What are the Disadvantages of Memory Foam?
The major Disadvantages of Memory Foam are its warm-up issue and chemical effects that cause some health problems, and it is expensive. Moreover, memory foam produces an unpleasant smell when new, and it is heavier in weight.
When it comes to memory foam, it has been a favorite of many people for years now. There is a reason why the flow of the mattress technology is still going on. Many people love the comfort that this particular kind of mattress offers.
Yet there are some points that many persons should be alert about before deciding to try one of these beds.
What are the disadvantages of memory foam? We consider it to be a serious question. While memory foam offers some excellent support for your back and neck, there are real benefits to choosing a different type of mattress. You’ve probably heard of the benefits of memory foam mattresses.
They’re soft, cool to sleep on, and supposedly good for your back. But there are some points that many persons should be alert about before deciding to try one of these beds.
What is Memory foam?
Memory foam is a polyurethane foam that can be used to create mattresses, pillows, and other household items. It is different from regular polyurethane foam in that it has an open-cell structure, which allows for higher airflow, thus providing the user with improved comfort.
Memory foam is also known to mold to your body as you lie down on it and provide pressure relief.
The material was developed in 1970 by NASA to make their space shuttles more comfortable.
They wanted to create a material that could absorb shock and provide a support cushion while taking up less space than other materials, such as cotton. They also wanted it to be lightweight to prevent the weight of the shuttles from increasing.
5 Major Disadvantages of Memory Foam
Heat Retention
Ah, memory foam, the soft and cozy stuff you sleep on every night. Such a great feeling! But is it too good? Memory foam indeed has some heat retention issues.
This is simple: unlike other mattress materials, memory foam doesn’t have tiny ventilation holes to let heat out. It accomplishes this with a layer of tiny cells that fill with air or other liquid (usually a combination of both).
These cells expand as the temperature increases, and on the other hand, they shrink as the temperature falls.
If you get hot, a memory foam mattress will trap your heat in and make you feel warmer than you are. This occurs naturally, so it is not a fault or problem with the product.
A study by the National Sleep Foundation found that those who use memory foam mattresses wake up hotter than those who use all other kinds of mattresses.
Memory foam might not be ideal if you’re sensitive to excessive heat. Avoid the problem by getting a cooling pad that fits under your mattress. These specially designed pads help dissipate heat while you sleep.
Use of Chemicals
Since this is a highly chemical-laden sleeping product, there are concerns about the chemicals potentially entering the bloodstream and causing health issues.
As with many other foams, memory foam contains phthalates, which can cause issues in the liver and kidneys, and issues in the brain. It also contains polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic linked to some health concerns.
The main issue is that the fumes from the chemicals used to treat memory foam have been known to cause respiratory problems in some people. These fumes are not dangerous, but they can cause coughing and lack of breath.
These fumes are the common side effect of memory foam, and there may be other health risks associated with using this type of foam. There’s also the issue of lead in paint, which could be harmful to a child’s developing brain.
Weight and Dense
Memory foam is heavy because it’s denser than traditional mattresses and contains fewer materials. It’s more durable than spring mattresses and less likely to sag over time, making it heavier.
The density of memory foam means it takes up a lot of space compared to other foam, so you won’t often see them sold rolled up or folded like you would a traditional mattress.
You need to have a big enough vehicle to transport one if you need to move it to another location.
And while they’re generally easier to clean than traditional mattresses, most memory foam beds are still best kept on a frame or box springs rather than on the floor or its side because they can take up so much space.
Memory Foam is Expensive
Memory foam is much more expensive than other options, like spring mattresses or air mattresses. On average, memory foam is about three times more expensive than spring mattresses and twice as expensive as air mattresses.
This cost could add up fast; if you’re looking for several pieces of memory foam furniture, you could easily spend thousands of dollars on a new bed set if you wanted the whole shebang. You can also expect to pay more in repair costs if something goes wrong with your memory foam pieces.
Memory foam is notorious for becoming soiled by dirt and body oils, which can seep into the mattress and cause it to break down faster than you might expect.
Off-Gassing Smell
Most memory foam products are made with a particular chemical released in small amounts when the foam is heated. This chemical, called volatile organic compounds (or VOCs), is nothing to be afraid of. It’s emitted as part of the production process, and it dissipates once the foam has cooled down.
When you first unpack your memory foam, it will have a strong unpleasant smell. Memory foam products generally don’t smell until they’re warmed up, so it’s safe to sleep on them immediately.
Also, the smell doesn’t last forever. It gradually fades over the first couple of weeks to a month after purchasing your new mattress.
Conclusion
To make a long story short, memory foam has its merits and demerits. Memory foam beds can be a great addition to your mattress, but you should know about the disadvantages of memory foam. Since each person’s needs are different, it is important to note all of these to decide if they are right for you specifically.
We hope our review and explanations have been helpful; you can talk to us by leaving comments or recommendations in the comment section.
