What is Memory Foam?
Memory foam crashed from outer space into our bedrooms revolutionizing the bedding world, offering far better sleep comfort than was previously available. NASA developed memory foam to ease the pressure of extreme G-forces during space shuttle take offs. Strangely enough, memory foam was never used in the space program. Known originally as T-foam, memory foam gave off too much obnoxious gas for it to be used in closed environments, such as a bedroom. Also, T-foam was not very durable because it would eventually compress or crack over time.
Shortly after, Robert B. Trussell, the founder of Tempur-Pedic (a small Swedish company), was introduced to the memory foam concept and instantly saw its potential. In just a few months, Tempur-Pedic refined its own version of memory foam called TEMPUR. The manufacturing process was quite expensive and the mattress was only sold to medical establishments with patients that suffered from severe back problems or pressure point pain. Amazingly, doctors noted that the patients showed a drastic improvement in their sleep patterns. Tempur-Pedic soon realized the vast amount of profit that could be made by selling memory foam mattresses to the general public. Thus, the company further refined its manufacturing process to reduce its costs enabling them to offer affordable memory foam mattress to consumers. Memory foam is most commonly found in pillows, mattresses, and mattress bed toppers (or pads). And yet, memory foam is still used in wheelchair seat cushions, hospital bed pillows, and padding for patients that suffer from continuous pain or postural problems.
How does memory foam work?
Put simply, memory foam conforms to the exact shape of a person’s body. For many years, foam has been used in mattresses. Foam compresses under body weight and later springs back to its original shape. However, memory foam mattresses not only compress, but they mold to the shape of a sleeper’s body (they don’t spring immediately back into their original shape). Memory foam cells employ an open cell structure meaning the cells of foam have holes in them. These holes compress fully and spread their air pressure to adjoining cells. This feature of memory foam is what really helps to reduce pressure points. Along with yielding underweight, the memory foam mattress cells are heat sensitive. The more heat that is applied, the more the cells compress. Thus, temperature sensitivity helps the memory foam mattress further conform to the exact shape of the sleeper’s body.
I’ve heard that memory foam is hazardous. Is this true?
Maybe, maybe not. When right of the box, some memory foams give off a distinct chemical odor, which decreases with airing. It’s important to note that emissions from memory foam mattresses may cause respiratory irritation more than other mattresses. Like other polyurethane products, memory foam, can be flammable. Even though laws have been enacted in the US to require all bedding to be resistant to ignition from an open flame, there is concern that high levels of the fire retardant PBDE (commonly used in memory foam) could cause health problems for people using memory foam products. If you’d like to learn more about the chemical composure of memory foam, take a look at the Memory Foam MSDS Sheet. Like always, if you’re unsure about whether memory foam is right for you, consult your primary doctor.
Are all memory foam the same?
No way! Many manufacturers claim to make memory foam mattresses, yet the cell structure of their memory foam isn’t always the same. Many memory foam products are made from low-density memory foam or layered with other cheaper foam products to keep costs down. The mattress should have at least 3 inches of 5 lb density memory foam. Although the thickness of 2 inches may be adequate, a 3-inch memory foam mattress provides better comfort. Some think that buying thicker is always better but that’s not the case with memory foam. Since memory foam is a soft material, it can loose its shape over time. Even though you can buy a 4-inch memory foam mattress bed topper, expect to replace this after a couple years.
If you are thinking about buying a memory foam product, then buy one from a reputable and established manufacturer such as Serta, Sealy or Tempur-Pedic.
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