Differences between Memory Foam and Reflex Foam

Memory Foam

Memory Foam is the revolutionary Open Cell Foam, developed in 1970 by an aeronautical engineer as part of a research project started in 1969 by NASA, it was aimed at providing better passenger impact protection and comfort during long commercial airline flights. This was the driving force behind the development of the unique cushioning material. Memory foam conforms and moulds to the curves of your body through body heat, simulating a flotation effect. The average memory foam mattress has millions of tiny holes, and air escapes from these as the 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.

Benefits of our memory foam mattress toppers:

  • temperature sensitive material that reacts to body heat
  • helps to keep your spine aligned
  • relieves pressure on joints
  • no need to turn
  • hypoallergenic and dust mite resistant

Reflex Foam

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

Benefits of a reflex foam mattress topper:

  • firm orthopaedic feel
  • cheaper than memory foam
  • helps to keep spine aligned
  • no need to turn
  • dust mite resistant

The main difference in feel you'll find with a reflex foam mattress topper, is that you don't experience that 'sinking' like feeling you do with memory foam. However, it still has that 'bounce back' (Reflex) quality.