Best Memory Foam Mattresses (Sep. 2026) - Rated by CherryPicks' Experts

Memory Foam Mattress Buying Guide

Memory foam is primarily composed of polyurethane along with chemicals that help in increasing the density and viscosity. It’s often termed as POLYURETHANE or VISCOELASTIC FOAM. It is also termed as LOW-RESILIENCE POLYURETHANE FOAM.

High-density memory foam mattresses soften in reaction to body heat that is released while sleeping. Softening allows the foam to mold around a warm body within few minutes. Not all mattresses return to their original shape at the same speed. Responsiveness refers to how quickly the mattress returns to its original shape after a sleeper moves. Newer memory foams usually recover quicker.

Pros

• The contouring effect of memory foam mattresses provides pain relief.

• It aids in reducing the back pain due to the natural resting position of the spinal cord.

• They offer you extra warmth some individuals prefer.

• According to sleep specialist, Donna L. Arand, PhD, lying down on the memory foam results in the production of heat which allows the foam to soften in certain areas. This heat aids in supporting the body along the natural lines and curves.

Cons

• They often lead to emission causing the respiratory irritation.

• The retaining heat property makes you feel uncomfortable during the warm weather.

• The polyurethane material in the memory foams is combustible.

• The manufacturers also caution the users of the memory foam that they should avoid leaving the children or small babies unattended because it might be difficult for them to turn over.

• The hazardous air pollutants are emitted from the memory foams which in short-term period lead to the irritation of throat and nose while chronic exposure leads to dizziness, memory loss, headache, and nausea.

Memory Foam Vs. Latex Vs. Innerspring

Memory Foam

• Memory foam provides excellent pressure relief whereas latex offers very good pressure relief.

• The temperature comfort level can be weak on a memory foam mattress whereas the latex offers very good control of temperature. The temperature varies between different mattress designs.

• Memory foam doesn’t have much bounce whereas the latex provides you with excellent bounce.

• Memory foam eliminates most motion transfer, whereas it’s just good in the latex mattress.

• Back support of the memory foam mattress is superior to the support provided by innerspring mattresses.

• Memory foam mattresses are not susceptible to mildew, molds or dust mites.

• The density of the memory foams allows your bed to last for a twice longer period when compared to the innerspring mattress. It does not result in squeaking, creaking, sagging or development of bodily impressions.

Latex

• Natural and synthetic latex is available.

• The performance consistency with the memory foams is weak, however, it’s excellent with the latex.

• The latex provides excellent durability whereas the durability level of the memory foam is fair.

• The latex mattress aids in reducing the off-gassing and allows you to sleep cool.

• Natural latex is more expensive when compared to the innerspring mattress and memory foam, however, the memory foams do last for a longer period.

Innerspring

• The innerspring has a durable steel coil type of support mechanism.

• The innerspring was patented in 1871. They were the main type of mattresses for decades.

• Innerspring mattresses provide firmness along with fluffiness when a pillow top is used.

• Sleeping over the metal can create pressure points that increase tossing and turning, even when the mattress is well padded.

• The innerspring can squeak, sag, and creak.

• The innerspring lose their level of comfort with time. The innerspring mattresses are available in different designs with different coil systems which is extremely confusing.

• The innerspring is ideal for people who are overweight because it allows them to sleep firmly, making it easier for them to get in and out of the bed and roll over.

How to Choose the Right Density for Your Memory Foam Mattress?

Every person is different in terms of his preference regarding the density of the mattress they choose. There are various types available in the market with different densities and different technologies such as temperature control features, ease of movement, and durability.

So, what does density mean in terms of memory foam mattresses?

For example, if you bought a memory foam mattress which has a density of around 5 pounds for each cubic foot, it weighs around 5 pounds per cubic foot. Low, medium, and high-density mattresses are available:

In general, the price reflects the longevity of the mattress. More expensive doesn’t always mean better. If your top priority is sleeping cool, the highest density memory foam with the least airflow would not be your best choice unless the manufacturer has a special cooling design.

Low-density foam

All the memory foam mattress in the market usually react to the body temperature. When the memory foam mattress gets warm, it becomes softer and molds to the natural contours of the body. It is for this reason that some brands do not adjust immediately because they do not warm up the second you lie down on the mattress.

The low-density mattress feels softer. These mattresses are less expensive because less material is used in them.

Medium-density foam 4-5 lbs.

The medium density mattress are the most popular ones because they offer a perfect ratio of soft and firm. The medium density mattress is also famous because the price range suits the budget of many individuals. The stiffness level provided by medium density is a bit less than the high-density one.

If you do not suffer from any form of muscle stiffness or joint pain then you can probably choose the medium density memory model for your mattress. A good compromise for your budget is a memory foam mattress with high density on the bottom layer and an upper layer of low density because you won’t sink in too far but the top layer is softer.

High-density foam 6+ lbs.

The high-density memory foam mattress is expensive because it uses more material to manufacture. Expect to pay thousands of dollars for a high-density mattress. The high-density or orthopedic mattresses usually have a density of 6 pounds to relieve aches and pains. The high-density memory foam mattress is the best option if you have medical conditions that it will ease.

High-density memory foam mattresses are stiff, but they do warm-up and mold to your body shape. High-density memory foams are designed to provide ultimate support for pressure points like your hips and shoulders. The durability of high-density memory foam is very high.

More FAQs About Memory Foam Mattress

Why Is Memory Foam So Expensive?

“Expensive memory foam” is not something you should be afraid off because it means more quality and durability. One way to consider the price of a mattress is the price divided by its expected useful life. That gives you the annual cost of the mattress. Of course, if you’re just out of college with high student loan debt and a tight budget, a less expensive mattress would be better for now but plan to replace it. Sleeping on a mattress that is past its useful life can hurt your back and it can make you wake up with aches and pains you wouldn’t have if you slept on a better mattress.

If your budget allows, the high-density is a great choice. If you’re middle age or older, the health benefits can make life much more enjoyable. The expensive memory foams have different advantages when compared to the low quality and cheap models.

The cheaper ones are generally softer than the expensive ones because they are less dense and they compress easily.

The expensive memory mattress last longer (expect around 20 years), whereas the least expensive ones are only good for about 5 years. All the expensive memory mattress have gel which allows you to sleep cool at night.

With a high-density mattress, it takes more time to sink into the mattress.  The expensive memory foam mattresses are made in the US due where the quality is highly controlled and labor is expensive.

The brands selling the memory mattresses are certified by Certi-Pur-US. They are non-toxic, produce less off-gassing, and are environment-friendly.

Now that you know the difference between the cheaper and the expensive memory foams, you can easily buy the memory mattress that suits your budget and your preferences.

How to Keep Cool on a Memory Foam Mattress?

• Add Gel To It

Adding a liquid gel to the memory foam aids in retaining the benefits provided by the mattress such as pressure distribution and posture support while helping to keep the mattress cool while you sleep.

• Air Flow Design

The consumer can’t change or replace the airflow design of the memory mattress because the structure is completely solid. Manufacturers work hard to design mattresses that allow air flow.

The consumer can help by ensuring that the space underneath the mattress allows air to move freely. Trapped air can lead to an accumulation of heat. The best surface for memory foam mattresses allows the air underneath to move freely. Wood slats and some adjustable beds do a great job allowing air flow underneath the bed.

• Use A Cool Topper

Choose a cool topper made from your choice of down alternative, gel foam, or natural cotton. The topper adds a perfect layer of space which allows the air to move freely and helps you sleep cool.

How Long Does A Memory Foam Mattress Last?

The important consideration when buying a memory foam mattress is the lifespan of the product. These mattresses can for a longer time than other mattresses. However, you’ll make a better decision if you consider several factors including the quality of the product, the density, and ease of care.

The density, as well as the core of the mattress, predict the longevity of the mattresses. The denser types offer you with a perfect feel and provide you with the best performance. The denser the mattress the longer it will last.

So the higher density lasts for a longer period when compared to the low-density mattress. Most people, however, usually prefer to sleep over the medium density mattress. These models last for a longer period i.e. around 8-10 years. The lifespan of low-density mattresses can be as short as 4-6 years.

The second most important aspect regarding the longevity of the mattress is the density of the support base (core foam) used in the mattress. The core or support foam is usually the foam at the bottom of the mattress. If the mattress is reversible, the core level may be in the middle of the mattress.

First, the density of the core foam is not comparable to the density of memory foam. It will be easy to become confused if you don’t understand that the memory foam layers and the core foam layer are made from different types of foam. Memory foam is designed to compress and return to its original shape. Core foams are usually made from polyfoam which is not memory foam.

A low-quality support base reduces the longevity of the mattress. Classification of core foam can be confusing because the terms relating to them have not been well-defined. “High Resilience” (HR) refers to a type of polyfoam that is considered higher quality than polyfoam that cannot be called “High Resilience.” You may see polyfoam referred to as “highly resilient.” Be aware that “highly resilient” refers to the bounce and does not refer to the support the foam provides. We provide more clarification in this article, Clarifying Confusing Mattress Terms.

High-resilience memory foams are considered ideal with a core density beginning at 2.5 pounds. Low-density cores rated at less than 2.0 pounds can quickly break down, compress and get softer with time resulting in compromised longevity and support.

Although it is fair to say that lower density foams will break down faster than higher density foams, we don’t have published information that tells us that a mattress with twice the density will last twice as long. We only know that one will last longer but not whether that relationship is linear or compounded by other factors.

How to Fix a Sagging Memory Foam Mattress?

When a memory foam mattress begins to sag,  the sleeping surface becomes uneven. It doesn’t provide complete body support which can cause problems including muscle and joint pain.

• Put the pillows underneath the sagging areas.

• You can try replacing the plywood or cardboard.

• You can use a mattress pad or a mattress topper.

• Avoid spillage of liquids and control moisture to avoid sagging in the first place.

• You can opt for a mattress helper- a solution which aids in fixing the sagging problems immediately and helps to provide you with the support you need.

How to Clean Memory Foam Mattress?

The easiest and simplest way to clean the memory foam mattress is by regularly vacuuming the mattress. A handheld vacuum is a perfect option for cleaning the memory foam. If the mattress comes with a removable cover, remove it before vacuuming.  Vacuum all the sides of the mattress. You can wash the removable cover by hand.

If you have stains, use mild detergents instead of harsh chemicals such as ammonia or bleach. If you do not have a mild detergent, you can use a mixture of water and vinegar and clean the stain with a sponge.

If liquid spills on the mattress, you can place it in the sunlight immediately. However, keep turning the sides of the mattress so that it dries out evenly. If there is no sunlight, place baking soda over the area with liquid to absorb the liquid.  If your mattress is slightly damp, use a blow dryer to dry it but don’t let it get too hot.

Final Verdict

The bottom line is that memory foam beds provide an affordable alternative to traditional innerspring mattresses. Many people who believe the aches and pains they wake up are an inevitable part of aging are surprised when the pain goes away once they begin sleeping on a mattress that provides the support their body needs. The wrong mattress and old mattresses can decrease your quality of life considerably. You deserve a good night’s sleep every night.

At the budget end, you’ll have to choose between features such as cooling or better support. Some of the more expensive mattresses still cost far less than well-known brand names and give you everything you could dream of in one fantastic mattress. See our best mattress 2022 picks in any category for more great choices

Top 4 Memory Foam Mattresses Sellers: CPR Seller Rank List

CPR sellers rank is based on CherryPicks-AI bestselling ranking system that helps us analyze each seller's sales trends. The List of top seller ranks is our in-house data, essential for our product ranking to help you make the right shopping choice.