The memory foam was first designed by NASA in order to help astronauts cope with the high pressure that can be caused by extreme G-force that occurs when the space shuttle take off for space. Although it has not been used for the space program, the research and discoveries that were made on the memory foam was able to help provide benefits to the medical field instead.

Memory foam is made out of polyurethane combined with additional chemicals in order to add to the foam’s viscosity level. This helps increase the foam’s density. The chemicals used on the polyurethane also allow it to become firmer in cooler temperatures and become softer when warm. This way, the foam reacts to body heat and allows the foam to mold itself to the shape of the body in a matter of minutes. A memory foam mattress that is less dense is more pressure sensitive and allows the foam to mold to the shape of the body more quickly.

When they first came on the market memory foam beds were particularly expensive for household use. However, many of its advantages have been noticed and it has become particularly useful in the medical field, and in hospital settings. With the increase in demand the supply has increased and allowed the price to go down somwhat. It is no longer just found in hospital rooms of bed bound patients, but in the homes of those who are looking for a better, more comfortable night’s sleep.

A memory foam mattress is denser than ordinary foam. Being denser also makes it last longer than the ordinary inner spring mattress. The initial outlay may be expensive, but in the long run, they are more durable and may provide better support and other benefits over a longer period of time, making them a wise purchase.

One of the main advantages of memory foam beds is that it can mold itself to the shape of the person that lies on it. This provides unique and even support to all parts of the body, unlike an inner spring mattress. Because of this, it is a better mattress for people who are more prone lengthy stays in bed.

People who are bedbound frequently suffer from bed sores and even gangrene. This is due in part to the pressure that occurs between the mattress and the bony regions of the body when lying down. The pressure can cause blood to stop flowing to a certain region of the body, resulting in bed sores.

This can be prevented by using a memory foam mattress which can help lessen the pressure caused in the same way by molding its shape to the contour of the body.

Memory foam beds are also temperature sensitive. The foam reacts to human body heat. The heat from the body makes the memory foam beds softer, which allows the body to sink into the mattress, cushioning your entire body. The mattress molds into the actual contours of the body giving you support where it is needed.

When you lie on a memory foam bed, you will be able to feel that it adjusts to the contours of your body. This is especially beneficial to your neck and spinal area as it will support each body part and keep them in perfect alignment. And for this reason, memory foam beds are recommended for people suffering from back problems and needing extra lumbar support.

Another benefit of memory foam beds is the bed readjusts to your body each time you move or roll over during the night. The mattress only conforms to your body, leaving the rest of the mattress unchanged. This is especially beneficial for people sharing the same bed. With memory foam beds, you will no longer be disturbed if and when your partner has a sleepless night tossing and turning.

Because memory foam beds are temperature sensitive, it may provide some added comfort to injured body parts. The memory foam reacts to body heat, absorbs it and then becomes softer. The more heat applied, the softer it becomes. Many times injured body parts hold more heat than the rest of the body. This added heat will create an even softer and more supportive mattress around the injury.

Another benefit of memory foam beds is it is denser than your ordinary foam mattress. The denser material allows it to support your body better without getting worn out, making them more durable than ordinary foam mattresses. Memory foam beds can provide you with the comfort and support that you body needs for many more years than an ordinary inner spring mattress.

Memory foam beds are becoming quite a popular alternative to the ordinary inner spring mattresses for people who are looking for some extra comfort. And because memory foam beds are becoming more and more popular, the prices are coming down, allowing them to be more affordable for the average family.

Memory foam beds are something worth trying out, considering the many benefits that it can provide to the consumer.

Choosing a Memory Foam Bed:

Just like everything else you have a wide range of memory foam beds to choose from, and your job is to choose the one that will be best for you. Memory foam mattresses offer an even support for your whole body. The foam actually cushions you like someone is embracing you while supporting your weight no matter how often you toss and turn during your sleep.

The known brands for this mattress are the Simmons, Tempurpedic and Serta, among others. Each of the brands has a different presentation so it is advisable that you try them all before you decide which one to buy.

Before you choose which mattress to buy, you need to ask yourself a few questions. Who will sleeping on this bed? When thinking about this you need to be careful and make sure you pick the right size. Make sure you choose a thickness that will accommodate your body weight deep enough. You also want to make sure the mattress is firm enough to cushion you through the night as you sleep.

Each of the brands of memory foam beds have their own benefits, when choosing a mattress it’s best to make sure you find the one that will fit your situation best. The Tempurpedic is known to be good for your bones as well as the joints and the surrounding muscles. Simmons is known for the extra comfort that its soft texture provides. Serta is also known for the soft quality and it can also provide support for your body structure.

Those are not the only differences between the mattresses, the price range can also be quite different. When deciding which mattress you want you need to take into consideration what your budget will allow. Before you have your heart set on a particular brand, make sure you check the prices for all of them.

Even though it can be complicated to choose among the options for memory foam beds, don’t worry. Once you’ve picked out your bed and it is set up in your bedroom, you will be able to sleep as long as you want feeling cushioned and supported by your new memory foam bed.

Memory foam beds were initially developed, by NASA,  in the 1970’s to assists the astronauts to manage the overwhelming G forces upon lift off and reentry. This project was not successful and in the 1980’s another use for memory foam material was found, and it was redesigned to be used for sleep.

Memory foam beds hit the market in the early ‘90’s. Initially, they were not very well received by the public. The mattresses were very expensive. They were also difficult to manufacture, making them out of reach for the general public. In following years progress in manufacturing allowed the price to come down and they began to be used initially as hospital beds.

Memory foam beds were just the beginning. Realizing the comfort of the product memory foam companies went on to produce other products. Some of these products were compliments to the mattress, and yet others had completely different uses. For examples they began producing mattress toppers, pillows, office furniture, automobile seat padding, infant cribs, car seats, wheelchair cushions, hip pads, sweat pads, computer cases, movie theater seating, pistol gloves, ear plugs and tennis racquets. As you can see, some of these products have nothing to do with sleep.

Memory foam beds are made of open cells that are billions of balloons with holes in them. This allows warm air to escape so it is not warm when you sleep on it. Not only that, but the heat allows the mattress to contour to your body while you are laying on it, and come back to its’ original state when you get off.

A regular foam mattress does not allow the heat to escape so it will get warm as you lay on it, and it does not conform to your body. The regular foam mattress forces you to adjust your body, the memory foam bed adjusts to your body so it relieves pressure points and at the same time supports your weight.

Memory foam beds are temperature sensitive which means it could be too soft during high temperatures. This does not mean that there is a defect in the product but this is how it really is. For those who live in such climates, getting a thicker foam mattress is enough to do the trick.

You now know some of the basic facts about memory foam beds. These facts should give you a start to knowing if a memory foam bed is the right choice for you and your family.

1. No matter how you like to sleep it will be comfortable. It is designed to provide comfort whether you sleep on our back, stomach or side. The memory foam material is designed to mold and cradle each and every part of your body evenly.

2. Your spine stays in a neutral position throughout the night due to the cradling of your body by the foam. This reduces pressure points and helps improve the quality of your sleep.

3. Memory foam beds are allergy free and hypoallergenic as they are made from 100% natural material. You can also get memory foam pillows that are also hypoallergenic.

4. Memory foam material is naturally resistant making to dust mites so you don’t have to worry about them. It is impossible for dust mites to survive in your bed.

5. Unlike spring mattresses you don’t have to flip memory foam beds because they don’t use inner springs so they will never sag.

6. Studies have shown that people who sleep on memory foam beds sleep more soundly than those who sleep on a regular bed. The memory foam bed has been recommended to patients by thousands of doctors and other specialists. Poor sleep is often linked to disorders such as narcolepsy, obesity and irritableness.

7. Memory foam beds are sensitive to weight and heat. As the temperature on the mattress rises it becomes softer. However, this only lasts as long as you are lying on the bed. Once you get out, the memory foam mattress will quickly return to its original shape. Each time you go to bed it is like lying down on a brand new bed. This bed is built for all body types, so it does not matter if you are a heavy or a light bodyweight.

These seven reasons should give you some good information to make a decision on whether memory foam beds are the right beds for you.