Can I wash my cold foam mattress?

You can wash most foam mattresses, even though it may not necessarily be recommended. Most mattresses come with a removable and washable cover, which will protect your mattress from dirt and stains. This is also great for hygienic purposes and allergy sufferers. You can also purchase a mattress protector to protect your mattress further.

Are cold foam mattresses safe to use?

You'll find low-quality and high-quality foam mattresses on the market. While indicators like density and rebound rate can determine the quality of the mattress itself, you'll need to rely on external certifications to verify the safety of a bed. We'd recommend always using a brand that uses OEKO-TEX-certified foams, as this ensures they are free from harmful chemicals and toxins.

Best Cold Foam Mattresses In India (2022)

Written by Nicky

Last updated: 21.06.2022 6.5 Min.

Cold foam mattresses are among the most popular mattresses in the world.

As the name suggests, they contain a layer of cold foam. This cold foam is created by first heating up polyurethane foam (polyfoam) and then cooling it down to room temperature.

The flexibility, durability, and high elasticity of cold foam make it an excellent choice for various sleepers.

However, is it a good choice for you?

Let’s find out.

Advantages

Precisely adjusts to your body shape.
Suitable for all age groups.
Suitable for all sleeping positions.
They're a good choice for restless sleepers.
Great for people who feel cold at night as it allows for a warmer sleep.
Many cold foam mattresses have comfort zones.
Provides the same support as orthopaedic mattresses, rendering it an excellent fit for people with back pain.
As firmer mattresses, they're a great fit for people of heavier bodyweight.
Cold foam is extremely lightweight, making for better logistics.
It is noiseless and has low motion transfer, making it a suitable choice for couples.
Dust mites have difficulty surviving in cold foam mattresses, making this a great option for allergy sufferers.
Hypoallergenic.
They are sturdy mattresses with a long lifespan.
They can be placed on adjustable and rigid slats.
Great value for money.

Disadvantages

They allow for a warmer sleep, meaning they're not a good fit for people who sweat in their sleep.
Off-gassing is a common phenomenon.
If you’re looking for organic and natural materials, then this is not for you.
The firmness level may not be consistent.
There are a lot of low-quality mattresses available on the market. When buying a cold foam mattress, ensure that the foam density is not below 40 kg/m3.

What is inside a cold foam mattress?

There are various types of cold foam mattresses available.

A few of them are made of pure cold foam and don’t have any other foam types.

Others combine a few different foam layers, such as memory foam, gel foam, or latex foam.

The zones of a cold foam mattress

A few cold foam mattresses are divided into comfort zones.

These zones help give the body the support it needs, aid comfort, and ease any tension on the back.

Separate zones correspond to and support different pressure spots.

Your body ought to be aligned throughout your sleep.

For this, you need to sink into the mattress deeper at some key areas and less at others.

This ensures maximum comfort and is especially important for side sleepers.

Mattresses usually have 3, 5, 7, or 9 comfort zones.

Zones are usually placed in the abdomen, back, skull, and foot areas.

The zone number will always be odd.

This is because of the mattress's mirror image structure, ensuring that your body is always supported perfectly, no matter how or in what position you lie in.

Should you choose a cold foam mattress?

Cold foam is suitable for most people, no matter their body size or sleeping position.

Cold foam mattresses are generally firmer mattresses.

That said, there are still different levels of firmness available, and you would have to choose the one you most prefer.

A good choice if you have back pain

People with back and neck complaints usually opt for cold foam as they come with inbuilt comfort zones.

Cold foam also has great point elasticity, which reduces pressure points and allows for restful sleep.

Great for couples

Cold foam mattresses are suitable for couples as they isolate motion well, meaning that movements won't travel through the bed.

This motion isolation ensures that your sleep remains disturbance-free.

A firmer choice

Cold foam mattresses are generally firmer, especially when compared to the bounce of spring mattresses.

If you’re looking for a bouncy mattress, then cold foam is probably not for you.

What to look for in a cold foam mattress

When searching for a cold foam mattress, you need to keep in mind that not all cold foam mattresses are good.

There are some low-quality, uncomfortable options out there as well.

Consider the following.

1. Foam density

Density is a good indicator of quality.

The density of a mattress refers to the quantity of polyurethane that has been converted into foam to produce one cubic metre.

Generally, higher-density mattresses are of better quality.

Always look for a high-density polyurethane foam mattress.

You can use the below table as a rough guide.

Density in kg/m³	Expected lifespan
Up to 25	Up to 2 years
30	Up to 3 years
35	5 - 6 years
40	6 - 8 years
50 - 60	10 years and more

2. Delivery options and return period

To enjoy a hassle-free purchase without risks, ascertain that the seller provides the following:

Free delivery.
No-strings-attached trial period.
Free returns.

A generally stipulated trial period for most brands is between 30 - 100 days, but some brands provide a more extended period.

It usually takes a few weeks for the body to adapt to a new mattress. So, you should have enough time to assess the bed.

An extended trial period helps you judge the mattress better.

If at any point during the trial period you feel that the mattress is not a good fit, you can return it free of charge for a full refund.

3. Mattress rebound rate

The mattress rebound rate refers to how fast the mattress returns to its initial form after being compressed.

The greater the rebound rate, the faster it’ll return to its original shape.

The rebound rate is a good indicator of whether the mattress will fit heavyweight people and restless sleepers.

It also indicates whether the mattress is susceptible to dents.

You should always be able to move around freely on a mattress while receiving adequate support and stability.

Emma mattress sinkage

Kneeling on the Emma mattress

Selecting the appropriate cold foam mattress size

Selecting an appropriate size is an essential factor.

This factor varies according to your requirements, bed size, bedroom size, and whether you’re sleeping alone or with a partner.

You can buy cold foam mattresses in every size, but custom sizes may only be available with some select brands.

The standard sizes in India include:

Single mattresses sized 72” x 36” (183 x 90 cm)
Double mattresses sized 72” x 48” (183 x 120 cm)
Queen mattresses sized 72” x 60” (183 x 150 cm)
King mattresses sized 72” x 72” (183 x 183 cm)

A single mattress is a preferred choice, especially for people sleeping alone.

Couples should choose a double mattress, ensuring both partners have enough space for a comfortable night’s sleep.

Of course, couples can also choose larger mattresses for greater comfort.

You can refer to our mattress size guide for more information.

Indian Mattress Sizes

Finding the right bed frame

You should select the right slatted bed frame to enhance the benefits of your cold foam mattress.

Here are some factors to consider.

Consider zoning

We would advise that you buy a slatted frame with similar divisions as the comfort zones in your cold foam mattress.

For example, if you have a 7-zone cold foam mattress, you should also buy a 7-zone slatted frame.

Using a similar frame will increase comfort by helping your shoulders and abdomen sink in deeper, which keeps your body and spine in a straight alignment.

Slatted frames with adjustable height

Cold foam mattresses adapt very well, which is why we’d recommend choosing a slatted frame that’s height-adjustable.

Not only do adjustable head and foot sections increase overall comfort and stability, but they also help with blood flow and breathing.

This is especially important for seniors.

While a height-adjustable frame is preferable, cold foam mattresses can also be placed on rigid slats.

Slat distance

Make sure that the space between slats does not exceed 5 cm.

What is off-gassing?

You may notice an initial chemical smell - off-gassing - when you purchase a new cold foam mattress.

Off-gassing is a fairly common phenomenon, completely harmless and non-toxic, caused due to the production process.

But you may find the smell a bit off-putting.

We would advise that you unpack your mattress in a room with ample ventilation and let it breathe.

The smell usually disappears quite quickly.

Alternatives to cold foam mattresses

Most mattresses have at least one layer of cold foam.

But if you don’t find pure cold foam mattresses comfortable, you may consider one of the following options instead.

Memory foam mattresses

Memory, or viscoelastic, foam shares many features with cold foam mattresses, but its memory imprint further characterises it.

As we increase pressure on the mattress, it softens and lets the body sink in.

The mattress takes the shape of the body, making sure it adapts perfectly and maximising comfort.

Memory foam mattresses also have excellent pressure relief abilities, making them useful for orthopaedic purposes.

Despite the comfort, the memory effect can cause difficulty when changing your position while lying down.

This makes memory foam mattresses unsuitable for restless sleepers.

Testing memory foam

Memory foam imprint

Innerspring mattresses

Do you prefer firmer mattresses? Then an innerspring mattress may be more suitable for you - they provide a more stable and supportive feel.

The base is made of coils or springs, which can hold separate loads, enabling the mattress to adjust much better to the body and relieving pressure points.

Innerspring mattresses are also naturally ventilated as the spacing between the springs provides room for breathability.

Greater airflow allows for a cooler sleep.

Quality is critical in a spring mattress.

Low-quality spring mattresses tend to wear out quickly and form dents. This can cause - or worsen - back pain.

Higher-quality spring mattresses include pocket spring mattresses and barrel pocket spring mattresses.

Hybrid mattresses, which consist of springs and quality foam, are a good option as well.

Pocket springs

Latex mattresses

Restless sleepers and those who like a cooler sleep can explore the latex mattress option.

They come with great features like flexibility, ventilation, and superior comfort.

Natural latex mattresses are also an organic option, making them a good match for people who prefer organic and environmentally-friendly products.

The only downside to latex mattresses is that they are heavy, more expensive, and require regular cleaning.

Latex foam layer

Latex foam

Gel foam mattresses

Gel foam mattresses offer good ventilation, comfort, and flexibility.

Gel foam is known for its snuggly feel and is common as the first comfort layer in mattresses that combine various foam layers.

Gel foam

gel foam mattress topper

Conclusion

Cold foam is mainly used as the critical base layer, together with other materials, to make up a mattress.

It provides all-round stability and support.

You can also find numerous cold foam mattress toppers, which add stability.

But there are a few pure cold foam mattresses available too.

At times, cold foam is zoned to provide maximal vertebral support, which allows the body to relax fully and eliminates back pain.

People who struggle with back pain should opt for zoned cold foam mattresses, which will give them an optimum sleeping experience.

Frequently asked questions

Can I wash my cold foam mattress?

You can wash most foam mattresses, even though it may not necessarily be recommended.

Most mattresses come with a removable and washable cover, which will protect your mattress from dirt and stains.

This is also great for hygienic purposes and allergy sufferers.

You can also purchase a mattress protector to protect your mattress further.
Are cold foam mattresses safe to use?

You'll find low-quality and high-quality foam mattresses on the market.

While indicators like density and rebound rate can determine the quality of the mattress itself, you'll need to rely on external certifications to verify the safety of a bed.

We'd recommend always using a brand that uses OEKO-TEX-certified foams, as this ensures they are free from harmful chemicals and toxins.

Nicky

My mum calls me "bear" because I like to sleep so much. I never knew that, one day, that would be a very useful skill. Can you tell that I've found my calling?

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