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Pros of memory foam mattresses

1.

As such, memory foam mattresses are often among thebest mattresses for side sleeperswe’ve tested.

A hand presses into the Nectar Classic Memory Foam Mattress to test the temperature regulation and pressure relief

Its ability to slowly return to its original shape means memory foam excels at absorbing movement.

Less wobble equals better motion isolation.

This is an area memory foam mattresses typically perform well.

A member of Tom’s Guide’s testing panel sits on the edge of the Nectar Classic Memory Foam Mattress

Memory foam mattresses are fantastic for sleepers who like to be held by the bed.

Plus, this hug is a cozy feel that some find soothing.

However, your memory foam mattress does need to provide support beneath the comfort foams.

Siena Memory Foam Mattress side lying test

You don’t want to sink so far into the bed you come out the other side.

The specificdensity of the memory foamin your mattress is one, since denser foams are more durable.

Environmental factors can also have an impact: avoid getting a memory foam mattress wet or too warm.

A closeup of the quilted top on the Firm side of the Plank Firm mattress

In addition, memory foam is naturally resistant to dust mites.

As such, those pesky dust mites can’t penetrate and fester.

And it’s always worth investing in one of thebest mattress protectors, for an extra layer of protection.

A man sits up in bed because he feels too hot to sleep

Cons of a memory foam mattress

1.

Thick foams can retain heat, which means a memory foam mattress isn’t necessarily ideal for hot sleepers.

But even with cooling tech, most memory foam beds aren’t going to rival thebest cooling mattresses.

The image shows Tom’s Guide’s testers unpacking the Siena Memory Foam Mattress

If you are an exceptionally hot sleeper, consider one of those instead.

When you unbox the mattress, the memory foam will gradually spring back into shape.

But there might be an unwelcome side effect…

Unboxing any mattress comes withoff-gassing.

Siena Memory Foam Mattress edge support sit test

Foams are prone to off-gassing, with cheaper foams often smellier due to their lower quality construction.

And open a window when it’s time to unbox.

They typically lack strongedge supportbecause of the cushioning properties of the foam.

A member of Tom’s Guide’s testing panel sits on the edge of the Nectar Classic Memory Foam Mattress

You might notice that when you sit on the edge, you sink deep into the mattress.

This is more noticeable with cheaper all-foam beds.

However, poor edge support isn’t a given for memory foam mattresses.

siena memory foam mattress

On a softer memory foam bed, you might find your spine is uncomfortably out of alignment.

However, there are firmer memory foam mattresses out there, like the Plank Firm.

In ourPlank Firm mattress reviewwe rated this firm all-foam design among thebest mattresses for stomach sleepers.

Siena

If you weight over 250lbs and want an all-foam mattress, double-check it has anenhanced weight capacity.

Saatva Contour5 Mattress -…

ZINUS 6 Inch Green Tea Memory…

Puffy Mattress - Split King

Brooklyn Bedding Plank…

Wayfair

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A hand pressing into white surface of Nectar Classic memory foam mattress

Memory foam vs hybrid mattresses

A side by side comparison of a Nectar Memory Foam mattress and a Saatva hybrid pillow-top mattress

Memory foam vs latex mattresses: image shows the Nectar mattress on the left and the Saatva Latex Hybrid on the right

Two testers for Tom�s Guide sat on the Nectar Luxe mattress and smiling at each other

Women sleeping on two white pillows

A split image featuring the Nectar Classic Memory Foam Mattress on the left and the DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid on the right, leading into the DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid vs Nectar Classic showdown

The image shows a woman sitting up in bed and clutching her shoulder in pain

The Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt mattress on a bed frame in a bedroom, a man and his young sun sitting on top of it, smiling. A Tom�s Guide price drop deals graphic (right)

A couple using the Scandinavian Sleep Method

Bed bugs

The Saatva Murphy Bed Mattress on a Murphy bed frame lying flat, in a bedroom

A woman with an afro sleeping on her side covered in grey duvet while she sweats in her sleep, thinking of a cooling mattress.

A woman with brown hair lies on her stomach on a grey colour Japanese floor mattress

A mattress we tested is dressed with neutral colour bed linens and pillows

Casper Wave Hybrid Snow review: woman lying on the mattress on her side, with her head on a pillow

Woman smiling while she sleeps with headphones in and her arms overhead

A person wearing rubber gloves uses a spray bottle and a clean cloth to clean the surface of the Emma Elite mattress.