What Are Memory Foam Mattresses Made Of? A Simple FAQ Guide

If you’re wondering “What Are Memory Foam Mattresses Made Of”, you’re likely trying to understand what’s inside the mattress you sleep on and how safe, durable, and comfortable those materials are. This FAQ-style guide walks through the main components, how they work, and what to look for when comparing options.

What exactly is memory foam?

Memory foam is a type of polyurethane foam that’s been engineered to respond slowly to pressure and heat. It was originally developed to provide cushioning and pressure absorption, and it’s now widely used in mattresses, pillows, and mattress toppers.

The key difference from regular foam is the addition of special chemicals (called additives or “viscoelastic” agents) that change the way the foam behaves. These additives give memory foam its:

Slow “sink-in” feel
Body-contouring response
Ability to gradually return to shape

What are memory foam mattresses made of at the core?

Most memory foam mattresses are layered constructions, not just one block of foam. When people ask “What Are Memory Foam Mattresses Made Of”, they’re usually asking about these layers and materials.

1. Comfort (top) layer

This is the memory foam layer you feel directly under your body. It’s usually made from:

Viscoelastic polyurethane foam (classic memory foam)
Sometimes gel-infused memory foam (gel beads or swirls mixed into the foam)
Sometimes open-cell memory foam (foam with a more breathable structure)

These comfort layers are designed to:

Contour to your body
Reduce pressure on heavier areas like hips and shoulders
Provide the “hugging” sensation many people associate with memory foam

2. Transition layer (optional)

Many memory foam mattresses include a transition foam layer beneath the comfort layer. This is often a slightly firmer polyurethane foam that:

Prevents you from sinking too deeply
Creates a smoother shift between soft comfort foam and firm support foam
Helps balance pressure relief and support

3. Support (base) layer

The base is usually a high-density polyurethane foam core. It:

Provides structural support
Helps the mattress keep its shape over time
Affects how firm the mattress feels overall

Even though the base is not technically “memory foam,” it’s still a type of polyfoam and a major part of what memory foam mattresses are made of.

Are there other materials inside a memory foam mattress?

Yes. Besides foam layers, memory foam mattresses usually include:

Fabric cover: Often polyester, cotton, a blend, or a stretch-knit textile. Some covers include quilting with thin foam or fiber for added softness.
Fire barrier: Mattresses must meet flammability standards. The barrier is often made from inherently fire-resistant fibers (such as certain treated rayon or other specialized fibers), fabric blends, or other non-foam materials.
Adhesives: Thin layers of foam-safe glue may be used to hold layers together.

None of these are typically visible once the mattress is finished, but they are part of what a memory foam mattress is made of.

What about “gel,” “cooling,” or “plant-based” memory foam?

You may see many variations when exploring What Are Memory Foam Mattresses Made Of. These usually start with standard polyurethane-based memory foam and add different features:

Gel memory foam

Contains gel beads, swirls, or particles mixed into the foam
Aims to change the feel and sometimes the temperature experience of the foam
Still fundamentally viscoelastic polyurethane foam

Cooling or “open-cell” memory foam

Designed with a more breathable cell structure
May include air channels, perforations, or special formulations
Intended to feel less heat-retentive than older, denser foams

“Plant-based” or bio-based memory foam

Replaces a portion of the traditional petroleum-based ingredients with oils derived from plants (such as soy or other plant sources)
Still primarily polyurethane foam, but with a modified formula
Emphasizes material sources more than a completely different foam type

Are memory foam mattresses made with springs or coils?

Most all-foam memory foam mattresses do not use springs at all. However, some mattresses combine memory foam with a coil support system. These are often called hybrid mattresses.

In hybrids:

The top layers are usually memory foam and transition foam
The support core is a system of metal coils or springs
The materials list will include both foam and steel components

If you want only foam, look for “all-foam memory foam mattress.”

Are the materials in memory foam mattresses safe?

Memory foam mattresses are typically made from synthetic foams and textile components that must meet safety and flammability regulations in many regions. Common consumer considerations include:

Off-gassing odor: New foam products may have a “new mattress smell” when first unpacked. This usually fades over time with ventilation.
Certifications (if mentioned by a manufacturer): These can relate to emissions or material content, but each certification has its own standards.

Because individual sensitivities vary, some shoppers prefer to review material descriptions, ask about foam density and composition, and ensure the mattress meets recognized safety and emissions standards appropriate to their region.

What should I look for in memory foam materials?

When comparing what different memory foam mattresses are made of, it can help to focus on a few key points:

Foam density in comfort and support layers (often linked to feel and durability)
Number and function of layers (comfort, transition, support)
Cover material (breathability, feel against the skin)
Any special formulations (gel, open-cell, plant-based components)

✔️ Quick Mattress Takeaways

Key points consumers should understand about “What Are Memory Foam Mattresses Made Of”

Core material: Memory foam is primarily viscoelastic polyurethane foam with added agents that create its slow-response, contouring feel.
Multi-layer design: Most mattresses include memory foam comfort layers, optional transition foams, and a high-density polyfoam base.
Extra features: Gel, open-cell structures, or partial plant-based ingredients are variations on standard memory foam, not entirely different materials.
Other components: Fabric covers, fire barriers, and adhesives are also part of the build, even if you don’t see them.
All-foam vs. hybrid: All-foam memory foam mattresses rely solely on foam layers, while hybrids pair memory foam on top of a coil system.
Material questions: Comparing foam density, layer construction, and cover fabric can help you understand how a memory foam mattress may feel and perform over time.

Understanding What Are Memory Foam Mattresses Made Of makes it easier to read mattress specs, set realistic expectations for feel and durability, and choose a construction that matches your comfort preferences.