Memory Foam vs. Polyurethane Foam

Memory Foam

Memory foam is a blend of polyurethane (a polymer made as a byproduct of petroleum refining) and additional chemicals that give the memory foam its low-resilience. It was originally developed by NASA in the 1970s for airplane cushioning and has since become one of the widest materials used in mattresses and pillows.

In plain English, what makes memory foam is its ability to contour to pressure and return to its original shape slowly after pressure is released. This process allows for it to react to pressure differently across its surface and provide a contoured, but aligned feeling for sleepers.

In mattresses, older or lower quality memory foam may sag from the repetitive pressure of laying or sitting. For this reason, those that are heavier should do additional research about soft memory foam bedding as they will sink more than alternatives and could lead to discomfort for some body types.

Lastly, over the recent years, there has been reports of off-gassing and toxic odors released from memory foam. Some lower quality or treated memory foam may have this problem and cause respiratory inflamation. It is important to make sure that memory foam is high quality.

Pros: Contouring comfort, competitive pricepoints, and widespread options.

Cons: Sagging and off-gassing problems with lower quality foams.

Polyurethane Foam

Polyurethane foam is a blanket term that includes any foam that is synthesized using polyol and diisocyanate. These include but are not limited to: memory foam, high resilience foam, and high density foam. Since polyurethane foam can contain additives, a manufacturer that comes up with a new formula can name the new foam whatever they like.

Many memory foam mattresses are a combination of polyurethane foams, layered from dense on the bottom to less dense on the surface layers.

Polyurethane is a synthetic blend of organic compounds and has a tendency to off-gas. If you are susceptible to lung issues, please do additional research on the quality of foams before purchasing.

Pros: Many different types of foams exist under the polyurethane umbrella -- some are excellent for bedding and offer different firmness varieties!

Cons: Off-gassing and durability problems with lower quality foams.

Learn More About Memory Foam

Learn More About Polyurethane Foam

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Material Scores

Overall Score:
Memory Foam: 9.3/10
Polyurethane Foam: 9.4/10

Comfort:
Memory Foam: 9.4/10
Polyurethane Foam: 9.4/10

Softness:
Memory Foam: 9.5/10
Polyurethane Foam: 9.5/10

Cooling:
Memory Foam: 8/10
Polyurethane Foam: 8/10

Hypoallergenic:
Memory Foam: 8.1/10
Polyurethane Foam: 8.1/10

No Odor:
Memory Foam: 8.4/10
Polyurethane Foam: 8.4/10

General Support:
Memory Foam: 8.7/10
Polyurethane Foam: 9.5/10

Eco-Conscious:
Memory Foam: 8.5/10
Polyurethane Foam: 8.5/10

Price Value:
Memory Foam: 9.4/10
Polyurethane Foam: 9.5/10