The heat and water can degrade the memory foam, dampen it, and damage your mattress in the process.
If you find that you often feel like you're sinking into your mattress, it's a sign that the foam is beginning to break down and lose its shape. This can be caused by normal use, as well as by things like body heat and moisture.
You can make your own natural memory foam mattress cleaner by mixing 1 part water with 1 part white vinegar or you can purchase a natural memory foam mattress cleaner. Always spot test your cleaner on a small area of the mattress first to ensure it won't damage the foam.
Memory/gel foam over time softens because of daily use from sitting, sleeping, and even sex. The compression issue has countless owners saying you can't see the sag or hole, however, the forgiving spot makes you feel as though you're sleeping in one.
Don't Keep it Near Strong Heat Sources
Memory Foam is a heat-sensitive material – that's why it reacts to your individual body shape so perfectly. So, it's best to keep your memory foam mattresses away from strong heat emitters.
Retention of Heat
One of the most common complaints about memory foam mattresses is that they trap heat and become uncomfortably warm. Memory foam, particularly traditional memory foam, can become quite warm due to its design to respond to body heat and the density of the material.
Just like with jumping, you will want to avoid placing heavy objects on your memory foam mattress, especially when it's still breaking in. This is because the extra weight and pressure can cause your mattress to deteriorate faster than usual, which can reduce its lifespan overall.
Although memory foam is generally considered safe, it may pose a problem for certain people, such as those who suffer from allergies, asthma, or other respiratory conditions. Memory foam may also bother you if you are very sensitive to smells.
Hydrolysis causes the chemical breakdown of the polyurethane polymers; this results in the physical breakdown and degradation of the product. This phenomenon can occur over several years even when the foam product is stored away from a water source.
On average, a memory foam mattress lasts about 8 to 10 years, but it depends on a few factors. If you're wondering whether your mattress is still doing its job—or if it's time to upgrade—this guide will help.
Sun Exposure: Sunlight is a natural revitalizer for memory foam. Place your topper in direct sunlight for a few hours. The sun will help to evaporate any moisture trapped in the foam, which can be a cause of lumpiness.
According to Lysol's website, you can spray their disinfectant spray directly on your mattress. Take care not to oversaturate the area, which can cause long drying times. If you're spraying Lysol directly onto your mattress, make sure it is completely dry before reapplying your mattress protector and sheets.
Be careful with hydrogen peroxide.
It can damage foam or latex mattresses, so start with a little cleaning solution at first and make sure you only use as much as you actually need. Hydrogen peroxide can also discolor fabric, so make sure to avoid accidentally spraying the solution on bedding or carpet.
Acetone is a relatively non-polar solvent (as compared to water, which is highly polar), and Styrofoam is made from polystyrene and foam. Due to their similar polarities, acetone can dissolve the carbon-hydrogen bonds of Styrofoam.
Blot up as much liquid as possible with a clean cloth/paper towel. Apply baking soda to the affected area and leave it for at least 30 minutes. Vacuum the mattress using a clean upholstery attachment and let it air dry.
It has been previously reported that the main degradation paths for polyurethane foams are a combination of hydrolysis, thermal oxidation and/or photo-oxidation.
A8: As memory foam gets old, it tends to lose its elasticity and ability to bounce back to its original shape. This can lead to a decrease in comfort and support, as well as increased body aches and poor sleep quality.
Every night your memory foam mattress bears your body weight and adapts to your movements. Over time, the constant pressure starts to break down the foam layers, causing a visible sag. A bed is less likely to sag if it's 10 to 12 inches thick.
Memory foam is a sponge-like material that easily absorbs liquids. If the material becomes wet, this can damage its layers and create the ideal conditions for mould and mildew to develop. Using a waterproof mattress protector with a memory foam mattress is advisable to prevent liquids from penetrating the material.
3. You're using water to clean it. Memory foam is a very porous material, so you need to do your very best not to get it wet. If a memory foam mattress does get wet, then it's likely that it will lead to mold and mildew growth within the layers, which can be detrimental to your health.