• Best Mattress
    • Types

    • Best Memory Foam Mattress
    • Best Mattress in a Box
    • Best Hybrid Mattress
    • Best Latex Mattress
    • Best Mattresses Without Fiberglass
    • Position

    • Best Mattress for Side Sleepers
    • Best Mattress for Stomach Sleepers
    • Best Mattress for Back Pain
    • Best Mattress for Combination Sleepers
    • Price

    • Best Mattress Under $500
    • Best Mattress Under $1000
    • Best Mattress Under $2000
    • Size

    • Best Twin Size Mattress
    • Best Twin XL Size Mattress
    • Best Full Size Mattress
    • Best Queen Size Mattress
    • Best King Size Mattress
    • Best California King Size Mattress
  • Mattress Reviews
  • Mattress Resources
  • Bedding
  • Sleep Tips
  • Sleep Research
Home / Mattress Resources / Is Memory Foam Density Important in a Mattress?
Mattress Resources

Is Memory Foam Density Important in a Mattress?

by Lauren Monroy 2 Comments
Updated March 17, 2023

When shopping for a new mattress, especially a memory foam mattress, the memory foam density is an important aspect to consider when comparing and researching options. While density isn’t the only way to find the best mattress, it does affect a few important characteristics of a mattress and the owner’s potential satisfaction. In this article, we will explain what density is, what it means, and compare the memory foam density ranges of top brands.

What is Density & What Does it Mean?

Memory foam density refers to the mass of one cubic foot of material, that is a 12-inch by 12-inch square. Usually this is given in feet (for example you may see something like 4.0 lbs or 3.5 lbs/ft³). Denser memory foams contain greater amounts of polymers and less air, thus weigh more. The measures for all layers are important to know, and any reputable manufacturer or retailer should be able to provide this information for customers. Here is a general guide for classifying memory foam density, though individual brands may categorize their beds in different ways.

Memory Foam:

  • Low Density – 2.0 lbs to 3.5 lbs
  • Medium Density – 3.5 to 5.0 lbs
  • High Density – 5.0 lbs to 8.0 lbs

Memory Foam Density & Longevity

Density plays a role in the overall longevity of a memory foam bed. Foams that are less dense have less resistance to compression and softening with use compared to higher density foams. The weight of the core foam, or base layer, is also important because this layer serves the ‘supporting role’ in a memory foam mattress. If the memory foam or core foam loses its ability to support the sleeper and becomes uncomfortable, the bed will need to be replaced. Beds with low memory foam density have been shown to last around 5 years, medium density around 7-8 years, and high density around 9 years, according to surveys conducted by SleepLikeTheDead.com. While lower density beds may be sold at cheaper prices, they may need replacing almost twice as often. The quality of manufacturing also affects overall durability and consistency, but density has been shown to be a significant predictor of lifespan.

Memory Foam Density & Mattress Feel/Comfort

While density does not necessarily tell you how firm a mattress is, it can affect the overall feel and comfort a person experiences. High memory foam density creates more pronounced temperature sensitive properties, which not everyone enjoys. Some people dislike the sensation of feeling surrounded or stuck as the foam softens near their body while remaining firmer elsewhere. Denser foams can also be more affected by room temperature, becoming softer in warmer rooms and firmer in cooler rooms. Lower density foams are less reactive and return to their original shape faster, but very low density foams may not provide the ‘buoyant’ support of more dense options.

Heat and odor also have some relation to density. Because more polymers (chemicals) are present, denser foams tend to present more offgassing (15% of reviewers complain of odor versus 7% with low density). And, whether due to less space for air to flow or higher conforming/viscosity, higher density beds are also more likely to trap heat (12% complain of heat versus 5% with low density). However in terms of reported comfort and pain relief, medium and higher density foams tend to come out above low density models. [Statistics based on SleepLikeTheDead.com comparisons].

Memory Foam Density Comparison

In the following table, we compared a wide range of memory foam mattress brands, from national big names to big box retailers to emerging online brands. Some brands are more forthcoming with mattress specifications than others, so for some of the brands density is estimated (noted by an *asterisk). We looked for information  on the memory foam density and cores, as well as price ranges, and owner reviews to provide a start for readers to research.

BrandMemory Foam DensityQueen 10" PriceOwner RatingOriginTransparencyNotes
Amerisleep4.0-5.3 lb$999A-USAGoodCerti-Pur
BedInABox3.0 lb$649B+USAGoodCerti-Pur
Comfort Dreams (Overstock)2.5-4.0 lb$399B-USAGood
Healthy Foundations4.0-5.0 lb$1299BUSAAverage
IKEA3.1 lb$479CImportedGood
Novaform (Costco)3.0-3.5 lb$650B-USAGood
Simmons Curv2.0-3.0 lb$999**?USAGoodCerti-Pur
Spa Sensations (Walmart)3.0 lb$315BChinaAverageCerti-Pur

* Indicates figures based on reliable estimations since manufacturer does not disclose.

** Indicates pricing based on manufacturer’s suggest retail price for sets.

 Overview

While every brand has its own pros and cons of ownership, comparing the densities and quality can be a useful tool for discerning value when shopping.  Because brands vary significantly, it is important to be aware of specifications to see whether or not a bed will meet your needs and expectations. Memory foam density relates to both longevity and comfort factors and is thus an important part of mattress shopping, but must also be contrasted with costs, brand reputation, and your personal preferences when choosing the best model.

About the author
Lauren Monroy

Lauren Monroy, Best Mattress Brand’s chief editor, has dedicated years to understanding what it takes to get quality rest. In her efforts to get the most refreshing and rejuvenating sleep, Lauren’s tested the latest-and-greatest gadgets, practiced many “fall asleep fast” techniques, and tried dozens of mattresses. She lends her expertise and knowledge to our blog to help readers in their search for a better night’s rest.

Find more articles by Lauren

Find the best mattress!

Best Mattress

Check out our mattress review guides to compare today's top-rated options and find your perfect mattress.

Explore our favorite beds

Popular Reads

Amerisleep Mattress Foundation
Do Memory Foam Mattresses Need Box Springs?
Amy Murphy
How Long Does a Mattress Last?
How Long Does a Mattress Last?
Ray Soberano
bear hybrid
Memory Foam vs Spring Mattress: What's the Best?
Sara Butler

Best Mattress Brand Fact-Checking Standards and Processes

The Best Mattress Brand writing team is devoted to creating articles that are not only entertaining and easy to understand but also as impartial, accurate, and well-sourced as possible. Whenever possible, we strive to have our articles fact-checked by our independent review board. We also do not tolerate plagiarism or ill intent from our contributors.

Here are the medical and factual guidelines that a Best Mattress Brand article must adhere to:

  • We draw upon only reputable and respectable sources when researching our articles’ topics and endeavor to only link to highly authoritative sources. Such sources would include peer-reviewed medical and academic journals, medical and academic associations in good standing, and interviews with or blog posts from certified medical professionals.
  • We may link to news articles or peer-reviewed medical blog posts about studies when appropriate, but always attempt to connect directly to the studies these pages discuss.
  • Our scientific information, conclusions, and analysis are always supported by at least one reputable source.
  • We strive to make any potential conflicts of interest attached to any studies or sources clear to our readers. When applicable, we also try to include conflicting research or questions that may throw a study’s conclusion into doubt to clarify that scientific understandings often change and progress over time.
  • Our articles typically link to other articles and resources on our site. This is solely for easier navigation, and we do not promote our website as a medical resource. Try to speak with your physician if you have medical concerns.
  • Any necessary background information on a topic will be included when appropriate.
  • Our goal is for every one of our medical-related articles to be reviewed by our independent board of experts. Should they spot any medical or health-related misinformation or errors, we will strike it out from the final published article.

What’s a Certified Sleep Coach?

Our authors have undergone sleep coach training from the Spencer Institute, becoming certified after immersing themselves in different aspects of sleep science. Understanding how we sleep means we understand better how a mattress, pillow, or other product can help us sleep better.

About Us

The Best Mattress Brand is a team of researchers and writers who are passionate about finding the perfect mattress for any situation.

Company

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclosure

Our Guides

  • Mattresses
  • Best Mattresses of 2023
  • Adjustable Beds
  • Sleep Calculator
  • Mattress Sizes
  • Mattress Reviews
  • Mattress Resources
  • Bedding
  • Sleep Research

Newsletter

Subscribe to our monthly newsletter to find out about content, features and more happening at Best Mattress Brand.

You must enter a valid email.
Best Mattress Brand Logo

Copyright ©2023 Best Mattress Brand. All rights reserved.