Reflex Foam - What is this?

Reflex foam is name given to a type of medium-firm high density polyurethane foam. It is often used in orthopaedic mattresses and is considered by some to be a cheaper alternative to memory foam. Although it shares the same ‘spring back into shape’ characteristic of memory foam – hence the ‘reflex’ name - but essentially it’s important to distinguish the difference between the two materials as they are by no means the same product.

The average memory foam mattress has millions of tiny holes, and air escapes from these as the mattress foam moulds around the body. This action is activated by pressure and body heat, and results in a foam mattress that offers total independent support without pressure points.

Reflex foam, like memory foam, is also high density, but is constructed in a different way with larger bubbles. When pressure is applied to the bubbles, they act in a similar way to water in a balloon – the air does not escape, and is just displaced ‘sideways’. Once pressure is relieved, the bubbles spring back into shape and the mattress regains its shape.

It’s for this reason that the reflex foam mattress is popular as an orthopaedic mattress, as it offers a firm but comfortable mattress option.

Memory Foam - What is this?

Memory foam is polyurethane with additional chemicals increasing its viscosity and density. It is often referred to as "visco-elastic" polyurethane foam.

• Perfect for everyone - Whether you sleep on your back, stomach or side, memory foam mattresses are perfect for you. Memory foam moulds, contours and cradles every part of your body allowing you to get into your most comfortable position naturally.

• Won't disturb your partner - Memory foam mattresses contour to your body's exact contours, and your partners. If you get up at night your partners portion of the bed remains undisturbed. 

• Chiropractic support - Memory foam mattresses support every part of your body, evenly and individually. This allows the spine to stay in a natural position. A memory foam mattress reduces pressure points on your spine and assists in reducing tossing and turning at night.

• Hypoallergenic - Foam mattresses are great for allergy sufferers. Memory foam is hypoallergenic. 

• No Flip Styling - Foam mattresses don't sag like conventional mattresses. You will never need to flip or turn a memory foam mattress.

• NASA Developed - Memory foam was developed by NASA to reduce G-Forces on astronauts during take off and to improve the safety of aircraft cushions. Memory foam mattresses prove to be the best sleep systems modern technology can offer. 

• Comfort and luxury - Memory foam mattresses create a sleeping experience where you are cradled in comfort and luxury, while providing you the best nights sleep. Just ask anyone who has one!

• No more dust mites - Most beds and mattresses are great environments for dust mites. A memory foam mattress is naturally resistant to dust mites and is naturally anti microbial. 

• Recommended by thousands of health professionals - Thousands of doctors, chiropractors and physical therapists recommend memory foam mattresses for their patients. Many patients report deeper sleep, less tossing and turning and diminished pain.

• Memory Foam moulds to your body - Memory foam mattresses mould perfectly to your body shape reducing pressure on your neck spine and all other joints. You will experience greater comfort helping you to sleep for longer and promotes a straighter spinal position whilst sleeping. 

Simple way to choose your mattress

Choosing the correct mattress is an extremely difficult task, especially when you are bombarded by terminology, eg, reflex foam, pocket springs, bonnel springs, visco foam, etc. Trying to choose the one best for your needs is especially hard when you don't understand what these words mean.
I am going to try to help you make sense of these terms and also explain to you a simple way to test whether a mattress is offering you the support you need for a peaceful nights sleep.

Choosing the correct mattress firmness rating

The only proper way to test a mattress is to lie on it - preferably on both your back and side. To test how well the mattress supports the spine when lying on your back, place your hand in the small of your back.

hover over the images to see the spinal alignment:


If when you lay on your back on the mattress with your hand under the small of your back there it is not enough room for your hand, it's squished and tight to remove, this mattress is too soft for you. Also check your spinal alignment, maybe best you ask someone else who can see you better. (Best take a friend or partner with you!)


If when you lay on your back on the mattress and you put your hand under the small of your back and there's lots of room to move your hand around, this mattress is too firm for you.


If when you do the test on a mattress and it is a snug fit but easy to remove your hand then this mattress is offering you the correct support, you are getting the best benefit from the springs, but don't forget to check from your side also to make sure it is keeping your spine nice and straight.