Memory Foam Mattresses: The Complete Guide
Everything you need to know — how it works, who it's for, and how to pick the right one
What Is Memory Foam?
Originally developed by NASA in the 1960s to cushion astronauts during launch, memory foam entered the consumer mattress market in the 1990s and has since become the most studied sleep surface available.
Memory foam is a viscoelastic polyurethane foam — meaning it responds to both heat and pressure. When you lie down, your body weight compresses it while your body heat causes it to soften and conform precisely to your shape. When you shift or get up, it slowly returns to its original form.
That slow-response behavior is what makes memory foam exceptional for sleep. Springs push back uniformly. Memory foam pushes back only where it needs to — filling the natural curves of your body and distributing weight evenly across the surface, not just at contact points.
5 Reasons Sleepers Prefer Memory Foam
Not all mattress materials perform the same. Here’s what sets memory foam apart.
Body-Contouring Fit
Memory foam conforms precisely to your shape, supporting every curve rather than leaving gaps. This eliminates pressure points that cause morning stiffness at hips, shoulders, and lower back.
Motion Isolation
Dense foam absorbs movement instead of transferring it. Your partner’s 2 a.m. trip to the bathroom stays their problem — not yours.
Pressure Relief
Even weight distribution means no more concentrated pressure at contact points. Proper pressure relief reduces overnight muscle tension and helps you wake up without that “slept wrong” feeling.
Hypoallergenic
Memory foam’s dense cell structure resists dust mites and allergens up to 10x better than innerspring. Better for allergy sufferers and easier to keep clean.
Long-Lasting Shape
Modern memory foam holds its form for 10+ years with minimal sagging — outlasting most innerspring alternatives by several years.
Who Memory Foam Is Best For
Memory foam isn’t for everyone — but it’s the right fit for most sleepers. Here’s how to know.
Side Sleepers
The best choice. Side sleeping puts maximum pressure on hips and shoulders — memory foam fills the gap at the waist while cushioning contact points. Lull recommends the Original or Original Premium.
Back Sleepers
Excellent fit. Memory foam supports the natural lumbar curve without the hammock-sinking feeling. Medium-firm is ideal — the Lull Original hits this perfectly.
Couples
Best-in-class for motion isolation. If one partner moves, the other stays undisturbed. Also ideal when partners have different weights or sleep positions.
Hot Sleepers
Modern gel-infused memory foam runs significantly cooler than older foam. Open-cell construction with CertiPUR-US certified gel handles heat well. For extreme heat sleepers, consider the Luxe Hybrid.
*Not ideal for: stomach sleepers who need a very firm surface, or sleepers over 250 lbs who prefer hybrid bounce. Consider Lull’s Luxe Hybrid in those cases.
Which Lull Mattress Is Right for You?
Lull is designed for the most common back pain sufferers — side and back sleepers, combination sleepers, people who sleep warm. Pick the mattress that fits your sleep style.
All prices reflect current promotion. 365-night trial · Lifetime warranty · Free shipping both ways.
Memory Foam Mattress FAQ
How long does memory foam last?
High-quality memory foam mattresses like Lull’s typically last 10–12 years with normal use. Memory foam holds its shape longer than innerspring because there are no coils to degrade. Lull backs this with a lifetime warranty.
Does memory foam sleep hot?
Modern memory foam runs much cooler than older-generation foam. Lull uses open-cell construction with a gel-infused top layer to draw heat away from your body. Most sleepers find it comfortable year-round. If you run extremely hot, the Luxe Hybrid adds coil airflow on top of foam comfort.
Is memory foam good for back pain?
Yes. Memory foam is consistently recommended for back pain because it contours to the spine’s natural curve, distributes body weight evenly, and eliminates pressure points that cause overnight muscle tension. Research from the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine found medium-firm memory foam reduced lower back pain in 57% of participants.
How long does memory foam take to expand?
Most memory foam mattresses reach full expansion within 4–8 hours of unboxing. Lull recommends allowing 24 hours before sleeping on it for full off-gassing and expansion, though most sleepers find it comfortable right away.
Can I use a memory foam mattress on any base?
Memory foam works on most solid surfaces: platform beds, slatted frames (slats ≤3 inches apart), adjustable bases, or the floor. It does not require a box spring. Lull’s mattresses are compatible with all standard frames and Lull’s own foundation.
What’s the difference between memory foam and hybrid?
Memory foam mattresses use only foam layers — better for pressure relief and motion isolation. Hybrid mattresses add a coil support layer — better for breathability, edge support, and a bouncier feel. Lull offers both: the Original series (pure foam) and the Luxe series (hybrid).
What Lull Customers Say About Back Pain
A small sample from 50,000+ verified reviews.
“Back pain GONE!!!! This mattress is the answer we’ve been looking for. It’s so comfortable but provides the perfect amount of support so that all of our pain is relieved!!!”
“Within 3 days my back pain was gone! I got a different brand and it was a big mistake. I got rid of it and ordered a Lull. You will not be disappointed.”
“Within a week all my regular daily lower back aches, hip flexor pains and morning stiffness were going, going, GONE! Now I am springing out of bed again. The best investment I’ve ever made.”
“I have not been having lower back pain since sleeping in my new mattress. I was skeptical before buying it but I don’t regret making this investment. The quality of my sleep is so much better.”
“We have now purchased 4 Lull mattresses. Best nights sleep you’ll ever get. No more back aches for our home.”
Try Memory Foam Risk-Free for 365 Nights
Lull ships directly to your door in 2–5 business days. Try it for a full year — if it’s not right, we’ll come pick it up for free. No hassle, no questions asked.
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