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Did you know, memory foam was first developed for astronauts? In the 1970s, NASA commissioned scientists to develop a material to cushion astronauts during lift-off and relieve the pressure of g-force. One clever soul quickly realised the material would make a great mattress and with that, memory foam mattresses were born in the 1990s (closely followed by pillows and mattress toppers).
The best memory foam mattresses absorb all motion and relieve pressure, which is why you get a sinking feeling when you lie down on one. “I would recommend a memory foam mattress for people who prefer a firmer sleeping surface, need pressure point relief and want a personalised sleeping experience. It’s also suitable for people with chronic pain or injuries,” says Hayley Thistleton, sleep and bedding expert at Sleepseeker.
By comparison, traditional pocket-sprung mattresses will tend to have more ‘bounce’, while hybrid mattresses combine elements of each and tend to be more expensive as a result. But price is not the only reason for choosing a memory foam mattresses.
“They can also improve blood circulation,” Hayley continues, “by evenly distributing your weight and reducing pressure points, allowing blood to flow.” Turns out memory foam mattresses are an investment for your health as well as the wallet.
Below I’ve reviewed several of the best memory foam mattresses, and spoken to experts from bed specialists at Dreams and Sleepseeker about how to choose the best one for you. If you’re in a hurry, here’s a quick glance at my top five:
Which are the best memory foam mattresses in 2024? At a glance
What is a memory foam mattress?
“A memory foam mattress is made from high-density foam that moulds to the shape of your body, providing support and pressure relief,” explains Thistleton. “It’s designed to contour to your body shape and offer a personalised sleeping experience.”
Fabio Perrotta, director of buying at Dreams explains, “It’s mainly made from polyurethane, often referred to as “viscoelastic”.” Viscoelastic refers to a material that shows characteristics of both a liquid and solid at the same time. Memory foam is fluid with a quick response time, so it sinks with you and bounces back when you move away.
