What Is a Memory Foam Mattress Made Of?

The main material is viscoelastic polyurethane foam. Manufacturers adjust its formula and structure to change how it feels and responds to body heat and pressure.

“Memory foam” is a common name for this type of foam, not a guarantee of one standard recipe. Two mattresses can use the same general material but differ in density, firmness, thickness, additives, and the number of layers.

For one feel label, see what a plush mattress means.

If back discomfort affects your choice, compare firm vs soft mattresses for back pain.

The comfort layer usually sits near the top, where it cushions the body. Beneath it, support layers help the mattress keep its shape and provide a stable base.

What are the foam layers in a memory foam mattress?

Many all-foam mattresses use a softer comfort layer above denser support foam. The layers work together, but their number and thickness depend on the model.

A comfort layer may use memory foam, including foam described as gel or infused with another material. A support layer often uses higher-density foam to form the mattress base.

Some mattresses add another transition or comfort layer between them.

How do the comfort and support foams differ?

The comfort foam is the upper layer; support foam sits below it. The top layer is closer to your body, while the lower layer gives the mattress its structure.

A 6-inch model can have several thin foam layers, so total thickness alone doesn't reveal how much material is in each one. Look for a layer breakdown if you want to compare the construction between mattresses.

The Best Price Mattress Full Mattress 6 inch combines a memory foam top with softer foam and a high-density base support layer.

Use its layer description as a starting point for understanding a foam build, not as a template for every mattress. Compare the materials and dimensions with your bed before choosing a model.

For another model example, read the DreamCloud Premier memory foam review.

Do memory foam mattresses contain additives?

Some foams include additives or infusions, but these are not the same as separate structural layers. Green tea, for example, is an infusion used in some memory foam products.

The Best Price Mattress model includes a green tea infusion and uses CertiPUR-US certified foams, according to the brand's product details. Those features describe this mattress alone, not all memory foam.

Don't assume an additive makes a mattress cooler, safer, or better for sleep. Check what the brand says it is intended to do, and compare the full construction with your needs.

What is a memory foam mattress cover made of?

The cover is usually a fabric layer around the foam, and its material varies by mattress. It may also have a quilted, textured, or water-resistant surface.

For example, the Best Price Mattress Full Mattress 6 inch has a poly jacquard fabric cover. That construction is one example, while other mattresses may use polyester, cotton, or blended fabrics.

Follow the care instructions for the specific cover. A removable cover, when included, may have different cleaning requirements from the foam core beneath it.

Is the cover part of the foam?

No, the cover is a separate outer material. It surrounds or protects the foam layers and can affect how the surface feels.

A mattress protector is another separate layer that sits on top of the cover. If you're comparing options, our guide to how to mattress shop explains what to check across materials, sizes, and construction.

What other materials can be inside an all-foam mattress?

An all-foam mattress may contain more than one type of foam, plus fabric and a fire barrier. “All foam” describes the core construction, not every material used in the finished mattress.

A fire barrier is a layer or material intended to meet fire-safety requirements. Its composition varies, so don't guess what a mattress uses based on its foam type.

Check the brand's material and care guidance, especially before removing or opening a cover.

Baby mattresses can have their own construction and cover features. The Graco Premium Foam Baby Crib & Toddler mattress, for example, has a polyurethane foam core and a polyester cover; its outer cover is removable and machine washable.

This is a baby mattress, so use it only for the crib and toddler-bed purpose described by Graco. Its materials don't indicate what you'll find in an adult mattress.

How can you read a memory foam mattress layer description?

Start with the materials, layer order, thickness, and cover care details. These facts give you a clearer picture of the build than the phrase “memory foam” alone.

Check whether the foam description names a comfort layer, support foam, or high-density base. Then look for the total mattress thickness and any available breakdown of individual layers.

The best memory foam mattresses guide can help you compare options once you know which construction details matter to you. If you want a mattress made in the United States, see our guide to best memory foam mattress made in USA.

Choose a size that fits the bed and room. Our guides to the best king memory foam mattress and best twin memory foam mattress cover two common size choices.

Does a foam mattress need a box spring or bunkie board?

A foam mattress needs a suitable, even support surface, but it doesn't automatically need a box spring. The right base depends on the mattress maker's instructions and the frame you own.

Read the mattress support requirements before placing it on slats or a platform. Our guide answers Do You Need a Box Spring With a Foam Mattress? and explains when a different base may be needed.

A bunkie board is another possible support layer, depending on the frame and mattress guidance. Learn what a bunkie board is made of before deciding whether one suits your setup.

Does mattress size change what it is made of?

No, size describes the mattress dimensions, not its foam recipe. A king and twin version may share a material type, but check the model's details for construction and thickness.

For an RV, verify the actual frame dimensions before buying a mattress. Our comparison of queen mattress vs RV queen size explains why those names don't always mean the same measurements.

What should you remember about memory foam materials?

A memory foam mattress usually has viscoelastic polyurethane comfort foam, denser support foam, and a fabric cover. It may also include additives or a fire barrier, and those details vary by model.

Compare the layer order, materials, thickness, cover care, and support requirements. If you want a specific size or construction, use those details to narrow your search, then check the mattress maker's instructions before buying.

Frequently asked questions

What is memory foam made of?

Memory foam is a viscoelastic polyurethane foam. Its blend and cell structure affect how it responds to heat and pressure, while the exact ingredients vary by maker.

A mattress may pair a memory foam comfort layer with denser support foam, fabric, and other materials.

Does every memory foam mattress have multiple foam layers?

No. Some mattresses combine a memory foam comfort layer with one or more support foam layers, while others use a simpler construction.

Check the model's layer details and total thickness, since the phrase memory foam mattress alone doesn't tell you the full build.

What is the cover of a memory foam mattress made of?

A cover may use polyester, cotton, a blend, or a textured fabric such as jacquard. Some covers are removable or include a waterproof surface, but those features vary.

Check the care instructions and materials for the specific mattress before washing or adding a protector.

Does memory foam contain fiberglass?

Some mattresses may use fiberglass as part of a fire barrier, and others use different barriers or materials. You can't tell from the foam type alone.

Check the brand's material and care information before opening or removing a cover, and follow its instructions.

What Is a Memory Foam Mattress Made Of?