Problems With Memory Foam

Memory Foam Creates Excessive Heat

• Some people report that the heat trapped by a memory foam mattress creates an abundantly hot and uncomfortable sleeping environment. To relieve this problem, a breathable mattress cover will help absorb the heat. Some companies have worked on this problem, improving what is called multiple air exchange layers to mitigate the excess heat, making a mattress cover unnecessary.

Memory Foam Is Flammable

• Because memory foam is polyurethane, it is considered flammable. However, federal laws ensure that all mattresses sold in the United States are flame retardant --- that is, resistant to an open flame. Therefore, any foam mattress on the market today should be safe from fire.

Memory Foam Smells

• Many customers at mattress stores have complained about a noxious smell coming from their new memory foam mattress. As all new memory foam mattresses go through an out-gassing period, this is a normal occurrence. Some people feel that the smell is bad enough to return the mattress. The severity of the smell tends to rely on the customer's sensitivity. Airing out a new mattress for a few days is recommended.

Health Problems

• Some memory foam mattress users complain of nausea, headaches, allergy symptoms and various muscle aches. While it cannot be proven that these problems are a direct result of the memory foam mattress, you need to remember that these mattresses are made from chemicals and are not organic in any way. Some people feel the mattresses are too soft to provide the proper support required to prevent muscle aches.