Visco Elastic Foam Beds versus Waterbeds

Memory foam or visco elastic foam is the product of a commissioned product from the 1960s when NASA hired an outside engineering firm to reduce injury and improve safety for astronauts. The high density of the memory foam reacts to body heat and temperature making it firmer in cool weather and softer in warmer weather. The elasticity of the foam allows it to hold the shape so that a hand pressed into the foam will leave a clear impression.

Benefits to Memory Foam Mattresses

In a Memory Foam Mattress, the air in the cells of the foam disperses the pressure and removes the pressure point from the sleeper. The temperature sensitivity of the foam also allows the sleeper to contour the mattress to their sleeping patterns. As the mattress softens as it warms, the contours this creates allows the sleeper to create nestling areas surrounding their sleep area pattern.

The primary health benefit of the Memory Foam Mattress is the lack of pressure points. In a traditional mattress the springs will create a contact or pressure point which can cause pain and in the case of immobile or disabled sleepers, the pressure point can cause bed sores if the sleeper is not able to shift weight frequently. While this prevents bed sores for immobile patients, it also leads to more comfort and a more supportive environment for others, especially those suffering from chronic pain.

The US, Canada and Sweden make Memory Foam, Visco Elastic Foam and Tempur-Pedic® mattresses that are non-toxic and harmless to the consumers. In other countries, formaldehyde and other toxic chemicals may be used in the foam.

Depending on the density, thickness and quality of the mattress, it will also keep the contours to one side of the bed. The famous commercial of someone jumping on one side with a glass of wine not moving on the other, is an example of how the contours can create a unique sleeping arrangement for each side of the bed and each sleeper.

Water Beds

While water beds were the rage in the 1970s and 1980s and are still manufactured today, they are not always permitted in condos and apartments or may require an increase in renters or home owner’s insurance due to potential damage from water leakage.

Manufacturers of water beds cite a number of advantages to sleeping on water beds including:

• Asthma and Allergy Relief
• Backache Treatment
• Relief from Bedsores
• Arthritis Relief

Proponents of waterbeds cite the lack of pressure points as in spring mattress beds as offering similar relief to memory foam. However, many find the waterbed to be awkward to move on freely and find the support is not as substantial as the design of memory foam.

Conclusion

When comparing the design of a Memory Foam Mattress, such as the Grandis™ by Select Foam® with its plush top, luxurious design and support/foundation layers of latex and other materials to the design of the modern waterbed, most consumers would prefer the plushness of the Memory Foam mattress bed.

The waterbed had its day, and certainly was an iconic part of the past. It may offer some benefits above the traditional spring mattress; it fails to compete with the construction, structure and ongoing support of the Memory Foam design. More importantly, it fails to deliver as many health and sleep benefits as the Memory Foam products, and fails to offer the same level of free trial and warranty as the Memory Foam products.

Sleep is an essential part of well being and overall health. It is important to make careful and well researched decisions about the mattress you choose. Consult a rich resource such as the Select Foam® site for comparison, price and other information before buying.