fire risks.

Myth # 3

They are simply repackaged normal memory foams.

In a weird way, this true to some extent, green memory foams are packaged using highly sustainable resources such as bamboo which are again used for other product materials for example mattress covers, mattress base etc.

Additionally they are specially designed to deal with some weakness seen in traditional foams such as making them more breathable or increasing heat dissipation etc.

Myth # 4

They are expensive.

Of course they are more expensive than normal memory foams. The manufacturing processes, the product exact specification and safe guards take to ensure the customer safety etc all comes at a price.

But this does not mean they are overly priced or unaffordable, they are actually cheaper than regular organic mattresses and are available in competitive rates and comes in a large range of sizes and grades to suit just about any budget.

Overall, organic memory foam is a huge leap ahead from those foams which were developed for NASA decades ago. And with time they will change the way we define a safe and restful good night’s sleep.

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Why You Should Avoid Cheap Memory Foam Mattress

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There are numerous cheap memory foam mattresses out there they look just as good as the more expensive ones. They can be very tempting due to their cheaper prices but in the long run they work out to be much more expensive. Here are a few reasons why you should not settle for cheap.

Reason #1: Health risks

Memory foams are made using synthetic chemicals (latex alternative are also available but costs much more). These chemicals are harmful to your health if the manufacturers do not take proper safeguards during manufacturing process to ensure that the finished products are inert and safe. Many cheap memory foam mattresses may not be processed properly to cut costs therefore place the user’s health at great risk. Remember you are buying memory foams to give you restful sleep and not cause problems that will make you lose sleep over them.

Reason #2: Durability issues

The durability of Memory foams are determined by the quality and density of the foam. Cheap memory foam mattresses may have the same ILD ratings and the same dimensions but its manufacturers cut their costs by using less/lower quality ingredients thereby reducing the density. A lower density memory foam mattress is much less durable and will lose its ability to regain its shape and become misshapen.

Reason #3: Costs over time

Cheap memory foam mattress will require less investment initially but you will have to throw it out and buy again every time it wears out. Good quality memory foam mattresses can last for decades and in the long run investing more initially will always work out much cheaper than what you will be paying for the cheap memory foam mattress.

Reasons #4: Warranty issues

The cheapest memory foam mattresses you will find are those that do not come with a warranty. It is highly recommended that you do not buy them. They are provided without a guarantee for a reason.

Having given you the reason for not buying cheap memory foams, it is only fair that you know where to get the cheapest good quality memory foam mattress (do remember that cheapness is a relative term). Your best option is to buy them online. Without the overhead costs and presence of a healthy competition, online vendors provide high quality relatively cheap memory foam mattresses.

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5 Questions To Ask Yourself Before Buying A Memory Foam Mattress Topper

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These memory foams have visco-elastic properties which gives them their unique ability to reconfigure themselves to distribute pressure by responding to body heat and weight. This allows them to give unsurpassed ability to support a sleeping body evenly. If you are still sitting on the fence undecided about using a memory foam perhaps these are some questions you need to ask.

Question #1: Do I need a memory foam mattress topper?

Answer: Nope not really, you do not ‘need it’ per se unless you are immobilized on your bed for a long time. However a memory foam will help you get better sleep for obvious reasons (elimination of pressure points, less stress on the spine etc). Sleeping is important, we sleep about a third of our life so making that part of our life comfortable should be a good reason to get one. Plus a goodnight sleep can do wonders to improving the waking part of your life too.

Question #2: Can I afford one?

Answer: Memory foam mattress toppers are not as expensive as they use to be, in fact with improvement in technology, increasing production and greater competition there has been a steady drop in its prices. Although prices vary considerably depending on thickness, density, additional features etc there are memory foams available to suit just about any reasonable budget.

Question #3: With pets or small children who could wet the bed, is it suitable?

Answer: This is a little difficult to answer. If you have small babies or toddlers using memory foam is not advisable. If you use waterproof covers for your memory foam mattress topper then accidents or spills are not an issue. Also memory foams can be cleaned or even washed, although doing this can be difficult and you will need to research the methods to clean them.

Question #4: Is a memory foam mattress topper enough to get the benefits of memory foam?

Answer: Memory foam mattress topper can be used on any other type of existing mattress and it is not necessary to have a memory foam mattress to get its benefits. To get the best benefit out of a memory foam mattress topper about 4-5 inch thick topper is sufficient. Do note that this does depend on the density as well too. With better quality manufacturing these days, 3-4lbs of density is quite sufficient.

Question #5: Are memory foam mattress toppers durable?

This again depends on the quality of the foam you purchase, however it should be of interest to you to know that memory foams are actually the second toughest material out there used for manufacturing mattress or mattress toppers. Memory foams do last for years and most good ones come with a warranty of over 15-20 years.

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How To Take Care Of Your Memory Foam Topper

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Memory foam toppers can cost a pretty penny but they more than make up for it with their superior comfort and refreshing sleeps. Memory foams are also very durable and high density foams can last for very many years. With all little care, these toppers can last for even longer without reduction in its performance. Here are a few essential tips on how to care for them.

Tip#1: Unpacking

Memory foam toppers are always vacuumed packed and sealed in thick plastic covers. While removing this packaging do not use a knife or other sharp instruments to break the plastic covers as punctures or small cuts can widen overtime time with use. If you have to use a scissor then work carefully and take your time as you will have to wait for quite awhile before getting a chance to use it anyway.

Tip#2: Give it time

Memory foam toppers are compressed to aid transportation therefore after you have the plastic sleeves off, give it time to get back to its original shape and size. Acclimatization takes a good amount of time (several hours). It is recommended to leave it for about 24 hours. Slowly unroll it and if there is resistance let is sit for some more time.

Tip #3: Airing it out

Memory foam toppers generally have a smell that most people find unpleasant when it is first opened. This smell generally goes away after letting it air out. Airing it out in an open airy place is highly recommended for about a 2-3days. Here, do not keep it in direct sunlight nor allow it to get soaked or dirty. Having a fan blowing on it does speed up the process.

Tip#4 Get it covered

Memory foams tend to soak up water or liquids and are very difficult to dry. Getting water proof covers are a way to go or better still there are memory foam toppers that treated to make them waterproof. Waterproofing it will get you to stretch its life for several more years.

Tip #5:Cleaning the inevitable

In many cases, Murphy’s law of “if anything can go wrong, it will”, does hold true and either spills, stains, soiling etc do happen. Cleaning memory foam toppers is best done by soaking it a tub filled with diluted washing solution and lukewarm water. Let it sit for a while and gently press it. Do not wring it or put in a dryer. Drying will take time and using a fan to blow on it can help speed things up.

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Learn How To Buy Discount Memory Foam Mattress And Get Great Value

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Memory foam mattress do not come cheap, in fact most high range or premium grades will cost you an arm and a leg, causing you lose sleep over the price you doled out to pay. It is important to understand that the best quality need not be the most expensive product out there in the market. Here are some things you need to learn when shopping for discount memory foam to get great value from your investments.

Learn how to workout the density:

Many discount memory foam do not have their density ratings written on them but in most cases you will have the weight (or weigh it yourself) and the dimensions. Once you have this it is easy to calculate the density by dividing the weight by volume. Remember that the base units for densities are given in pounds/cubic feet. Therefore remember to convert the units if necessary. Look for density ranges between 3-4lbs for the memory foam.

Discount memory foam with low density will lose its resilience fairly quickly while a higher density ensures that it is more durable.

Learn about ILD ratings:

ILD (Indentation Load deflection) determines the firmness of the memory foam. Since discount memory foams use generally 2 toppers of different densities and thickness. It is difficult to workout the ILD of a combination. However the important thing you need to know here is the top layer ILD. ILD ranges from 8-20 in discount memory foam mattresses. Tempur-Pedic memory foams are generally near about 14 ILD. Individual preferences differ but if you are unsure, then sticking to near about the 14 ILD is safe.

Learn what thickness is suitable for you:

The discount memory foam mattress comes with a memory foam top layer. To derive the best use out of the memory foam it should be about 4 inches in thickness. This ensures that it provides the required support and you do not bottom out nor pay too much for unnecessary extra padding.

Learn to buy online:

Online vendors offers the most competitive rates for any memory foam mattress products and you also will have the widest range of products to choose from. Just be wary of the many scammers out there. There are various guides online that help you find reputable vendors for discount memory foam mattresses or for that matter vendor for any products online.

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Reasons Why You Should Use A Memory Foam Topper Cover

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Memory foams have been around since the early 1960s when they were first developed for NASA space program. Its use as a domestic product however took several more decades to develop. In modern times memory foams are the cutting edge in mattress technology and despite this they are competitively priced. Most memory foam mattresses come with their own memory foam topper covers, these covers are essential for the purpose listed below.

Physical Protection:

The bed is often not only the place to lie down to sleep but also the center of many of activities of your daily lives. Here the memory foam topper covers forms a physical barrier protecting the expensive memory foam mattress below. It also serves as a soft buffer providing a cushioning between the body and the mattress.

Fluid Absorption:

Your body loses about 2pints of body fluids in the form of perspiration from sweat glands also body oils from your oil glands and in many cases saliva dribble.  All these fluids are conducive to the growth of microbes especially bacteria which can be detrimental to your health. The memory foam topper cover serves as an absorbent and soaks up these fluids to prevent them from reaching the mattress below and makes cleaning much easier.

Fluid barrier:

Accidental spills (wine, water, beverages) occur more frequently than people assume them to occur. Also in families with small children chances of accidental spills are exponentially multiplied and added to this, bed wetting can be a huge problem. Here, memory foam topper covers which are waterproof are essential, as getting rid of urine stain and smell can be very difficult from the memory foam mattress.

Solid barrier:

Dropping crumbs of food on the bed may not be much of a problem to get rid of but the real problem lies in the fact that when you sleep, the body sheds millions of dead skin cells. Without a memory foam topper cover to serve as a barrier for their collection and removal these dead cells encourage microbial growth.

Aeration:

Memory foam topper covers serves as channel for aeration between the body and the memory foam mattress. Increasing breathability eliminates heat retention which is one primary problem with memory foams in warmer climates.

Overall, the benefits a memory foam topper cover provides is not limited to memory foam mattresses but also with other forms of mattresses. It can provide a new lease of life to an existing older mattress.

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Knowing When It Is Time To Throw Out Your Memory Foam Cover And Get A New One

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The Memory foam cover does, literally what the name suggests and it covers the
memory foam mattress. The cover, apart from serving as a soft interface between
the memory foam and the body, also performs several functions such as protecting
the mattress from accidental spills, urine stains, tears or wears and aiding in
aeration to dissipate body heat buildup as well as absorb moisture.

It is very important that memory foam covers are replaced when they are worn out
as an old memory foam cover will not be able to perform its protective and other
essential functions. Therefore knowing when its time to throw out the old cover is
important. Here are some certain signs that should let you know when to get a new
replacement.

Sagging or flaccid memory foam covers:

Memory foam cover takes the full brunt of the hard body contours and provides a
protective cushioning to the mattress underneath therefore it gets damaged first.
Remove your memory foam cover and check for sagging areas, if it has become
prominent it should be replaced.

Repeated washing due to staining:

Memory foam covers are washable but repeated exposure to water or moisture
greatly reduces its life span. Therefore if you have washed it a considerable amount
of time. After washing, drying and sleeping over it for a night always check to see
for signs given above.

Heat build ups:

If you do notice that your memory foam bed seems to be hotter than usual it is
probably because the memory foam cover is worn out and is unable to carry out
aeration to eliminate heat build up. Just make sure it is not because of the climate
temperature though.

Tears or breaks in the cover:

If your memory foam cover is torn at places it is recommended to have them
replaced. Note that this is not because it will reduce its functionality by any
discernable degree but more so because it will lose its ability to resist water (in case
it is water proof) and will also be no longer dust mite proof.

With memory foam covers taking the major brunt of wearing effects and facing the
elements, they tend to wear out relatively fast. Therefore it is essential to get good
quality covers.

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5 Benefits Of Using Memory Foam Pads

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The most important layers in a memory foam mattress that makes all the difference is the top 3-4inches thick layer. Granted memory foam pads cannot offer the ultimate comfort and support that a memory foam mattress will give but it does fit into the most important 1-2inch layers of the bed depending on the thickness of the pads. Here are listed some additional benefits of using these pads.

Cheaper

Memory foams mattresses do not come cheap rather quality memory foams are one of the most expensive bed materials out there in the market. If you want to experience memory foam, buying memory foam mattress pads are one of the best ways to go.

Gives a new lease of life to your old mattress:

Memory foam pads can be used with your existing mattresses and it will give it a new lease of life as memory foam will compensate for the reduced quality on the older mattress. It protects your mattress and added years to it life.

Easier to wash:

Memory foams are difficult to clean. If you have a memory foam mattress cleaning them can be very difficult. Memory foam pads are of course much smaller and easier to handle therefore cleaning them is relatively easier. If you are looking for ways to clean them, there are some excellent methods listed on this site as well.

Portable:

If you have grown accustom to sleeping in memory beds, the support other types of beds pales in comparison. Hauling around your memory foam mattress is not only unpractical but cumbersome if you travel or stay away from home a lot. Therefore getting memory foam pads is an ideal option if you want to carry it around when you are away from home as it is small and easily portable.

Using it as a trial:

There are negative reviews out there about memory foams beds and if you are apprehensive about using them, getting memory foam pads initially is a good option. Also a small percentage of people are sensitive to memory foams and their body can react to it negatively therefore memory foam pads can be used as cheaper alternative to test out memory foam beds before you actually decide on buying one.

Overall memory foam pads add to the comfort of a memory foam bed and will help protect the more expensive memory foam mattress underneath both from wear, distortion and stains.

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Memory Foam Pad | What You Should Know Before You Buy

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If you have never tried using memory foam pads or mattresses, now is a good time to get one and try it out. Prices have fallen and manufacturing technology has improved to the point where safety and comfort levels are easily made to overlap in a memory foam pad. However if you are new to memory foams here are a few essentials you need to know before you buy.

Density matters:

This is perhaps one of the most important criteria that will determine the comfort and durability of the memory foam pad. Higher density foams have much better durability and make a world of difference in the support they give. Just remember though that too much of a good thing can be bad too. If you stick to density ratings between 3-5lbs/cubic foot you should be okay. Go for the higher end of this rate if you are above average weight.

Remember many vendors will not advertise the density rating of their foams if it is of low density. So be wary of this and ask for the density.  You can also calculate the density on your own by dividing the total weight with the total volume of the memory foam pad if you wish just make sure the units are converted into pounds/foot.

Ventilation:

In warmer places normal memory foam pads can be a problem due to its highly insulating property resulting in heat retention. Open celled structures which provide adequate ventilation of air within the foam clears this issue in most cases. Therefore it is a good idea to look for enhanced ventilation in the memory foam if you do live in warmer climates.  While for those living in higher up in the north this presumed liability can be a huge asset.

Odor:

Be warn that memory foam pads or for that matter any memory foam product does have a smell that most people do not like. This smell disappears in a few days when allowed to air out. Placing it in an airy open space can speed the airing out process.

Quality:

It is a good idea to buy better quality foams, but just remember that good quality foams do not necessarily have to be highly priced. The trick to finding a good quality memory foam pad is to look for their reviews online and read up on them even if you intend to buy it from your local brick and mortar vendor. Going online to buy, can increase your options to a huge selection of different type of memory foam pad and at very competitive prices.

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How To Make Your Memory Foam Mattress Pads Last

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Memory foam mattress pads are a good alternative to buy a whole memory foam mattress. You can not only use them to give your old mattress a new lease of life but since the pads are portable you can take them with you easily when you travel. The only problem with these pads that most people face is that they do not last long enough for them. To make them last longer here are some things you should consider before making your choice.

Density:

The densities of memory foam mattress pads are very important if you are looking for durability. Density is given in terms of Lbs. per cubic foot. Essentially the higher the density the longer is its durability and the better is the support it provides. At higher density however, memory foams do tend to become much more firm and response to body weight and temperature takes more time. Also heat retention can be a problem in warmer climates with high density foams. There are many parameters for choosing memory foam mattress pads and it is very difficult to give an exact recommendation. Generally a 3-5lb density works as a good average for most.

Covers:

It is very important to get good covers for your memory foam mattress pads as they will be the only line of defense in protecting your mattress pads. Good memory foam cover should not only protect your memory foam from dust or dirt but keep it safe from getting torn or damaged. Getting your memory foam soaked by water or other liquids can adversely affect the durability of your memory foam mattress pads and also dust mites may get into your memory foam pads therefore getting waterproof and dust mite proof covers is a good investment for durability and health reasons.

Base support:

It is important to use a proper base support mattress for your memory foam mattress pads as this will not only keep you from bottoming out and being unable to derive the benefits of the memory foam but also allow room for the memory foam such that it is not overly compressed to its maximum compression state. Refrain from using the memory foam mattress pad on a bare floor not only for the above stated reasons but also for the fact that it exposes it to moisture and will damage the memory foam.

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