Weve all been there. First, we spend a sleepless night, tossing and turning. Then we spend the next two days with body aches, sore from head to toe. The effects of a bad mattress can be serious.

Then we face the daunting prospect of shopping for a new mattress. This task can be a bit intimidating. There are so many different prices, sizes, styles, and firmness to choose from. They come in drastically different materials, as well. Mattresses can be filled with air, water, fabric, feathers, springs or foam. One of the most popular -- especially for people suffering body pain -- is the foam mattress.

Foam mattresses are popular because of their body-contouring nature. The foam literally reshapes to mold to the users body. This is designed to strategically place pressure where needed, while relieving the strain on other points. It is believed that this relieves pressure from the neck, spine, and lower back, eliminating much of the soreness and pain associated with regular mattresses.

The foam mattress is not entirely without drawbacks, though. Some people complain about the body-contouring nature that its famous for. If, for some reason, you are not happy with the newly molded shape, you cannot change it. Some reports also say that the foam loses resiliency quickly. Others complain that the foam gets extremely hot, causing sweating and clamminess. Despite these complaints, many people do prefer foam mattresses.

If, after doing research, you decide to buy a foam mattress, they are available from most bedding stores. Some of the more popular foam mattresses are the Sealy Reflexion, the Tempur-Pedic, and the Isoform.

A-Bed offers a memory foam bed by Dormia. The Versailles by Dormia is offered for $447, including shipping.

Foam Order offers foam mattress pads. These fit on top of your existing mattress to create a body-contouring surface. They start at $248 for a Queen sized 3-inch pad. Foam Order also offers a selection of foam mattresses.