Is a foam mattress the best option for your sleeping needs? While many love the traditional feel of spring mattresses, the popularity of foam beds has increased over the years. These mattresses offer a very different feel compared to traditional spring beds. They also provide unique body support and many other benefits that foam mattress users love.
If you're considering getting a new foam bed for your cosy bedroom, hereโs everything you need to know about foam mattresses.
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What is a Foam Mattress?
Foam is a common material found in our household, from the sofa to bedding items to our best-loved mattresses. This soft and bubbly material offers supple cushioning support to relieve the pressure on your body.
Foam mattresses are available in different structures: the traditional or closed-cell structure, a cooling gel-infused formulation, and an open-cell design. Considering the hot weather in Singapore, we suggest opting for gel-infused foams or open-cell beds to receive adequate air circulation.
Polyurethane foam is made from a mixture of polyols, isocyanates, and blowing agents. Memory foam mattresses, on the other hand, are derived from polyurethane foam with improved viscoelasticity, giving them their unique conforming ability. Finally, latex foam is made from natural latex from rubber trees, creating an organic and bouncy sleep solution.
Foam mattresses vary in firmness, size, thickness, and height to cater to different sleeping needs.
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Types of Foam Mattresses
Polyurethane Foam
Polyurethane foam, also known as polyfoam or PU foam, is derived from petrochemicals, creating a material we usually see on seat cushions and budget mattresses. This foam is the least expensive among other foam types and is used as the top or support layer of many mattress types. Although much cheaper than memory and latex foam mattresses, polyfoam mattresses may offer limited pressure relief. Polyfoam mattresses are ideal for trundle beds and guest beds that do not require heavy use. When shopping for a polyurethane foam mattress in Singapore, choose a higher-density polyfoam for better sleep support.ย
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Pros
- Polyfoam is more affordable than memory foam and latex mattresses
- This foam type is lightweight and easy to flip
- Comes in a variety of firmness and densities
- Quiet and responsive to movements
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Cons
- May easily break down due to its quality
- Material compresses under extreme pressure or body weight
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Memory Foam
Memory foam is a polyurethane foam with enhanced viscoelastic properties for a more durable and supportive feel. Developed by NASA in the 1960s, memory foam offers excellent pressure absorption. This visco-elastic polyfoam is now used for mattresses, pillows, and various bedding materials.
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Aย memory foam mattressย features personalised pressure relief by following the natural contour of your spine through body heat. This targets your bodyโs heaviest points, resulting in a cosy cradle sensation and optimum spine alignment. With its excellent benefits, memory foam is one of the best choices in terms of comfort. This foam mattress type is generally ideal for side sleepers and those with back issues.
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Pros
- Reliable spine alignment and pressure relief
- Properly absorbs body movements, making it a good choice for mattress sharers
- Offers a notable cradle comfort
- Comes in a wide price range, from moderate to high-end
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Cons
- Can be uncomfortable for hot sleepers
- May give the feeling of being stuck due to its cradle
- May off-gas when new
- Does not provide the best bounce like a latex mattress
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Latex Foam
Latex mattresses are also classified as foam mattresses but are built differently. While polyfoam and memory foam beds are made from synthetic materials, high-quality latex mattresses are derived from natural latex. Latex offers a bouncy, supportive, and cooling feel that could last twice as long as a budget foam bed.
If you are looking for a natural mattress that is built to last, a latex mattress is your best choice.
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Pros
- Highly durable and can last from 15-25 years
- Offers a firmer and bouncier comfort
- Supportive and gives a unique pushback comfort
- Sleeps cool
- Made from quality natural materials
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Cons
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- Due to their benefits and durability, latex beds can be expensive
- A latex mattress is less contouring than memory foam
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Should I Buy aย Foam Mattress?
When choosing between a foam mattress and other mattress types like innerspring and hybrids, the considerations go beyond what you feel upfront. Foam mattresses offer an ideal middle ground that combines comfort, body support, and pressure relief. Many high-quality mattresses fall into this category.ย
Ultimately, we recommend poly foam mattresses for beds or guest rooms that do not require frequent use, as they donโt offer the best longevity. Memory foam mattresses are recommended for people who prefer hugging comfort during sleep. This mattress type is also advantageous for side sleepers who need a specialised contour for their hips and shoulders during slumber. If you sleep hot, an open-cell latex mattress is an ideal choice. This gives the mattress the bounce that many sleepers prefer.
Foam mattresses are the best fit for sleepers who prefer a cushier sleep surface with excellent pressure-relieving features and versatile comfort. At the end of the day, it all boils down to your preferences and sleeping requirements. If you are looking for theย best mattress in Singapore, look for online mattress retailers with generous trial periods to help you test the quality of your mattress first-hand at home. This will guarantee your convenience and assurance.