Memory Foam Mattress Guide: Benefits, Types & How to Choose the Right One

A memory foam mattress is one of the most popular sleep solutions for pressure relief, comfort, and full-body support, making it a top choice for a wide range of sleepers. Whether you’re a side, stomach, or back sleeper, understanding what to look for in a memory foam mattress can help you find the perfect fit to improve your sleep.

In this memory foam mattress guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about this type of mattress, from how they’re made, to the different types available, to their key benefits and potential drawbacks. You’ll also learn how to choose the right firmness level, what features actually matter when shopping, and whether memory foam is the best fit for your sleep style, body type, and comfort preferences.

Key Takeaways

• Memory foam mattresses use viscoelastic foam that contours to the body, providing pressure relief and even weight distribution.
• Memory foam mattresses are especially effective for side sleepers and couples due to strong motion isolation and reduced pressure points on joints.
• Firmness choice should align with sleep position. Softer for side sleepers, medium for most sleepers, and firmer for back and stomach sleepers.
• Foam density impacts durability and support, with higher-density foams generally lasting longer and offering deeper contouring.
• The Layla Memory Foam Mattress features high-resilience memory foam infused with copper-gel microbeads to reduce heat retention and keep you comfortable all night long.

Table of Contents

• What Is a Memory Foam Mattress?
• What Are the Different Types of Memory Foam?
• What Should You Consider When Buying a Memory Foam Mattress?
• What Are the Benefits of a Memory Foam Mattress?
• How Long Do Memory Foam Mattresses Last?
• Frequently Asked Questions: Memory Foam Mattresses

What Is a Memory Foam Mattress?

A memory foam mattress is a type of mattress made from viscoelastic foam, a type of material that’s able to isolate motion and conform to the contours of the human body easily. This creates a cradling effect that helps distribute weight evenly and relieve pressure on areas like the shoulders, hips, and lower back.

Originally developed by NASA to insulate pilots and passengers from crash impact, memory foam has entered the mattress market to promote better sleep by absorbing movement rather than transferring it, making it especially popular for couples. Most memory foam mattresses are constructed with several layers, typically including a soft comfort layer for cushioning and a denser base layer for support. The result is a mattress that prioritizes pressure relief, motion isolation, and a more personalized feel.

What Are the Different Types of Memory Foam?

There are several different types of memory foam to choose from, and understanding these types can help you narrow your choices to the one that makes the most sense for you and your sleeping preferences.

Traditional Memory Foam

Traditional memory foam was created in the mid-1990s. It was designed to cradle the body, enhance circulation, and decrease the stress on your joints. Unfortunately, traditional memory foam materials are known for being a heat sink. That means if you tend to sleep hot, it’s a good idea to avoid settling for a traditional memory foam mattress unless you want the feeling of waking up in the middle of Death Valley in July.

Open Cell Memory Foam

Open-cell memory foam has more air pockets, making it better at dispersing body heat when compared to traditional memory foam. In turn, your body can regulate your temperature more efficiently. This type of memory foam also responds more quickly to pressure, so that you won’t sink as much into the surface.

Gel Memory Foam

Gel memory foam is designed to relieve pressure points and more efficiently disperses heat. This type of memory foam is much better for hot sleepers who have a tough time staying cool at night.

The Layla Difference

The Layla Memory Foam Mattress boasts materials decidedly different than other memory foam mattresses on the market. Layla’s memory foam is infused with a copper gel that pulls excess heat away from your body. Copper is the second-most conductive element in the world—so those copper particles go to work each night to keep you cool and comfortable.

Copper is also naturally antiviral and antibacterial, so it fights off any germs that might make their way toward you and your mattress. After all, you don’t want to share your bed with uninvited microbes and other unsavory bed companions.

And for support, copper gets stronger as it compresses, so you’ll get the extra firmness where you need it – under your hips and shoulders. The copper-infused memory foam found in the Layla Mattress also helps to relieve pressure points and eases you into a contoured sleeping surface.

What Should You Consider When Buying a Memory Foam Mattress?

There are several key considerations to keep in mind when buying a memory foam mattress, including density, firmness, thickness, cooling technologies, sleeping position, and trial period, warranty, and return policies. Let’s take a closer look at each:

Memory Foam Density

Memory foam density refers to how much material is packed into a given volume of foam and is typically measured in pounds per cubic foot (lbs/ft³). The density of a memory foam mattress is one of the key indicators of a mattress’s durability, support, and overall feel.

Memory foam mattresses come in three different densities: low, medium, and high. Higher-density memory foam contains more material, which usually means it’s more durable, provides better support, and conforms more closely to the body. Lower-density foam is lighter and often feels softer and more responsive, but it may wear out faster over time. Here’s a simple breakdown:

• Low density (1-2lbs/ft³): Poorer quality, but it is softer, more breathable, and budget-friendly
• Medium density (2.1-2.7lbs/ft³): Good quality, offering balanced comfort, support, and longevity for most sleepers
• High density (2.8-3.5lbs/ft³): Excellent quality, providing greater durability and support, with deeper contouring and comfort

Layla’s memory foam core is 1.5 pounds per cubic foot (PCF), the airflow layer comes in at 1.65 PCF, and the copper-infused high-resilience memory foam layer is 3.5 PCF. In terms of sleeping experience, Layla mattresses offer high-quality, dense foams with copper to avoid the traditional memory foam issues of extra heat.

It’s worth noting that density isn’t the same as firmness. A mattress can feel soft or firm regardless of density, but density plays a big role in how long the mattress lasts and how well it supports your body over time.

Memory Foam Firmness

Firmness affects how the mattress feels and how well it supports your body. For example, side sleepers usually prefer softer options for pressure relief, while back and stomach sleepers often need medium-firm to firm for proper spinal alignment. The right firmness should keep your body supported without creating pressure points.

Layla is unique among other similar memory foam mattresses on the market because our Memory Foam and Hybrid Mattresses are double-sided mattress. Layla offers flippable firmness, so you can decide what sleeping surface makes sense for your needs. On the soft side of the Layla, you’ll get a medium-soft firmness level. And on the firm side, you’ll get a medium-firm firmness level.

You can try out both sides to see which one matches up with your preferences. For example, a heavier sleeper may want the firm side’s additional support, while a lighter sleeper may prefer the soft side’s huggy feeling.

Memory Foam Thickness

Memory foam thicknesses range from around 6 inches to 14 inches. In most cases, thicker memory foam mattresses are softer compared to thinner mattresses. But the base foam core is the main supportive foundation, so each extra layer of memory foam can and will add more softness.

Layla Memory Foam Mattresses boast ten and a half inches of foam and multiple layers of different kinds of foam for a supremely divine sleep experience. The outer layers of foam are high-density and infused with copper to pull extra heat away from your body. The other layers of foam help promote airflow and reduce motion transfer.

Cooling Technologies

Many initial memory foam mattresses were known for being hot and trapping heat. Fortunately, cooling technologies have brought memory foam mattresses a long way to ensure sleepers stay cool and comfortable throughout the night. You might find technologies like various airflow designs, gel, and copper built into mattress structures to promote airflow and redirect heat.

Layla’s Memory Foam Mattress features copper-gel infused memory foam, or HR3COPPER™, which helps draw heat away from the body while offering antimicrobial benefits. These gel-encapsulated copper particles condense under body weight, and when pressed together, absorb heat and distribute it throughout the network of copper particles to keep the mattress cool and you comfortable.

Sleeping Position

Your preferred sleeping position is another factor to consider when looking for a memory foam mattress. The way you sleep, along with other details like your weight, health, and age, impacts what kind of sleeping surface is best for you.

• Side sleepers: Side sleepers often find that they have pressure in their hips and shoulders, which is why many side sleepers prefer a softer mattress, as it can reduce these major pressure points. Memory foam for side sleepers should be a little softer to sleep comfortably in this position. And with Layla’s flippable firmness feature, you can always choose the firmer or softer side according to your preferences.
• Back sleepers: Back sleepers need adequate support from their mattress for a healthy spine and proper alignment. If a mattress isn’t adequately supportive, back sleepers may experience lower back pain. Memory foam for back sleepers is ideal because it contours to a sleeper’s unique body without putting more strain on pressure points, offering the perfect mix of comfort and support.
• Stomach sleepers: If you sleep on your stomach, memory foam can help deep compression areas like your shoulders and hips feel supported and fight off sagging that pulls your body out of alignment. Memory foam for stomach sleepers makes sense because it provides a way for these face-down sleepers to get truly comfortable without sleeping in a way that will result in next-day soreness.

Trial Periods, Warranties, and Return Policies

A mattress can be a big investment, and since comfort is subjective, a generous sleep trial lets you test the mattress at home. Warranties also help protect your investment from defects or premature sagging, while clear return policies ensure you’re protected if the mattress doesn’t meet your expectations.

Unlike many similar mattresses, Layla offers a lifetime warranty on our Memory Foam Mattress should anything go wrong. The Layla Memory Foam Mattress Lifetime Warranty covers sagging greater than one inch, and/or loss of shape or mattress height greater than one inch.

In addition to that lifetime warranty, you’ll also get 120 nights to try out any Layla Mattress. This gives you plenty of time to decide whether your Layla Mattress will be a permanent part of your bedroom (or not!).

What Are the Benefits of a Memory Foam Mattress?

Memory foam mattresses are known for their ability to deliver targeted comfort and support by adapting to your body. This combination makes them a popular choice for a wide range of sleep styles and comfort needs. Benefits of a memory foam mattress include:

• Pressure relief and body contouring: Memory foam responds to heat and pressure, allowing it to contour closely to your body to reduce strain on common pressure points like the shoulders, hips, and lower back
• Cooling features: Many of today’s memory foam mattresses are constructed with cooling features to ensure you don’t sleep hot at night. The Layla Memory Foam Mattress features copper-gel infused memory foam that transports body heat away from you at night, along with a cover made from breathable fabric to promote airflow.
• Improved spinal alignment: One of the keys to a good night’s rest is keeping your spine in alignment, and memory foam does this by distributing body weight evenly to keep your spine in a neutral position.
• Reduced noise and minimal disruption: Memory foam absorbs movement rather than transferring it across the bed, making it a stronger option for couples, as you’re less likely to feel your partner moving during the night.
• Wide range of comfort options: You can find memory foam mattresses in a wide range of firmness levels to ensure you find a model that suits your sleep position, body type, and personal preferences. Because the Layla Memory Foam Mattress features flippable firmness, you practically get two beds in one, with a medium-soft and a medium-firm side.
• Hypoallergenic properties: Dense foam materials can help resist common allergens like dust mites, making memory foam a good option for those with allergies or sensitivities.

How Long Do Memory Foam Mattresses Last?

In general, a typical memory foam mattress will last seven to ten years. But as we mentioned earlier, higher-density mattresses will always last longer than low-density ones. How often you replace your mattress depends on overall mattress quality, which is why spending a little more often saves money in the long run due to fewer replacements.

Some signs you may need to replace your mattress include:

• Age of your mattress
• Sagging or indentation
• Waking up with pain or stiffness
• Difficulty sleeping
• Noticeable wear and tear
• Lumps and bumps
• Noisy springs or structural breakdown
• Body and lifestyle changes
• Increased allergies

Frequently Asked Questions: Memory Foam Mattresses

Why is memory foam mattress density important?

Density plays a significant role in your sleeping experience on a memory foam mattress. Check out how density affects these four key pillars: durability, motion transfer, body contouring, and foam response time.

• Durability: Memory foam mattresses that are low-density are more likely to tear and wear out faster than high and medium-density mattresses.
• Motion transfer: A higher-density memory foam mattress is better at controlling motion transfer compared to low-density foam. That’s because high-density memory foam is packed tight with material that limits the spread of motion to nearby particles. In contrast, a less tightly packed, low-density memory foam means that any kind of motion will transfer more easily to other particles.
• Body contouring: For sleepers who want body contouring, both high-density and low-density memory foam materials offer that feature. Higher-density foam will give you a tighter “hug,” while lower-density mattresses are squishier.
• Foam response time: The foam response time is how long it takes for the foam to bounce back after being compressed. The denser a memory foam mattress is, the slower the foam response time. Low-density foam mattresses have more air pockets, so they quickly bounce back to their standard shape. A slower foam response time means that it might be less comfortable if you frequently readjust your position while sleeping at night.
• Temperature and weight: Memory foam mattresses that are denser tend to trap more heat and weigh more. However, the material of a memory foam mattress can have a big effect on how much heat is trapped. Copper-gel infused memory foam, for example, can easily regulate excess body heat.

Does a memory foam mattress need a mattress foundation or base?

It depends on what you plan to place your mattress on. If you have a platform bed or a bed with slats, then you won’t need a foundation. But if you have a traditional bed, you’ll need a foundation. Luckily, the Layla Foundation works with any mattress—just make sure you have the right size!

Do memory foam mattresses sleep hot?

Older memory foam mattresses can retain heat, but many newer options, such as the Layla Memory Foam Mattress, keep you cool at night with thermal-regulating technologies like copper-infused memory foam and breathable covers.

Are memory foam mattresses good for side sleepers?

Yes! Memory foam mattresses are one of the best options for side sleepers, as they cushion pressure points like shoulders and hips to ensure you sleep comfortably throughout the night.

Do memory foam mattresses sag over time?

Lower-quality foam may sag, but higher-density models are more resistant to long-term wear. To avoid a sagging mattress, look for a mattress with high-density foam, such as the Layla Memory Foam Mattress.

How can you make a memory foam mattress last longer?

To extend the longevity of your memory foam mattress, it’s important to take care of it and protect it. It’s a good idea to know how to clean a memory foam mattress, regularly inspect its wear and tear, rotate or flip it (if applicable) to reduce sagging, and ensure it’s placed on a compatible bed frame or base.

If you want to preserve the integrity of your mattress for the long haul, it’s a smart strategy to invest in a mattress protector. Layla Sleep® offers mattress protectors that come in three levels of protection.

• The Essential Mattress Protector is liquid-proof, silent, and features a dustmite barrier.
• The Cooling Mattress Protector has those same features as the Essential version, plus extra padding and cooling fibers.
• The Full Encasement Protector offers the highest protection level with full encasement of your mattress and bed bug shielding technology.

A mattress protector keeps your mattress in great shape, plus they’re washable. The fitted corners of Layla’s mattress protectors mean it’s easy for you to put them on and take them off your mattress. And if you’re worried about the mattress protectors of your childhood years that were made of noisy plastic, have no fear! Layla’s versions are completely silent—you won’t even notice it’s there.

What are the differences between the Layla Memory Foam Mattress and the Layla Hybrid?

Both the Layla Memory Foam Mattress and the Layla Hybrid are award-winning mattresses that will make anyone looking for a deep snooze very happy. The Layla Hybrid boasts all the features and benefits of the Layla Memory Foam Mattress, with additional features that include:

• Dual-coil technology for added edge structure
• An additional 3 inches in profile
• Individually-wrapped springs
• Two handles on each side of the mattress

What does the CertiPUR-US® certification mean for memory foam mattresses?

The CertiPUR-US® certification means the foam in a mattress has been tested for safety, emissions, and durability. It verifies that the foam is made without harmful chemicals like formaldehyde, heavy metals, or certain flame retardants, and that it meets standards for low volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions for indoor air quality. Layla boasts three types of foam that are all CertiPUR-US® certified.

Do memory foam mattresses have fiberglass?

Some older or budget-friendly models of memory foam mattresses may include fiberglass in the fire barrier. Always check product materials before buying to ensure you’re purchasing a fiberglass-free mattress. All of Layla’s mattress models have been upgraded to be fiberglass-free. The Layla Memory Foam Mattress is constructed with a proprietary blend of fire-resistant rayon and polyester fibers to ensure safety standards are met without fiberglass.

Why do memory foam mattresses smell when new?

New memory foam mattresses can have a temporary smell due to a process called off-gassing, where trapped gases from manufacturing are released when unpacking. This odor is generally harmless and fades within a few days to a week, especially when the mattress is aired out in a well-ventilated room.

To get rid of the new mattress smell, review the manufacturer’s instructions. Generally, this means unwrapping your mattress and opening a few windows or turning on a fan to increase ventilation. Because CertiPUR-US® certified mattresses like Layla mattresses are free from the most harmful VOCs, the off-gassing smell is very minimal and typically only lasts a few hours up to a few days.

Why is Layla better than other mattresses?

Layla isn’t just any memory foam mattress. First, the main standout feature is the flippable firmness, which means sleepers can choose from a firmer or softer bed. And secondly, the copper gel-infused memory foam is specifically designed to give you a cleaner, cooler sleep that will support you while you dream all night long.