You may not be able to afford a Tempurpedic mattress, but you can still benefit from memory foam’s unique temperature sensitivity, if you really like the feel. One option is to buy a cheaper mattress.

However, most of these Swedish Tempur-Pedic clones aren’t as comfortable, don’t provide enough back support, and wear out in 2-3 years. Another option would be How to make your own memory foam mattress, a challenge DIY enthusiasts are sure to enjoy. Here’s how to get started.

Your homemade memory foam mattress will essentially be made of:

• memory foam topper
• foam core
• Foundation (optional)
• Accessories (optional)

Memory foam comfort layer.

It’s important to remember that memory foam doesn’t provide enough support to make a full mattress, so you’ll use a 3-inch-thick cover over the mattress core. Here’s what to look for in a memory foam topper:

• open cell structure which eliminates pressure points (air pressure spreads to neighboring cells instead of upwards to restrict blood flow).
• High density 4 lb minimum (5 lb recommended).
• Sensitivity to body temperature which makes the foam softer when it’s warmer and contours your shape more precisely.
• Firmness 13 ILD minimum (14 ILD recommended). ILD stands for Indentation Load Deflection, which measures the firmness of polyurethane foams.

For a more luxurious feel, use the 4-inch thick Tempur mattress topper. It is made of high-quality, temperature-sensitive memory foam that is 5.34 lbs. and has a firmness of 14 ILD.

mattress core

The core of the mattress is just as important as the top layer of memory foam, if not more crucial. Without a firm, supportive foam underneath, you keep sinking until you hit bottom. This is what the core of your foam mattress should be made of:

• Between 1 and 4 layers of good quality, high resilience foam with a firmness of 30-36 ILD.
• The deeper layers should be thicker, firmer, and denser to provide better support.
• The addition of intermediate layers between the base and the Tempurpedic-style mattress topper ensures a more delicate and luxurious feel.

bed foundation

The memory foam layer and core are usually enough to make a homemade Tempur-Pedic mattress. Once built, you may want to place it on a bed base to raise it off the floor (by 10 inches or more). Alternatively, you can place it directly on the ground.

If you choose to put the mattress on a foundation, make sure it is a solid type. Memory foam mattresses should not be used on slates and box springs.. A perfectly flat, spring-free surface is required for the foam to properly support body weight and relieve pressure points. Tempur-Pedic’s warranty, for example, is void if you use their product on anything other than a solid foundation.

Accessories for added luxury

Add a plush, velvety cover to your new homemade memory bed for a little extra luxury, but avoid adding extra padding (of any kind) between you and the memory foam layer at all costs.

Insulation from the body means memory foam cannot react as well as possible to body temperature. It will not go soft or flow around your body, but will remain firm, cold and uncomfortable.

Bottom line

Most people don’t realize that it’s actually easy to make a memory foam mattress, even with that Tempurpedic touch. All you need to do is pay close attention when purchasing the foam for the comfort layer and core of the mattress.

Other readings

• Viscoelastic lens on Squidoo

Sweet Dreams!