High density foam known as memory foam or visco elastic foam has been a commercial
product since the 1990s and around in some form since the 1960s. This article
looks at the past, present and future of memory foam mattresses.
Click here to read our Memory
Foam Mattress Topper Guide.
The Past
NASA was looking for solutions to the new impact challenges for space travel,
and commissioned the design of high density foam. The open cell design of the
foam allowed it to absorb impact and energy and dissipate that energy quickly
and across the product. The design created a design breakthrough medical application
as there were no metal frames, springs or other hard elements to create pressure
point contact injury. The early uses of the product included egg carton style
mattress pads for chronic care patients, wheel chair seat cushions and other
medical padding applications.
The Present
The original manufacturing process was the addition of polyurethane to create
this open cell design and a thick foam product. Over time many changes have
been made in the construction and design of the product, including adding support
and comfort layers of other materials including latex support layers and framed
construction to create the bed design in addition to the memory foam mattress
design.
Recently soy has replaced polyurethane as the main ingredient in some manufacturer’s
memory foam processes it eliminates need for the traditional petroleum based
polyurethane process that created fumes which were problematic for sensitive
sleepers and those with allergies. The soy product is eco-friendly, sustainable
and offers an allergen free sleep surface that is also free from dust mites
without compromising environmental concerns.
Memory Foam Mattress Product Options
There are long lines of Memory Foam products ranging from standard mattresses,
accessories, and premium and luxury line level products. The memory
foam mattress line can range from a small profile mattress topper
to a California King 15 inch plush mattress option.
In addition to the standard bedroom options, manufacturers are also offering
camping or campus toppers which offer the same type of comfort for dorm beds,
RV or camping beds. The recreational line of products is available in a variety
of sizes. Also added to the new product are memory foam mattress products for
your pet including memory foam beds that allow your family pet the same health
benefits as their owners.
Health Benefits of Memory Foam Mattresses
The memory foam mattress’ sleeper can enjoy health benefits not the least
of which is the ability to have a night without pressure point contact. The
unique design of memory foam takes advantage of the high energy absorbing visco
elastic, allowing the sleep to luxuriate in this uniquely contoured, supportive
and comfortable mattress design.
For chronic pain sufferers the design of the memory foam mattress layers is
especially well suited for pain relief and supports sleepers recovering from
injury or sleepers with restrictions on movement. Bed sores can be created when
sleepers are unable to toss and turn or reposition themselves in the night.
Memory foam mattresses do not create this pressure point stress on the skin
or joints.
For back pain, joint and muscle pain or chronic medical conditions which may
include fibromyalgia or arthritis the support, construction and open cell design
may allow relief and freedom from medical conditions and pain which have prevented
proper sleep in the past.
The Future
The future holds even more innovation for the owners of memory foam mattresses.
New construction, new manufacturing processes and exciting new accessories and
design options allow for a wealth of possibilities for the memory foam mattress
owner.
Copyright 2010 Memory Foam Mattress