When it comes to your sleep, and consequently your health, we at Sleepyhead™ are serious about providing the best advice and products to you. On average, we spend about 1/3rd of our lives sleeping. As we grow older, we need to pay more attention to how we sleep. It is while we sleep that our body heals and our organs and blood vessels repair themselves. Not sleeping properly, or not getting enough sleep, is linked to heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure, amongst other serious ailments. Studies suggest that 8 hours of sleep a night is required for most adults. As we age, our bodies need more rest. A comfortable mattress from Sleepyhead is an investment for not just your health, but also your family’s health. It can work wonders for you! Waking up after a good night’s sleep helps us grab every day by the horns and tackle it to the ground. Would you rather be groggy, listless and dull after not getting enough quality sleep, or would you rather feel fresh, at ease and excited about each new day? At Sleepyhead™, we've always got your back (pun intended) when it comes to your quality of life. In this article, we have listed the factors related to foam density that you need to educate yourselves on before you can shop for a mattress that fits your needs. Is foam density important? Is it better for your health? What kind of mattress should you opt for?
So, what even is foam density?
The density of a mattress is defined by how much material is compressed into one unit of space, say, one cubic foot (length x breadth x height). Basically, the more material used in a particular area of a mattress, the heavier that area is. In this case, the more foam used in a mattress, the heavier the mattress is. So, if the foam density is higher, it means the mattress is of superior quality, because of a better cell structure. But just because a mattress is denser does not mean it will feel firm, and just because it is less dense does not mean it will be softer. Now that we have that sorted, let’s get to why foam density in a mattress makes a difference.
1. Better Sleep
Foam density affects your sleep. Depending on your weight and what type of sleeper you are, your mattress will determine how well you sleep. Have you ever woken up with aches and blamed it on something other than your mattress? Well, here at Sleepyhead, we have news for you. Going by your body type and what position you sleep in, a mattress heavily influences the quality of your sleep. If you can identify with any of the following, you need a high density mattress: back pain, being a side or stomach sleeper, or being a senior. Medium foam density is for those who have average sized bodies and sleep on their sides, backs and stomachs. And for those who sleep on their backs and sides and have lighter bodies, low foam density mattresses are the way to go.
2. Price and durability
When it comes to price and durability, the denser a mattress, the more durable it will be, and of course, if it is durable, it will cost you more. Denser foam mattresses are not as susceptible to sagging as those of medium or low density. They are also very resistant to damage. High density foam mattresses last for almost a decade before they are required to be changed. Medium and low density ones last about 7-8 years and 5-6 years respectively.
3. Support
Back aches, body aches, a bad posture - what do these have in common? Well, it could be the lack of support provided by your mattress. Higher foam density mattresses support your body, especially your back. For medium and low foam density, body and back support in general is slightly reduced. So, if you have chronic back pain or need more support for your body, we’ve got you, baby! Go in for a high foam density mattress.
4. Heat retention/temperature
Do you usually wake up in the middle of the night because of how warm you are feeling? Do you break into a hot sweat while sleeping? Does it make you uncomfortable? As we have discussed in this post itself, sleep is important for the overall well-being of the mind as well as the body. A good night’s sleep can help you seize the day with vigor! Due to the air pockets between their layers, low density mattresses remain cooler because they do not absorb much heat and have better airflow. So, if you sleep hot, these mattresses will be the right fit for you.
5. Weight
When it comes to how much a mattress weighs, it is obvious that denser mattresses weigh more. If you’re looking to transport a mattress up several flights of stairs, a dense mattress might not be your friend. But if you have found the right mattress, this tiny detail should not be an issue.
6. Off-gassing:
Mattress foams are constructed of synthetic materials. When a mattress is unwrapped, the chemicals from that foam release. This is known as off-gassing. Please, note that the chemicals that are released are not used to manufacture the mattresses, they are mere by-products. If you are sensitive to these chemicals (they may cause skin and eye irritation), it is best to air out the mattress for 3-5 days before sleeping on it. So, just unwrap it and leave it out to air. In a nutshell, foam density is important when it comes to the quality of sleep you are looking for, any health concerns you may have, and your budget. At Sleepyhead, we have the best mattresses in the market available for you. Take a look at the wide range of products we have to offer. Choose what suits you best!
