If you're thinking of a memory foam mattress, you've made an excellent choice! Did you know that foam mattresses actually contour to the shape of your body while softening as your body temperature increases the temperature of the mattress. This in turn cradles your skeleton ensuring a peaceful nights sleep.

Memory mattresses are made of visco-foam. Two types of visco-foam exist. One type reacts to your body temperature while the other reacts to room temperature. While often described as memory foam this is actually untrue, you see memory foam can not achieve either of these feats.

The reason that it is named 'memory foam' is that the more your body comes into contact with the mattress, the better able it is to distribute and support your body weight. This reduces pressure points regardless of your body shape and weight.

As a consequence of this, mattress pads support and enable natural movement during sleep. Memory foam mattress toppers enable correct posture to be maintained, regardless of your sleeping position, whether you happen to fall asleep lying on your back, on your front or resting on your side. The memory foam mattress also possesses anti-microbial properties meaning that unlike conventional mattresses, the memory foam mattress is able to deter dust mites.

Ideally, foam mattresses should consist of no less than 3 inches of medium to high density foam as this will provide an adequate quantity of material to cushion and conform to the body. In addition, this will prevent you from sinking into the bed or losing the support of the base of the bed.

An additional important consideration relates to the density of the foam. The foam making up a memory foam mattress should have a density of 3 to 4 pounds as this type of foam proves softer, possesses greater temperature sensitivity ranges and provides adequate pressure relieving properties.

If a mattress proves unaffordable, a topper is an ideal alternative. A topper is smaller and thinner than a memory foam mattress and can be applied over your existing bed. A memory foam mattress topper should be placed over a firm surface. This will enable the topper to provide you with maximum comfort. If it is possible, you can place the mattress topper on the floor to sleep in if it will not cause a problem for you. If it does, then sandwiching a firm platform in between the mattress topper and an existing foam mattress would be a suitable alternative.

This mattress was originally designed for use by astronauts and as a result, most people claim that memory foam mattresses are out of this world! Given that memory foam is now used in nearly all types of furniture, it may be said that the memory foam mattress has taken the world by storm. For more great information visit the mattress pads guide, if you're thinking of purchasing a new bed soon be an informed consumer and do your homework ahead of time.