Memory foam in a mattress refers to a type of polyurethane foam designed to respond gradually to pressure and body heat. Instead of immediately springing back when you move, memory foam slowly conforms to the shape of your body before returning towards its original form.
Unlike the name suggests, memory foam does not literally “remember” a person. The term describes its ability to temporarily retain the shape created by pressure.
In a mattress, memory foam is often used as a comfort layer near the top of the mattress, while firmer foam layers or springs underneath provide additional support. CHOICE notes that many mattresses marketed as memory foam contain memory foam as only one layer rather than being made entirely from memory foam.
Memory foam responds to pressure and body heat.
When you lie down, the foam compresses beneath areas such as your shoulders, hips and other pressure points. As you move or get out of bed, the material gradually returns towards its original shape.
This creates the distinctive sensation of sinking slightly into the mattress rather than lying completely on top of it.
The degree of contouring depends on the density, thickness and formulation of the foam, as well as the other layers underneath it.
CHOICE describes memory foam as a lower-response form of polyurethane foam that contours around the body and gradually returns to its original form after pressure is removed.
Not exactly.
Both are forms of polyurethane foam, but they behave differently.
Standard polyurethane foam generally feels more responsive and returns to shape more quickly.
Memory foam is designed to respond more slowly and provide a deeper contouring sensation.
This distinction is important when shopping because a mattress labelled “foam” does not necessarily contain memory foam.
Some mattresses use several foam layers with different densities and characteristics.
One of the main attractions of memory foam is its ability to contour around the body.
Rather than providing the same response everywhere, it compresses more where greater pressure is applied.
The moulding effect can create a cushioned sensation around pressure points.
This is one reason memory foam is often associated with a comfortable, enveloping feel.
Memory foam generally feels less springy than traditional spring construction.
For some couples, this can make the sleeping surface feel more stable when one person moves.
Memory foam does not have to provide all the structural support of the mattress.
It can work together with firmer foam or pocket springs underneath, creating a layered construction with different functions.
If you prefer a mattress that feels as though it gently moulds around you, memory foam can be an appealing option.
Memory foam is not automatically better than every other mattress material.
Foam generally allows less airflow than spring construction.
CHOICE notes that foam mattresses can become warm because of limited air circulation, which can be particularly noticeable in hot climates.
For Australian bedrooms, particularly in warmer climates, temperature regulation is therefore worth considering.
Some people love the enveloping sensation of memory foam.
Others prefer a mattress with more bounce and responsiveness.
A deeper memory-foam feel can make changing position feel less immediate than on a responsive spring mattress.
Two mattresses can both advertise memory foam while feeling completely different.
Thickness, density, layering and the support core all influence the finished mattress.
This is why the words “memory foam” alone should not determine your purchase.
A typical memory foam mattress may contain several layers.
This is usually the layer responsible for the distinctive contouring feel.
A firmer foam layer may sit underneath the memory foam to provide a gradual transition between the softer top and the support structure.
The base may consist of high-resilience polyurethane foam or, in a hybrid design, pocket springs.
A removable or fixed textile cover surrounds the mattress and can influence its feel and appearance.
The exact construction varies considerably between manufacturers.
A memory foam hybrid mattress combines memory foam with a spring support system, usually pocket springs.
This creates a combination of:
CHOICE describes hybrid mattresses as combining elements of memory foam and spring mattresses.
For Australian sleepers who like the cushioning of memory foam but prefer a more responsive or breathable mattress, a hybrid can be worth considering.
It can be, particularly if you prefer a mattress that contours around the shoulders and hips.
However, there is no universal mattress material that is best for every side sleeper.
CHOICE's current guidance emphasises that mattress comfort is subjective. It broadly suggests that side sleepers may prefer softer support, while back sleepers may prefer medium support and stomach sleepers firmer support.
Your body shape, weight, sleeping position and personal preference all influence the right firmness.
| Feature | Memory Foam | Spring |
|---|---|---|
| Feel | Contouring | More responsive |
| Bounce | Low | Moderate to high |
| Body moulding | Stronger | Generally less |
| Airflow | Can be more limited | Usually better |
| Movement | More gradual | More responsive |
| Construction | Foam layers | Coil system |
| Temperature | Can feel warmer | Often cooler |
| Best for | Those who enjoy cushioning | Those who prefer bounce |
Neither construction is automatically superior.
CHOICE's testing shows that support and comfort depend on much more than simply whether a mattress uses foam or springs.
Memory foam mattresses are available in the same common Australian sizes as other mattress types.
| Size | Approx. Australian Dimensions |
|---|---|
| Single | 92 × 187 cm |
| Long Single | 92 × 203 cm |
| King Single | 106 × 203 cm |
| Double | 137 × 187 cm |
| Queen | 153 × 203 cm |
| King | 183 × 203 cm |
Exact dimensions can vary between manufacturers, so check the specifications before purchasing a bed frame, fitted sheet or mattress protector.
Think about whether you mainly sleep on your side, back or stomach.
Your preferred firmness should provide comfortable support without creating uncomfortable pressure.
Don't focus only on the phrase “memory foam”.
Look at:
If you tend to sleep warm, investigate the mattress's overall breathability rather than assuming a particular marketing feature will keep you cool.
Check that your chosen mattress is compatible with your existing bed frame or base.
If buying in store, spend enough time lying on the mattress in your normal sleeping position.
If buying online, check whether a genuine home trial is available and understand the return conditions.
CHOICE's 2026 guidance recommends taking your time when testing mattresses because a few seconds on a showroom model may not reveal how comfortable it will be overnight.
Memory foam can work beautifully in Australian bedrooms, but temperature should be part of the decision.
Foam construction generally provides less airflow than spring construction, and CHOICE notes that foam mattresses can feel warmer, particularly in hot climates.
If you sleep warm, consider:
There is no single lifespan that applies to every memory foam mattress.
Durability depends on construction, materials, usage, sleeper weight, environmental conditions and overall quality.
CHOICE tests mattresses for durability, including how well they retain support over simulated long-term use. Its current testing considers performance over the equivalent of around eight years.
Instead of relying solely on a manufacturer's claimed lifespan, consider the warranty, construction and independent testing where available.
Manufacturers are increasingly using several foam layers rather than relying on one material throughout the mattress.
Memory foam paired with pocket springs offers a balance between contouring and responsiveness.
Cooling and breathability remain important considerations for Australian sleepers.
Some mattress-in-a-box products now allow sleepers to alter firmness through removable or interchangeable foam layers.
Home trials remain an important part of online mattress shopping, particularly because comfort is difficult to judge from specifications alone.
CHOICE's 2026 mattress testing continues to highlight that individual mattress performance can vary considerably, even within the same brand.
| Benefit | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Contouring | Moulds around pressure areas |
| Cushioned feel | Creates a softer, enveloping sensation |
| Low bounce | Less springy than traditional coils |
| Layering | Can work with firmer support materials |
| Variety | Available in foam and hybrid designs |
| Home delivery | Many options are available as mattress-in-a-box |
| Personal choice | Different densities and constructions create different feels |
At House of Isabella Australia, we believe a mattress should be chosen around comfort, support and the way you actually sleep, rather than simply selecting the most heavily marketed material.
If you love a moulding, cushioned feel, memory foam can be an excellent option. If you prefer more bounce or sleep warm, a pocket-spring or memory-foam hybrid may be worth considering.
Once you've chosen the mattress, complete the bedroom with breathable bedding, a quality mattress protector, soft lighting, a comfortable bed frame and carefully selected bedside furniture.
House of Isabella Australia offers Afterpay and Zip, fast Australia-wide delivery, East and West Coast warehouses, a large in-stock catalogue, exclusive and unique designs, and Australian-based customer care.
Memory foam is a type of polyurethane foam that responds gradually to pressure and body heat, contouring around the body before slowly returning towards its original shape.
It can be. Memory foam provides a distinctive contouring and cushioned feel, but whether it is suitable depends on your preferred firmness, sleeping position, temperature preferences and the mattress's complete construction.
It can. Foam generally has less airflow than spring construction, and CHOICE notes that foam mattresses can feel warmer, particularly in hot climates.
Not necessarily. CHOICE's testing indicates that comfort and support depend on the complete mattress construction rather than simply whether it uses foam or springs.
A memory foam hybrid combines memory foam comfort layers with a spring support system, commonly pocket springs. It aims to combine contouring with greater responsiveness and potentially better airflow than an all-foam mattress.
Memory foam in a mattress is all about creating a distinctive, cushioned sleeping experience that responds to your body rather than simply supporting you from underneath.
For some sleepers, that gentle contouring feels wonderfully comfortable. For others, a more responsive spring or hybrid mattress may be preferable.
The best choice is ultimately the one that provides the right balance of comfort, support, temperature and personal preference — creating a bedroom where every night's rest feels considered.
Mentions of brands such as Florabelle, Gallery Home, Café Lighting & Living, Zaffero, Emac & Lawton and others are included purely for descriptive and contextual purposes. House of Isabella Australia is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or associated with these brands. All trademarks remain the property of their respective owners.
Disclaimer: All trademarks, brand names and product names mentioned on this website are the property of their respective owners. Any references are made for identification, informational or comparative purposes only, and do not imply any affiliation, endorsement, sponsorship or authorisation.
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