What is density and high-density foam? Guide, 2022

There are many aspects and data points that determine the quality of a mattress. You likely have heard that higher density mattresses equal higher quality, but quality is a broad term and it is simply wrong to believe that higher density mattresses will be better for you overall. Therefore we know it will be helpful to define density primarily and explain how it is measured and in what areas it affects the performance of a mattress. Only then would you really be equipped to understand what level of density you want in your mattress and how to know what the figure represents. 

What is density?

When we speak of density we are referring to the relationship between the space which an object occupies and the amount of matter in that space that it is in. Generally it is calculated by taking the entirety of an object’s mass, then dividing it by its volume. You likely have heard the trick hypothetical question: Which weighs more: a tonne of bricks or a tonne of feathers? Of course, the answer is they weigh the same. If we were to slightly modify the question and ask what weighs more: a 3m by 3m cube of a tonne of bricks or a 3m by 3m cube of a tonne of feathers, the answer doesn’t change, they weigh the same. However, now the reason they do is because of density.  

How is Density measured for mattresses

In the mattress industry, there needs to be a standard for how density is measured, to avoid confusion and to make it easier for it to be measured. When it comes to measuring foam density PCF is used, or Pounds per Cubic Foot. 

This focuses the measurement of density on one single cubic foot by dividing the total weight of the foam by the cubit feet. To simplify it a mattress that weighs 100 pounds and is 20 cubit feet altogether, will have a density of 5 pounds per cubic foot. The density of the foam is placed in categories, low-density, medium-density, and high-density. However, not all foams squeeze into the same brackets as those that have the same PCF. For example, a cubic foot of  polyurethane foam having a PCF of 2 makes it high density. However, 2 Pounds per cubic foot for memory foam is considered to be low density. For you to visualize this, refer to the chart below. 

How density relates to mattress quality

Firmness

   It will likely not come as a surprise to you that higher density foams are generally firmer than foams of a lower density. Since the foam is more tightly compacted the material is more solid than lower down on the scale. Density is not the exclusive element for the firmness of a mattress though. If a high-density mattress uses an ‘open-cell structure'   which makes the mattress airy and has a plushness to them despite its density.

Expense

Normally mattresses of a higher density are more expensive, mainly because it costs more for them to be produced. The price of a memory foam mattress is usually a fine indicator as to whether it is of a high, medium, or low density. This is because the density actually has a significant impact on the performance of the foam. 

Durability

Density is likely most relevant when it comes to questioning the durability of a mattress. When it comes to foam, those of a higher density usually have greater longevity than those of a lower density. As the foam is more tightly constructed it is generally more resistant. This means that the constant pressure that it is subjected to and wear is handled better. Having a longer life span also contributes to them costing more as it is an investment. 

Pressure-point relief

 Higher-density memory foams tend to perform better in bringing specific relief to areas of your body where pressure is higher than most other regions. This is because the material can move tighter relative to you, staying close to the mold of your body like millions of grains of sand forming around your shape. This means the pressure is alleviated in areas, particularly around your back and shoulders where high pressure can be quite damaging.  Memory foams can produce the melting, viscoelastic effect.

Heat transfer 

 High-density foam tends to trap heat more because airflow is restricted since the foam is more tightly constructed. As a result, temperatures rise quite high in high-density foams. Therefore high-density foams aren’t typically excellent when it comes to breathability or coolness, but the micro-design could be the factor that determines this. 

Types of sleepers and density

Emma Original Mattress

The verdict

The Emma original mattress is one of the best mattresses  out there based on sales-figures despite only being around since 2015. There are numerous aspects to the Emma original which makes it incredibly popular. The breathability of the Airgocell layer provies an effective cooling mechanism and prevents you from being disturbed by night-time sweating. The memory foam in the Emma original is extremely adaptable and ensures that the mattress moulds to the shape of your body, so your comfort is virtually optimised. Though the Emma original may not be the best mattress  in terms of edge-support it seems to deliver in most other areas, bringing you comfort, coolness and solid support which is mainly attributable to the underlying base. This product review shows that  there is the chance that it is the  best mattress for you

Our grading of the Emma Original Mattress

Emma Original Mattress: The classic Mattress, a bestseller throughout Europe

4.5 / 5

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249.5 £

Review of the Emma Original

As you can see high-density mattresses are for most kinds of sleepers and combo sleepers, so likely the  Simba Hybrid which has a high-density foam base will match your sleeping style and be appropriate for you. 

Simba Hybrid: Pros and Cons

We appreciate

You are a light to average weighted stomach sleeper 

• You are a sleeping couple who are  sensitive to motion elsewhere on a mattress.
• You sweat quite a lot when you sleep and need a cover to remove moisture as well as keeping you cool
• You need assistance with spinal alignment and can’t afford any back problems created during your sleep. 

We regret

• You have a sleeping partner and will need and don’t want the disturbance of motion from another side of the mattress. For that we recommend the ‘Emma original’ memory foam mattress. This Emma mattress isolates ripples of motion very well.
• You are a heavy sleeper or weigh above the average. For that we recommend the ‘Dreamcloud Luxury Hybrid ' 

Our grading of the Simba Hybrid

You want to buy one of Simba’s Hybrid range mattresses whilst on a budget. Cheaper than the Simba Hybrid pro and Hybrid Luxe.

4 / 5

Simba Hybrid

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You know how you dream of getting a good night's sleep? Well, you can. Get the sleep you deserve with our mattress and sleeping product reviews. Our team tests out all the best mattresses so that you don't have to. We fill our site with honest and detailed reviews, along with fair comparisons of similar products and personalized recommendations for which one is best for you. We have reviewed over 50 products with more than 20 data points for each mattress. making our reviews thorough and rigorous.

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