Memory Foam Beds


Memory Foam Beds

Published August 11th, 2008 in memory foam beds | No Comments »

Memory foam beds have become quite common in recent years. A memory foam mattress is unlike any other ordinary inner spring mattresses out there. In fact, their development began with the US space program, among other things. It is due to research done by NASA that went into the development of the memory foam mattress.

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.

Facts about Memory Foam Beds

Published August 3rd, 2008 in memory foam facts | No Comments »

Many experts say memory foam beds are the biggest innovation in sleep, since they no longer use the inner springs as most conventional mattresses do. Even though this technology is new, there are some facts you need to know about memory foam beds.

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.