Drawbacks of All Foam Mattresses

Density

• The density of foam mattresses is how many pounds one cubic foot weighs. Densities range from low, 3 lbs. or less, to high, 5 lbs. or more. Mattresses with higher densities may last longer, but they will feel much firmer and stiffer. Lower density foam will break down much more quickly and loses the comfortable feel that foam mattresses are known for. Look for a foam density of 4 lbs. for a blend of comfort and durability.

Odor

• One of the most common drawbacks of a foam mattress is a chemical-like odor, or off-gassing, for the first few weeks after bringing home a new mattress, which is not known to be harmful, but it is generally just annoying to the small percentage of people who notice it. Even fewer people have a physical reaction to the odor such as headaches, nausea, eye and throat irritation, sleeplessness, sweating and asthma. The odors are more common among memory foam mattresses than latex or polyester foams.

Temperature

• Memory foam mattresses are sensitive to hot and cold temperatures. Cool air will make the mattress firmer, but if the air is very warm or when warmed by body heat, it will be softer and can sometimes make rolling over or getting up more difficult. Memory foam can also "sleep hot," absorbing body heat and not dispersing it into the air. Those who tend to feel hot and sweaty at night often do not prefer memory foam mattresses for this reason.

Adjustment Period

• Memory foam, latex and polyester foam mattresses feel like no other mattress and take time to get used to. Some people even find that they are not comfortable at first, especially on higher density mattresses. After a few nights most get used to how they move and adjust on the foam and find they are much more comfortable than on an innerspring or inflatable bed. This adjustment period goes the other direction too; sleeping on another type of mattress when on a vacation will take a few nights to get comfortable again.

Track Record

• While memory foam mattresses have been around since the 1990s, latex foam mattresses are newer and do not have a proven track record for durability. Fewer latex mattresses are sold, so there is not as much owner experience or data recorded. From the information available, 100 percent natural latex rates higher than those that are a blend of natural and synthetic latex.

Weight

• Both memory foam and latex foam mattresses are heavy, though latex is more so, which makes changing linens and making a bed somewhat difficult. Moving, turning or flipping a mattress will require two people.