FAQs About the Bamboo Memory Foam Mattress

Many people know about innerspring mattresses and latex mattresses but not about another type of mattress – bamboo memory foam mattress.  In the following sections, let’s look at the FAQs about the product including its pros and cons.

What Is It?

Memory foam was first developed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for airplane seats in the mid-1960s.  The material is considered as visco-elastic polyurethane made with additional chemicals that have increased density and viscosity. Thus, it has the ability to contour to the body’s shape, size and weight within minutes after contact as well as its faster recovery after contact is removed.

In layman’s terms, memory foam quickly moulds itself into the body’s natural shape especially in the curvatures between the neck and shoulder as well as the spine from the shoulders to the buttocks.  Due to its increased response to heat and pressure from a warm body, memory foam evenly distributes body weight

What Are Its Benefits?

Memory foam mattresses are becoming more popular despite their more expensive prices because of the health benefits that come from their regular and proper use.  Many users of memory foam mattresses even state that the superior comfort and support offered by these products can immediately be observed after a single night of more restful sleep.

First, memory foam softens at the pressure points when in contact with body heat.  This provides added support for the body particularly along its natural curves in the neck, shoulders and spine, even in the arms and legs.  With added support, the body’s pressure points are less exposed to pressure thus resulting in significant pain relief especially for people with joint disorders (e.g., arthritis), muscle pains, and skin ulcers.

The lesser the pain experienced, the more restful the sleep can be. But the use of a memory foam mattress can be combined with a latex pillow to get the best of both worlds.

Second, memory foam has a higher energy absorbent quality than most types of foam materials.  This results in the reduction of extra movement while sleeping, which means decreased number of times of waking up during the night and increased chances for a more restful sleep.  Even the partner of a restless sleeper will benefit, too, as memory foam absorbs movement so feeling the latter’s movements will be lessened.

But memory foam has its demerits, too. Many people complain about an initial unpleasant chemical smell and higher heat retention, not to mention that infants should not be placed on memory foam mattress due to increased risks for SIDS; an extra firm mattress is best for babies.