What to Look for in a Foam Mattress

Cost

• If cost is a consideration, you should stay away from memory foam and natural latex mattresses. Instead, purchase a synthetic latex mattress. These mattresses are made from petroleum derivatives that mimic the look and feel of the natural variety. Stay away from mattresses advertising themselves as "pure latex," as these also tend to be more expensive. Instead, look for mattresses with fillers mixed into the foam.

Natural Latex

• If you have allergies or health problems, then you should look for a natural latex mattress. Natural latex has natural antibiotic properties. Bacteria will not easily build up on a natural latex mattress. Similarly, mold won't grow on it, and dust mites can't live in it.

Memory Foam

• If you need every part of your body supported evenly, try a memory foam mattress. Developed by NASA, memory foam molds itself to the contours of your body. If different parts of your body need different levels of support, then look for mattresses that have different zones of support. These mattresses are manufactured with different-sized air holes in different parts of the mattress in order to provide varying support.

Mattresses for Back Problems

• Foam latex mattresses are excellent for those who suffer from back pain. People with degenerative disk disease should look for a firm one-piece foam mattress, as it can help reduce stress on the back. Those with bursitis should look for a mattress with "comfort layers" of softer foam on top of the core layer of thicker foam.

Other Considerations

• If you are easily disturbed by your partner's movements at night, try a memory foam mattress. Because of the way the special foam collapses when pressure is applied to it, memory foam mattresses do not transmit motion from one part of the mattress to another. However, if you easily feel too hot, then choose a normal foam mattress instead. Because memory foam molds itself to your skin, it is in contact with more of your skin than a normal mattress, trapping more heat next to your body.