A memory foam mattress is usually denser than other foam mattresses. This makes a memory foam mattress more supportive but also heavier. It is often seen as a good compromise between the comfort of a soft mattress and the support of a firm one. Memory foam mattresses are often more costly than traditional mattresses such as innerspring mattresses but are long lasting due to their resistance to parasites such as dust mites.

Memory foam initially was too expensive for widespread use, but over the years it has become less expensive. Memory foam is most commonly used in mattresses, pillows and mattress toppers.