Some people swear by them. Others swear at them.
Memory foam mattresses have a reputation. Soft. Supportive. Then… Too hot, too saggy, too slow to bounce back.
In this guide, we’re breaking down some of the common complaints about memory foam mattresses.
Key Takeaways
- The disadvantages of memory foam mattresses are mostly myths. Common complaints like heat, sagging, or sinking are often based on outdated materials or misunderstandings.
- Memory foam has evolved. Today’s designs are cooler, more responsive, and more supportive than older versions, especially when built with quality materials.
- The right feel matters. A memory foam mattress that suits your body type and sleep style can reduce pressure, support your spine, and help prevent back pain.
Jump to a section:
- What is Memory Foam Made Of?
- Common Disadvantages of Memory Foam Mattress
- So, Are Memory Foam Mattresses Good?
What Is Memory Foam Made Of?
Memory foam is made from polyurethane. It’s a soft, flexible plastic used in things like couches, shoes, and car seats.
What makes it different is how it’s treated. Extra ingredients are added to make the foam soften with heat, mould to your shape, then slowly spring back.
The foam is filled with tiny open cells. These help with airflow and pressure relief. Some brands adjust the recipe to make it firmer, cooler, or more responsive.
You will notice that not all memory foam mattresses feel the same. Small changes in the materials used can make a big difference in how the mattress feels to sleep on.
Still, even with all that tech behind it, memory foam gets its fair share of criticism.
Let’s take a look at where those concerns come from and whether they actually hold up.
Common Disadvantages of Memory Foam Mattress
Alright, you’ve heard the rumours. Memory foam sleeps hot. It sags. It smells weird.
Some of these concerns come from older materials. Others come from confusion about how foam works in the first place.
Let’s clear things up and take a closer look at what’s fact and what’s just mattress gossip.
Myth #1: Memory Foam Sleeps Too Hot
✅ Truth: Older foams had heat issues. Modern ones are structured to breathe much better.
It’s true that early memory foam trapped heat. But mattress tech has changed.
Today’s designs use breathable foam, gel layers, and open-cell structures to help air move through the mattress. Some even include charcoal or copper for added cooling.
A well-made foam mattress can now sleep much cooler than older versions, thanks to better materials and design.
What We Recommend:
Choose a memory foam mattress with built-in cooling features like breathable foam or gel infusions. Lightweight bedding can help too, especially in summer.
Still unsure? We’ve broken it down further in our guide on whether memory foam is hot to sleep on.
Myth #2: Memory Foam Sinks Too Much Over Time
✅ Truth: Foam does soften, but quality and density matter.
One of the biggest concerns about memory foam is that it sags or dips over time. And yes, lower-quality foam can lose its shape more quickly, especially if it’s too soft or lacks the support to handle body weight.
But that’s not the whole story.
High-density memory foam is built to support pressure points without collapsing. It adapts to your shape while you’re lying down, then slowly returns once you move.
The foam may soften slightly with regular use, but that’s a normal part of the settling process.
What We Recommend
Choose a memory foam mattress with high-density layers and a stable base.
If you tend to stay in one position or have a heavier build, a firmer feel can give you better long-term support.
Rotate your mattress every few months to keep wear even. If your mattress is double-sided, flipping it occasionally can also help prevent sagging.
If you’re dealing with a sagging mattress, there are simple ways to firm it up again. We’ve shared a few easy fixes in our guide to making a soft mattress firmer.
Myth #3: Memory Foam Smells Bad
✅ Truth: Foam can smell, however the smell is only temporary.
Unboxing a new memory foam mattress often comes with a bit of a scent. Some call it “new mattress smell,” others just call it weird.
What you’re smelling is called off-gassing. It happens when the foam releases tiny amounts of trapped gas after being sealed in plastic. It’s common with many new products, from cars to shoes to sofas.
The smell isn’t harmful and usually disappears on its own within a few hours to a few days. You can speed things up by airing out the mattress in a well-ventilated room.
If you’re extra sensitive to smells or just want to freshen things up, there are ways to deodorise your mattress safely. We’ve listed simple, non-toxic methods here.
What We Recommend
Give your new mattress time to breathe before sleeping on it. If needed, sprinkle a bit of baking soda on the surface to absorb lingering odours, then vacuum it off after a few hours.
Opening a window or switching on a fan helps too.
Myth #4: It’s Bad for Your Back
✅ Truth: The right firmness makes all the difference.
Some blame memory foam for back pain, but it usually comes down to firmness.
Foam that’s too soft can let your hips sink too far, while overly firm foam might cause pressure points. Both can throw off your alignment.
The right memory foam mattress supports your spine in a neutral position. Back and stomach sleepers often need firmer support, while side sleepers might prefer more cushioning.
Higher-quality designs use layered or zoned foam to keep things balanced.
What We Recommend
Go for a mattress that suits your sleep position and body type. If back pain sticks around, try shifting to a different firmness or adjusting your setup.
Waking up sore could mean your mattress isn’t giving you the right support. We’ve shared tips on choosing a mattress for back pain here.
Myth #5: Memory Foam Makes You Feel Stuck
✅ Truth: Foam response time depends on the type of foam used.
Some people say memory foam holds you in place. Like once you sink in, you’re not going anywhere.
That used to be true with older, slow-response foams. They took a while to bounce back after movement, which made shifting positions feel sluggish.
But modern foams have improved a lot. Many now use faster-response blends or combine memory foam with firmer support layers underneath. This keeps the contouring feel without slowing you down.
Foam density also plays a part. Softer, low-density foam tends to hug the body more. Denser, higher-quality foam offers contouring without that stuck-in-the-mud feeling.
What We Recommend
Choose a mattress that balances comfort and responsiveness. If you tend to toss and turn, look for a medium-firm memory foam mattress or a hybrid mattress that includes supportive base layers for easier movement.
So, Are Memory Foam Mattresses Good?
Memory foam mattresses are a solid choice when they’re made from quality materials and suit your sleep style.
They offer contouring comfort, pressure relief, and reliable support. Most of the common complaints come from older materials or low-quality builds.
Our Ecosa mattresses use breathable memory foam that adapts to your body and stays comfortable through the night. Pair it with a memory foam pillow for full-body support that feels good from head to hips.