All About Memory Foam Mattresses

What is memory foam?

Visco-elastic, or slow recovery foam, was initially developed for NASA by Ames Laboratory to address the gravity force impact on astronauts during launch and re-entry.  The excellent, adaptive support of this material led to its use in hospitals for acute care patients.  In the early 1990s Swedish manufacturer Tempur-Pedic® introduced visco-elastic for consumer use.  Brand names include Sealy TrueFormTM, SelectaBed® TriPedic, Dormia®, and Back Be Nimble Nimble-PedicTM. Memory foam products now include mattresses, mattress toppers, and pillows.

Memory foam mattress qualities

Memory foam mattresses are touted for their pressure relieving qualities, molding to body shape within a few minutes and adjusting to changing positions during sleep, giving complete support to individual body contours.  
Because of its slow adjustment, memory foam mattresses reduce bounce and individual movements are less likely to disturb other sleepers. 
Memory foam responds to both body and room temperature, which may affect performance in a cold room. 
Some manufacturers maintain that the foam density should be rated to different body weights and offer memory foam mattresses to accommodate those with body weight over 300 pounds.  Note that weight distribution is the key and that body height directly impacts ones weight distribution.
Specifications may include Indentation Load Deflection (ILD), which is the number of pounds required to produce 25% depression. 

Memory foam mattress use

Manufacturers recommend memory foam mattress use with a solid platform rather than a box spring to provide even support.  Memory foam mattresses can also be placed directly on the floor. 
Portable toppers are available and offer the opportunity to evaluate the technology before the purchase expense of a full memory foam mattress.  Before selecting this intermediate option, be sure your existing mattress provides even support, as memory foam mattress toppers cannot compensate for existing mattress wear. 
Memory foam pillows may complement memory foam mattress use by providing beneficial neck and head support.
When selecting memory foam mattresses, be sure to compare warranty information as well as price and material content.

Memory foam mattress at home

Memory foam mattresses are produced in standard sizes and do not require special sheets. 
Use thinner, flexible bedding and mattress covers to take full advantage of the memory foam's contouring properties. 
Thick mattress toppers, such as wool or feathers, are not recommended, as this will reduce both the contact temperature and the surface support space. 
Memory foam is non-toxic but may have a characteristic new foam smell.  This odor naturally dissipates within a few weeks.  To accelerate dispersal, change or wash the sheets frequently and air out the room whenever possible. 

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