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Mattress Ratings > Memory Foam Bed Reviews
Memory Foam Mattress Reviews, Ratings & Comparisons
Based on 6,964 Actual Owner Experiences
What You Need To Know
THE GOOD: Memory foam mattresses rate as well as, if not better than, any other mattress type in owner satisfaction. They rate high for three main reasons: 1) They tend to provide above-average comfort and pain relief; 2) they have motion isolation making them couple friendly; 3) their lifespan tends to be average or better.
Several memory foam mattresses are affordably priced, and the memory foam market is increasingly competitive which is good for consumers. Different foam densities and firmness levels are increasingly available to suit a variety of personal preferences.
THE BAD: The most common complaint is off gassing / initial odor. Less common complaints include heat retention (sleeping hot), excessive firmness, firmness unpredictability, and a lack of edge support.
High-density models may be somewhat difficult to move on and get up off. And several popular memory foam mattresses are available only or mostly online.
Contents
Memory Foam Mattress Ratings: As a Group
Brand Ratings and Comparison
What Is Memory Foam?
Memory Foam Density
Memory Foam vs Other Mattress Types
Lifespan / Durability
Warranties
Sleeping Hot / Heat Retention
Reasons For Price Differences
Unpredictable Firmness
Electric Blanket / Pad Use
Memory Foam Vs Latex
Buying Online: What You Should Know
Proper Memory Foam Bed Foundation
& Frame
About Our Memory Foam Mattress Research
Our ratings and research findings are based on over 6,900 memory foam bed consumer reviews / experiences that were gathered using an unbiased, accurate methodology.
Memory Foam Mattress Ratings: Overall As a Group
The ratings below show how the mattresses as a group are evaluated by consumers. For ratings and information on specific brands, see the two sections following this one.
| Owner satisfaction | b | Memory foam mattresses as a group have 81% owner satisfaction (). The various memory foam mattress brands and models tend to rate similar to one another in owner satisfaction. (See brand comparisons below.) |
| Longevity / durability | b- | Memory foam mattresses have on average about a 7-year lifespan. Higher density / higher priced beds, such as Tempur-Pedic, tend to have at least somewhat longer lifespans than lower density / lower priced beds. (See lifespan analysis.) |
| Price / affordability | C+ | Prices vary substantially – $200 to $7500 for a queen – mainly due to differences in foam density, foam quality and mattress thickness – learn more. Paying more for a memory foam mattress does not necessarily result in higher overall satisfaction; in other words, owner satisfaction is often similar across the price range. |
| Reduced pain / pressure points | b | Memory foam molds and contours at least somewhat to a person's body and, consequently, provides good support and pain / pressure-point relief. Back, hip and shoulder pain are often helped especially. Many consumers report less pain both in and out of bed. See mattresses and pain relief for more analysis. |
| Firmness variety | c+ | The mattresses tend to have medium to firm firmness, but soft varieties are increasingly available. About 15% of owners report excessive firmness, while less than 8% complain of excessive softness. |
| Firmness predictability | d+ | At least 12% of memory foam bed owners say the bed they received has significantly different firmness than the one they tried in a showroom. Learn more. |
| Motion isolation | a | The mattresses are couple friendly because they absorb movement and allow a person to move with minimal disturbance to the partner. |
| No initial odor / off gassing | d | Off / out gassing complaints are common, especially with higher density models. Analysis: memory foam off gassing. |
| No sleeping hot | c- | Higher density foam usually means more heat issues. See memory foam & heat retention. |
| Easy to move on / get up off | c | Memory foam, especially higher-density foam, tends to resist a person's movement at least somewhat due to its contouring properties. As a result, getting up off the bed and changing positions may require some extra effort. People who are physically weaker, such as the elderly or the sick and disabled, may want to avoid higher-density memory foam. |
| Good for sex | c | Opinions vary, but a majority of consumers report that their bed is ok for romance. See the sex and mattresses comparison for details. |
| No noise | a | Unlike innerspring beds that can squeak / creak, and air beds that can make noise when the pump is used, memory foam mattresses are silent. |
| No rotating / flipping | b | Most models are "no-flip," but some owners flip anyway to combat sagging / softening. Rotating the mattress occasionally (turning it from head to foot) may help longevity. |
| Lightweight | c | Beds with higher-density foam can be significantly heavier than those with lower-density foam. Most memory foam mattresses can be a struggle to move and handle, especially for one person. |
| Warranties | b | Warranty lengths can vary significantly; more expensive models tend to have longer warranties. Get the details. |
| Return policies | c | Most retailers allow 30-90 days for a return / exchange. Several will give money back, but fees may apply. (See returning a mattress: what you should know.) |
| Availability | b- | Memory foam mattresses are increasingly common both in showrooms and online. However, many popular brands are available only online. |
| Reputation of Memory Foam Mattress Companies | b | The reputation of memory foam bed companies / manufacturers overall is good, with only an occasional "bad apple." The "B" rating is an average based on a combination of metrics including Better Business Bureau ratings and stability of ratings, number of Better Business Bureau complaints / business size ratio, years in business, product ratings, and customer service ratings. |
Memory Foam Mattress Brands: Ratings and Comparison
The following table includes many memory foam mattresses with owner satisfaction rates above 70% and / or above average company reputations. Click on a mattress below (where available) for a full ratings report based on actual consumer experiences.
Additional reputable brands / retailers not appearing below include FoamOrder.com, Restava.com, SleepWarehouse.com, MyLuxuryMattress.com, FoamSource.com, and NovosBed.com.
Don't see the mattress you're looking for? Not all memory foam beds we rate appear below. Use the box at the top of this page to search for additional brands.
| Owner Satis- faction (Sample Size) |
Price | Density (lbs/ft) | Total Thick- ness |
Memory Foam Thick- ness |
Firm- ness |
Distinctive Advantage or Trait | BBB Rating | SLTD Rating | In Business Since | Sold in Stores and or Online | Retailer | Return Policy Length / Fees | War- ranty |
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AERUS | 80% (578) | $170- $545 |
3 & 4 | 6-12" | 3" | med to firm | value potential | B+ | B- | 1956 (Foamex) |
online | sams club.com |
90+ days / none | 5 years | ||
| BED IN A BOX | 86% (327) |
$450- $2700 |
3 | 9-14" | 3", 6" | mostly med to soft | zero BBB complaints | A+ | A | 2004 | online | bedina box.com |
120 days / none | 20 years | ||
| BOB-O-PEDIC | 78% (106) |
$200- $1400 |
4 & 4.5 | 6-14" | 2-6" | med to firm | New England only | C | B- | 1991 | stores, online | Bob's Discount Furniture | 30 days / NA | 5-20 years | ||
| BODIPEDIC | 82% (1198) |
$300- $600 |
2.5 & 3 | 8", 10" | 2", 3" | med to firm | -- | A+ | B | 1996 | online | overstock .com |
no returns | 5-20 years | ||
| COMFORT DREAMS | 80% (2087) |
$240- $650 |
2.5, 3, 4 | 8-14" | 2.5-6" | med to firm | -- | NA | B- | NA | online | overstock .com |
no returns | 5 years max | ||
DREAMFOAM GEL |
85% (102) |
$480- $970 |
4 & 5 | 13" | 5" | mostly soft | Certi-PUR approved | NA | NA | NA | online | amazon | 30 days / yes | 10 years | ||
| HEALTHY FOUNDATIONS | 86% (14) |
$1000- $1700 |
4 & 5 | 10" | 4" | mostly firm | strong & convenient return policy | A+ | A | 1994 | online | healthy founda- tions.com |
1 yr, $75 | 10 years | ||
| IKEA | 78% (59) |
$80- $1200 |
1.4 - 3.1 | 4-8.5" | 2-2.75" | plush, firm | available in IKEA stores | A+ | B- | 1943 | stores, online | IKEA | 90-day exch / none | 25 years | ||
| KEETSA | 83% (17) | $840- $1325 |
3 (est.) | 10", 12" | 2.5", 4" | med- firm, firm |
Certi-PUR approved | A+ | B+ | 2005 | online, stores | keetsa .com |
90 days / 25% | 12 years | ||
| NIGHT THERAPY | 82% (454) |
$150- $680 |
3-4 (est.) | 8-14" | 2-4.5" | med to firm | value potential | NA | B- | NA | online | sams club.com |
90+ days / none | 10 years | ||
| PLUSHBEDS | 80% (10) | $500- $3300 |
5.3 & 8 | 8-15" | 2-7" | soft to firm | highest in organic content | A | A- | over 30 years | online | plush beds.com |
100 days / yes | 20 years | ||
| ROCKY MOUNTAIN MATTRESS | 75% (12) |
$570- $2021 |
4 & 5 | 7-14" | 2-6" | med to firm | Certi-PUR approved | A+ | B+ | 2005 | online | rocky mountain mattress |
90 days / yes | life time | ||
| SEALY OPTIMUM | 83% (26) |
$1000- $4100 |
3-4 (est.) | 9-13" | 2-7" | soft to firm | TempurPedic competitor | A+ | C+ | 1906 | stores, online | several retailers | 120 days / varies | 25 years | ||
| SERTA ICOMFORT | 81% (445) |
$800- $4000 |
3-4 (est.) | 8.5- 13.5" |
2-7.25" | soft to firm | TempurPedic competitor | A+ | B- | 1933 | stores, online | many retailers | 120 days / varies | 25 years | ||
| SIMMONS COMFORPEDIC | 84% (128) |
$850- $5000 |
2.5 - 4.5 | 9.5-15" | 4-6" | soft to firm | TempurPedic competitor | A+ | C | 1870 | stores, online | several retailers | varies | 25 years | ||
| SLEEP INNOV / NOVAFORM | 79% (1289) | $260- $1100 |
3 - 3.5 | 8-12" | 2.5-6" | med to firm | sold at Costco | A+ | B | 1996 | mostly online | costco, amazon | varies | 20 years | ||
| SLEEP SCIENCE (ARA) | 77% (256) |
$1000- $1300 |
5 | 13" | 6.6" | med to firm | above avg customer service | A+ | B+ | 1993 | mostly online | costco .com |
90 days+ / none | 20 years | ||
| SPA SENSATIONS | 82% (2249) |
$150- $600 |
3 | 5-13" | 1-3" | med to firm | value potential | A+ | B- | 1987 (Zinus) | online | walmart .com |
90 days / none | 5 years | ||
| TEMPFLOW | 80% (10) |
$250- $1500 (est.) |
5 | 8-11" | 2-4" | soft to firm | heat and offgas often minimal | A+ | A- | 2000 | online, some stores | tempflow .com |
120 days / yes | 20-40 years | ||
| TEMPURPEDIC | 80% (1682) |
$700- $8500 |
2.5 - 5.3+ |
8-15" | 2-7.2" | soft to firm | widely available | A+ | B+ | 1992 | stores, online | many retailers | 90 days / varies | 25 years | ||
Memory Foam: What Is It?
Memory foam is constructed from polyurethane with additional chemicals that increase its density. In technical terms, it is often referred to as visco-elastic polyurethane foam. The foam is made up of millions of spherical shaped, open cells. What makes memory foam unique is its temperature and weight sensitivity. Learn more.
Memory Foam Density
Memory foam is available in different densities. Foam density often determines many mattress characteristics. See memory foam density: higher vs lower for a complete analysis and comparison based on actual consumer experiences.
Memory Foam Vs Other Mattress Types
Innerspring beds are the main competitor to memory foam beds. Among 74 consumers included in our research who have owned both types and stated their preference, memory foam is often preferred. As the chart below shows, 46% of these consumers prefer memory foam, 31% prefer innerspring, and 23% have no preference.
Preference among consumers who have owned
both memory foam and innerspring Mattresses
See the mattress comparisons for more on how memory foam compares to innerspring beds as well as the other mattress types.
Memory Foam Mattress Lifespan
The lifespan of a memory foam mattress usually ranges from 4 to 11 years with regular use. Lower-priced (lower-density) memory foam beds tend to be on the bottom side of this range; mid-priced (mid-density) beds tend to be mid-range, and; higher-priced (higher-density) beds tend to be on the top side of the range.
Overall as a group, memory foam mattresses have on average about a 6.5-year lifespan. The chart below shows how memory foam compares to other mattress types on this issue.
Sagging, Compression and Body Impression Development
The loss of a flat, supportive and level sleeping surface due to mattress sagging, mattress compression/compaction and or the development of body impressions is a top complaint from mattress owners overall, including memory foam mattress owners.
Memory foam gets its name from its ability to "remember" its original form and slowly return to it after being compressed. As the foam ages and wears, it will lose at least some of this resiliency or "memory." This can result in sagging, compression and body impression development which can undermine support and comfort, say owners.
Owner experience data shows, however, that memory foam mattresses overall have fewer sagging/compression/impression complaints than most other mattress types, especially innerspring mattresses. In fact, memory foam beds as a group are at least 50% less likely to sag/compress/impress than innerspring beds, especially innerspring beds with a thick comfort layer or pillow top.
Softening
Owner experience data shows that memory foam mattresses may become softer as they age and wear. Excessive softening can cause both a lack of support and comfort. By contrast, most other mattresses types, namely innerspring mattresses, tend to become compacted and firmer as they age and wear, especially those with a thick comfort layer.
Memory Foam Mattress Warranties
Length and Prorated Periods
Entry-level (low-priced) memory foam mattresses tend to have a 5-10 year warranty; mid-priced mattresses often have a 10-20 year warranty; and luxury-level (high-priced) mattresses often have a 20-year or longer warranty.
For the 5-10 year warranties, the entire period is often non-prorated, while the 20-year warranties often have only the first 10 years non-prorated. Non-prorated means there is no cost to the consumer to repair or replace a defective mattress, not including transportation costs.
| Warranty Length | Non-Prorated Period | |
|---|---|---|
| Low priced ($200-$700) | usually 5-10 years | 5-10 years |
| Mid priced ($700-$2500) | 10-20 years | Usually 10 years |
| High Priced ($2500+) | 20-25 years | Usually 10-15 years |
Owner experience data shows that mattresses do not tend to last the length of their warranties. See mattress warranties: what you should know for complete analysis.
Sagging Depth
"Sagging depth" is an important term which refers to how much (in inches) a mattress must compress / sag before warranty coverage begins; the smaller the number, the better the coverage. Most memory foam beds have similar sagging coverage. In addition, sagging coverage for memory foam beds is often better than the sagging coverage for innerspring beds.
No Softening Coverage
Memory foam beds as they age tend to become softer. Warranties do not provide coverage for softening, including excessive softening, even if softening occurs when the mattress is new. This is noteworthy as at least 6% of owners report excessive softening occurring within just three years of ownership.
Warranty Comparison
Taking all warranty aspects into consideration – length, prorated period, sagging depth threshold, lack of softening coverage – memory foam mattresses overall as a group have above-average warranties.
Reasons For Price Differences
Prices for memory foam mattresses can range from $200 to $7500 for a queen. Below are main reasons why memory foam mattresses can vary widely in price.
– Overall Mattress Thickness: On average, high-priced memory foam mattresses are at least 75% thicker than low-priced ones. (Thicker mattresses are often desirable for people who have above-average weight; a mattress that is too thin for a person's weight may be excessively firm.)
– Memory Foam Layer Thickness: Memory foam beds are not made entirely of memory foam. They consist of 20-50% memory foam; this memory foam lays over a base layer of regular foam. High-priced memory foam beds tend to have at least two times more memory foam than low-priced ones. More memory foam tends to provide somewhat increased comfort, contouring support and, perhaps, mattress longevity.
– Base Layer Thickness: The base layer of a memory foam bed consists of relatively inexpensive foam and often makes up 50-80% of overall mattress thickness. The base layer of low-priced memory foam beds tends to make up a greater portion of overall mattress thickness compared to high-priced memory foam beds.
– Memory Foam Density: High-priced memory foam beds tend to use memory foam that is 50-100% higher in density than what low-priced beds use. Higher-density foam tends to have better longevity than lower-density foam and provides better contouring support which can help to relieve pain, including back pain.
| Overall Mattress Thickness | Memory Foam Layer Thickness | Base Layer Thickness | Memory Foam Density | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low priced ($200-$700) | 6-12" | 1-6" | 5-8" | 2.5-4.0 lbs/ft |
| Mid priced ($700-$2500) | 9-14" | 3-6" | 6-8" | 3.0-5.0 lbs/ft |
| High Priced ($2500+) | 12-16" | 4-7" | 6-8" | 4.0-8.0 lbs/ft |
The above table shows what tends to be true; a particular mattress model may go against these findings somewhat.
– Other Factors: In addition to mattress thickness and the amount of memory foam used and its density, other factors affecting price include:
- Quality of foam used. High-priced memory foam beds seem to use better quality foam that will provide a longer life for the mattress.
- Brand name. Brands with established and well-known names, such as Tempurpedic, often charge more for their products.
- Cover material. High-priced memory foam beds tend to use more expensive and luxurious mattress covers.
- Extra features. High-priced memory foam beds are more likely to have extra features, such as handles and edge support.
Sleeping Hot / Heat Retention
Approximately 8-11% of memory foam bed owners say that their bed retains heat and, as a result, sleeps hot. This problem can result in sweating, restlessness and inadequate sleep quality. An additional 12% of owners report that their mattress sleeps warm, but usually not to an uncomfortable extent. Put differently, most memory foam bed owners experience no heat-related issues.
Gel Memory Foam and heat
It is increasingly common for memory foam mattresses to have at least one layer of gel memory foam – foam that is infused with millions of tiny gel beads. This material is touted to sleep cooler than regular memory foam. Based on limited consumer experience data, the material does indeed tend to reduce sleeping hot complaints by one-third or more. Some consumers, however, report no heat relief from gel foam.
The amount of gel foam in a mattress also seems to be a factor. Beds with two inches or more of gel foam tend to sleep significantly cooler than those beds with less than two inches.
Memory Foam Density and heat
Density can and often does differ by memory foam bed brand or model. Beds with higher density foam tend to have at least twice the number of sleeping hot complaints than beds with less-dense foam. High foam density seems to restrict air circulation which can result in the mattress acting as a heat trap.
Also, higher density foam is often more sensitive to temperature and weight than is lower density foam. This can mean that a person can sink somewhat into higher density foam instead of staying on the surface where there is more air circulation.
Unpredictable Firmness
Memory foam mattresses overall have more unpredictability in their firmness than do other mattress types. This means that each individual mattress may have its own firmness and "personality" to some degree.
As a result, at least 12% of memory foam bed owners say that the bed they received has significantly different firmness than the one they tried in a showroom. Or owners who buy more than one memory foam bed of the same model and specifications may report that each bed has a unique firmness and feel to some degree.
Owner experience data suggests that lower priced memory foam mattresses tend to be somewhat more likely to have firmness unpredictability than those that are higher priced.
Electric Blanket / Pad Use With Memory Foam Bed
Using an electric blanket or electric mattress pad with a memory foam bed can reduce the bed's comfort and pain-relief potential. Due to the temperature sensitivity of memory foam, having a heat source on the bed other than your body can undermine the foam's ability to react to your body and conform to its shape.
If an electric blanket or heating pad are used, then heating should be limited to when you first get into bed. And the setting should be on low or medium heat, not high.
There are some claims that the heat produced by electric blankets and electric pads can damage memory foam. We have found no owner experience data to suggest this is true.
Memory Foam Vs Latex
Memory foam and latex have important similarities and differences. See memory foam vs latex mattresses for a detailed comparison based on actual consumer experiences.
Buying a Memory Foam Mattress Online
Many memory foam mattresses are sold online, and, indeed, several popular memory foam mattresses are available only online. Learn about the pros and cons of buying a mattress online based on actual consumer experiences.
Memory Foam Mattress Foundations and Frames
Our collected owner experience data suggests that the use of a proper foundation and frame can make a significant difference in both the comfort and lifespan of a memory foam mattress. In addition, you should be aware of the foundation and frame requirements for the specific memory foam mattress you purchase because an improper foundation and or frame can void the mattress warranty.
Foundation: Most memory foam mattresses, including Tempurpedic, are designed to work on a firm, solid-surface, non-spring (non-box spring) foundation with no irregularities. Owner experience data suggests that a box spring (coiled springs contained in a box-like frame) may not properly support the mattress and thus undermine the contouring and molding ability of the memory foam. A medium-density fiberboard (MDF) foundation, platform bed, or slat foundation is often preferable.
Frame: A proper memory foam bed frame should provide sturdy support for both the mattress and foundation. It should have a center support and six or more legs.
At Amazon: High-Rated Memory Foam Mattress Topper
Sleep Like The Dead Editor Discusses Memory Foam Mattress Research
About our unbiased memory foam mattress reviews and research
Our ratings are based on 6,900+ memory foam mattress bed consumer experiences that were gathered from a combination of online message boards, retailer websites and product review websites.
We receive NO compensation of any kind from any company, organization or individual to affect in any way or degree the content of our website including our memory foam bed research and ratings.
Our mattress research findings have appeared in –
At Amazon: High-Rated Memory Foam Mattress Topper
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