While memory foam was developed for NASA in the 1970's, it didn't hit the consumer market until the early 1990's - first as memory foam mattress topper pads, and later used in memory foam mattresses. It also used a lot in shoe industry. Memory foam insoles are more and more popular now in sports shoes.

Since then, memory foam mattresses have become the fastest growing segment in the mattress industry. With every year,you see more and more companies selling memory foam mattresses and topper pads,and it is very difficult, even for those of us in the industry, to keep up with all the new memory foam products being introduced. What is a consumer to do?

There are 3 main types of memory foam. If you’re new to memory foam mattresses and you’ve been having a look through some of the reviews I have for you on my website, I can forgive you for not quite understanding what different types there are and what benefits they offer.

1. Traditional Memory Foam

This type first started to take hold of the market in the mid 1990’s and for good reason. Unlike a spring mattress,traditional memory foam has been designed so your body is cradled while yousleep. What this does is helps to increase blood circulation and reduces the amount of stress you get on various joints across the body while you sleep.

Another benefit worth knowing if you're changing from a spring mattress is those that are made from memory foam are anti-microbial. This reduces the number of dust mites and other bugs that can make allergies flare-up. In fact, it makes for a much healthier sleeping environment all round.

Motion transfer is something else to think about. If you sleep next to someone who is constantly tossing and turning (or indeed, if you are that person), traditional memory foam will stop this from happening. Lastly, a traditional memory foam mattress will last much longer than a spring type because of the materials used and the way it’s constructed.

2. Air Cool Memory Foam

One of the biggest complaints about memory foam mattresses is the amount of heat they can produce. This is because lots of models have been designed so they react to your body temperature. When this happens, the material softens which is why you get such great support from them. In fact, you could say it’s a little like sleeping on air.

Manufacturers have listened to their customers, and you can now buy air cool memory foam. If you opt for a mattress that includes this technology, it will respond to your body temperature much quicker and will channel the warmth out. This eliminates the issue with additional heat and makes for a cooler night’s sleep. Some models also use what's called open cell technology which helps to distribute heat more evenly.

3. Gel Memory Foam 

Just like traditional memory foam, gel technology will help stop motion transfer when people sleep in the same bed and will cradle the pressure points over your body. Gel foam is also anti-microbial so you can keep those allergies at bay.

However, it is different in that unlike traditional foam, this technology is often infused with the same sort of gel that's used in sports equipment or shoe inserts. This makes it one of the best memory foams on the market in terms of support. In fact, it’s ideal for those of you who suffer medium to severe aches and pains due to poor posture when you sleep.

It’s also more durable than traditional foam which means manufacturers can offer better warranties. Do bear in mind however, that due to the support gel foam offers, it will feel firmer than traditional memory foam.