Exactly What Is Memory Foam?
Memory foam was originally developed by NASA to ease the pressure of extreme G-forces during space shuttle take off. However, it was never used in the space program. The initial memory foam, known as T-foam, gave off too much obnoxious gas for it to be used in a closed environment, such as a bedroom. T-foam also wasn't very durable - it would often compress or crack over time.
However, a small Swedish company called Tempur-Pedic saw the promise of this new material. Tempur-Pedic worked on and refined its version of memory foam; eventually manufacturing a version of memory foam it called TEMPUR. Initially the manufacturing process was expensive and the mattress was only sold to medical establishments that needed mattresses for patients that suffered back problems or from pressure point pain. The improvement of patients' sleep was astounding. Thankfully, the company realized the vast commercial profit that could be made by selling memory foam mattresses to the general public. The manufacturing process was further refined and costs were reduced - although the Tempur-Pedic still remains an expensive purchase, and shortly after, an affordable Tempur-Pedic memory foam mattress went on sale to the general public.
But exactly how does memory foam work?
Memory foam conforms to the exact shape of the sleeper's body. It is a very soft material and isn't able to provide the support necessary, which is why it is often used as a topper on mattresses.
Foam has been used in mattresses for many years. It compresses under body weight and later springs back to its original shape. But memory foam mattresses just don't compress; they mould to the shape of the sleeper's body and they don't spring immediately back into their original shape. The cells of a memory foam mattress employ an open cell structure, which means the cells of foam have holes in them. These compress fully and spread their air pressure to adjoining cells. This feature of memory foam is what really helps to reduce pressure points.
As well as yielding under weight, the cells of a memory foam mattress are heat sensitive; the more heat the more they compress. Temperature sensitivity helps the memory foam mattress to further conform to the exact shape of the sleeper's body.
Is all memory foam the same?
No. Many manufactures now claim to make memory foam mattresses. However, the cell structure of the memory foam isn't always the same. Some are made from low density memory foam or layered with other, cheaper foam products - to keep costs down. As a guideline, the mattress should have at least 3" of 5 lb density memory foam. A thickness of 2" may be adequate but a 3" memory foam mattress does give a better 'feel'. Buying thicker than 3" does have a drawback; memory foam is a soft material and, over time, can loose its shape. You can buy a 4" topper, but you would expect to replace this at some point in the future.
If you're seriously thinking of buy a memory foam mattress then buy one from one of the more reputable and established manufacturers. A memory foam mattress from Serta or Sealy is a good option as is buying from the original - and market leader - Tempur-Pedic.
Related Tags: sleep, bedding, mattress, tempur pedic, bed, back problems, home and garden, product reviews, furnis
Visit bestchoicemattress.com for more information about top rated memory foam mattresses, whether it be a Serta mattress or a Jamison mattress.
Your Article Search Directory : Find in ArticlesRecent articles in this category:
- Lawn Mowers Electric Vs Petrol - Which Is Better?
When searching for the perfect lawn mower, many homeowners find themselves wondering which kind is b - Popular Types Of Mattresses
It is needless to describe the utility of mattresses for having a sound night's sleep; bed mattresse - Furniture Sofa Legs - Making The Old Sofa New Again
Home decorators get excited when confronted with an old sofa with a lot of potential. For those who - Finding The Right Granite For Your Home
The massive amount of options that are available can make choosing the right granite countertop for - The Truth About Black Mold Toxicity
The term "toxic mold" is not accurate. While certain molds are toxigenic, meaning they can produce t - Bunk Beds For Older Individuals - Are They Genuinely Worthwhile Acquiring?
Typically people think it a little random when adults get to sleep in loft beds. Nonetheless, in the - Kitchen Countertop Ideas: Ceramic And Granite
Ceramic tiles for kitchen countertops have become a must have in home buyers' kitchens.Whether you p - Why Front Door Security Is Important
It is an important aspect to realize the fact that even by having a fully fledged home security syst - Use Fire Seals On Fire Doors And Save Lives
Basically, a fire door is designed to save lives. This is the reason why there is such a big require - The Importance Of Front Door Security
The importance of your home's security hinges upon your door's quality and the lock system. For that
Most viewed articles in this category:
- Learn About The Basics of Basement Dehumidifier
Ever wonder how people keep their basement dry? Let me tell you a little secret. With proper air con - Cable Lock Foundation Repair
Foundation repairs are the most expensive, and sometimes the hardest type of damage to detect. This - What's Covering Your Windows?
At one time, curtain rods were used for only one purpose – hanging curtains. Today they are mu - Wooden Railings and Their Many Uses
Wooden railings remain one of the most common types of railings throughout the country. They not onl - Feng Shui To Greater Luck In This New Year
There are at least six ways to learn Feng Shui Luck. First you must learn and understand the very b - Adding A Pleasant Marble Coffee Table To Your Home
Usually, the couch or entertainment center get most of the attention in one's house, but there is no - Scroll Saw Basics
Scroll Saw Basics by Lee Bowman If you are wanting to try your hand at scroll work, a - How To Clean Wood Furniture
A room full of beautiful wood furniture brings warmth and elegance to any room, however, it's inevit - Welding And Metalwork: Strength And Function, Part 2
Metalwork is the art of making various objects out of metal. Most metalworkers are also called machi - The Bahamas Hurricane Shutter
Every year, hurricanes are formed in the ocean and wreak havoc when reaching land. This usually occu