17 Disadvantages of a Memory Foam Mattress

Memory foam mattresses are the most preferred by people and these are considered perfect for a comfortable living. Due to the comfort and relaxation, the demand for these mattresses is high.

However, every good thing in this world comes with a price or sacrifice. In this article, we won’t discuss the pros or advantages of using memory foam mattresses. We have already covered the benefits in our other article that you can refer to on the site.

For now, what is more important is to know the other side of the coin. Knowing both, pros and cons of using a memory foam mattress will help you be confident of your decision to buy.

Let’s understand these in detail. If there is anything you would like to add, feel free to do so at the end of the article.

17 Disadvantages of Memory Foam Mattress

1. Memory Foam Mattresses are Havier

We cannot deny that some people compromise adjusting with the mattress. They don’t have to turn the mattress and thus they bear the weight. But, remember it is a compromise!

That means one is only adjusting to the weight and not enjoying the lightness of the product. Thus, you need to keep this in mind while choosing the memory foam mattress.

Unless this is not a big issue for you, then, you can go for it.

2. Memory foam mattresses are hotter than the rest

Heat is one of the major issues with memory foam mattresses. We agree that these are hotter than the other types of mattresses.

Unless you live in a colder region, sleeping or using these would be uncomfortable as these are warmer that can bring more sweat and body heat on you.

As a result, you will feel hotter than the temperature that you should. Thus, memory foam mattresses are certainly not a good option for summers and hotter regions.

For the solution, you will have to invest extra for adding a cooling filter in it so that the mattress can give you limited warmth during the night-time.

Also, there are few Cooling Gel Memory Foam Mattresses available that are meant to take care of temperature control. You can check below options:

3. Memory foam mattresses may sometimes contain unpleasant odor

Despite the technological advancement, some locations manufacture memory foam mattresses in the old school method. The traditional process of foam mattresses involved harmful chemicals to make memory foam soft and comfortable for the users.

These chemicals are not only unhealthy but also release an unpleasant odor. If not aired properly, these smells bad!

Unless you have a deodorizer or air purifier installed in the room, it would be a bad idea to bring a memory foam mattress home.

4. There have been complaints of lack of support

There have been feedback and complaints from customers about memory foam mattresses giving discomfort in some cases. Some of the major reasons for the same could be due to low quality of material used or the other parts are of inferior quality such as cover.

It would be wise to check what features you are looking for in memory foam mattresses.

Perhaps, going for a better brand may help you solve this issue. Check whether it is the budget you are looking for or the quality that you don’t wish to compromise on.

5. Some memory foam mattresses have stickiness

In some cases, people have experienced the feeling of being stuck and sinking in the bed due to the flexible shape of the mattress.

Memory foam mattresses take the sleeping position of the person, however; if the person is overweight or oversized, it would be wise to think twice before you buy.

You may consider special memory foam mattresses for overweight people. Find out more about these and you would know how much weight respective mattresses can hold. Ignoring this would only lead to stickiness as the mattress won’t come back to its original shape.

6. Expensive

Memory foam mattresses are way too pricey. Good quality mattresses are expensive than the rest. Buying cheaper mattresses in memory foam would anyway not make much of a difference in sleeping comfort.

If you have a tight budget, you may not wish to check out the options in memory foam mattresses. Considering the comfort and quality they offer; the price seems frustrating for those with a tighter budget.

7. Memory foam mattresses are not waterproof

Memory foam mattresses and their toppers are not waterproof. Thus, they do not help with moisture and accidental water spillage. One has to take good precautions for a mattress coming in contact with the moisture.

It is pretty logical to accept and agree that mattresses that are not waterproof are more difficult to clean as well. Perhaps, for such mattresses, you may have to at least switch to a waterproof topper/cover.

There are some amazing high-quality mattress covers to protect your mattress from all types of accidental fluid spillage.

8. Not enough Features Justifying the Cost

The marketing campaigns of memory foam mattresses by certain manufacturing companies could be misleading to fulfil their hidden interests.

Be careful to understand all the features before you make the final decision. Choose what is worth in relation to quality, features, after-sale, and maintenance. Unless you are sure about which brand of a mattress to go for, keep exploring!

9. Risks of durability in case of any accidental damages

Most of us know that memory foam mattresses need a lot of maintenance and care to ensure long-term benefits. Little negligence can disrupt its regular lifespan.

Accidental spillage, climate changes, and heavy weight can easily break the foam down. Moreover, there are many precautions on aftercare.

Unless you are willing to take all the efforts for your memory foam mattress from the damages, think wisely.

Recommended Memory Foam Mattresses with good Durability

If you are looking for some advice on durable memory foam mattress, you can check below options:

10. The memory foam mattresses can cause discomfort to sleep

Memory foam mattresses have received complaints from some people causing discomfort in sleep. The poor quality or prolonged usage can lead to severe sags and dips. As a result, the mattress won’t bounce back to its original position.

The sinking mattress feels no good during sleep resulting in body aches and muscle pain. We bet you will be disappointed with what you have known to date about memory foam mattresses. The best thing is to read about the brand’s credibility before buying one.

11. Memory foam mattress keeps changing with climate

Most people are unaware of the fact that memory foam mattresses become softer in summers or hot regions and harder in colder regions/climate. Thus, if you are looking for comfortable mattresses throughout the year, think twice!

Memory foam mattresses become comfortable only when you think of buying a topper that can adjust with the heating and cooling to balance the temperature. You can also choose fillers that are accustomed to suit the changing environment.

12. Fail to win people’s heart for the simple looks

Sadly, most manufacturing companies have lacked focus on the presentation and looks of these mattresses. Due to their simple looks and blank appearance, it doesn’t hold much of an attraction to people.

If you are looking for options to buy in memory foam mattresses, they all look the same! Unless you have a topper of your choice, it is no fun to flaunt your new memory foam mattress.

13. Not recommended for children

Some health experts do not recommend memory foam mattresses for children. These are not fully protective and comfortable for kids.

We don’t wish to panic you but there have been some cases of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) due to the soft beddings of these mattresses.

Kids feel trapped to breathe with comfort in the soft and flexible bedding. Thus, you may have to look for other options for your kid’s room.

14. It doesn’t give the benefit of motion transfer

Memory foam mattresses make movement undetectable. These restrict the access of motion transfer and thus, you may have to re-check at intervals to know if your partner is next to you.

If you need to add comfort and intimacy in terms of closeness, you may have to check for alternatives.

15. Too many fillers used in the mattresses

Companies add fillers in the mattress materials for various reasons. Few to mention are, to increase fire retardancy, to save manufacturing costs, and some just to fill up the mattress to make it look fuller. Some common foam fillers are silica and calcium carbonate.

The fillers can deteriorate the life of your mattress. Check what your manufacturing company is delivering before you make the payment.

16. Some memory foam mattress contain fiberglass

Fiberglass is not a safe option for your mattress. It is due to the carcinogenic properties present. People using the mattress have complained about issues with skin, eyes, and breathing. This type of mattress won’t be recommended for children and asthmatic patients.

Fiberglass is used inside the mattress as a fire retardant under Federal Law. Thus, if you don’t want it in your mattress, you may have to switch to an alternative.

If you are concerned about this, take additional care to look for mattresses without fiberglass. You can check below options:

17. Some manufacturers use toxic materials in the foam

Toxic chemicals or materials like formaldehyde, naphthalene, isocyanates, and benzene are used in memory foam mattresses by some manufacturers.

As per the studies and observance by Occupational Safety and Health Administration, these materials are toxic and may cause irritation to nose, throat, skin, and eyes.

To avoid these, you may have to find out brands that do not use fiber glass as well as these threatening chemicals in memory foam mattresses.

Final Words:

Despite all the disadvantages, there is another side of the coin too. Memory foam mattresses have a list of advantages too. If you evaluate both disadvantages and advantages of memory foam mattress, you will find it a good investment overall.