High Density Memory Foam

The cut-off density value that separates high density memory foam from low density memory foam seems to generally be around 5 pounds per cubic foot (PCF).

Any memory foam mattress with a density value of 5 and above falls into the category of high density. Compared to low density memory foam, high density memory foam has smaller cells which results in a greater number of cells. As you lay on the mattress the air in the cells are spread to adjoining cells at a slower rate. This also results in a more durable mattress that will last longer than a low density mattress and resist the tendency to sag.

This density value can be confirmed by the consumer with two commonly available tools in a household. A bathroom scale and a tape measure.

High Density Memory Foam – how to measure density yourself

Since I put my memory foam mattress together with four separate pieces of foam material: two pieces of conventional foam for the base and two pieces of memory foam layers for the top, I was able to confirm the density value of the memory foam layers. Being able to confirm the memory foam density is just one advantage of putting it together yourself. When I finally determined the density value boy was I shocked. Below is exactly how I determine the density and my results.

1. Using a tape measure I measured the dimensions of the high density Queen size memory foam  ayer. It measured 60″x80″x3″ and was supposed to have a density value of 5.5 PCF.

The dimensions were first converted to cubic feet as follows,

60″x80″x3″ = 14,400 cubic inches. And since one cubic foot equals 1,728 cubic inches (12″x12″x12″ = 1,728 cubic inches), the cubic feet of the layer is,

14,400/1,728 = 8.33 cubic feet.

2. I then weighed the memory foam as follows,

I weighed first just myself on the bathroom scale, 165 pounds. Then while holding the memory foam I weighed both myself and the foam, 198 pounds.

The memory foam layer itself weighed: 198 – 165 = 33 pounds.

3. Now just a simple division is required,

33 pounds / 8.33 cubic feet = 3.96 PCF and NOT 5.5 PCF!

High Density Memory Foam – conclusions

I clearly did not receive what I payed for. The company either tried to pass off an inferior product in the hopes I would not know better or they just did not know what they were doing when it came to memory foam. When I contacted them and informed them of my findings they quickly apologized and replaced the memory foam and paid for the return shipping. So be warned, cheap knock-offs do exist out there.