Memory Foam Mattress Density Guide

Memory foam’s ability to cushion and conform to the body makes it an ideal material for mattresses. However, memory foams are not all made the same. Their density affects how the foam feels and functions while you sleep. Density also plays a pivotal role in the longevity of a memory foam mattress.

Our density guide is designed to help you find a mattress that will comfortably align your spine and satisfy your personal comfort preferences. It will also help you estimate how long the model you’re considering should last.

How Do You Determine Foam Density?

Memory foam has viscoelastic properties that allow it to stretch and change shape when under heat and pressure. Consequently, a memory foam mattress adapts to the unique shape of each sleeper even as they move throughout the night.

If you stay in the same sleep position, memory foam deepens its contouring to relieve pressure and further cushion the body. That’s why memory foam mattresses are known to reduce pressure at high-pressure points like the shoulders and hips. As you’ll see throughout this guide, the memory foam’s density affects the breadth and depth of these viscoelastic properties.

Foam density is measured in pounds per cubic foot or PCF. Higher-density foams have a higher PCF because they have more foam packed into a cubic foot than a lighter density foam. Depending on your personal preferences, dominant sleep position, and body weight, you may need different foam densities or a combination of densities to maintain comfortable support.

Memory foams are placed in three general density categories— low, medium, and high:

• Low: < 3 PCF
• Medium: 3 to 5 PCF
• High: > 5 PCF

There’s some variation in these categories with some manufacturers considering foams with a PCF of four or below as low density and others not considering a foam as high density unless it’s above 5.5 PCF. These general ranges give you an approximate idea of what to expect in how the memory foam will feel and function.

However, memory foam mattresses are not made of a single layer of memory foam. They have multiple memory foam layers, and each layer often has a different density. Some models even have a mix of memory foam and poly-foam layers. Each layer and how it interacts with the surrounding layers will affect how the mattress supports the body, responds to movement, and dissipates body heat. You’ll need to consider the density of all the layers in relation to one another to give you an overall picture of the mattress’s long-term performance.

To do that, you’ll need to know the characteristics of the memory foams in each density category.

Low Density

Low-density memory foams have less than three pounds of foam per square foot. They’re lightweight and return to their original shape relatively faster than high-density memory foams. Some people love the cradled feel of memory foam, while others feel stuck in the indentation of their own body. The quicker responsiveness of low-density memory foam often feels better to combo or restless sleepers.

Traditional memory foam has been known to trap heat, overheating the sleeper. Low-density memory foams are less tightly packed, opening space for more heat and air to escape and making them more breathable. In addition, because low-density foams take less material to make, they’re less expensive to produce and, therefore, cost less. Many entry-level or bargain mattresses have more than one low-density memory foam layer.

Low-density memory foam does come with some downsides. Less foam per square foot means there’s less material to support the body. Some sleepers, like those with back pain or higher body weights, may not get the support they need from low-density foams.

Unfortunately, low-density foams also tend to have lower durability. That is, they start to break down faster than their high-density counterparts. With time, the low-density foam won’t return to its original shape as quickly. On average, low-density foams last five years or less.

Pros:

• Responsiveness
• Breathability
• Cost

Cons:

• Low durability
• Less support

Who It’s Best For:

• Side and combo sleepers
• People who weigh less than 130 pounds
• People who sleep warm

Medium Density

Medium-density foams have a PCF of three to five. They, of course, run the middle ground between the lightweight low-density memory foams and heavier high-density memory foams. The added foam per square foot provides more support for the body than a low-density foam. There’s also more foam actually touching the body for a more cradled feel to the mattress.

While medium-density memory foams aren’t as breathable as low-density memory foam, they do allow more air to circulate than high-density foam. The extra foam per square foot also improves the durability of medium-density foams over low-density foams. Typically, medium-density foams last between six to eight years.

Pros:

• Balance of support versus responsiveness
• Balance of cost versus durability
• Increased conformability or cradled feeling

Cons:

• May not have enough support for heavier weight sleepers or those with back pain
• Can be too warm for those who sleep hot

Who It’s Best For:

• Side, back, and combo sleepers
• Active sleepers
• Those who need more back support
• Average weight sleepers between 130 to 230 pounds

High Density

High-density memory foam has a PCF of five or higher. The highest PCF you’re likely to see in a memory foam mattress is 8.5. These foams have the most amount of material packed into them, which also makes them the heaviest memory foams.

All that material still has the viscoelastic properties of the lower density foams, but you’ll experience greater support and tighter contouring because more material presses against and conforms to the body. High-density foams provide more lift and support for the spine, which may better accommodate those with back pain or heavier weight sleepers.

High-density foams are also the most durable. They may last ten years or more because it takes longer for the high volume of foam to break down.

At the same time, the tightly packed foam doesn’t leave as much space for heat to escape. Consequently, high-density foams can be too warm for sleepers who easily overheat. And, high-density foam is the least responsive. When you press into memory foam with your hand then remove it, it leaves an impression. In a high-density foam, that impression or “memory” will stay longer than it would in a low or medium-density foam.

That works perfectly well for some sleepers, but for others, it leaves them feeling stuck. Responsiveness is yet another reason that the most comfortable mattresses usually contain a mix of foam layers with different densities.

Pros:

• Durability
• Support and lift
• Conformability

Cons:

• Low breathability/heat retention
• Slow response to movement

Who It’s Best For:

• Side, back, and stomach sleepers
• Sleepers with back pain
• Sleepers who weigh over 230 pounds

Finding the Right Mattress: Density vs. ILD

Many people assume that a high-density foam will feel firmer. Density plays a big role in how a mattress feels, but it is not an indication of the mattress’s firmness. When looking at firmness, you have to pay attention to the ILD or indentation load deflection. The ILD is determined by compressing a 15 x 15 x 4-inch piece of foam until it reaches 25 percent of its original height. If it takes 25 pounds of pressure to reach the 25 percent threshold, then the foam is said to have an ILD of 25.

Foams with an ILD below 19 are generally considered soft or plush, while those around or over 50 are considered firm. Everything in between is considered a medium-feel foam. Many mattresses, whether they are all-memory foam, mixed foam, or hybrids, have low-ILD memory foams in their comfort or top layers. These foams may also be low or medium-density to enhance responsiveness, conformability, and breathability.

Medium-density foams are also common in the comfort layers, but you’ll also find them in the mattresses transition layers for added support. However, the transition layer foams may have a low, medium, or high-density depending on the model.

High-density foams make up the transition and support core of many memory foam mattresses. Here, they can support the spine and bring shape and durability to the mattress. It’s often assumed that the high-density support cores are incredibly firm. That’s true in some mattresses. However, in others, the high-density support layer is relatively soft to enhance the cushioning and conformability of the mattress.

It’s vital to understand that density does not indicate firmness, and ILD does not equal density. A high-density foam can feel soft while a low-density foam may feel firm. The opposite may also be true. It depends on the foams make and build. The density of the foam gives you a good indication of the mattress’s durability and support, whereas the ILD tells you how soft or firm it feels.

If you examine the density and ILD together, you’ll get a more accurate picture of what to expect from the mattress.

Density and Sleep Position

Everyone has a favorite sleep position. Your preferred position may influence what type of foam density feels or works best for you.

Side Sleepers

Side sleepers often benefit the most from memory foam’s ability to adapt to the curves of the body. It fills the curves at the waist while relieving pressure at the shoulders and hips. Memory foams of all densities work well for side sleepers because they all have the ability to adapt to the sleeper’s shape. However, restless side sleepers may want a mix of foam densities, so they don’t feel stuck in the mattress with predominantly high-density memory foam.

When looking for the best mattress for side sleepers, we recommend a bed that’s labeled medium in firmness, as these mattresses are designed to offer an even balance of comfort and support.

Back Sleepers

The spine of a back sleeper naturally stays in a neutral position, which makes finding a mattress easier than with some of the other sleep positions. Back sleepers can base their decisions on their preferred amount of cushioning and contouring. However, if you suffer from back pain, you probably need more high-density foams to provide adequate pain and pressure relief.

Stomach Sleepers

We don’t recommend stomach sleeping due to the extra pressure it puts on the lower back. However, you may still find yourself waking on your stomach. Stomach sleepers benefit from the extra support of high-density foam. They also tend to sleep better on firmer mattresses that don’t allow the hips to sink too deeply into the mattress.

Combo Sleepers

Combo sleepers move through several sleep positions. They still need the support of high-density foam, but may benefit from at least one layer of a more responsive low or even medium-density foam to prevent that “stuck” feeling.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the density of memory foam?

Strictly speaking, density is an expression of a material’s mass per a given volume. A memory foam’s density refers to the amount of particles present in a cubic foot. When particles are close together it creates a higher density, while particles spread out in the mattress create a lower density.

How is memory foam density measured?

Companies determine a memory foam’s density by weighing a square foot of the material. Its weight is then divided by its length, width, and height. The answer is an expression of the foam’s density per cubic foot.

What is the best density for a memory foam mattress?

Every density has its pros and cons. Low-density foam can be a good choice for hot sleepers or those shopping on a tight budget. Medium-density foam is a good “middle-of-the-road” choice, balancing breathability with sturdiness. High-density foam is the best option for anyone looking for one of the most durable mattresses.

What is a high-density foam mattress?

A mattress made with high-density foams has a lot of particles packed into each cubic foot. The high amount of material the mattress contains makes it more resilient. High-density foam mattresses can also be difficult to move since more materials makes the bed heavier.

Can memory foam hurt your back?

Memory foam, like any other mattress material, can cause back pain if it’s firmness doesn’t match your sleeping position. Side sleepers should look for a medium to soft mattress, while back and stomach sleepers should consider mattresses with a firmer feel. Older memory foam mattress with worn-out support can also cause you to wake up with a sore back.

Memory Foam Mattress Density: The Bottom Line

• Memory foam density is one factor that creates the unique characteristics of a mattress.
• Density will affect which memory foam will feel comfortable to you based on your preferred sleep position and body weight.
• Density does not indicate firmness, but density and firmness together can give you a good idea of how a mattress will support, cushion, and hold up to normal wear and tear.

Most memory foam mattresses have several foam layers with different densities. Based on your needs, you can narrow down your choices by looking at the mattress as a whole.

The density of each layer —support, transition, and comfort— comes together to affect how the mattress responds to your body. The right mattress can not only have you sleeping for a full seven to nine hours, but it could stay with you for a decade or longer.