Memory foam is one of the most popular mattress materials, at least partly for its durability but mostly for its instant body-hug comfort. It suits pretty much all sleeping positions and body types, which is why you’ll see so many all-foam mattresses in our best mattress guide.
But how long does a memory foam mattress last? And what affects their longevity? Firstly, it depends on what they’re made of – there’s a big difference in quality and durability between cheaper models and the best memory foam mattresses. Here we look at how long you can expect yours to last, and how to extend that lifespan so that you get more value for your money.
What is a memory foam mattress?
Memory foam (also known as viscoelastic polyurethane foam) is a type of polyurethane foam. Developed by NASA in the 1960s for use in space aircraft seats, this synthetic foam has since been rolled out for use in a variety of consumer products from mattresses to slippers.
The name ‘memory foam’ was coined because the foam has the ability to temporarily hold the shape of something pressing into the foam. So, if you lie on a memory foam mattress and stand up again, you’ll see the shape of your body for a short while as the foam holds the ‘memory’ of your body.
Because memory foam adapts itself more to the body as heat and pressure continue, these mattresses are famous for contouring and ‘hugging’ the body for excellent pressure relief.
In the case of memory foam, polyurethane is treated with certain chemicals to increase its density and viscosity, causing the material to react with your body heat and slowly adapt to your shape.
Interesting fact: memory foam isn’t a single material but a name for a wide group of similar foams. Depending on the brand, you’ll come across memory foam with a number of different response times (how quickly or slowly they contour to you then later regain their shape), in various firmness ratings, and infused or cut in different ways to promote airflow.
How long do memory foam mattresses last?
A memory foam mattress lasts six to ten years on average before loosing its shape and ability to contour to your body, but some can last 15 years or longer. Many factors affect longevity and dictate whether your mattress ends up on the shorter or longer end of that lifespan.
Good quality beds naturally last longer than cheaper models because they use more durable foams. The upside to this is enhanced sleep comfort for you, as you’ll feel cooler and better supported.
In general, memory foam mattresses are among the most durable bed types and can last longer than hybrids as they’re constructed from fewer components (such as coils) that are prone to deteriorating faster.
How to determine memory foam longevity
There are other ways to gauge how long a memory foam mattress will last, and they include the following:
Density
When used in relation to memory foam, density is measured in pounds per cubic feet (PCF). Low PCF foams degrade faster than high PCF foams (the most long-lasting), so the more high-density foams used in your mattress, the longer it will last. These cost more, as high-density memory foam is expensive to make.
Indentation Load Deflection (ILD)
This scientific-sounding term refers to the foam’s firmness, and it’s usually tested by a heavy duty machine that compresses a sample of the foam to 25% of its original thickness (height).
A high ILD is usually found on firmer foams, whereas softer foams have a low ILD. Thicker layers of foam will also have a higher ILD as more pressure will be needed to compress them, so they’ll withstand more wear and tear in years to come.
Warranty
The length of warranty offered is a good indicator of how long you can expect your memory foam mattress to last – or at least how long you can expect some level of coverage for. Most warranties run for ten years, but there are lifetime warranties on all-foam mattresses from the likes of Saatva, Nectar, DreamCloud and Avocado.
What else affects memory foam longevity
You’ll still need to air and rotate your mattress regularly, and always keep it covered with a good quality mattress protector to reduce sweat, body oils and spills seeping into the mattress as these can cause the foam to deteriorate faster. If you bounce or jump on your memory foam mattress, it will also sag and dip quicker.