With memory foam products getting so much attention these days for the benefits they offer to sleepers, it is no wonder that more and more companies are coming out with products the satisfy this hungry market. While the comfort benefits to foam sleeping products like mattresses and mattress toppers are indisputable, the quality of those products will often be suspect unless you know a few things about the product numbers and features mean. With mattress products being the most popular out there right now, here are two areas you need to know about before spending your money: Depth and Density.
Depth of the Foam
Without taking stock of your needs and the product put before you, it is more and more likely that you will waste your money on something that does not satisfy your needs or offer any comfort whatsoever. In many cases, discounted foam toppers or mattresses will come with a shallow depth. Depth will often range for 2" (costs less) to 5" (costs way more). For many seeking the ultimate in comfort or who want a "deeper" cushion, a 2" topper or memory foam layer will often not satisfy their need. At the same time, someone who needs a firmer sleeping surface or who is looking to make an already soft mattress a little more cozy would be extremely dissatisfied with an expensive 5" topper.
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The natural question is "what is the ideal depth?" This will depend largely on the user's sleep preferences. Again, a shorter depth will normally result in a firmer experience whereas a thicker depth will provide more cushion.
Density of the Foam
While depth is unquestionably an important consideration, the density of foam is equally if not more important to look at when determining just how "good" the foam is. In this regard, you can expect foam density to range from 2-pounds to 4-pounds, with 2-pounds being less dense, or more "cushiony" and 4-pounds to have less cushion.
To better explain, 2-pounds density will more quickly conform to your body and be quickly to return to its natural state; 4-pound foam will take longer to conform and longer to return, but will provide you with a better, higher quality cushion feel.
Depth and Density
It is fair to assume that a higher density foam will typically have greater depth. This means that you will get more comfort out of your mattress if you combine greater depth and greater density, but cost and personal preference always plays a role here. As with any foam purchase, it is important to know what you need and how you sleep, paying close attention to whether you are a side, stomach or back sleeper.