Are they the same thing, and electric blanket and electric mattress pad, while they accomplish the same thing don’t do so in the same way. While an electric blanket goes over us, a mattress pad goes on top of our mattress underneath us.

Generally because heat rises an electric mattress pad will keep you warmer on cold nights then an electric blanket. Because the heat from the blanket continually is moving away from our bodies underneath the blanket. While the electric mattress pad releases heat that rises through us from below. This makes an electric heated mattress pad more efficient using less energy to heat us up.

The Electric Mattress Pad is also Therapeutic

A great way not only to keep warm, but an electric mattress pad is an excellent way to help us relax. Lower back, legs, and arms all benefit from the application of heat. If you suffer from arthritis then you’ll enjoy laying on top of a heated mattress pad, the temporary relief it provides can help you fall asleep on nights when you’re suffering.

Approximately 90% of the heat an electric blanket releases is lost rising up. While an electric mattress pad the heat once it’s released is still rising up, because you’re lying on top of the mattress pad you enjoy the heat rising though your joints and muscles. Your mattress will also maintain more heat, reducing the length of time the electric mattress pad needs to be on.

Other Benefits

Other benefits of an electric mattress pad are less wires to become tangled in while sleeping, and no lumpy blankets on top of you. if you’re an active sleeper that moves around a lot you might find that the wires from a heating pad or electric blanket can become tangled in your feet over night. Using a heated mattress pad removes this annoyance.

The heat that is produced by an electric mattress pad ensures you stay warmer longer. Often you won’t require your heated mattress pad to be left on for long because once your warm you can stay underneath your blankets.

Since it’s inception in the 1970’s by NASA as a material to help astronauts deal with eh G-force in the space shuttle it’s applications have been broad. The down fall was that NASA never did use Memory foam, and it sat dormant until the 1990’s when mattress manufacturers decided to do something with it. Today we have several brands to consider, and a variety of price ranges which calls for a Memory foam mattress review to help make your buying decision as easy as possible.

While many companies will review mattresses for you, the real memory foam mattress review needs to come from you, by testing out several brands and style to know what it is you’ll like best. No two people seem to enjoy the same level of firmness or softness so personal preference is big when it comes to a foam mattress review.

Short History on Memory Foam

The first manufacturer to introduce the memory foam mattress was Tempur-Pedic. They took NASA’s idea of memory foam and created their own brand of the material known as Tempur. The version that they produced became a much more reliable and table form of the foam in which to manufacturer mattresses from.

Initially Tempur was created to be used in the health care sector, how ever as Tempur-Pedic saw the potential for growth in the product it didn’t take long before a memory foam mattress was competing for market share in the spring mattress market. Memory foam mattress reviews were done by tempur, and there product prevailed as the preferred brand in this emerging market, and still is today.

All Foams are not Created Equal

Competition in the memory foam mattress market has grown immensely over the last several years. There have been expensive and cheap alternatives to the initial tempur product, using various forms of memory foam.

What to consider in a memory foam mattress review is the density of the foam. Generally when purchasing a mattress from a department store the density of the foam is less. This causes the material to not maintain shape for a long period of time. Resulting in discomfort while sleeping.

A good quality foam is a four pound density, in comparison the Tempur foam is approximately 5.3 pounds which is a high end density rating but of course it all comes with a price.

Fillers is another thing to consider in memory foam mattress reviews. Often times manufacturers are using fillers in their mattresses, this means it’s less expensive to manufacture how ever it’s not 100% memory foam so the longevity of the mattress will be less.

When reviewing a memory foam mattress have an understanding of the base foam in the mattress. Some mattresses will use a firm foam, which in turn makes the whole mattress firmer. Know what it is you’re looking for before you go in the store. If you want something softer then be sure to make that known. Also be sure to test multiple mattresses, by laying on them, in different positions. It’s the only real way to get a great feel for the mattress you could be sleeping on for the next five, ten even twenty years.

Originating in Japan the futon has been tweaked into a couch and bed combo here in the Western world. The mattress on our version of the futon is quite a bit thicker then those used in Japan, but I guess we enjoy the increased comfort. Another reason we opt for a thicker futon mattress is that we use slatted frames. With a thinner mattress it’s likely we could feel the slats while sleeping.

A futon is ideally either a space saving or money saving purchase. So finding the right futon mattress for you often depends on your mattress, and how often you plan on using your futon. For example if you’re using your futon as your primary bed every night the quality of the mattress should be seriously considered. While if you’re using your futon as a couch and rely as a bed you can skimp a bit more on the mattress. Knowing the use for your futon will determine which futon mattress you should be considering.

Coil Innerspring Mattresses

The most expensive of available futon mattresses is a coil innerspring mattress. Unlike a sofabed mattress that is filled with a polyester this mattress has coils individually pocketed for comfort and ease of flexibility. This is the best futon mattress option if you’re converting your futon from a couch to a bed daily. If your futon is your primary bed then this is the best option for longevity and comfort.

Blended and Layered Mattresses

When you think of a futon mattress this is likely what you’re familiar with. It’s the middle of the road price point, and they vary in thickness and layers. The filling might be cotton, foam or polyester. Foam is the easiest material to conform and shape, not to mention fold when you’re converting your futon from a bed to a couch. The selling factor of these mattresses is often their thickness which will vary from 5 to 11 inches. If this isn’t going to be the primary bed in your home or apartment but it will get regular use this is a good option.

Economy Mattresses

Easy on your wallet, but likely not so easy on your back. This futon mattress will be filled with a combination of cotton and polyester. Generally when you purchase an inexpensive futon set this is the type of mattress you’ll get. Usually it’s ideal to spend the extra and purchase a thicker layered mattress upfront. You’ll be thankful you did after only a couple of nights trying to sleep on it. These cheaper mattresses will be firmer, and much less comfortable. How ever if your futon is for the occasional visitor, or in a secondary family room or play room this could be a good economical choice.

Knowing the use for your futon will help you decide which futon mattress will suit you best. Of course budget dictates a lot but remember a cheap mattress isn’t worth anything if you wake up sore every morning.