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20 Disadvantages of Memory Foam Mattress
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Are you looking for a mattress that will give you the best night’s sleep possible? If so, you may be considering a memory foam mattress. Memory foam mattresses are becoming increasingly popular, as they are known for providing excellent support and comfort.
However, before you purchase a memory foam mattress, it’s important to be aware of the disadvantages that come with them. Here are 20 of the most common disadvantages of memory foam mattresses:
1. They can be quite expensive
One of the biggest drawbacks of memory foam mattresses is that they can be quite expensive, especially when compared to traditional spring mattresses.
High-quality memory foam mattresses can cost over $1000, which is not affordable for everyone. You may find much cheaper options, but they likely won’t be as comfortable or last as long.
2. They can be quite heavy, making them difficult to move around
As these mattresses are often quite heavy, moving them around your home can be difficult. If you plan on changing your bedroom or moving often, a memory foam mattress may not be the best option.
The heavy weight may also be a problem when you have to rotate or flip the mattress every few months to keep it in good condition.
3. Some people find memory foam mattresses too hot to sleep on
If you tend to get warm when you sleep, a memory foam mattress may not be the best option for you as they are known to retain body heat. This can make sleeping on this kind of mattress quite uncomfortable, especially during the summer months and high temperatures.
If you’re a hot sleeper or you tend to sweat a lot at night, you may want to consider a different type of mattress or find cooling memory foam mattresses designed especially for hot sleepers and warm climates.
Consider Nolah Signature 12″ Cooling Mattress with an organic cotton cooling cover and a thick layer of patented cooling AirFoam.
Nolah Signature 12 Mattress
$802
Certificates: CertiPur-US
Material: Non-Toxic Memory Foam
Warranty: Lifetime
Sleep Trial: 120 Nights
4. Memory foam mattresses can emit an unpleasant smell when first unpacked
Some people find that it emits an unpleasant smell when they first unpack their mattress. This is due to the chemicals used in the manufacturing process. As some of these chemicals may be toxic and cause dizziness, headaches, or allergies, be sure to choose memory foam mattresses with a CertiPur-US certificate.
This certificate guarantees that the mattress has been made with restricted amounts of harmful chemicals and meets all safety standards.
The new mattress smell can be quite strong and unpleasant, especially if you are sensitive to smells, but it will dissipate over time, especially if you keep it in a well-ventilated room. You can also remove all bedding from the mattress during the day for the first week or two, to let it breathe.
Another way to avoid unpleasant smells is to buy an organic bed. They are free from harmful chemicals and won’t release any toxic fumes. They may have only a natural, mild smell from the materials used, which will quickly dissipate and won’t affect your health.
5. Memory foam mattresses can be difficult to clean and keep in good condition
Memory foam mattresses can be quite difficult to clean, as they are not easily turned over like a traditional mattress. You will likely need to use a special mattress cleaner and follow the instructions carefully to avoid damaging the mattress.
It’s also important to vacuum the mattress regularly to remove any dust or dirt that could accumulate over time.
6. They are not waterproof
These mattresses are not waterproof, so if you spill something on them, they will likely soak up the liquid and could become damaged. This is a disadvantage if you have children or pets that may accidentally spill drinks or food on the mattress.
Be sure to use a waterproof mattress protector to help protect your mattress from spills and accidents.
7. They can be difficult to get out of
Memory foam beds conform to your body and make it sink a little bit, which can make it difficult to get out of bed, especially if you have moving difficulties.
Also, many memory foam mattresses don’t have good edge support, so you may feel like you’re going to roll out of bed if you’re not careful. If you´re after a new memory foam mattress, check that it´s got proper edge support to avoid this problem.
We recommend Cypress Memory Foam Mattress, a bed with excellent edge support, cooling properties, and Greenguard GOLD certificate, which means it meets strict standards regarding the use of toxic chemicals.
Cypress Affordable Memory Foam Mattress
$579
Certificates: Certi-Pur, Greenguard GOLD, Oeko-Tex
Sleep Trial Period: 1 Year
Warranty: 25 years
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King
8. They may not be as durable as other types of mattresses
Memory foam mattresses are known to sag and lose their shape over time, which can be a problem if you are looking for a long-term mattress solution. This is due to the fact that they are not made with as much support as other mattresses, so they may not be as durable in the long run.
If you’re looking for a long-term mattress solution, you may want to consider a latex mattress instead of a memory foam one. While memory foam mattresses last around 5-7 years on average, latex mattresses can last 10 years or more.
Check, for example, the Botanical Bliss Mattress that comes with a 25-year warranty.
Botanical Bliss
From $1,199
Mattress Type: 100% Latex Mattress
Certificates: GOTS, GOLS, Greenguard GOLD, OEKO-Tex, Eco-INSTITUT®, FSC
Warranty: 25 Years
Sleep Trial: 100 Nights
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King
9. They can lose their shape over time
Memory foam mattresses can lose their shape over time, especially if they’re not properly supported. Once the mattress loses its original shape, it may no longer provide the same level of comfort and support that it once did.
This can happen pretty fast if you buy a cheap, low-quality memory foam mattress. If you’re looking for a long-term mattress solution, choose a high-quality mattress that will retain its shape for longer, and consider other options, such as latex or hybrid latex mattresses.
10. They may not be suitable for people with allergies
Memory foam mattresses are made with synthetic materials, which may not be suitable for people with allergies. If you have chemical sensitivity, this kind of mattress can trigger allergies, headaches, or dizziness.
If you’re looking for a bed that is good for people with allergies, be sure to choose a memory foam mattress with the CertiPur-US certificate, which means that it won’t release high amounts of toxic chemicals and meets all safety standards.
But your best bet is to choose an organic mattress made with natural materials, such as latex or wool, without the use of synthetic materials.
11. They may not provide enough support for people with certain medical conditions
Many memory foam mattresses are not recommended for people with certain medical conditions, such as fibromyalgia or chronic pain, as they may not provide enough support.
If you have a medical condition that causes pain or discomfort, be sure to consult your doctor before choosing a memory foam mattress.
You may want to consider other options, such as a latex mattress, which can provide more support and be more comfortable.
12. They may not be suitable for side-sleepers
If you like to sleep on your side, this bed may not be your best option. This is because they are designed to conform to your body and produce a sinking effect, which can cause you to feel uncomfortable if you’re not used to it.
If you’re a side sleeper, you may want to consider a firmer mattress that will not conform to your body as much. You can also try a latex or hybrid latex mattress, which are both known for being more supportive than memory foam mattresses.
13. They may be toxic
Memory foam mattresses are made of polyurethane, which is a petroleum-based product. Some memory foam mattresses contain other toxic chemical fillers, such as formaldehyde, flame retardants, and VOCs.
These chemicals can off-gas into the air and be inhaled, leading to health problems. If you need a memory foam mattress, make sure it’s CertiPur certified. It means the mattress has been tested for harmful chemicals and meets strict requirements regarding the use of harmful substances.
If you can afford a more expensive mattress, consider buying an organic mattress, such as Natural Bliss, made of natural materials like wool, cotton, or latex foam. These mattresses are so much better for your health and the environment.
Natural Bliss Mattress
$1549 (Use promo code GREEN100 for a $100 discount)
Type of Mattress: 100% Organic Latex Mattress
Mattress Firmness: Soft, Medium, Medium Firm
Certificates: Greenguard Gold, GOLS, USDA,
Mattress Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, and Cal King
Sleep Trial: 100 Nights
Warranty: 25 Years
14. They may not be eco-friendly
Memory foam mattresses are not typically biodegradable, meaning they will not break down in a landfill and release harmful toxins into the environment. If you are concerned about the environmental impact of your mattress, memory foam may not be the best option for you.
If you want an eco-friendly bed, choose a wool mattress or a natural latex mattress instead. They’re better for the environment and your health because they don’t release VOCs and other harmful substances.
15. Not a good choice if you’re overweight
As memory foam sinks in where your body applies pressure, it may be difficult for people who are overweight to get comfortable sleep or get out of bed.
It’s because there’s not enough “push back” from the mattress. If you are overweight, you may find it more comfortable to sleep on a firmer surface that will naturally bounce back providing a cradling feeling, such as latex.
16. Not a good choice for small children
Because of its tendency to sink in, memory foam may not be the best choice for small children. These mattresses may increase the risk of SIDS by preventing babies from moving around and getting the oxygen they need.
If you have a baby, choose a breathable organic crib mattress with a firm surface, made of natural materials, such as wool, coconut coir or latex.
17. Memory Foam Mattresses may contain fiberglass
Fiberglass is a fire retardant that can cause skin irritation and breathing difficulties if the mattress cover is removed or breaks and fibers escape outside. Flame retardant chemicals are an alternative to fiberglass in mattresses, but they’re often highly toxic.
Find a bed that uses natural fire retardants, such as wool or plant fibers. These mattresses will be safe for both you and your environment. Check Ocean Mist Mattress, which uses an eco-fire barrier made of plant fibers.
18. Some users complain that memory foam mattresses are uncomfortable
Although memory foam mattresses are becoming more and more popular, some people still find them uncomfortable. This is because they are not used to sleeping on a surface that contours to their body shape.
If you are one of these people, then you may want to consider a traditional innerspring mattress or a latex mattress instead. If you still want to try a memory foam bed, then you can always choose one with a firm surface or buy a topper to make it more comfortable.
19. Most memory foam mattresses have synthetic covers
While a few companies are now making organic cotton and wool covers for their memory foam mattresses, the vast majority of them have synthetic covers. If you are concerned about the environmental impact of your mattress and want a more eco-friendly option, choose a bed with a natural cover.
Apart from being biodegradable, these covers also increase the breathability of your mattress and are more delicate on your skin. Some quality mattresses are made with GOTS-certified organic cotton covers, such as Nolah Signature 12” Mattress.
Nolah Signature 12 Mattress
$802
Certificates: CertiPur-US
Material: Non-Toxic Memory Foam
Warranty: Lifetime
Sleep Trial: 120 Nights
20. Very Low Motion Transfer
Motion transfer is the amount of movement that is felt by one person when another person moves on the same bed. This can be a big issue for couples who are light sleepers and are easily disturbed by their partner’s movements.
Memory foam mattresses have very low motion transfer, meaning that you will not feel your partner’s movements as much as you would on a spring mattress. While this can be a great advantage for some, it can also be a disadvantage for those who need to feel their partner move in order to get a good night’s sleep.
Low motion transfer may also be inconvenient for sexually active couples because it can be difficult to move around on the bed and the lack of bounce can make some positions more difficult to achieve.
Conclusions
There are many pros and cons to consider when purchasing a memory foam mattress. These mattresses offer many advantages, such as their ability to contour to your body shape, distribute your weight evenly and reduce motion transfer.
However, they also have some disadvantages, such as their high price tag, the tendency to heat up, and lack of bounce. It is important to consider your own needs and preferences when deciding if a memory foam mattress is the right choice for you.
About the Author Kamila Flieger
My name is Kamila, and I'm passionate about researching non-toxic, organic products for the home. I believe it's so important to create a safe and healthy environment for our families, and I enjoy helping others do the same.
