Polyurethane Foam vs. Memory foam Mattress

Memory foam and polyfoam are some of the highly used foams in mattresses. Both polyurethane and memory foam tend to provide different advantages that can benefit us.

But with both foams types being highly used in the mattress industry, it can be difficult for people to choose the one that suits them the best.

In this article, we will talk about polyurethane foam and memory foam, along with their benefits and features.

 

What is Polyurethane (Pu) Foam? 

Polyurethane is a traditional foam that is highly used in innerspring mattresses.

Polyfoam is made up of compounds derived from petrochemicals. Most mattress manufacturers often use polyurethane on the top layer of their spring mattresses.

The reason why manufacturers invest in polyfoam is that it is inexpensive. Some manufacturers even use polyurethane foam as their base layer instead of spring coils in their mattresses.

Due to its low density, polyurethane foam can be easily compressed. When it comes to polyurethane, you will find tons of different densities and varieties. Usually, polyurethane foam with higher density tends to be more durable.

While polyurethane foam with lower density is more likely to degrade sooner.

 

Advantages of Polyurethane Foam 

1. Lightweight: One of the best features of Pu foam mattresses is that they are incredibly lightweight. Therefore, you can efficiently move them from one place to another by yourself without feeling too pressured.
2. Inexpensive: People can efficiently go for polyurethane foam mattresses if they are looking for something affordable. However, the price range of higher resiliency grades might be a bit expensive.

 

Difference Between Memory foam and Pu Foam Mattress

The major difference between memory foam mattresses and Pu foam mattresses is that memory foam includes additional chemicals, due to which there is an increase in density and viscosity in memory foam mattresses.

Therefore, PU foam and memory foam mattresses are chemically related but feel broadly different due to added chemicals. Meanwhile, Pu foam is more “bouncy” or stretchy compared to memory foam.

 

What is Memory Foam? 

Memory foam is made by adding several additives and compounds to polyurethane which changes the way it feels. Memory foam is often referred to as viscoelastic polyurethane foam.

Memory foam mattresses are made to mold into the body when pressure is applied slowly. Therefore, it distributes the bodyweight evenly. Also, once the pressure is removed, memory foam mattresses return back to their original shape as they are designed to be resilient.

Memory foam mattresses are denser and are usually more pricey than polyurethane foam. Also, compared to polyurethane foam, memory foam does provide a pinpointed feel.

Another crucial component of memory foam is that its viscosity tends to decrease with its temperature. Which means it becomes more flexible and less stiff the hotter it gets.

This is one of the main reasons why memory foam mattresses feel more pliable and softer when you lay on the mattress. Your body heat plays a significant role in increasing the temperature of the sleeping surface.

Since memory foam is heat reactive, it absorbs the heat and gets softer as it gets warmer.

Density available in Memory Foam:

You can find tons of varieties in the density of memory foam mattresses. Higher-density memory foam is usually better quality and tends to be more durable.

However, you can also find tons of inexpensive and low-density memory foam toppers, which are mostly sold online. You can find tons of low-density memory foam mattresses as well, which are low in cost.

Usually, these low-density memory foam might work great initially for a while; however, after a few months, you might witness it degrade rapidly.

 

Advantages of Memory Foam 

1. Hypo-allergenic: Memory foam mattresses are great for people who suffer from allergies as they are hypoallergenic.
2. Provides good pressure relief: Generally, mattresses that are too firm can cause pain in pressure points such as shoulders, knees, back, and hips. But this issue is erased in the case of memory foam as it evenly distributes your body weight across the surface when you sleep.
3. Great for all sleeping positions: Memory foam mattress includes resilient in nature. Therefore, it can comfortably fit in different sleeping positions. Since the material evenly distributes the body weight, people with different sleeping positions can sleep comfortably. Side and back sleepers can enjoy good posture support, while stomach sleepers can get their spine perfectly held and aligned.

 

FAQs

Is polyfoam better for cold sleepers or memory foam? 

Memory foam mattresses are better for cold sleepers as memory foam makes you feel warmer faster than polyfoam. The added chemicals and the distribution of body weight in memory foam help make you feel warmer more quickly.

 

How long does a memory foam mattress last? 

A high-quality memory foam mattress can last up to ten to fifteen years. If the mattress is maintained well, it might last even longer. However, if you don’t maintain your mattress well, then it might not even last for eight to ten years.

 

What is the best foam mattress for people who suffer from back pains? 

Memory foam mattresses are great for people who suffer from back pain issues as it helps provide pressure points relief which can be beneficial in reducing your back pain.

 

Conclusion 

Memory foam and polyurethane foam are excellent foams and provide different properties. If you are looking for something inexpensive, then polyfoam might be a perfect option.

While if you are looking for something that can help you with body aches, then memory foam is perfect for you. Above, we have mentioned all about the features provided by both foams, along with the density and durability of the foams.

What do you prefer, a polyurethane foam mattress or a memory foam mattress? Tell us in the comments.