Frequently asked questions about memory foam mattress toppers, mattresses and memery foam pillows

Frequently asked questions

Where did Memory foam come from? How is Memory foam graded? Should I buy a mattress or a mattress topper?	What is the difference between a mattress topper and an overlay? Should I have a 1",2" or 3" thick mattress topper
Where did memory foam come from?
Memory foam was developed with the aid of funding from NASA's Ames Research Centre in the early 1970's. The project was initiated to devise a material that would protect astronauts from the overwhelming G-forces encountered whilst taking off and landing. They developed a new type of foam system called "Visco-elastic" foam. This new foam had the ability to distribute the loads exerted onto the body of the astronaut more evenly reducing pressure in localised areas. From these developments the Swedish company Fagerdala World Foams developed the material for consumer use and trade marked the word Tempur which they used to brand the product. These products were then developed into mattresses and launched in the USA and Sweden in 1991 & 1992. Following on from the success of the Tempur brand other manufactures developed their own Visco-elastic foam systems.
How is memory foam graded?
• Density (lb/ft³ or kg/m³) The weight of the foam is determined by the amount of ingredients used in the composition of the foam. The more ingredients, the higher the density the more supportive it will become. This density will not determine the hardness of the material, this is done through changing the formulation of the foam. Most memory foam mattresses use a 5lb/ft³ (80Kg/m³) density, but some use as low as 3lb/ft³(48Kg/m³)or even 2lb/ft³(32Kg/m³). At Raskelf we grade our memory foam toppers and overlays into three quality ranges Economy, Comfort and Luxury. The Bronze Economy range are constructed from a 2" thick 40kg/m³ visco elastic memory foam, these roll out to provide a soft cushion top to the hard uneven seats offering a solution to a better nights sleep at a price to suite any budget. They lack the degree of support given by the "comfort" or "luxury" range of overlays especially for the larger framed person and will not have the same longevity. The Silver Comfort range are constructed from 2" of 60kg/m³ visco elastic memory foam. This is our most popular product it is incredibly soft yet gives exceptional support and comfort even on the hardest of beds. Please note that this is a better quality visco elastic memory foam than most other memory foam suppliers use and offer as their top of the range product. The Gold Luxury range offers a 73kg/m³ 2" visco elastic memory foam. This quality range really is unsurpassable in the level comfort and support experienced, you would not believe the difference this overlay will make to the comfort of your bed and the quality of sleep you get, whatever your size or shape. However if you are particularly heavy or have a medical condition associated with your back or neck we would strongly recommend this option.
Should I buy a Memory Foam Mattress or a Mattress Topper?
If your mattress is in reasonable condition with no sagging or permanent hollows then a mattress topper will work perfectly well. If your mattress is starting to sag or has hollows then a mattress topper will not fill these, it will simply follow the contour of the sagging mattress. If this is the case then a new mattress may be the answer.
What is the difference between a Mattress Topper and an Overlay?
There is no difference between the two, they are simply different names for the same thing.
Should I have a 1",2" or 3" thick mattress topper
We only supply 1" mattress toppers for situations where it is required to be rolled and stored it when not in use. The 1" mattress toppers roll to the smallest size and are the ideal choice if space is at a premium. These 1" toppers are only made from our Gold Luxury range. If the mattress topper is for your home bed, a fixed bed in a caravan or motorhome, or you have more space to store slightly larger roll then the 2" mattress toppers will offer more comfort especially our Comfort and Luxury range. We do not supply 3" thick toppers because it is far more important to choose a better quality memory foam than a thicker mattress topper. A higher density memory foam topper will offer more support and comfort at 2" thick than a 3" inferior quality topper.