How do you choose a memory foam mattress? Memory foam mattresses are a fast-growing alternative to innerspring mattresses because they have the ability to contour the body and provide excellent comfort and support. On today's European market, memory foam mattresses far outsell traditional spring mattresses.





Knowing what to look for is key when choosing a memory foam mattress to fit your needs. Here are a few important things to know before buying a memory foam mattress:


1. Foam Density
Despite popular belief, foam density has little to do with the feel of a mattress and has more to do with its durability. A 5 pound per cubic foot memory foam mattress will outlast a 3lbs. memory foam by an average of 10 years.

Most high-end mattresses, including Tempur, have a 5-7lb density foams. see our tempur comparison

Buyer Beware: Many mattress companies boast a 5lb memory foam but fail to specify that this dense foam only makes up the 1st inch of the mattress where the following layers are 2 or 3 lb density memory foams.




2) mmHg
mmHg is the unit of measurement used in determining a mattress' reaction against pressure. A low mmHg is ideal, however this is difficult to achieve. Blood circulation becomes an issue in the 30mHg range. According to the healthcare industry, a standard of 32mmHg or lower is considered to be pressure relieving. Less press points = less tossing and turning.

Essentia mattresses offer 12.43 mmHg @ 200lbs, the best rating in the industry.




3) Foam ILD (Indentation Load Deflection)
A mattress ILD, or indentation load deflection, ranges from 6 to 40. The majority of quality memory foam mattresses on the market rate anywhere between 10 and 16 ILD. Many of the top memory foam mattresses have multiple layers within them, each with a different mmHg, which enhances a mattress' comfort level because the layers work together.

Multiple layers of memory foam with different ILDs are usually found in premium quality memory foam mattresses.




4) Where is the Mattress Made?
Many mattress companies deceitfully claim that their products are made in Canada or the U.S. To cut costs, mattress components are imported from foreign countries and assembled in Canada or the U.S.

Test are rarely performed on imported mattress components and there is no way of knowing what chemicals are used in the mattress composition. Any harsh chemical odours are masked prior to product exportation with industrial perfumes, or even green tea extracts.

Some materials and chemicals still in use abroad have been linked to cancer, lung disease and can impair development in the central nervous system and brain.





Regular memory foam, also known as Visco-elastic memory foam or visco foam, is made with petroleum based chemicals. Because memory foam is a synthetic material, it traps in body heat similar to the way that nylon and polyester fabrics do. Heat discomfort and mattress odour are major issues among memory foam mattress owners due to its chemical composition.

Essentia’s Natural Memory Foam is is 80% more breathable than conventional memory foam and has no chemical odour.

If you're health conscious you'll want to consider our natural memory foam mattresses and pillows. Essentia memory foam is made with 100% natural materials, so the final product creates a more breathable, comfortable, healthy sleep environment free of chemical offgassing. See our list of mattress chemicals.




Essentia Mattresses Offer:
- Among the highest foam densities on the market at 6.25lbs.
- Lowest pressure distribution at 12.43 mmHg @ 200lbs.
- 80% more breathability than conventional memory foams.
- Peace of mind with an emission-free product.
- A truly Canadian made and manufactured product.


See how Essentia compares to Tempur-Pedic.



- List of Chemicals in Mattresses
- How to choose a memory foam mattress
- Spring mattress or memory foam mattress?


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