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High Density Mattress Foam

High Density Mattress Foam

Written by: Daniel Connell · Updated on: January 19, 2024

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Key Takeaways

Pay attention to foam density.

It's an extremely important variable when picking your next mattress.

It's a simple number that measures how much foam is in each square foot.

Higher density = higher number = better longevity and overall quality.

Look for a 5 lb. density foam (at a minimum). The Loom and Leaf from saatva is a perfect example of this.

There are several important factors that determine whether a high-density foam mattress is best for you, including:

• height
• weight
• body shape
• preferences
• sleeping with a partner
• existing pain

In general, pick a high-density foam mattress if you have a (a) flexible budget and (b) you're on the heavier side.

In addition to density, ILD (Indentation Load Deflection) rating indicates how quickly the mattress returns to its original shape after pressure is applied. The ILD # is important, but also pay attention to how the mattress makes you feel (during your trial period).

Long-term performance is directly correlated with density and ILD (less density and ILD = foams break down faster).

#1 High Density Foam Mattress

Loom and Leaf is our favorite high-density memory foam mattress. Exceptionally comfortable and built to last.

Hybrid mattresses are also great.

Saatva Classic is the one we recommend. The comfort layer is made of premium materials and high-density foams.

Keep in mind, polyfoam density and quality do not have universal guidelines. So make sure to focus on how the mattress makes you feel, not just the numbers on a spec sheet.

Pros Of High Density Foam Mattresses

High-density foam mattresses have many advantages, including:

• Effectively relieves back pain and overall soreness
• A longer lifespan
• Low motion transfer
• Excellent pressure relief
• Ideal for heavy sleepers
• Promotes deeper REM sleep

A rotated mattress, much like rotated tires, typically wears more evenly and reduces indentions or support issues.

Cons Of High Density Foam Mattresses

You should consider the following cons before buying a high-density foam mattress:

• Unless you have a serious condition or pain, it can be excessively expensive.
• The price is high if you are buying for a guest room.
• Not as good for sex (compared to an innerspring hybrid like Saatva Classic).
• Not ideal for light sleepers.

Why Are High Density Foams Important?

Density is an imperative specification for foam mattresses.

You can't compare mattresses objectively (to determine their overall quality and support for your unique body) if you don't understand foam density.

Different Foam Types, Explained

All foam mattresses have a density rating. Foam density is measured by the rating.

Foam density and firmness are correlated.

Based on the amount of material, density is generally rated from low to high.

There are three types of foam mattresses: (a) polyfoam, (b) memory foam, and (c) latex foam.

All three have great qualities, but they are constructed differently, come in different densities, and have slightly different pros and cons.

• Low-Density: Polyfoam = Under 1.5 lbs. per ft. Memory foam = Under 4.0 lbs. per ft. Latex foam = Under 4.2 lbs. per ft.
• Medium-Density: Polyfoam = 1.5 - 1.8 lbs. per ft. Memory foam = 4.0 - 5.0 lbs. per ft. Latex foam = 4.3 - 5.3 lbs. per ft.
• High-Density: Polyfoam = Over 1.8 lbs. per ft. Memory foam = 5.0 - 6.0 lbs. per ft. Latex foam = Over 5.3 lbs. per ft.

In addition to density, there is an Indentation Load Deflection (ILD) rating.

In order to determine firmness, mattresses are rated according to their reaction to pressure. From 14 (fairly soft) to 44 (very firm). Overall mattress comfort is determined by ILD and density.

Are High Density Foam Mattresses Better?

High density foam mattresses can be better depending on the person and need.

2 main factors to consider a high-density foam mattress:

• You suffer from back pain, are overweight, or want a durable mattress.
• You enjoy a firmer, memory foam mattress.

High Density Foams Vs. Memory Foam Mattresses

High-density foam and latex mattresses can't be objectively compared.

Latex is a type of foam like memory foam.

Latex mattresses come in two types: Talalay and Dunlop. A latex mattress can be high-density or low-density. Talalay has a softer, more even feel, so it is typically less dense. Usually, the comfort layer sits on top of this layer. Latex mattresses usually have Dunlop as a base layer.

The benefits of both foam and latex can be found in latex mattresses. Why? It combines the high density foam of a memory foam mattress with the bounce of an innerspring mattress.

High Density Foams Vs. Latex Mattresses

High-density foam and latex mattresses can't be objectively compared.

Latex is a type of foam like memory foam.

Latex mattresses come in two types: Talalay and Dunlop. A latex mattress can be high-density or low-density. Talalay has a softer, more even feel, so it is typically less dense. Usually, the comfort layer sits on top of this layer. Latex mattresses usually have Dunlop as a base layer.

The benefits of both foam and latex can be found in latex mattresses. Why? It combines the high density foam of a memory foam mattress with the bounce of an innerspring mattress.

High Density Foams Vs. Innerspring Mattresses

When you are deciding between memory foam and innerspring mattresses, you should:

• Compare the foam densities between memory foam and innerspring comfort layers.
• Look for thicker densities in either mattress type if you're a heavier person.
• Keep in mind that some people simply enjoy an innerspring feel over memory foam (which is completely normal).

Who Should Consider A High Density Foam Mattress?

You should consider buying a high-density foam mattress if:

• You suffer from serious back, hip, shoulder, or neck pain and/or overall soreness.
• You are willing to pay for a mattress that lasts long.
• You need less motion transfer because you're easily disturbed at night.
• You need excellent pressure relief.
• You are overweight and require a mattress that supports you properly.
• You toss and turn frequently at night.

About X

X is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of NapLab.com. He has been featured in Fast Company, Reader's Digest, Business Insider, Realtor.com, Huffington Post, Washington Post, AskMen, and She Knows. X has personally tested over 268+ mattresses and hundreds of pillows, sheets, beds, and other sleep products.

See Our #1 Researched Mattress in 2024

Rated best for comfort and hotel-feel

Get 450$ OFF Mattresses

References

High Density Mattress Foam

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Best 10’s Verdict

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Pay attention to foam density.

It's an extremely important variable when picking your next mattress.

It's a simple number that measures how much foam is in each square foot.

Higher density = higher number = better longevity and overall quality.

Look for a 5 lb. density foam (at a minimum). The Loom and Leaf from saatva is a perfect example of this.

There are several important factors that determine whether a high-density foam mattress is best for you, including:

• height
• weight
• body shape
• preferences
• sleeping with a partner
• existing pain

In general, pick a high-density foam mattress if you have a (a) flexible budget and (b) you're on the heavier side.

In addition to density, ILD (Indentation Load Deflection) rating indicates how quickly the mattress returns to its original shape after pressure is applied. The ILD # is important, but also pay attention to how the mattress makes you feel (during your trial period).

Long-term performance is directly correlated with density and ILD (less density and ILD = foams break down faster).

#1 High Density Foam Mattress

Loom and Leaf is our favorite high-density memory foam mattress. Exceptionally comfortable and built to last.

Hybrid mattresses are also great.

Saatva Classic is the one we recommend. The comfort layer is made of premium materials and high-density foams.

Keep in mind, polyfoam density and quality do not have universal guidelines. So make sure to focus on how the mattress makes you feel, not just the numbers on a spec sheet.

Pros Of High Density Foam Mattresses

High-density foam mattresses have many advantages, including:

• Effectively relieves back pain and overall soreness
• A longer lifespan
• Low motion transfer
• Excellent pressure relief
• Ideal for heavy sleepers
• Promotes deeper REM sleep

Cons Of High Density Foam Mattresses

You should consider the following cons before buying a high-density foam mattress:

• Unless you have a serious condition or pain, it can be excessively expensive.
• The price is high if you are buying for a guest room.
• Not as good for sex (compared to an innerspring hybrid like Saatva Classic).
• Not ideal for light sleepers.

Why Are High Density Foams Important?

Density is an imperative specification for foam mattresses.

You can't compare mattresses objectively (to determine their overall quality and support for your unique body) if you don't understand foam density.

Different Foam Types, Explained

All foam mattresses have a density rating. Foam density is measured by the rating.

Foam density and firmness are correlated.

Based on the amount of material, density is generally rated from low to high.

There are three types of foam mattresses: (a) polyfoam, (b) memory foam, and (c) latex foam.

All three have great qualities, but they are constructed differently, come in different densities, and have slightly different pros and cons.

• Low-Density: Polyfoam = Under 1.5 lbs. per ft. Memory foam = Under 4.0 lbs. per ft. Latex foam = Under 4.2 lbs. per ft.
• Medium-Density: Polyfoam = 1.5 - 1.8 lbs. per ft. Memory foam = 4.0 - 5.0 lbs. per ft. Latex foam = 4.3 - 5.3 lbs. per ft.
• High-Density: Polyfoam = Over 1.8 lbs. per ft. Memory foam = 5.0 - 6.0 lbs. per ft. Latex foam = Over 5.3 lbs. per ft.

In addition to density, there is an Indentation Load Deflection (ILD) rating.

In order to determine firmness, mattresses are rated according to their reaction to pressure. From 14 (fairly soft) to 44 (very firm). Overall mattress comfort is determined by ILD and density.

Are High Density Foam Mattresses Better?

High density foam mattresses can be better depending on the person and need.

2 main factors to consider a high-density foam mattress:

• You suffer from back pain, are overweight, or want a durable mattress.
• You enjoy a firmer, memory foam mattress.

High Density Foams Vs. Memory Foam Mattresses

Memory foam mattresses either have high-density foams or they don't.

Avoid foam mattresses without at least a 1.5-2 density threshold.

Also, ensure the memory foam support is supported by at least 4-6" of a 4.5 lb. density core.

High Density Foams Vs. Latex Mattresses

High-density foam and latex mattresses can't be objectively compared.

Latex is a type of foam like memory foam.

Latex mattresses come in two types: Talalay and Dunlop. A latex mattress can be high-density or low-density. Talalay has a softer, more even feel, so it is typically less dense. Usually, the comfort layer sits on top of this layer. Latex mattresses usually have Dunlop as a base layer.

The benefits of both foam and latex can be found in latex mattresses. Why? It combines the high density foam of a memory foam mattress with the bounce of an innerspring mattress.

High Density Foams Vs. Innerspring Mattresses

When you are deciding between memory foam and innerspring mattresses, you should:

• Compare the foam densities between memory foam and innerspring comfort layers.
• Look for thicker densities in either mattress type if you're a heavier person.
• Keep in mind that some people simply enjoy an innerspring feel over memory foam (which is completely normal).

Who Should Consider A High Density Foam Mattress?

You should consider buying a high-density foam mattress if:

• You suffer from serious back, hip, shoulder, or neck pain and/or overall soreness.
• You are willing to pay for a mattress that lasts long.
• You need less motion transfer because you're easily disturbed at night.
• You need excellent pressure relief.
• You are overweight and require a mattress that supports you properly.
• You toss and turn frequently at night.