Memory Foam Information
An Introduction to Visco-Elastic Foam
IMPORTANT NOTE: This is not a medical site. You should always discuss medical matters with your doctor.
What is Memory Foam?
Memory Foam is a visco-elastic foam originally developed by a Swedish company for NASA. It was used by NASA because of its ability to distribute pressure across the entire surface, thus easing extreme G-forces. It's also sometimes called slow release foam.
Memory foam was subsequently used in medical applications, for example where a patient suffered with pressure sores. However it was too expensive for general use and there were few if any suppliers in the home market.
In recent years viscoelastic memory foam has become cheaper to produce and is now widely available to buy for the home bedroom. You know something has reached the mainstream market when it's described as "As Seen On TV"! Memory foam initially became popular in the US. It took a little longer to reach the UK, but is now becoming increasingly well known in the UK as well.
The most common applications are in mattresses, pillows and mattress toppers. Outside the bedroom, you can also buy memory foam cushions and footwear.
A memory foam mattress is usually denser than ordinary mattresses. This makes it more supportive - but also heavier. An alternative is to add a topper or pad to an existing mattress. A so-called memory foam bed is usually a premium quality bed complete with a matching foam mattress.
The two most well known brands of memory foam readily available are Isotonic and Tempur-Pedic. However there are also many other quality alternatives available to buy from
various suppliers such as Serta.
When new, the foam does tend to emit an unpleasant smell.
Foam? Memory? What Does That Mean?
Memory foam is a temperature sensitive visco-elastic material. At room temperature it will mould itself to the shape of the body within a few minutes. Contrast this with a normal
mattress that is simply flat. However well sprung, it will never precisely mould to the curves of a human body.
Memory foam will also hold its shape temporarily - a hand pressed into it will leave a clear impression when removed. This is probably the source of the word "memory" in the name.
What Does It Do?
As a result of the foam's "memory" moulding, a mattress, mattress topper etc will automatically adjust itself to your personal shape. In addition your weight will be distributed evenly across the whole mattress, thus avoiding painful pressure in one particular spot. (If you're suffering from a medical condition, always consult your doctor.)
In effect, memoryfoam does away with the need to compromise between a soft, comfortable mattress and a hard, supportive one.
Which Memory Foam is Best?
That's a difficult question and the answer will probably be different for different people and different situations. There's no single "best" memory foam. You can buy products in a variety of densities and various grades, the more expensive products often being referred to as premium grade.
Why Buy Memory Foam?
Memory foam mattresses or toppers are sometimes recommended by physicians for people suffering from back pain. However you don't need to have a health problem to benefit from these - many people people like me them simply because they are more comfortable to sleep on. Personally I'm a total covert to the advantages of sleeping on memory foam.