Not so long ago I was once a mattress dealer that sold this prestigious name brand mattress and I can tell you over all, the experience with the beds where better than other brands. Recently Consumer Reports polled its readers and hands down Tempur Pedic won the “Would you buy this mattress again question,” an answer many manufacturers would have loved to have received. With that said,

what are the biggest Top 10 Tempur Pedic visco elastic memory foam bed complaints?

1. Mattress is Too Heavy
While it is true that these mattresses are heavier than most they do use more foam in a cubic foot of mattress space than most which means longer life and unfortunately a heavier mattress.

2. Fluctuating Firmness
Visco Elastic foam is temperature sensitive and will vary in firmness in accordance to room temperature. The sleeping area does tend to become more stable as it evens up with body temperature over time.

Tempur-pedic by mstephens7

3. Sleeps Hot
While I disagree that overall memory foam sleeps hot for everyone, one cannot ignore the complaints. The Tempur Pedic  Airflow System™ is supposed to have alleviated the heat issues.  Some would argue that the initial contact foam which is temperature reactive is where the real issue lies where as the Airflow System™ is buried deep where it may be significantly less affective.

4. Off Gassing
I was unable to find any information that specifically addresses the issue on Tempur Pedics website, however the issue in my opinion is one of concern for many potential buyers worried about possible affects. Affects that may be associated as result of mattresses that are  synthetic petroleum based.

5. Tempur Pedics’ Price
There is no doubt when comparing Tempur Pedic to other brands and especially other memory foam mattresses that they can be one of the costliest mattresses to purchase these days. However in fairness they have earned their steep price tag. They are well marketed, which costs money and creates brand recognition. In my opinion they are probably the best which is why everyone else seems to compare themselves to the original, Tempur Pedic.

6. Getting out of Bed
One of the most common complaints is getting out of the bed due to the temporary support hole that develops when you are lying there sleeping. The surrounding foam is often firmer making it tough for some people to get out of or climb out of as others describe it.

7. Turning Over
Truthfully this is related to the previous problem listed in #6; however adding to it was the common complaint of turning over which was often described as quite strenuous and often wakened them. The extra work of turning over was said to be by some as counterproductive to the less tossing and turning marketed feature of the beds’ design. A feature that is related to pressure relieving foam that  significantly reduces overall body pressure.

8. Feeling Trapped
This really goes along with the previous two issues but we wanted to make sure it was included.  See #6 and #7

9. Not Comfortable Quick Enough
When a person first lays in some memory foam mattresses the initial feeling can be a bit shocking, but almost as quick as you think that, you slowly start to feel your body melt as some people call it, into the mattress.  Tempur Pedic offers models that responds faster and that are softer than their earliest beds helping to solve such issues.

10. Do Tempur Pedic Mattresses Smell?
It’s true that they can have a chemical type odor as do many of the comparable products associated with them. Most agree that this tends to dissipate quickly once the mattress is removed from its packaging in usually just a matter of a few days to a couple of weeks.

Memory Foam Mattress Toppers

How To Buy a Memory Foam Mattress for Less

Memory foam mattresses can be expensive and if you buy the best brand name on the market Tempur Pedic you’re going to get what you pay for quality, support, and comfort, but they can cost over $7000.00 yikes. So what is a person to do if they don’t have a lot of money but want to experience this kind of comfort and luxury each and every night? Consider building and buying what we like to call The Poor Man’s Memory Foam Mattress. You can find it in most any store but don’t ask for it by name because it doesn’t exist. You will have to construct you own.

How to build your own memory foam mattress cheap:

1.     It starts with purchasing the best mattress and box spring that your personal budget will allow. Mattresses are available in both one sided and two sided varieties that can be flipped over. It is our suggestion to get the double sided mattress if you can find one and your budget affords it.

2.     Firm models usually resist body imprints better and last slightly longer. This is because the foam and filler materials that make up the mattress are pre-compressed and sometimes even have higher densities that hold up better.

3.     Select the best memory foam mattress topper you can afford. These are available in department stores and mattress stores like STL Beds. The idea is to make the bed feel as much like a visco memory bed as you can. One inch thick toppers just don’t get the job done and they shift and buckle. Models that are two inches or thicker are best. Foam density, ILD’s or firmness vary and should be researched.

4.     Consider foam toppers that offer sleep cool advantages and eco-friendly methods of construction like plant based oil substitutes, bamboo covers, and less off gassing.

5.     Be sure you understand the Problems with Memory Foam Toppers and The Benefits of Memory foam Toppers before buying one.

Why not buy a cheap memory foam bed knock off instead of brand name?

Many so called knock offs don’t contain the best quality memory foam available and don’t include it in order to cut costs and save you money. The same can be said for the base foam which is often constructed with high density polyurethane foam and is usually very low grade, again to do the same. The combination results in low cost and an inferior product to brands like the Tempur Pedics Visco Memory Foam Bed. Our sales with customers in recent years have shown that The Poor Man’s Memory Foam Mattress with its better construction and comparable cost is a better alternative for far less money.

Two Sided Mattress

Benefits of purchasing a Poor Man’s Memory Visco Foam Mattress

• The Topper can be replaced if needed
• Less wear and tear on the mattress
• Memory foam toppers relieve pressure points
• Comfortable
• Last for years
• Cost less than buying a memory foam mattress
• Great idea for overweight people and those worried about body impressions
• Many are Hypoallergenic

Top Ten complaints about visco elastic memory foam toppers…

Mattress toppers sell like hot cakes but are they really any good? Below we share the Top 10 Problems with Memory Foam Mattress Toppers at the end of this blog be sure to check out the link where we share the benefits.

1. Memory toppers break down: It’s interesting when we hear this complaint because the fact is all foams break down at some point and time. Memory foam is no exception. One thing that makes it different is that it can and usually does last far longer than tradition polyurethane foams.
2. Memory foam mattress toppers sleep hot: It is true memory foam can cause people to get hot especially for persons that use little covers at night. The solution is newer generations of foam products that can dissipate heat faster.
3. Memory Foam off gasses: It is loaded with a lot of chemicals let’s just call it that new car smell, we won’t get into that today, but just like we need fuel for a fire we also need oil / petroleum to build memory foam. They can accurately be described as man-made or synthetic products.  The best way to deal with off gassing issues is to give the foam some time to air out / cure in the same way we would open windows to air out a house to let paint dry.
4. Hard to turn over in: This can be a problem for people who are not as healthy and agile. Most foam is slow to recover making it harder to reposition. The up side is that due to its unique pressure relieving capabilities people turn over less throughout the night.
5. Toppers are expensive: Memory foam is more costly and especially brand names. Rest assured there are less expensive alternatives that are warranted to last just as long.
6. Fly by night product or fad: Memory foam mattress toppers aren’t going anywhere but up in sales. Consumer Reports asked its readers if they would buy their mattress again and Tempur Pedic led all other brands of mattresses with the answer yes. Memory foam mattress toppers can be part of a poor man’s memory foam mattress for people limited by budget.
7. Gets soft with age: Toppers made utilizing memory foam just like their sister the mattress can get softer with age, what they rarely get is deep valley’s and body indentations like traditional foams.
8. Memory foam health issues: While I think memory foam is one of the most comfortable product ever made I do think the jury is still out on this one. We will leave it up to the foam industry who has a much better knowledge of the chemical and the health risks if any that are involved with purchasing a memory foam topper. We do suggest letting a memory foam topper air out especially with older versions that trap VOC’s.
9. Memory foam isn’t comfortable: It seems to be a love hate relationship with people and this new-fangled memory foam stuff. People either love it or hate it. The great thing about toppers is there are many different thicknesses and ILD’s (firmness’s) available not to mention mattresses the topper will be placed on. All of these things can affect the feel. So take your time and try different combinations.
10. Not Eco Friendly: It is true toppers made with so call NASA foam for the most part aren’t made using sustainable resources or Eco Friendly building methods. Foam is petroleum based however more sustainable methods by companies like Anatomic Global’s Eco Series Memory Foam who uses plant base oils substitutions, recycled materials, and bamboo address this topper construction issue.

Top 10 Benefits of Memory Foam Mattress Toppers. Coming Soon!

I am considering a memory foam mattress I would like it to be at least 6 inches thick.

Most importantly I would like roll it up or fold so that it can be stored away. I am looking at Wal Mart’s Spa Sensations 6″ mattress. If anybody has purchase one of these I would love some feedback.

Thanks.

Answer:

I am hopeful that some of our readers may be able to answer your question about the Wal Mart Spa Sensations 6″ mattress.  I am sorry I am unfamiliar with it. Models seem to come and go with department stores when the wind changes directions.  What I can tell you is that it will not be anything near the quality of a Tempur Pedic or one of the good Tempur Pedic knock of brands like Eco Series Eco Friendly memory foam. If I may add please do not forget the old cliche’ you get what you pay for.

A good suggestion would be to shop a specialty mattress store where you can test rest the mattress or try it before you buy it. It would also be a good idea to verify that you are getting the best price by shopping for competitive pricing on line.

As far as the folding and storing of a memory foam mattress it is true that they bend and flex making them ideal for tight staircases and adjustable hospital type beds. Many of them when purchased new are vacuum packed and rolled up. I have heard of many cases where brand new mattresses have not bounced back to normal shape, size, and thickness. Many companies like Anatomic Gloabal who I am very familiar with tell us that if we have inventory approaching 90 days that we should release the vacuum so as not to damage the foam permanently.

With that said, I would recommend not folding or rolling up a memory foam mattress and storing it unless it is very short term, regardless if it was rolled up and vacuum sealed when you first purchased it.

All memory foam mattresses are not the same

Twelve years of selling memory foam mattresses and I can honestly say I hadn’t seen many differences in manufacturing until just recently. Newer products from companies like Anatomic Global’s Eco Series of Eco Friendly Memory Foam beds are setting the standard by which memory foam will be judged both today and in the future.

1. Often called earth friendly, future friendly, even Eco friendly memory foam is actually a chemically intensive product. Huge strides are being made to be more earth friendly by utilizing sustainable materials. Often considered 2nd generation Visco Memory while still not exactly a tree huggers dream it is far superior product to its predecessor and continued advancements in building technology are moving forward.
2. 30% plant based oils such as soybean, corn, and sunflower seed oils are replacing traditional oil for production of memory foam. Plant based percentages have increase significantly in just a few years reducing our dependence on imported oil.
3. Open cell structure and a 0 emissions manufacturing process are the primary reasons for a lesser amount of gassing that is a common complaint with competing brands.
4. Temperature stable foam that doesn’t get harder in bedrooms that are cooler and softer in bedrooms that are hotter  is a problem that has been addressed and corrected. Eco Series mattresses don’t change in firmness between 60 degree and 90 degrees. They are not as heat sensitive meaning that they don’t get as firm or soft as the old product.
5. Eco Series Eco Friendly 2nd generation Memory Foam has a unique open cell structure that creates a bed that can dissipate heat and maximize air circulation 8 to 9 times faster than some 1st generation Memory Foams. More breatheability means Chemicals cannot be trapped, the end result is less smell and a mattress that sleeps cool.
6. If you can reuse something that is always a good thing and the Eco Series has been able to utilize 1 inch of recycled foam manufactured in a very similar way to carpet padding within their mattress base. This not only adds unmatched strength but also utilizes pre consumer goods through recycling.
7. Reduction of their carbon footprint has been a goal that companies like the Eco Series continue to improve upon. Mattresses can be shipped via UPS who runs daily in virtually every neighborhood and community across the USA. This eliminates the need to run delivery trucks by the mattress retailers saving in vehicle expenses and lowering costs for everyone from the manufacturer to the consumer.
8. The cover is made from bamboo one of earths most sustainable and easy to produce resources. It is built as a permanent cover not as a “replacement like zippered competing model.
9. Mattresses are fully vacuum-sealed allowing for more shipping spaces and easier transportation and a reduced carbon footprint on the way to your home.
10. Box springs are called semi fold boxsprings for their ability to be folded up. This too is for easier shipping and handling to your house while making them easier to handle with in the tight confines of a stair way or tight spot. More space in the truck for other items means a smaller overall carbon footprint for this revolutionary box spring.