The journey of the memory foam mattress is one that proves just how the intelligence and determination of discovery can lead to products that produce a better life. No one set out one morning to make a better mattress but starting out with one invention and stumbling into another, the memory foam mattress was born.
The usefulness and benefits provided by this unique substance has helped relieve pain from bedsores and soothes tired, raw muscles.The history of the memory foam mattress begins with astronauts in space.
The History of Memory Foam
NASA was looking for a new type of cushioning that would protect the travelers from the bumpy ride during lift off and re-entry during space missions. A material by the name of visco-elastic memory foam was designed and presented but for whatever reason, was never brought to use for its intended purpose.
This seemed a waste that this dense, elastic, soft and temperature activated form could not be put to some type of use.The biggest problem in trying to sell this invention on the market was the expense in manufacturing. It costs thousands of dollars to make the material.
Who would be willing to pay such a price and what could it be used for? The answer came at the racetrack. Racehorse owners provide only the best for a prized thoroughbred and when an injured limb occurs, money is no object.
Visco-Elastic Memory Foam
The visco-elastic memory foam was tried in an attempt to keep an injured horse quiet during recovery and it worked! By laying the horse on a bed designed to hold its entire body, the horse was comfortable, blood circulation wasn’t restricted and the injured limb was supported.
Memory Foam Chemisty
No one knows the exact ingredients and formulas of memory foam except for manufacturers that have purchased the right to this tightly guarded secret. What we do know is this product is created from a type of poly and a disocyanate.
Poly is an alcohol that has several hydroxyl groups and disocyanate is a chemical compound comprised of hydrogen, nitrogen, carbon and oxygen. When mixed together, the two expand into flexible foam from the bubbles or cells that react to one another. The liquid formula can then be poured into a mold, dried and trimmed to the appropriate shape and size desired.
The medical field became interested in this fascinating material that eased the pain of patients with bedsores and those that needed to lie still while keeping limbs supported. As time passed and the technology involved in making memory foam continued to advance, the price came down to where it was economically feasible to begin incorporating into a dream mattress for the general public.
Memory Foam Mattress Costs
The memory foam mattress is still expensive compared to other forms but the benefits produced far outweigh the initial price of $2000 to $2500. By using 3 to 5 inches of memory foam along with regular foam, an 8 to 12 inch thickness can be formed to suit any personal preference.
Different Types of Memory Foam Mattresses
There are different qualities of memory foam today depending on the density. The weight of the density measures the amount of support. Lighter material may contain a large amount of air, making the weight much lighter. The average support for the human body has been rated at a density weight of 5 to 6 pounds.
Anything lighter could compromise the overall effect and benefits that are expected from memory foam. Always ask about the density when considering the purchase of a memory foam mattress, as this is the best way to measure the quality.
In earlier years, memory foam became warm from holding body heat in one spot. Improvements with open celled foam now allow more air to move freely, preventing a warming effect. Manufacturing companies use different methods in creating this concept.
Some have multiple layers of air exchange to keep the flow of air active. Always query as to what type of material is used to make this occur. Some types of foam will break down sooner than others, causing a breakdown of the very structure to occur prematurely.
Memory foam mattresses are one of the best types of mattresses on the market today that provides support, comfort and relief of sore muscles. Understanding the path that this popular product has followed will make you appreciate the benefits even more.
Be sure to check for density, amount of actual memory foam included and type of air exchange used and weigh against the price and guaranteed longevity to be sure you are buying the best.
