About Memory Foam Mattresses

History

• The history of memory foam actually began in the 1970's when NASA funded a research project to create a material that can conform to an object's shape, but can still go back to its original shape once the object is removed. This was originally thought to be a way to reduce G-force pressure on an astronaut's body. In the 1980's, a Swedish company decided to perfect this type of visco-elastic foam for consumer use. In 1991, the first memory foam mattresses went on sale, sold by Tempur-Pedic.

Significance

• Memory foam is unique in the way that it conforms around the human body, reducing the pressure on particular points of the body. It is also unique in the way that it is able to be compressed and yet springs back to its original shape again. Memory foam is temperature sensitive, unlike other foam products. When it is at lower temperatures, the form is more firm (viscous), but at higher temperatures, it becomes more elastic; hence, it is a visco-elastic foam.

Features

• There are many brands of memory foam mattresses on the market these days. Tempur-Pedic is the most famous and considered the industry standard. However, there are many other memory foam mattresses on the market, some of lesser quality. Density is one way that memory foam mattresses differ; the higher the density, the greater the pressure relief on the joints. Firmness is also a factor. This can be seen by the mattress's ILD (load deflection) rating. Ideally, a good quality mattress should have a rating between 10 and 14. The thickness of the foam is another factor. The ideal range for memory foam thickness is typically between 2.5 and 6.5 inches of memory foam.

Benefits

• There are a number of benefits to owning a memory foam mattress. As previously stated, memory foam provides relief from the body's pressure points, and thus helps to eliminate aches and pains in the morning. They also tend to last longer than normal mattresses because they are made from denser material. Memory foam mattresses tend to help insure a better quality of sleep since the memory foam conforms around the body, eliminating the need to toss and turn and get comfortable during the night.

Considerations

• While memory foam mattresses continue to be popular, their sensitivity to heat can be problematic for some customers. People may find the memory mattress rock hard when they first climb in during winter months, since the foam hardens in the cold. Also, during summer months, some complain that the mattress is too hot since the foam traps the heat. An easy way to fix a mattress that is too hot is to create a second layer between yourself and the mattress, by using a mattress topper over the memory foam. When purchasing a mattress, consumers should consider a company that offers a trial period so that they can try out the mattress first.