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IMPORTANT NOTE: This is not a medical site. You should always discuss medical matters
with your doctor.
Memory Foam Information
An Introduction to Visco-Elastic Foam
What is Memory Foam?
Memory Foam is a visco-elastic foam originally developed by
a Swedish company for NASA. It was used by NASA because of its ability to distribute pressure across
the entire surface, thus easing extreme G-forces. It's also sometimes called
slow release foam.
Memory foam was subsequently used in medical applications, for example
where a patient suffered with pressure sores. However it was too expensive for general use
and there were few if any suppliers in the home market.
In recent years viscoelastic memory foam has become cheaper to produce and is now widely available
to buy for the home bedroom. You know something has reached the mainstream market when
it's described as "As Seen On TV"! Memory foam initially became popular in the US. It took a little
longer to reach the UK, but is now becoming increasingly well known in the UK as well.
The most common applications are in mattresses,
pillows and mattress toppers. Outside the bedroom, you can also buy
memory foam cushions and footwear.
A memory foam mattress is usually denser than ordinary mattresses.
This makes it more supportive - but
also heavier. An alternative is to add a topper or pad to an existing mattress.
The two most well known brands of memory foam readily available are Isotonic and Tempur-Pedic.
However there are also many other quality alternatives available to buy from
various suppliers.
Memory foam comes in a variety of densities and various grades, the more expensive
products often being referred to as premium grade.
When new, the foam does tend to emit an unpleasant smell.
What Does Memory Foam Do?
Memory foam is a temperature sensitive visco-elastic material. At room temperature
it will mould itself to the shape of the body within a few minutes. Contrast this with a normal
mattress that is simply flat. However well sprung, it will never precisely mould to the
curves of a human body. Memory foam will also
hold its shape temporarily - a hand pressed into it will leave a clear impression when removed.
As a result, a memory foam mattress or mattress topper will automatically adjust itself
to your personal shape. In addition your weight will be distributed
evenly across the whole mattress. This avoids painful pressure in one
particular spot. (If you are suffering from a medical condition, always consult
your doctor.)
In effect, memoryfoam does away with the need to compromise between a soft,
comfortable mattress and a hard, supportive one.
Memory foam mattresses or toppers are sometimes recommended by physicians for people suffering
from back pain. However you don't need to have a problem to benefit from - many people use
them simply because they are more comfortable to sleep on. I was fortunate enough to have
a friend tell me about memory foam some while ago and I'm a total convert.
Everyone needs a good night's sleep.
Here Be Dreams Home - Bedroom - MemoryFoam
All original material Copyright © Trevor Mendham 2003-2005. See home page for contact
details.
This is not a medical site. Nothing on this site constitutes personal advice.
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