Frequently Asked Questions

What is memory foam and how does it work?
Memory foam was actually developed for NASA in the 70's. Memory foam was not really available to consumers until the early 90's. However, since it has been available to the everyday consumer it has quickly become one of the most sought-after mattress types in the industry. Now a days there are so many companies developing memory foam that it has become somewhat difficult to keep up with all the latest memory foam products on the market.

To shop effectively it is important to understand what memory foam is, how it works, and what you should look for in a memory foam. This guide is meant to give you a good overview of memory foam

History behind memory foam
You have probably heard several times that memory foam was first developed for NASA and its space programs. While this is true, it is worth noting that the foam was never actually used in any space mission. This was because the first memory foam called T-foam "offgassed" too much in contained environments and therefore was not safe in those circumstances. The good news for us is that many saw the potential that the foam had for the medical industy as an agent to help relieve pressure sores. Memory foam researchers learned quickly of the foam's unique ability to respond to temperature and allow pressure to spread over a greater surface area.

Memory foam's unique benefits
No other material can hold a candle to memory foam in the way it conforms to your body and reduces pressure points. However, because memory foam is too soft a material to constitute an entire bed it is most effective when layered over a solid supportive material. This is precisely why you will find memory foam "mattress toppers" (2" or 3") which can be used directly on top of your existing mattress. You would want a whole mattress made just of memory foam. Memory foam is just too soft a material and isn't meant to be supportive. So it works best when layered over a firm, supportive material. That is why you will mainly find memory foam as a 2" or 3" topper to be used on your existing, firm mattress or as a 2"
or 3" topping layer in a new mattress.

One of the reason why memory foam is so unique Typical foam cells have a tendency to breakdown and "deform" when under a load of pressure. Different from standard foams that compress, but react by attempting to spring back to their original shape, memory foam cells (as an open cell foam, which means the cells of foam have holes in them) compress completely and can then spread their air pressure to neighbouring cells. This is precisely why memory foam actually reduces pressure points. This is also how the memory foam can truly conform to your body's shape. No other material has this property of actually custom-shaping to your body form.

Density is the secret to successful memory foam

What's the difference between Latex and Memory foam?
Latex differs from memory foam in its elastic, open-cell structure that recovers from pressure immediately. Memory foam has a slower recovery time. Latex is a very supportive, yet conforming material. Memory foam is very conforming, but requires high-density foam as a base to provide support

Can Latex or Foam mattresses make you uncomfortably warm in bed?
Our Latex and Foam mattresseses conform to body contour's. This provides a greater degree of insulation than other mattresses. However the mattresses are ventilated anticipate heat & body moisture, so is unlikely to cause discomfort from being too warm

Are some people allergic to latex?
A very small percentage of people have an allergic response to proteins in natural latex. It is triggered by direct skin contact with rubber products such as surgical gloves and condoms. In the manufacture of our latex mattresses or pillows, the process of blending, foaming, washing and drying reduces the likelihood of proteins remaining in our products to negligible proportions. But if you are still concerned about allergies, please bear in mind that your body never comes in contact with the latex itself, as all our mattresses and pillows are supplied with the appropriate covers

What are Vaccuum Packed and Full Size Mattresses?
"Vaccuum Packed" Mattresses are compressed and rolled at time of manufacture then packed in a polythene bag and Boxed for easy delivery where as "Full Size" Mattresses are delivered in their original dimensions

What is your policy on Shipment?
Our Beds & Mattresses are delivered Nationwide, by either Next day or Sameday Carriers, as well as a Home delivery service. Dependent on the type of products being shipped! You can also e-mail us with your shipping address and the items you would like us to Our UK & European products are normally dispatched within 7-14 days approximately, where as our special custom made products can take between 3 & 4 weeks approximatelysend, and we will give you a shipping quote.

How to choose the right mattress?
Every Body is different! We recommend buying a mattress that is neither too hard nor too soft. Standard is probably our most recommended option to go for people with a body weight up to +/-85kg. For body weight over +/-85kg or for those who like a hard bed, Firmer is recommended

Are your products Guaranteed?
All our products carry the manufacturers guarantees and warranties.
Depending upon the product, these will vary depending upon the manufacturer and/or type of product being purchased. If You require information on warranties/guarantees on a particular product, please contact us either by emailing us to info@mattressesandbeds.co.uk or by phone on 0208 133 5292.