Top Ten Problems With Memory Foam
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- Memory foam mattresses smell
This can be true especially with a new mattress out of the bag. Viso Elastic Memory foam does have a period of off gassing. This odor in most cases dissipates quickly in usually days or weeks. Simply airing out will speed up the process. There are extreme cases where a customer’s sensitivity requires a mattress exchange. Most people expect new products just like a new car to have an odor they are not used too.
- Memory foam is flamable
It is a polyurethane product which can be flammable.Laws have been put into place requiring all USA beds, including memory foam mattresses to be resistant to open flame. Concerns have been raised that a high level of the fire retardants such as PBDE, are commonly used in memory foam.
- Memory foam creates health problems
Well, this is a tough one. The jury still seams to be out on this one. With the emergence of all natural and organic mattress (competition) these issues have really been pushed to the forefront concerning products like memory foam mattresses and even other related products. It is a polyurethane foam, a synthetic petroleum based product. We will just suggest this tid bit of information, imagine the repercussions if it is found to be true. Right now there are endless uses for these materials, everything from sofa cushions to car seats. We will simply let the foam industry to defend their use of certain chemicals and how they affect the human body. There are now alternative organic and all natural mattresses on the market to choose from if you are still concerned about possible side affects from synthetic products such as memory foam.
- Memory foam mattress prices are too high.
High cost seems to be the number one issue that holds some buyers back from purchasing memory foam beds, but it is important to remember these mattresses are usually higher quality. There are now some quality less expensive alternative memory foam mattresses on the market to choose from so take the time and compare apples to apples.
- Memory foam mattress compressions or body impressions issues
This is more of a myth than a reality but we thought we would throw it in there. Although all foams eventually break down, Memory foam as a whole out performs and out lasts most of its coiled steel spring competitors. Most stores brag of considerably lower warranty return rates issues with memory foam mattresses and excessive sagging or body impression.
- Memory foam mattresses get softer through use and age.
Memory foam sometimes is said to feel slightly firmer at home compared to the floor sample in the show room. This is because there is a period of time where the foam actually breaks in that floor displays have already gone through, hopefully the store will point this out in advance.
- Memory foam sleeps warmer or sleeps hot
This is a problem that many manufactures have been able to resolve. Several things have been done to address the foam heat issue. Many companies like Campbell’s Isotonic and Englanders Wellness have designed breathable covers that allow air to properly circulate between the body and the foam. Some companies are now even promoting breathable foams. Use of breathable cotton sheets over memory foam beds may also improve heat issues.
- Cold temperatures can affect Memory Foam mattresses
The same molecular design that give this mattress its durability advantage compared to the traditional polyurethane foams used in coil spring mattresses can cause the foam to be sluggish in recovery. For example mattresses that are exposed to cool or freezing climates will feel firmer and are slower to rebound or return to their original shape in places like cool basements, cold bedrooms, or even the sleeper or cab of a semi tractor trailer.
- Makes turning over in the middle of the night or getting out of bed hard
Well yes there is real truth to this, which makes for a slight downside to memory foam. The argument is that the good out weighs the bad because the slow recovery foams reduce pressure on the body so much better than other beds you actually sleep less disturbed for the reason of having to turn over less. With that said turning over or repositioning can be trickier with memory foam beds because of the lack of resistance or opposing pressure to assist you position changes.
- People don’t believe the claims of memory foam mattresses to be real
Memory foam is state of the art sleep technology. It’s cutting edge and is different from the norm (The over 100 year old innerspring industry) and we the people have resisted change for years. Just think of cutting edge technologies that were rejected in the beginning, the tractor by horse people, welding in the framework of buildings by the people who favored rivets, and yes computers because they would replace the need for man. A competing mattress company advertises a slogan of better sleep through science. If using the same 100 year coil springs and changing the padding around a little bit really makes a bed sleep better, then we have to assume that visco elastic memory foam must truly be state of the art space age mattress technology.
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Correction to # 5
Memory foam mattress compressions or body impression issues
This is more of a myth than a reality but we thought we would throw it in. Although all foams eventually break down, memory foam as a whole seems to out perform and out last the majority of low grade polyurethane foams often used for cushioning by its coiled steel spring competitors. Most stores brag of considerably lower rates of warranty return issues when it comes to memory foam mattresses, in particular problems such as excessive sagging, or body impressions.
Comment by Doug — January 28, 2008 @ 2:17 pm
I just bought a midrange priced memory foam mattress topper from Target. I am confused as to what I should have expected to come out of the box. What I got is a completely crushed, compact, hard, warped thing. I realize that it’s been rolled up and compacted for packaging. No info in the box whatsoever as to what to expect. Will this take days to ‘undo’ itself? It’s completely unusable and I am a little irritated as I spent almost $200 on this thing. It says a full size but it seems more like a twin. I wish there was information provided with the product. I am very disappointed, and I don’t want to have to try to box this darned thing up to return it!
Comment by Robin — May 5, 2008 @ 8:49 pm
Hi Robin,
I am sure people will appreciate your imformation.
I believe the keyword you used was ” Memory Foam Topper”. For over 22 years dad and I have sold people beds. I am pretty sure this will not be what you want to here, but we flat out refuse to take our customers money with cheap quick fixes such as toppers that more often than not don’t work. I wish I had a dime for every time I heard comments like yours. I know that will draw some criticism from people who have had good luck, but we try to go with what works the best and works most consistently.
The reasons most people end up with toppers vary, but these are the common ones.
1. They have a worn out mattress they hope to extend the life of.
2. Their trying to change the feel of one they bought and dislike into something it is not.
3. Lastly they may choose a topper as an alternative to memory foam mattresses, which are more expensive and are simply out of budget.
The truth is, if memory foam mattresses are out of budget do not buy one, wait or buy an inexpensive innerspring to allow you more time to save up for a quality visco elastic memory foam mattress. It is worth it in the end.
Robin, if it was crushed as you say or (damaged) well of course that’s not normal. I am not sure that is the case here? If you are referring to the mattress being vacuum packed like beef jerky in the shrink-wrap or a package of freeze dried food that would be normal. Many memory foam products are shipped in this fashion. When the vacuum is released it should return to its original shape usually with in 24 hours or less. That is why they call it memory foam. If not it will need to be returned to Target. Full size should measure 54 x 75.
I do not want to come across as being critical and I am going to encourage people to learn from your bad experience. That is the great thing about this type of platform people will learn what to do and not to do.
So here is my soapbox. It is my opinion that sadly your confusion was brought on from purchasing from a store that chooses not hire mattress professionals to help you make the correct buying decisions and answer your excellent questions. Target as good as they are, really is a nothing more than a department store, not a mattress store or a furniture store. So the service you may be expecting will be lacking. Their employees keep the shelves stocked and know little to nothing about what is being sold in each department. Department managers really aren’t much better. Stores like Costco, Sam’s, Target, Wal-Mart are masters of nothing but cheep prices in my opinion. If a person does not find the necessary and pertinent information they are looking on the box or in the directions then it in fact should be considered a case of buyer beware. Retail mattress stores pay good money for display showrooms where you can see and feel what to expect while eliminating confusion.
As for the pricing issue I am going to use the Tempurpedic mattress and the one you purchased for this comparison.
A model called the “Original” is the cheapest mattress you can buy from Tempur Pedic and in the Full size runs 999.00 for the mattress only. The prices range up to 2499.00 for the model called the “Rhapsody”. The prices would quite frankly go much higher, if higher end full size mattresses sold better than they do. (Take notice the top of the line mattresses offered from Tempur Pedic are not even available in full size.) Tempurpedic is the brand by which everyone else compares himself or herself to. This is done for a reason they are the best. Now at 200.00 for a topper your purchase price is ½ the typical advertised price of a no name entry-level memory foam mattress. So in comparison take a 400.00 entry-level mattress and a top of the line Tempur Pedic at 2499.00 a midrange priced memory foam mattress in full size should run about 1450.00
If you think taking the mattress back to a store is fun, imagine having to get it into the original box and ship it back to the online retailer, which many of them require.
Thanks for posting your comment and please understand I am not trying to pick on you, but answer your questions and comments honestly while helping others in the process.
Comment by Doug — May 6, 2008 @ 12:23 pm
Hi,
I bought a memory foam mattress recently, and i have to say i am no longer tossing and turning, but i found more frequently i wake up with one or both arms numbed. my wife experience the same.
i wonder what is causing it and has anybody else has the same experience?
Thank you,
Eric
Comment by Eric C. — September 12, 2008 @ 12:40 pm
I would talk to your personal physician. I would even consider additional opinions. Many doctors know little more about mattresses than you or I know about prescription medicines, diagnosing, or brain surgery. We touched on this very concept at the following link. Do Doctors Recommend Firm or Soft Mattresses and Which is Better?
Comment by Doug — October 6, 2008 @ 6:21 pm
I want to sleep with my 2yr old daughter,would a memory foam with coil be safe for her?
Comment by jenna — November 14, 2008 @ 8:52 pm
Is memory foam safe for a 2yr old to sleep on?
Comment by jenna — November 14, 2008 @ 8:58 pm
These are great questions including the email question you sent asking Is memory foam safe for a 2yr old to sleep on?
Unfortunately I do not know of any independent tests that have been done saying yes or no. SIDS has been an issue for softer mattresses for infants. Our feeling is that once the kids are able to get themselves out of trouble and turn over, and such then that would be the time to OK mattresses like waterbeds, memory foam etc.
If you find any info that would be interesting making good arguments against such beds, let me know. At 2 years old kids should have know problems with such mattresses. Babies and infants I believe are the issue here.
I think the much bigger danger is sleeping with the child in the same mattress. Your chances of rolling over on them and hurting them or even smothering them are be much greater. Besides that it is hard to get them into there own room and mattress once you decide to no longer allow them in your bed with you.
Hope this helps.
Comment by Doug — November 16, 2008 @ 7:40 pm
I have just bought a Tempur Memory Mattress and both my wife and I are finding we are waking in up in the middle of the night feeling very hot. Does anyone eles having this problem and has anyone found a way to stop this from happening?
Comment by Chrs — November 25, 2008 @ 7:21 am
Chris, I would call Tempurpedic or the dealer you bought it from. They should be able to give you some advice to remedy your problem. There are some very breathable mattress pads available at stores that should help you as well. Make sure the pad allows heat through and breathes so your temperature sensitive foam reacts correctly.
Comment by Doug — November 26, 2008 @ 7:58 am
My step son moved in with us. he and his girl frined have been (sleeping) on the foam mattress for 3 years. There is a odor in his room that is awfull. They were not the cleanest people. Any way to de-stink the bed beside burning it???? Do I have to say more it just stinks.
Comment by Mitch — January 28, 2009 @ 5:34 am
I think it is probably safe to say it is not a problem with the memory foam mattress.
I am going to respond to the smell issue by suggesting you look into having the mattress professionally cleaned. Carpet cleaning companies sometimes provide such service. For others who are worried about the same problem occurring here is some help in another blog that is related to this issue
Professional Mattress Cleaning
Comment by Doug — January 29, 2009 @ 1:04 pm
I just had the same problem that the other lady had. I bought a Target brand memory foam mattress cover and I pulled it out of the box and it was warped, stuck together, completely unuable and much smaller that the queen size bed (and it was a queen size). Now that I worked up a sweat pulling it apart and tryed to spread it out across the mattress, I will never get it back in the box. I will talk to the manager of Target and see what happens. Warning! Don’t buy ‘HOME’ mattress covers!
Comment by jennifer epperson — February 7, 2009 @ 7:21 pm
I do not think that was fair to Home mattress covers. I have seen many more people that like them than do not. Target is a good company and I am sure they will work with you if you give them the chance to correct the problem.
Comment by Doug — February 8, 2009 @ 8:55 pm
I am interested if any one has mysterious “Yellow stains” on there mattress.I was turning my mattress the othere day,noticed yellow stains called the company for the mattress protecter and was told being it wasn’t reported with-in 5 days of the stain it made the warranty void.There are no stains on the mattress protctor. When I called the manufacturere of the bed, one of there workers said it was seepage that comes out of temp-beds. but when I was put on with there customer setrvice dept, I wsa told they hnever heard of such a thing.So I am not getting any help.Also the threads are coming off the sides of the bed,but I am told bveing it is stained, it makes the warranty void for the bed.Has any one ever heard of such a thing , I am LIVID.Thanks
PLease let me know if you have any yellow stains popping up on your mattress thanks
Comment by Julie — February 17, 2009 @ 5:22 pm
I am in the process of purchasing a 10 inch, Cali King size Glideaway Memory Foam for $1050.00. Is that a good price and I’m not sure if this is an off brand name?
Thanks!
Comment by key- rp — March 3, 2009 @ 2:07 pm
I just bought a the mid-level “deluxe” full size bed memory foam mattress topper from Target today. It was on sale for $95. It came with very clear directions that stated to “very gently unroll the topper and then let it recover and regain its natural form and shape on its own. It may take up to 72 hours for the topped to fully expand and recover to its original shape”
It took a few minutes to for my topper to “recover” and I was able to put the attached cover on without any problems. I don’t know if it is going to help my back, but I just had a very refreshing 20 minute nap!
Comment by Jackie Kaplan — March 3, 2009 @ 6:07 pm
Hi key- rp- I carry the Glideaway line of mattresses. I have also had good luck with their memory foam beds and their steel bed frames. I could tell you if that is a good price with a little more information. Is that the set price or mattress only. Also what market are you in? I am located in St. Louis in other areas freight for example may affect your price.
The only real brand name in the memory foam business is Tempur Pedic. Everything else costs less for a reason, it’s not a TP. I saw your comment that it was a set. That would be a good price, however there is a difference in the specs on a Glideaway Memory Foam Mattress vs. a Tempur Pedic Memory Foam Mattress. Be sure to talk with your retailer and compare. If you be believe the cheaper price is worth the risk then it is a good deal.
Comment by Doug — March 3, 2009 @ 7:19 pm
Jackie,
Hey way to go, a great deal and your comfy. Hope it continues.
Comment by Doug — March 3, 2009 @ 7:20 pm
I know it’s not a TP. But sometimes the brand is what makes the price high. If I can get TP’s (cousin) for a little less, with similiar qualities, I’m willing to try it out. It comes with a 15 year warranty and that is the set price. I am in N.C. market.
Thanks!
Comment by key- rp — March 4, 2009 @ 8:40 am
My husband and I bought a mid range memory foam mattress last year and although it took about two weeks to fully appreciate he found it the most comfortable bed that he had slept on. I the worst. My neck hurts all night and in the morning when I get up, my arms and hands have pins and needles and sometimes go numb. The pain stays with me all day. We recently changed back to our old mattress and I found that I was getting a better sleep and no pain, but my husband complained and we went back to the memory foam. I could cry in the night with the discomfort and have tried to put a pillow under my shoulders and top of my back for support, but with no success….HELP!!
Comment by Anne — March 10, 2009 @ 7:45 am
We purchased a “knock off” memory foam mattress for about $600 4 years ago. At first we loved it. We slept great on it, it didn’t move when one or the other of us got out of bed and it looked good. However, 4 years after purchase it is sagging badly on both sides where we have slept and there is a big hump in the center of the bed. It is apparent that the foam has broken down where we sleep. It is going to have to be replaced this year. Previously, we had purchased a regular pillow-top mattress that had lasted 16 years and STILL looked good. So it’s back to that we go on our next purchase. I question if a Tempur-Pedic won’t sag after some time, too, but just don’t know at this point and their cost is out of reach.
Comment by Greta — March 14, 2009 @ 4:20 am
They cost too much. They are not that expensive to make and given the economy you would think they would come down a little. I don’t know anyone with a TP because the cost is too out of reach by old mattress lasted 10 years, it would have been good for another 5 at least but I needed to downsize when I moved. I wanted a TP but the cost of the one I wanted and like in the show room was 1499 and I couldn’t get the financing even though my credit was fine. I have lower back probs and need a softer mattress that fits to the shape of my spine (per docs recommendation) he told me to just get a regular mattress but to try them out first. He said, “Don’t buy over the internet! You have to try them out and know you’re getting the one you liked.” Nothing is for sure over the internet.
Comment by Colleen — April 13, 2009 @ 11:11 am
We purchased a National Brand pillow top memory foam mattress. It was expensive but we thought that if the hype was correct it would justify it. Plus we didn’t mind since we spend a third of our time in it. It didn’t work out that way! Within 3 mo. the bed was cratered on both sides and would not bounce back. We called the company and they asked if it was stained. We looked and there was some dark areas where I had sweated during the night. The warrenty was void because of this. They said we should have bought a mattress cover. How were we supposed to know? So now we have an expensive mattress with a mountain in the middle that is terribly uncomfortable. We have tried to doctor it up with other toppers. We have even placed towels under the holes to bring it up to grade. Nothing really works. We have looked at new mattresses and almost all of them are made of this same material now. What a waste of money. The marketing of this product did a great job of seducing the American public. Now we have to spend even more to buy a new mattress. At least the old style mattresses lasted a few years instead of a few months.
Comment by Bill — May 6, 2009 @ 11:38 am
I LOVE my Sealy Posturepedic… Any and all back issues have vanished with this bed, and I sleep better than I ever remember on it. My only complaint is the sheets come off every night… we have tried stirrups, Jersey sheets, etc, with no success… Any suggestions?
Comment by Nathan — May 23, 2009 @ 11:30 pm
We also have a Sealy Posturpedic. We also have problems with the sheets coming off every night and have tried everything. This morning, my husband visited the store where we bought it. The salesperson said he gets many complaints about the same problem, that he could not do anything about it, and that some people have found a solution by paying several hundred dollars for something to put on the bed that fixes the problem! So people, buy the good one to begin with–you will save money in the long run.
I have owned 2 TEMPURPEDICS, and neither of these beds have that problem. I highly recommend that brand. It is comfortable, sturdy, and reliable.
Comment by Rosalie — June 18, 2009 @ 6:54 pm
Bill, Thanks for your comment. In your case it sounds like it’s to late to do anything now, but perhaps others can learn from your mistake.
“How were we to know” ? Please understand I am not taking the manufactures side, but the way we as consumers learn what our responsibilities are as owners which is to read the directions and the warranty cards, not just unpackage the products and sleep on them. By becoming an educated consumer we then we can hold up our end of the deal should something like a crater developing on each side of the mattress occur.
Comment by Doug — June 21, 2009 @ 4:39 pm
Sheets coming off of the mattress is not restricted to brands, but is really more of a problem with beds that we sink down into. If the sheets are cut to fit and look taught, then once you sink down into the mattress, bloop the sheets pop off. If the mfg. leaves slack in the material then customers complain that the sheets look sloppy. There are many good quality sheets and fixes on the market. We just need to find the one that works best for us because each mattress, couple, sleeping habit, and sheet set is different.
Comment by Doug — June 21, 2009 @ 4:49 pm
[...] Problems Memory Foam http://www.stlbeds.com/articles/2008/01/28/top-ten-problems-with-memory-foam/ [...]
Pingback by Memory foam and Latex mattresses: which is better? | Foam Mattress — July 1, 2009 @ 7:52 pm
I am one of the people that are trouble with the numbness in the arms and hands. My fingers also swell up in the night. This did not start til I decided to change my mattress. I just got a memory foam mattress and I really sink into. The worse thing is it’s not the first mattress we bought from this place. The first was too hard so they took it back and we got the memory foam. They were really nice about it so now I don’t feel like i can say anything about this one. What should I do? We are financing over 1,ooo dollars for this bed and I am not happy. Please help. Any advice would be appreiciated.
Tara Brewer
Comment by Tara Brewer — August 2, 2009 @ 12:52 pm
I am not sure why the numbness is occurring. That would be a question better suited for your physician. Memory foam is a product that has been proven to affectively increase blood circulation. The complete opposite of the problem you seem to be having.
It may simply be a coincidence that this started occurring at the same time you got your new mattress. The only way to really know for sure, is to sleep on a totally different mattress that does not cause the numbness. Your old mattress for a 30-day trial period may answer some of those numbness questions for you if you still have it? Hope this helps.
Comment by Doug — August 3, 2009 @ 5:03 pm
We got an expensive memory foam mattress about eighteen months ago, and I haven’t had a good night’s sleep since. I loathe, hate and detest it. It is impossibly hot, it is madly uncomfortable, and I can’t begin to imagine how so many people can have been fooled into buying these. Especially since most of the ‘research’ on them seems to have been done by manufacturers. I have blogged about it and the response from people with similar problems has been amazing. My husband – however – loves it. Unfortunately, within a couple of months of buying it, his arthritis flared again, and has been appalling ever since. He has been relentlessly sleeping on the memory foam. A few weeks ago, I finally decided that enough was enough and decamped to son’s bedroom (he’s away from home at present!) I’ve been sleeping beautifully ever since. Then – this weekend, son came home, and I returned to the dreaded memory foam. I slept terribly, and woke up with, quite literally, every bone in my body aching – and the bursitis in my hip that had just eased, after a year’s misery, reappeared. I have since persuaded husband to give the other bed a try for a week or so, just to see if the arthritis improves a little on a sprung mattress. One of the selling points seems to be that movement is less, but with arthritis, the less you move during the night, the more stiff you are in the morning. These mattresses are the work of the devil, in my opinion!
Comment by Catherine Czerkawska — August 10, 2009 @ 5:09 am
We bought a memory foam king size unit at Costco in July of 07. We were very pleased with it. In August ‘08, I had surgery twice and was in bed for almost six weeks recovering. The mattress took on a large depression where I laid. It didn’t recover it’s shape. I went to customer service at Costco, and they gave me a phone # for the manufacturer. I contacted them and went through all of the steps they required, and within a couple of weeks,they shipped us a new mattress and picked up the old one. My only complaint is that I am a warm sleeper, and that is made worse for me by the foam. I am too warm even in winter.
Comment by Carl Arends — November 16, 2009 @ 6:03 pm