What Are the Benefits of Memory Foam Mattresses? — Unsplash

Searching for a new mattress? Smart choice. The right mattress will help you achieve consistent, restful sleep, more energy, and fewer body aches. Considering memory foam? Even better. Memory foam can reduce body aches, improve your sleep cycle, and have you feeling bright-eyed and bushy-tailed each morning.

Here are the top benefits of memory foam mattresses.

Supportive...where you need it

Memory foam, unlike springs, gently cradles your body. This means that the areas that require a little more give, such as the hips and shoulders, can gently sink into the mattress while remaining supported (the heat in these areas activates the memory foam). If the mattress firmness is right for your sleep position and weight, this means your spine can rest in natural, safe alignment. In other words: you're not sinking into the abyss nor are you lying on a hard plank, but perfectly in between.

Reduces hip, back, and neck aches

Ever slept on a super-hard mattress only to wake with aching (or numb) hips and a tight back? That's because your body was subjected to painful pressure during the night, and your spine wasn't allowed to sink into a natural alignment.

However, memory foam is soft enough to stop your heavier joints from pressing into the mattress surface, creating pressure points. This can be extremely beneficial for people with tight or troublesome joints.

No more bugs

Unlike spring mattresses, dust mites, mold, and mildew cannot thrive in memory foam mattresses. The materials repel nasty bugs and bacteria, making memory foam great for people with asthma and allergies (as long as you choose a mattress free from heavy metals and chemicals such as formaldehyde).

Great Motion Isolation

Unlike certain spring-based mattresses, memory foam tends to provide excellent motion isolation. This means the layers absorb movement and stop it from traveling across the mattress. If you sleep with a partner, this is important as it eliminates that irritating mattress "jiggle and jolt" as your partner tosses and turns in the night.

Are there any cons?

Yes, but they can be navigated by careful choosing:

Potential for off-gassing and chemical fumes: some memory foam box mattresses have a period of off-gassing when the chemicals in the materials break down. This isn't harmful to everyone, but people with allergies and asthma can be triggered. Luckily, many brands use safe materials (approved by CertiPUR-US) free from harmful metals and chemicals

Can trap and create heat: because memory foam is a dense material, it can trap heat as opposed to allowing it to circulate, like springs. However, there are cooling gel foam and breathable memory foam materials on the market