Memory Foam Mattress - Past, Present and Future

Visco elastic foam, memory foam or space foam is a process of creating a cushioning foam product to be used in medical cushions, mobility seating, mattresses, mattress toppers, pillows and other items. The high density foam uses an open air cell design to absorb energy, dissipate pressure and provide a comfortable cushioning effect.

In 1966, NASA commissioned an engineering firm to develop a new product to aid in supporting astronauts during space travel, minimize crash and impact injuries. Using polyurethane and other elements the process created a air cell that would allow support without the contact pressure points of innerspring, coil and other support processes. It was initially used for medical cushioning, egg shell style mattress toppers for long term immobility support and wheelchair seating. It wasnt until the 1990s that the consumer product mattresses, mattress toppers and pillows were developed.

Todays Memory Foam Mattresses are being made with a range of processes and elements. For some, cheap fillers and petroleum products are being used to create the appearance of density. In the US, Canada and Sweden the quality of manufacturing for memory foam is much higher.

In some cases, Soy based processes are being used to create the memory foam, by passing the petroleum process that creates noxious fumes. Hypo-allergenic, dust mite resistant and soy based products line offer a supportive, comfortable mattress with all the health benefits while being environmentally friendly and sustainable.

Memory Foam products extend from the standard mattress, to a large line of accessories and premium or luxury products. They can range in profile from a few inches in a mattresses topper to the premium and luxury lines of mattresses with a 12-15 profile combining support, comfort and lavish comfort.

Camper or campus toppers to add comfort to dorm beds and RV or camping beds are available in a variety of sizes. Pet beds to allow your family pet to experience the same health benefits are now available as well.

Pillows, bed rests and other sleep accessories are often part of the inventory of most memory foam mattress manufacturers.

The greatest benefit to the Memory Foam Mattress sleeper is a night of pressure free sleep. The design of memory foam uses the high energy absorbing visco elastic to create a contoured, supportive and comfortable mattress design.

In some cases the design of the memory foam mattress layers is such that the support and contour are especially well suited for chronic pain sufferers and those recovering from injury or with chronic mobility issues. Memory foam mattresses are free from pressure point contact issues and do not create injury for sleepers unable to move, toss or turn in the night.

For back pain, joint and muscle pain as well as specialized conditions such as fibromyalgia sleepers, the support, comfort and contouring allow relief and freedom from conditions that may have stopped sleep for years.

Exciting new products are on the horizon. New layer designs, new processes and more consumer designed products are about to explode on the market. Keep checking with this site for an exciting new product designed to give you unsurpassed sleep.

C opyright 2010 Memory Foam Mattress