Memory foam is a polyurethane based substance, boosted by additional chemicals which increase its density and strength. These properties vary depending on the exact chemical formulation, with high density foams being particularly reactive to body heat and malleable to a warm body in a matter of moments, and low density foam traditionally pressure sensitive and responsive to shape. It is used in contemporary manufacturing to create a range of bedding, cushion and pillow products, having being initially produced as a temperature responsive foam in the 1960’s.
Memory Foam Mattresses and Toppers
The first memory foam mattress was released to the consumer market in 1991, having undergone extensive design and manufacturing processes through the 1980’s. Initially they were more widely used in medical environments, as their responsive and warming properties leant themselves to the recovery of immobile and bed ridden patients. Their widespread use was prohibited through the 1990’s due to the fact that the inflated manufacturing costs led to a high sales price, marking the memory foam mattress as an exclusive, luxury product.
However, as the chemical and technological processes have improved, the cost and sale price have reduced accordingly. Memory foam is now a common feature on the domestic market, included primarily in mattresses and memory foam mattress toppers. The memory foam topper is a smaller and cheaper application of the technology, and is designed to sit atop an existing standard mattress. This provides an additional layer of warmth and comfort, and are a more cost effective way to feel the benefits of the foam without buying a brand new memory foam mattress.
Memory Foam Pillows And Additional Benefits
To feel the full benefits of the memory foam technology, it is recommended that a potential user utilizes either the foam mattress and foam mattress topper with memory foam pillows. The same technology is incorporated in the pillow design, with their function being to mould themselves to the shape and form of the neck and head to relieve pressure and reduce the risk of uncomfortable sleep or the onset of tension headaches. As a combination, the mattress and the pillows enable the entire body to benefit from the temperature sensitive and molding properties, easing tension and discomfort in pressure areas such as the back and the base of the neck. The memory foam in these products is also allergy resistant, meaning that their composition and surface is an inhospitable environment for dust mites and bacteria.
Like any product boasting health and posture benefits, there are numerous consumer memory foam reviews available on a range of internet sites. These are generally favorable, as the technology is proven to assist with spine alignment and general comfort and pain relief, and even endorsed by many hospitals and medical centers that fully utilize the memory foam properties. Many consumers who have brought memory foam products have benefited from improved sleep, posture and a reduction of discomfort in pressure areas of the body. People may not, however, feel the benefits of the technology immediately, especially if they are not suffering from a poor quality of sleep or back pain in the first instance. This does not deter from the potential long term and underlying improvements in posture and mobility.
