What Is a Memory Foam Mattress Topper?

Traditional mattresses and mattress toppers can cause a lot of stress and strain on the body when it is in a state of rest. Many are of the belief that firmer mattresses are better and more comfortable to sleep on. However, this is not the case as firmer mattresses can actually increase pressure on the joints and can also cause quite a significant amount of discomfort as you sleep.

On the other hand, mattresses that are too soft can force the body to lay in an unnatural swaying position causing strain to the body as it lays in this position for long periods at a time. This usually leads to common aches and pains many have felt immediately after awaking and is a massive hindrance to the recovery of chronic or acute muscular conditions. A memory foam mattress topper is the ideal solution to this problem.

Made from a revolutionary material called visco-elastic foam, these mattress toppers have the ability to mould to the exact shape of the human body and can remain in that position for as long as they are in use, hence the name 'memory foam'. This allows users to sleep much more naturally and comfortably than ever before. Whereas traditional mattresses simply resist the downward force of a resting body, a memory foam mattress topper - thanks to its groundbreaking properties - softens and wraps itself to the contours of the body as soon as it detects a warm human temperature.

This action allows it to give full support to areas of the body such as the back and hips that usually come under a lot of pressure and require adequate support. Proper use of this foam mattress topper requires it not to be placed on top of an existing mattress that is either sagging or very worn out. Doing this would cause it to mould to the deformed shape of the mattress placing the user at an even greater risk and disadvantage than before.

To get the best from these mattress pads the density and thickness of the foam require some consideration. Higher density toppers are of higher quality as they contain more of the memory material therefore offering more support to the body. Thicker variations are also more durable and are more suitable for individuals of a larger stature.

As a general rule of thumb the greater the thickness and the higher the density, the more comfortable the mattress pad is likely to be and the longer it will last.