The material used to make memory foam was originally designed by NASA. That’s why the memory foam mattress is sometimes referred to as the ‘NASA mattress’. The mattress is made from a non-toxic substance known as visco-elastic, originally used to relieve astronauts from the forces of limited gravity. But, it was not long before the bedding industry found new uses for it. Memory foam is used in top-end mattress construction – offering excellent support, comfort and warmth to those sleeping on it. It is also used for pillows and mattress pads and overlays. Memory foam corrects poor sleeping posture, which results from sleeping on mattresses that are unable to conform to your body’s shape. The benefits of using memory foam Memory foam conforms to the individual’s shape and reduces any pressure on the spine. The mattress responds to heat and pressure, and evenly distributes body weight. After long-term use of the mattress, chronic back and neck discomfort is reduced.
Memory foam also reduces pressure point problems, realigning the spine, neck and hips and lessening chronic respiratory problems by correcting breathing during sleep. Another great benefit of sleeping on a memory foam mattress is that the person is not bothered by a partner who moves around a lot during the night. Because there is no transfer of movement, you can enjoy uninterrupted sleep - it is almost like you are sleeping alone or on a separate mattress even if your partner is tossing and turning beside you. Memory foam mattresses are also hypo-allergenic, and dust mite-resistant – making them ideal for allergy sufferers. The disadvantages of using memory foam There are some cons to using the memory foam mattresses. Because the mattress is temperature sensitive it tends to go too soft when it warms up. Memory foam mattresses can be a little too warm during the summer months. Since they soften due to heat transfer, they tend to become firm during the cooler winter months.
Memory foam mattresses are also substantially more expensive than other kinds of mattresses and unfortunately they are not as durable. While giving you many benefits and offering you a wonderful night’s sleep, they will need to be replaced every five to eight years. However, the investment is worthwhile, because you will be saving a lot of money on medical expenses for back and breathing problems associated with bad posture while sleeping. If you decide that the memory foam mattress is the way to go, you need to make sure you do not fall into the trap of buying a low quality mattress. Like everything else, memory foam mattresses vary in price and quality due to differing cover materials and the thickness of the mattress itself. Remember, the quality of the foam lies purely and simply in its density - the firmer the mattress, the denser it is, the better the quality. The denser the mattress, the better it will contour to the body and distribute your body weight evenly to relieve pressure points.
Another simple way of judging the quality of a memory foam mattress is to look at its rebound rate. Once you get up, the lower quality memory foam will return to its original shape a lot faster than the denser higher quality foam. Quality memory foam mattresses, due to their high density, boast a much longer lifespan than their cheaper, low quality counterparts. Be careful not to buy cheap imitations as they can be uncomfortable and end up actually damaging your neck and spine. Originally developed by NASA as a versatile material for astronauts, memory foam has made its way into bedrooms all across the country. Memory foam is frequently one of the most expensive options available to bed buyers, but its benefits for those with back pain may be worth the extra money. Memory foam mattresses are known for their ability to conform to the body. When you lay down, the memory foam softens, bends and relaxes to support every part of your body including your spine. Fully supporting the spine keeps it in proper alignment, relieving back pain issues resulting from poor alignment during sleep.
Memory foam also keeps the rest of your body in alignment, reducing stress on your hips and shoulders that may lead to back pain. The visco-elastic nature of memory foam mattresses allows them to conform to any pressure points on your body. Memory foam reacts to the warmth of your body to become softer and more conforming. Pressure points are small surface areas which handle a large proportion of body weight. Traditional pressure points include the hips, shoulders and knees. Memory foam helps cradle these pressure points, which provides additional comfort for your back. Back injuries require adequate rest to heal. The body heals most efficiently when sleeping and as a result, an uninterrupted night of sleep is vitally important to healing back injuries. Memory foam mattresses offer several qualities that increase comfort. They are temperature sensitive, dissipating or absorbing heat as needed to keep the mattress at a comfortable temperature. They are hypo-allergenic which benefits those who suffer from allergies while sleeping.
Finally, because they absorb energy and pressure so well, the movements and shifting motions of others will not wake you up, allowing for more restful sleep. Consider using a standard mattress with a memory foam topper. Most bed and bath stores will carry simple, thin memory foam mattresses that you place on top of your mattress. Memory foam toppers come in sizes from 1 to 5 inches thick. Memory foam toppers are also more affordable than full memory foam mattresses yet still provide many of the same health benefits. They are available in the same sizes of standard mattresses including twin, double, queen and king. Memory foam is not just found in mattresses, but pillows as well. Memory foam pillows are a significant change from the soft feather pillows most people are used to. However, the firm memory foam pillows may provide additional neck support that many people need for a good night's rest. For those who have neck soreness after sleeping or difficulty with sleep apnea, a memory foam pillow may help to elevate the head and support the neck.