More and more people are hearing about Tempurpedic mattresses. You may have heard of them and how they offer superior support and comfort to traditional mattresses but you may be a little unsure why this is. Here are some questions and answers about Tempur memory foam mattresses that will, hopefully, clarify matters.

What makes them different?

They are made from a new material called viscoelastic foam that is sensitive to both pressure and heat. Unlike foam, the material used in viscoelastic foam is comprised of open cells so that air can flow between them. These spherical open cells become softer with the heat from a sleeper's body, and remain firmer where less or no body contact is made. These open cells will conform and shift when under pressure, rather than just compressing as happens with the closed cell structure of ordinary foam. What all of this means is that these mattresses made of this type of foam conform to the exact body shape of the sleeper, thereby providing superior support and comfort. The company was the first to develop and use this revolutionary material in a mattress. Since then, other manufacturers have developed their own versions. Mattresses made from viscoelastic are usually referred to as memory foam mattresses.

Is the Tempurpedic mattress better than other memory foam mattresses?

Whether or not a mattress is comfortable is very subjective. What can be said is that every Tempurpedic mattress has a 5.3 lb/cubic foot density. Many brands, especially cheaper ones, have a 2.5 - 4.0 lb/cubic foot density range. Basically, the more density, the better support you get. The reason many manufacturers make mattresses with less density is purely economic; they contain less material and more air, thus reducing manufacturing costs. Whichever brand you buy, be sure to buy a memory foam mattress that has at least a 5 lb/cubic foot density.

I've heard memory foam mattresses are hot. Is this true?

The cells are open and breathable so the mattress is self ventilating. However, because there is more body contact with the mattress there is less ventilation between sleeper and mattress. Also, it has been shown that a sleeper will move less during the night when sleeping on a memory foam mattress; this lack of movement, combined with more body contact, can make some people feel 'hotter' when sleeping on one. The heat can be reduced by simply using less/lighter bedding. If this doesn't help, it is possible to remove the mattress cover (this comes as standard and is to protect the mattress from moisture) and place a plain sheet on top of it instead.

Can I use it on my existing frame?

All memory foam mattresses should be placed on top of a flat, firm, spring-less base. You should not place one on a box spring frame - in fact, placing a Tempur-Pedic mattress on one will void the warranty. Also, while you can use a waterbed frame, it is inadvisable to do this, as this type of bed frame is recessed, which inhibits ventilation.

I've heard they have a strong, chemical smell. Is this true?

All polyurethane-based mattresses have an initial odor but this soon dissipates. The odor is non-toxic and completely harmless. Simply sleeping on the mattress will 'loosen' the cells and eradicate the odor after a week or two.

I've heard that they can feel really weird to lie down on. Can you explain?

A memory foam mattress feels completely different from a regular spring mattress. Due to the absence of springs, there is no 'springiness'. Instead, what you'll feel is that the mattress is initially firm to lie down on, but almost immediately, your body begins to sink into it as it conforms to you body shape. This can feel very strange to some and will take a little getting used to. However, this type of mattress isn't going to suit everyone. If you prefer the feeling of sleeping on springs, then you should stick to what you like.

I hope that the above questions and answers have helped clarify matters. There's no doubting the benefits of sleeping on a Tempurpedic mattress. Whatever brand you buy is your decision; but without doubt, memory foam provides better support and therefore greater comfort compared to a traditional mattress.